Dubai is a haven for food enthusiasts. It is famous worldwide for its extensive culinary excellence, and the Japanese restaurants in Dubai are some of the best in the world. 

From weird food combinations to comfort food, Dubai has a place for everything you crave!  

Whether you are looking for beautifully plated tangy sushi or a jaw-dropping Teppanyaki show in Dubai, we have your back. Dubai Local is the solution to your Japanese dining cravings. If you are here, stuck wondering, “ Where can you find authentic Japanese restaurants near me?” 

Restaurants for the best Japanese food in Dubai.

Japanese cuisine has complex flavors, beautiful presentation, and many health benefits. It is about texture, taste, and soul-satisfaction. The cuisine features sushi, sashimi, tempura, and teppanyaki, to name a few popular dishes. Besides the taste buds’ satisfying food, the Japanese restaurants in Dubai are globally famous for their harmony and culture. We have curated this guide so you can get your Asian craving sorted! 

1. Nazcaa 

This restaurant is a gastronomic and visual treat for diners. This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai. This restaurant serves the perfect Nikkei cuisine. Nikkei cuisine has Japanese and Peruvian fusion, and this term is used for people in Peru who have Japanese ancestry. Peru is a beautiful country in South America with a spicy, solid flavor that perfectly complements Japanese cuisine. Another pro of this restaurant is that you can get mouth-watering Japanese food here with a beautiful view of Burj Khalifa. Nazcaa offers indoor and alfresco dining arrangements. 

Must try at Nazcaa: 

• Ebi Tempura: Succulent prawns fried to perfection. It is served with tangy daikon soya dip yuca foam. This is a must-try seafood culinary win. 
• Nikkei Sushi Rolls: These fun sushi rolls combine elements of both cuisines. They have bold flavors and an umami essence. 

Location- Downtown Dubai, Dubai. 

Timing- 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM (Weekdays)

1:00 PM to 3:00 AM (Friday and Saturday) 

Phone Number- +97145424200

2. Nobu Dubai 

Nobu is the talk of the town! This restaurant is not shy about drawing some of the biggest stars, like The Kardashians, to its premises. It is considered to serve the best Japanese food in Dubai. Located in the Atlantis, diners view beautiful Palm with their food. Nobu is one of the high-end Japanese places to eat in Dubai. The restaurant also serves thrilling brunches and shrub-size authentic Japanese dishes like sushi and salmon tacos. 

Must try at Nobu: 

• Black Cod Miso: This is Nobu’s signature dish. Black cod is marinated in sweet miso and is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. 
• Yellowtail Jalapeño:  Yellowtail sashimi with thin jalapeños with tangy, citrusy yuzu-soy sauce. 

Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Timings: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Monday to Wednesday)

6:00 PM to 1:30 AM (Thursday) 

12:30 PM to 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 1:30 AM (Friday and Saturday)

12:30 PM to 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Sunday)

Phone number: +97144260760

3. Ichiryu Ramen House

Three Filipino brothers bonded by love for each other and food are the founders of this beautiful ramen house in Dubai. Ichiryu Ramen House, like all authentic ramen houses, has space for solo dining and a mouth-watering menu. It has four OG ramen: Aka, Kuro, Midori, and Shiro. The restaurant keeps updating its menu to ensure you get the best Japanese food in Dubai. This place is 10/10 for anyone looking for a comforting meal and peace. The benefits of a solo date can be enjoyed at the Ichiryu Ramen House. 

Must try at Ichiryu Ramen House: 

• Aka Paitan (Red Ramen): Creamy chicken paitan (soup) cooked with authentic, bold Japanese flavors. This ramen has a secret chicken sesame peanut sauce, marinated-soft ramen eggs, and pork. 
• Wakame Salad: This refreshing salad includes fresh lettuce, cabbage, and sweet corn. It rests on a bed of citrusy wasabi, with avocado and carrots, to make it more filling. The star of this dish is wakame seaweed, which brings all the elements together and gives it an authentic Japanese taste. It is topped with some ramen house’s personalized kaeshi for the cherry on top! It is a perfect balance of freshness that tastes sweet and tangy. 

Location: Wasl Port Views Building 7, Dubai.

Timing: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Monday to Thursday)

10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Weekends)

Phone number: +971503750354

4. Akiba Dori

This beautiful arcade-game vibe restaurant is located in Dubai’s design district and is designed by the city’s best artists. The interior and decor of the restaurant transports you to Tokyo. Authentic Japanese cuisine balanced out any Dubai left in the vibes! This is one of the most exciting places to dine in the city and one of our favorites! We will vote for Akiba Dori to be considered one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai, just by its looks!

Must try at Akiba Dori:

• Tori Katsu: This dish features a good-sized juicy chicken deep-fried with breadcrumbs. Fried meat with breadcrumbs is called katsu. The result is crispness in each bite of the chicken. It is served with tangy coleslaw and truffle fries. If you are looking for a luxe comfort meal, this is it! 
• Akiba Rock Shrimps: Juicy shrimps are fried till they are perfect. The beautiful shrimp are served with spicy, creamy mayo. This is the ideal appetizer, and we always need more of it. 

