Best Japanese Restaurants in Dubai — Top 10 MICHELIN-Featured Spots to Book Now

From sushi purism to avant-garde gastronomy: how Japanese cuisine has become a reflection of Dubai's ambitions and multicultural code.

In Dubai, a Japanese dinner has long ceased to be just food. Today, it’s currency for social capital, an essential ritual in the business world, and a playground for the boldest gastronomic experiments. Here, it has evolved from standard sushi bars into a complex ecosystem where authentic ramen joints coexist with exclusive Omakase counters and MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Booking a table at the right Japanese restaurant in Dubai means affirming your status, conducting crucial negotiations, or immersing yourself in a culinary spectacle that will be talked about for weeks to come. In this guide, we’ve gathered 10 iconic restaurants, each of which represents a vibrant phenomenon on the emirate’s culinary map.

How we chose: Criteria for our guide

How did these ten restaurants specifically earn their place in this guide? Our selection wasn’t a matter of taste—it was the result of cold, calculated reasoning. To ensure that only the very best made it onto the list, we put each candidate through a rigorous filter consisting of four criteria:

Awards and recognition: All establishments are featured in the prestigious MICHELIN Dubai guide, confirming their high status.
Unique concept: The presence of a signature "highlight" that sets the venue apart from others—whether it's a rare cooking technique or an unforgettable atmosphere.
Consistency and reputation: High ratings from critics and guests over an extended period.
Iconic status: Places that have become an integral part of Dubai's gastronomic landscape.

The elite class: Zuma, Nobu, and other names known throughout Dubai

These restaurants are true institutions, setting the tone for Dubai's entire culinary scene. A visit here is not just dinner—it's a full-fledged social event that will be remembered for a long time.

Zuma: megacity energy and benchmark quality

What's the catch?: At Zuma, three elements come together brilliantly: benchmark cuisine (the legendary black cod is a must), a buzzing, hive-like atmosphere, and a location at the epicenter of power and money. It's the city's energy hub disguised as a restaurant.

Zuma is the pulsating heart of Dubai's business and social life. Located in the prestigious DIFC district, this restaurant has remained a benchmark for modern Japanese izakaya-style cuisine for many years. During the day, deals are struck over business lunches amid a buzz of voices, while in the evening the atmosphere heats up to its peak, transforming Zuma into one of the city's trendiest spots, where the clinking of glasses mingles with DJ sets.

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Location: Gate Village 06, DIFC
Average bill: 400–600 AED per person (excluding drinks).
Website: Visit the official Zuma Dubai website

Important to know: A table here is worth its weight in gold. Book it several weeks in advance, especially if you're planning a weekend evening visit. There's a strict Smart Elegant dress code, so forget about shorts and sneakers.

Nobu: a global brand with Peruvian flair

The name of chef Nobu Matsuhisa is synonymous with luxury and culinary innovation. His Nobu restaurant at the iconic Atlantis The Palm hotel is an ode to the unique fusion of Japanese cuisine with vibrant Peruvian influences. Unlike the energetic vibe of Zuma, the atmosphere here is more tranquil and refined, perfect for a special occasion.

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Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Average bill: 350–600 AED per person.
Website: Visit the official Nobu Dubai website

What’s the highlight?: The globally renowned brand and signature Nobu style that never loses its relevance. Classic favorites like yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and black cod with miso are prepared to perfection here. It’s a refined and elegant gastronomic experience.

Important to know: Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. Dress code is Smart Casual, so beachwear and sportswear are inappropriate here.

Mimi Kakushi: a journey through time to 1920s Osaka

Stepping through the doors of Mimi Kakushi at the Four Seasons hotel, you literally plunge into another era—the jazz-infused, smoky-chic world of 1920s Osaka. Vintage elegance, subdued lighting, velvet, and brass create an incredibly stylish and cinematic atmosphere that perfectly complements the original Japanese cuisine. It’s this immersive quality that truly sets Mimi Kakushi apart: unlike many others, it offers not just a meal, but a complete immersion into another reality. This is the perfect spot for a date, but keep in mind: the place is incredibly popular, so make sure to book a table in advance, and after 8 PM, only guests over 21 are admitted. The dress code, of course, is strict Smart Casual.

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Location: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road
Average bill: 300–400 AED per person.
Website: Visit the official Mimi Kakushi website

What’s the catch?: A unique immersive concept. Unlike many others, Mimi Kakushi offers not just superb food, but a complete immersion into another era. It’s the ideal place for a date or an evening when you want something truly special.

