By rating and review confidence
Best Japanese restaurants in Dubai
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What people like
Soufflé PancakesThe fluffy soufflé pancakes are often compared favourably with those served in Japan, with classic strawberry and savoury versions available.
Matcha DrinksMatcha is a standout, including premium ceremonial-grade options and distinctive flavours such as Earl Grey crème.
OTAKU is a Japanese café and restaurant in Dubai Design District, combining Japanese-inspired breakfast and brunch with specialty coffee, matcha and bakery-style desserts. Customers especially come for the fluffy soufflé pancakes and thoughtfully designed, minimalist setting.
View full business page →Tip: Share PancakesConsider sharing a fluffy pancake: one mango version was described as large enough for two people.
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What people like
Fresh sashimiSashimi is described as tasty and fresh, with fast, attentive service alongside it.
Flexible sharingThe sharing box lets diners change and switch up their sushi choices instead of taking a fixed selection.
Sumo Sushi & Bento DMC is a casual Japanese restaurant in Al Sufouh, serving sushi, tempura, bento and other Japanese dishes. Reviews make its sushi rolls and poke bowls the clearest reasons to consider a visit, with indoor and outdoor seating available.
View full business page →Tip: Specify spiceMention non-spicy preferences when ordering; a reviewer said the team replaced the dish after a misunderstanding.
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What people like
Black CodThe miso black cod is repeatedly singled out, with one diner calling it the best version they had tried across different restaurants and cities.
CocktailsThe cocktail programme stands out for creative, balanced drinks, including eight movie-inspired signature drinks with distinct flavours.
Mimi Kakushi is a Japanese Restaurant & Bar in Jumeirah, known for creative sushi, polished cocktails and a distinctive retro-Japanese interior. Reviews make the miso black cod and cocktail programme especially worth considering for a date night, brunch or celebratory dinner.
View full business page →Tip: Try CodOrder the miso black cod if you want the dish most strongly endorsed by reviewers.
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What people like
Disco brunchSaturday’s brunch combines sushi, sashimi, oysters and wagyu with a live seafood station and dancing to retro classics.
Live entertainmentDinner can include live violin, drums, saxophone, singers, DJs or themed performances, giving the room a lively nightlife feel.
OKKU is a contemporary Japanese restaurant-bar in Jumeirah, with a chic, subtly lit setting and an international edge. Reviews make it especially appealing for Saturday’s disco brunch, creative cocktails and evenings that combine dinner with live entertainment and dancing.
View full business page →Tip: Add a mainIf you are hungry on a Wednesday night, add a main course because one reviewer found the menu portions snack-sized.
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What people like
Waterfront viewsThe terrace looks across the sea, JBR and Dubai Marina, with especially memorable views during the drone show.
Standout dishesDuck salad and popcorn shrimp received especially strong praise for their flavour, while chicken fried rice also impressed one reviewer.
Virgin Izakaya DXB is a modern izakaya-style Japanese restaurant on Bluewaters Island, combining sushi and contemporary Japanese dishes with a lively dining-room atmosphere. Reviews point to the waterfront terrace, drone-show views and standout plates such as duck salad and shrimp popcorn as key reasons to visit.
View full business page →Tip: Choose terraceAsk for the second-floor terrace if you want the strongest waterfront view, particularly during the drone show.
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What people like
Reliable staplesChicken Teriyaki Donburi and Tori Ramen have stayed consistent for returning diners over several years.
Strong ramenThe Seafood Laksa Ramen stands out in one review for its especially satisfying flavour.
In Port Saeed, Teriyaki Boy & Sizzlin Steak serves Japanese-inspired comfort food alongside sizzling steaks. Regulars return for the consistently prepared Chicken Teriyaki Donburi and Tori Ramen, while the relaxed mall setting suits a meal during a shopping trip.
View full business page →Tip: Avoid peaksTry visiting outside weekend rushes if you want smoother service and quicker bill handling.
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What people like
Vegan OptionsThe kitchen accommodated five vegetarians and specially prepared a vegan katsu curry with breaded fried tofu.
CheesecakeThe Japanese cheesecake stands out as a light, fluffy dessert with balanced sweetness.
Japanos is a casual Japanese restaurant in Jumeirah Beach Residence built around ramen, sushi and bento boxes. Reviews particularly highlight its beef and chicken ramen, freshly made sushi, generous portions and Japanese cheesecake.
View full business page →Tip: Request SpiceAsk for the beef ramen to be made spicy if you prefer a stronger flavour; it is normally served mild.
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What people like
Sushi beltThe rotating conveyor lets you pick plates as they pass, creating an easygoing, interactive meal.
Lunch valueThe business lunch is filling: one reviewer found the sushi pieces big and the ramen bowl huge.
Itsu Modern Japanese Restaurant is a Japanese counter-service and takeaway spot in Dubai Marina, with sushi, salads and noodles. Reviews particularly highlight the rotating sushi-belt experience and generous business-lunch portions, while the all-you-can-eat setup can vary by package.
View full business page →Tip: Check packageConfirm whether you want the 118 AED limited option or the 149 AED unlimited sushi-and-sashimi formula before ordering.
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What people like
Kids AreaThe dedicated play area includes colouring papers, crayons and toys, and children can dine nearby while they play.
Generous PortionsOne diner described the portions as huge, making the meal feel worthwhile despite the restaurant’s premium positioning.
Konjiki Hototogisu is a Japanese ramen restaurant in Nakhlat Jumeira, combining richly flavoured ramen with izakaya-style dishes. It is also set up for family meals, with a kids’ play area where children can eat, draw and play.
View full business page →Tip: Add EggFor the spicy ramen, consider adding the soft-boiled egg; a reviewer said it took the bowl “to another level.”
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What people like
Izakaya atmosphereJapanese wall art, vinyl records and memorabilia give the compact room a lively, lived-in izakaya feel.
Salmon highlightsSalmon carpaccio and salmon aburi repeatedly stand out, with one reviewer ordering the aburi twice.
Kima Izakaya is a casual Japanese restaurant in Jumeirah Lake Towers, built around a compact, lively izakaya-style experience. Reviews point to standout dishes such as salmon carpaccio and Kima karaage, plus warm service and a menu designed for informal sharing.
View full business page →Tip: Plan for heatAsk about current cooling conditions before a summer visit, as one reviewer reported there was no AC.
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