Sushi Deal
The ladies’ unlimited sushi-and-wine offer is reported as AED 119 and includes a vegan sushi platter on request.
Ikigai
Dubai Marina
Ikigai is a Japanese restaurant in Dubai Marina, inside Millennium Place Marina Hotel, with an izakaya-inspired setting and Pan Asian menu. Reviews make its unlimited sushi-and-wine ladies offer and lively brunches the clearest draws for diners who want food alongside music and drinks.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
1,583 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Brunch Food
Friday brunch dishes that stood out included siomai, sushi, beef carpaccio and exceptionally cooked cod.
Lively Setting
Expect evening terrace seating, skyline views, cocktails and DJ-led party energy rather than a quiet dining room.
Dietary Care
A guest received a delicious gluten-free meal, while another was given a separate vegan sushi platter.
Easy Parking
The hotel has ample car-park space and valet parking, making arrival easier for diners.
Ramen Quality
The chicken ramen may take time during busy weekends, but one guest found the hot, flavorful bowl worth the wait.
What to Eat at Ikigai How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Ikigai, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at Ikigai got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 6
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Sushi Net +11
“I also sampled a selection of sushi from the à la carte menu, and every piece was fresh, flavorful, and artfully prepared.”
Positive 11Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I also sampled a selection of sushi from the à la carte menu, and every piece was fresh, flavorful, and artfully prepared.”December 2024
“The ramen is excellent, and the sushi is especially outstanding.”January 2026
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Sashimi Net +3
“The sashimi, were fresh and looked nice.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The sashimi, were fresh and looked nice.”May 2024
“The drinks were delish, Appetizers, sushi, sashimi & soba everything was amazing.”April 2024
-
California makis Net +2
“We ordered three sushi rolls: California, Salmon Maki, and Dragon, along with two drinks. Everything was amazing, from the moment we entered until the food was served.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered three sushi rolls: California, Salmon Maki, and Dragon, along with two drinks. Everything was amazing, from the moment we entered until the food was served.”December 2024
“I really recommend the California and salmon makis.”April 2024
-
Kung pao chicken Net +2
“We also had kung pao chicken, which was a nice addition.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also had kung pao chicken, which was a nice addition.”May 2024
“Dishes like maki salmon, kung pao chicken and curry chicken were amazing.”February 2025
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Salmon makis Net +2
“I really recommend the California and salmon makis.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I really recommend the California and salmon makis.”April 2024
“We ordered three sushi rolls: California, Salmon Maki, and Dragon, along with two drinks. Everything was amazing, from the moment we entered until the food was served.”December 2024
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Teriyaki salmon Net +2
“The Teriyaki salmon was also a highlight.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Teriyaki salmon was also a highlight.”April 2025
“🐟 Teriyaki Salmon – Flaky, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The teriyaki glaze wasn’t too sweet — just right.”July 2025
Honorable mentions (18)
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Bbq short ribs Net +1
“🍖 BBQ Short Ribs – Tender and smoky, with a rich flavor that melts in your mouth. One of our top picks!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“🍖 BBQ Short Ribs – Tender and smoky, with a rich flavor that melts in your mouth. One of our top picks!”July 2025
-
Beef carpaccio Net +1
“The siomai, sushi, and beef carpaccio were my top favorites—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The siomai, sushi, and beef carpaccio were my top favorites—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”January 2026
-
Birthday cake Net +1
“What truly stood out was the personal touch—by the end of our brunch, Swe surprised us with a delicious birthday cake! It was such a thoughtful gesture, and the cake itself was fantastic.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“What truly stood out was the personal touch—by the end of our brunch, Swe surprised us with a delicious birthday cake! It was such a thoughtful gesture, and the cake itself was fantastic.”August 2025
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Black cod Net +1
“The black cod and sashimi were good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The black cod and sashimi were good.”February 2026
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Chicken ramen Net +1
“I visited Ikigai during their busy hours (weekend) and had to wait a bit for my chicken ramen but honestly, it was WORTH every minute 💯 . The bowl came out hot, flavorful, and comforting. You can tell they put heart into their food.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I visited Ikigai during their busy hours (weekend) and had to wait a bit for my chicken ramen but honestly, it was WORTH every minute 💯 . The bowl came out hot, flavorful, and comforting. You can tell they put heart into their food.”November 2025
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Crème brûlée Net +1
“The crème brûlée is excellent, though the dessert selection is quite limited; it would be nice if they offered more options, like cakes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The crème brûlée is excellent, though the dessert selection is quite limited; it would be nice if they offered more options, like cakes.”October 2025
-
Crunchy crab salad Net +1
“🍣 Crunchy Crab Salad – Fresh, light, and the perfect way to start the meal. The textures were on point — crisp, creamy, and just the right amount of crunch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“🍣 Crunchy Crab Salad – Fresh, light, and the perfect way to start the meal. The textures were on point — crisp, creamy, and just the right amount of crunch.”July 2025
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Curry chicken Net +1
“Dishes like maki salmon, kung pao chicken and curry chicken were amazing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Dishes like maki salmon, kung pao chicken and curry chicken were amazing.”February 2025
-
Dragon Net +1
“We ordered three sushi rolls: California, Salmon Maki, and Dragon, along with two drinks. Everything was amazing, from the moment we entered until the food was served.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered three sushi rolls: California, Salmon Maki, and Dragon, along with two drinks. Everything was amazing, from the moment we entered until the food was served.”December 2024
-
Fish cod Net +1
“For the main course, their fish cod was exceptional. Perfectly cooked, delicate, and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course, their fish cod was exceptional. Perfectly cooked, delicate, and full of flavor.”January 2026