For true foodies: Unique gastronomic concepts

These restaurants focus not on a famous name, but on exclusive products and a unique experience. They’re designed for those who seek not just dinner, but a genuine culinary revelation.

TakaHisa: a temple of Omakase and premium Wagyu Beef

Forget about the usual menu. Dinner at TakaHisa is a quiet, almost meditative dialogue with one of two masters. You sit down at an impeccably smooth wooden counter, and the chef—Taka-san for sushi or Hisa-san for Kobe beef—begins to work his magic exclusively for you. Every gesture is refined, every movement imbued with meaning.

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Location: Caesars Palace, Bluewaters Island
Average bill: from 900–1300 AED for an Omakase set.
Website: Visit the official TakaHisa website

What’s the catch?: Here, they embrace the philosophy of absolute product excellence. The restaurant sources the rarest and most expensive seafood from Japanese markets and the only certified Kobe beef in Dubai. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a tasting of treasures available to a select few.

Important to know: This is one of the city's most expensive restaurants. Reservations are mandatory and require a deposit, especially if you wish to sit at the Omakase counter. Dress code: Elegant Casual.

Netsu: the fiery Warayakiya grill show

Want not only to eat but also to witness a real culinary show? Head to Netsu at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. It’s the only restaurant in Dubai that uses the Japanese Warayakiya grilling technique—cooking over an open flame fueled by straw. Huge tongues of flame shoot upward, filling the room with warmth and imparting dishes with a unique, slightly sweet smoky aroma.

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Location: Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah Beach Road
Average bill: 350–600 AED per person.
Website: Visit the official Netsu website

What’s the highlight?: Theatricality and unique flavor. The Warayakiya grilling technique turns dinner into an exciting spectacle and gives meat and fish dishes a fantastic aroma. It’s the perfect place to impress your companions.

Important to know: Reservations are recommended in advance, especially for dinner. Dress code: Smart Casual.

Modern Dubai: Authentic flavors and trendy spaces

This selection is for those who want to feel the city's true pulse. Here, authenticity meets contemporary design, and high quality becomes more accessible.

Kinoya: the best ramen in town

Kinoya is a success story "from the people." It all started with secret home dinners and has grown into one of Dubai's most beloved restaurants, awarded the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for excellent value for money. People come here for the authentic atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya gastrobare and, of course, for the best ramen in town.

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Location: Onyx Tower 2, The Greens
Average bill: 120–220 AED per person.
Website: Visit Kinoya's official website

What’s the catch?: Authenticity you don’t have to sell a kidney for. Kinoya prepares the very Japanese food that the Japanese themselves love: straightforward, hearty, and made with maniacal attention to detail. Their ramen is legendary: the broth is simmered for hours until it reaches a thick, velvety consistency, and the firm, slightly bouncy noodles are made according to their own secret recipe. It’s the benchmark that everyone else strives to match.

Important to know: This place is incredibly popular, so it’s best to book a table in advance, especially for the evening. The dress code here is casual.

Honeycomb Hi-Fi: where music meets food

A unique spot in the creative district of Alserkal Avenue. Honeycomb Hi-Fi is Dubai’s first "listening bar," where the focus is not only on food but also on music. Here you can enjoy signature cocktails and contemporary Japanese cuisine accompanied by a perfectly curated soundtrack from vinyl records, played through a high-end audio system with warm, immersive sound.

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Location: The Courtyard, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Average bill: 180–300 AED per person.
Website: Visit the official Honeycomb Hi-Fi website

What’s the highlight?: An unparalleled atmosphere. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a cultural space for connoisseurs of great music, quality drinks, and delicious food. Perfect for an informal get-together with friends in a trendy setting.

Important to know: Reservations are recommended on weekends. In the evening (after 8:00 PM), there is an age restriction of 21+.

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant: Japanese Elegance with a Spanish Soul

This stylish restaurant, originally from Spain, brings Mediterranean touches to classic Japanese cuisine. Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, 99 Sushi Bar offers an exquisite ambiance, impeccable service, and a menu where truffle, olive oil, or spicy pepper-based sauces are boldly added to familiar sushi and sashimi dishes.

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Location: Address Downtown Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Average bill: 300–450 AED per person.
Website: Visit the official website of 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant

What’s the highlight?: An elegant fusion of Japanese traditions and Spanish flair. This is reflected in unusual combinations and sauces that make their sushi and hot dishes truly memorable. Great business lunches!

Important to know: Reservations are recommended for dinner. Smart Casual dress code applies.