-
Gyoza Net +1
“The Gyoza was the taste we’ve had in months and from that we knew that the rest was going to be great as well!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Gyoza was the taste we’ve had in months and from that we knew that the rest was going to be great as well!”April 2024
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Kale salad Net +1
“The food was absolutely amazing, especially the kale salad(I can't wait to have it again next time! ).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was absolutely amazing, especially the kale salad(I can't wait to have it again next time! ).”April 2025
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Lamb chops Net +1
“🐑 Lamb Chops – Perfectly cooked, juicy, and seasoned so well that we were tempted to order more.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“🐑 Lamb Chops – Perfectly cooked, juicy, and seasoned so well that we were tempted to order more.”July 2025
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Maki rolls Net +1
“I ordered the maki rolls, and the portion size was generous for the price.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the maki rolls, and the portion size was generous for the price.”June 2025
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Maki salmon Net +1
“Dishes like maki salmon, kung pao chicken and curry chicken were amazing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Dishes like maki salmon, kung pao chicken and curry chicken were amazing.”February 2025
-
Samurai Net +1
“Cocktails: recommend the samurai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Cocktails: recommend the samurai.”December 2025
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Siomai Net +1
“The siomai, sushi, and beef carpaccio were my top favorites—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The siomai, sushi, and beef carpaccio were my top favorites—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”January 2026
-
Spicy fried ramen Net +1
“We had some amazing food in Dubai, but this was definitely my favorite. The executive Chef Ted and his beautiful manager were amazing. So friendly and came to chat with us to make sure everything was just right. The decor will have you looking at all the little details all night. And the food speaks for itself. I would definitely suggest the Spicy Fried Ramen!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had some amazing food in Dubai, but this was definitely my favorite. The executive Chef Ted and his beautiful manager were amazing. So friendly and came to chat with us to make sure everything was just right. The decor will have you looking at all the little details all night. And the food speaks for itself. I would definitely suggest the Spicy Fried Ramen!”June 2021
Drinks 1
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Razzy spazzy dazzy drink Net +1
“Created the best razzy spazzy dazzy drink i’ve ever had.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Created the best razzy spazzy dazzy drink i’ve ever had.”October 2025
What to Avoid (3)
Food 3
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Calamari Net −1
“We also ordered calamari, but it was just okay because the batter was too thick.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We also ordered calamari, but it was just okay because the batter was too thick.”May 2024
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Kimchi rice Net −1
“We tried kimchi rice which was specially made for us, but it wasn't spicy enough and doesnt have kimchi taste.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We tried kimchi rice which was specially made for us, but it wasn't spicy enough and doesnt have kimchi taste.”May 2024
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Tacos Net −1
“After getting my tacos with chives on top, I asked if the other dishes come with it, to be removed. The English skills of the waitress were not great … and the next dish had it again. Had to return it. The food had great presentation, but nothing spectacular when comes to taste.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“After getting my tacos with chives on top, I asked if the other dishes come with it, to be removed. The English skills of the waitress were not great … and the next dish had it again. Had to return it. The food had great presentation, but nothing spectacular when comes to taste.”June 2021
Tips for a Better Visit
Reserve Ahead. Reserve before visiting if you want the sushi buffet; one review says it runs at specific times and can be busy.
Check Timings. Confirm the buffet schedule before going, since the all-you-can-eat sushi offer has specific serving times.
Use Parking. Allow for a straightforward arrival through the hotel car park, with valet also available.
Mention Dietary Needs. Tell the team about dietary requirements when ordering; reviews mention both gluten-free meals and a vegan sushi platter.
Choose Your Mood. For conversation, avoid the liveliest periods; one guest found the music too loud, while brunch reviews enjoyed the DJ atmosphere.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Millennium Place Marina Hotel - 1st Floor - Al Marsa St
Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina, Dubai
Common Concerns
Loud Music
Music can become loud enough to make conversation difficult, especially when the venue is lively.
Asian Menu
One brunch review found that, beyond sushi and sashimi, the menu has relatively few distinctly Japanese choices.
Limited Desserts
The Friday drunch dessert selection was described as limited, although the crème brûlée was praised.
Weak Juices
The black cod and sashimi were good, but the juices received a clear negative review.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Ikigai is a Japanese restaurant inside Millennium Place Marina Hotel in Dubai Marina, with an izakaya-style setting and a menu that stretches into wider Pan Asian territory. The clearest reasons to come are the sushi offers, including ladies’ unlimited sushi with wine, plus Friday and Saturday brunches with buffet dishes, selected mains, drinks and DJ entertainment. The food reviews are strongest around sushi, sashimi, ramen and small plates.
Standouts include siomai, beef carpaccio, black cod, teriyaki salmon and chicken ramen; the latter may take a little time during a busy weekend but arrived hot and flavorful for one guest. Tuesday’s Tipsy Tasting and Monday Sushi & Sips are other named promotions mentioned by customers. This is more of a social evening venue than a hushed sushi counter.
The terrace, skyline views, cocktails, dim lighting and music suit groups, couples and celebrations, while the hotel setting provides ample parking and valet service. Staff are repeatedly described as attentive, and reviews mention accommodating gluten-free meals and a vegan sushi platter. Check buffet timings and reserve ahead, especially for unlimited sushi.
Also note that music can make conversation difficult, the dessert range is limited, and one diner found the juices disappointing. The menu is broad, though one review felt it offered fewer distinctly Japanese dishes beyond sushi and sashimi.