Tomo: a genre classic with the best city views

Tomo is one of the "veterans" and guardians of tradition on Dubai's gastronomic scene. Amidst trendy concepts, it remains true to classic, uncompromisingly authentic Japanese cuisine. And the main bonus? Its rooftop location at the Raffles Hotel, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai's shimmering skyline.

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Location: Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi City
Average bill: 220–320 AED per person.
Website: Visit the official Tomo website

What’s the highlight?: A combination of truly authentic Japanese cuisine and a breathtaking view of the city. If you’re looking for pure flavors without trendy frills and want to spend a peaceful evening—this is the perfect choice.

Important to know: To reliably secure a table with the best view on the terrace, book well in advance, especially during the cooler season. Dress code is Casual, but neat.

Ronin: for true sushi connoisseurs

Ronin is a modern, minimalist restaurant for those for whom the quality of the fish and the proper preparation of the rice are paramount in sushi. There’s no flashy decor or complicated concept here; all attention is focused on the product. This is a place where foodies come for impeccable sushi and sashimi, to experience the pure, unadulterated taste of the ocean.

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Location: The Dubai Edition Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Average bill: 150–250 AED per person.
Website: Visit the official Ronin Dubai website

What’s the catch?: Focus on exceptional product quality. Ronin is the choice of purists who value the taste of the freshest fish and the perfect texture of rice above all else. Their reputation is built on enthusiastic reviews from connoisseurs.

Important to know: The restaurant has limited seating, so reservations are strongly recommended. Dress code: Smart Casual.

Guide navigator: Choosing a restaurant for your needs

Such variety can be overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve prepared a quick reference guide.

Perfect for...

A romantic evening: Nobu (timeless classic), Mimi Kakushi (unique atmosphere), Tomo (gorgeous view).
A business meeting: Zuma (prestige and energy), 99 Sushi Bar (elegance and convenient Downtown location).
A fun get-together with friends: Kinoya (authentic and affordable), Honeycomb Hi-Fi (trendy and musical), Netsu (vibrant and spectacular).
Unique gastronomic experiences: TakaHisa (exclusive Omakase), Netsu (fire grill), Ronin (for sushi enthusiasts).

Price category breakdown:

$$: up to 250 AED per person
$$$: 250–450 AED per person
$$$$: 350–600 AED per person
$$$$$: 800+ AED per person

Restaurant	Price Category	Atmosphere	District/Location	Signature Feature
Zuma	$$$$$	Energetic, trendy, business-oriented	DIFC	Brand, ambiance, black cod
Taka Hisa	$$$$$	Exclusive, intimate	Bluewaters Island	Omakase, Kobe beef
Nobu	$$$$	Refined, tranquil	Palm Jumeirah	Brand, fusion with Peru
Netsu	$$$$	Theatrical, dynamic	Jumeirah	Warayakiya grill
Mimi Kakushi	$$$	Stylish, vintage	Jumeirah	Osaka concept from the 1920s
99 Sushi Bar	$$$	Elegant, modern	Downtown Dubai	Fusion with Spain
Tomo	$$$	Authentic, panoramic	Wafi City	Classic cuisine, city views
Honeycomb Hi-Fi	$$$	Creative, musical	Al Quoz	Vinyl bar
Kinoya	$$	Cozy, casual	The Greens	Best ramen, izakaya atmosphere
Ronin	$$	Minimalist, focused	Downtown Dubai	Highest-quality sushi

Your planning guide: reservations, dress code, and budget

To ensure your culinary journey goes smoothly, keep in mind a few rules commonly observed in Dubai.

Golden Rules for Booking in Dubai: In Dubai's finest restaurants, securing a table is quite an achievement. For fine-dining establishments, book your spot 1-2 weeks in advance, and for the most popular ones like Zuma, even earlier. Be prepared that cancellations may incur a penalty. Always check the dress code on the website to avoid awkward moments at the entrance.

Budget: Use the average bill indicated in our guide as a reference, but always set aside extra funds for drinks and service.
Transportation: Most restaurants are located in major hotels or business districts, easily accessible by taxi. For venues in DIFC and Downtown, the metro is also a convenient option.

What does Japanese cuisine say about Dubai itself?

So what’s the bottom line? Ten restaurants that prove: Dubai has mastered speaking Japanese in all dialects. From the almost club-like buzz of Zuma and the meditative quiet of TakaHisa, to the vinyl groove at Honeycomb Hi-Fi and the honest steam rising from a bowl of ramen at Kinoya. The city’s gastronomic map is Dubai itself: bold, impeccably executed, respectful of tradition, yet always looking toward the future. So don’t be afraid to explore, taste, and find the place that speaks directly to you. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Japan, Itadakimasu!