Location: Multiple locations, including Dubai Design District, Dubai Hills, etc.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Open whole week) 

Phone number: +97147707949

5. Moonrise

This restaurant is the brainchild of Dubai’s youngest Chef Patron, Chef Solemann Haddad. Mr. Haddad is a self-taught chef, and his skills are par excellence! Moonrise, an Omakase restaurant, is the perfect example of how well culinary fusion turns out. This restaurant serves Japanese food in Dubai combined with Middle Eastern ingredients. It is a one-of-a-kind restaurant combining Japanese and Middle Eastern culinary methods and elements. 

Must try at Moonrise: 

•  Shima Aji & Tomato: Shima Aji sashimi is popular for its buttery texture. This dish pairs the sashimi with zaatar and tops it with tomato leche de tigre (a tangy Peruvian sauce). The dish is a culinary triumph, combining fish, herbs, and marinated tomatoes! 
• Starry Nights: This dessert is a Moonrise specialty. It is a bite-sized dessert paired with genmaicha tea (Japanese tea). The dessert is sweet and has a slight umami essence. 

Location:  Al Satwa, Dubai.

Timing: 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM (Every day)

Phone number: +971506972946

6. Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is not just a restaurant but an experience. This Japanese restaurant in Dubai is one of the best in its presentation. They aim to present Japanese street food in the most chic manner. The interior of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is comforting and inviting. It is the perfect place to hang out with your close-knit family and friends. 

Must try at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki: 

• Japanese Bluefin Tuna Steak: Juicy steak is grilled and made into mouth-melting meat. It is served with tuna jus (sauce made by cooking tuna) and myoga salad on the side. Myoga is Japanese ginger, which is less intense than Western ginger. The dish has a drizzle of yuzu oil, making it tangy and filling. This is the Japanese food Dubai excels at! 
• Angus Bavette: This dish features a juicy piece of beef with a black garlic jus that gives it an umami flavor. The plate also has a creamy and citrusy flavor, and the black garlic aioli is a treat for all meat lovers. 

Location:  Al Wasl, Dubai.

Timing: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday)

12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Friday and Satuday) 

Phone number: +971502357071

7. 3 Fils 

Established in 2016, 3 Fils has worked towards creating a dining experience different from that of usual restaurants. The restaurant is high up on the list of best Japanese food in Dubai. The restaurant dismisses the individual waiter system and promotes a more available experience. Their staff can help you order and give you a unique dining experience. The team of 3 Fils is called Umami Warriors. 3 Fils serves Asian cuisine with a Japanese twist, a must-try for all food lovers! 

Must try at 3Fils: 

• Shiitake Kebab: The name of this dish itself makes the diners curious! These kebabs are a must-try for mushroom enthusiasts. The mushrooms are marinated in soy, garlic, and sesame seeds. They are then glazed with spicy-sweet gochujang and honey sauce. The dish has wasabi with seafood seasoning and artichoke to add a nutty taste. This is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors. 

• Yokozuna: This dish is all about the smoky taste of Japanese eggplants. There is an Oba leaf to add herby tones to the dish. It comes with slices of  Hokkaido uni and bluefin tuna. A must-try for all eggplant lovers!
• 3GB: 3 Fils ginger beer is a refreshing and citrusy drink. This in-house-produced beer has ginger, natural agave for sweetness, and barley. 

Location: Jumeirah 2, Dubai.

Timing: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Every day)

Phone number: +97143334003

8. Zuma Dubai 

Zuma offers the modern Japanese izakaya experience for all. Izakaya means ‘stay-drink-place,’ and Zuma is the perfect place to do that. It has comfortable seating, a chic ambiance, and delicious food for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts. Zuma is said to take culinary art to the next level. While they are among the top places for Japanese food in Dubai, Zuma is also at the top for serving the most visually appealing food.

Must try at Zuma Dubai: 

• Spicy Beef Tenderloin: Beautifully cooked tenderloin with slight spice and umami to counterbalance the spice. 
• Miso-Marinated Black Cod: A special dish that melts in your mouth, leaving behind sweet and salty flavors on the tongue. 
• Sushi Platter: This is essential at Zuma. It serves multiple types of sushi, beautifully plated to complement the chef’s expertise. 

Location- DIFC, Dubai 

Timing- 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM–12:00 AM (Monday to Wednesday);

12:00 PM to 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM–1:00  AM (Thursday and Friday);

1:30 PM to 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Saturday);

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM–12:00 AM (Sunday) 

Phone Number- +97144255660

9. Itsu Modern Japanese Restaurant

Offering a contemporary take on traditional Japanese cuisine, Itsu Modern Japanese Restaurant is another treat for Japanese food lovers. The restaurant has a relaxed yet elegant setting, offering professional and casual dining space. The best thing about dining here is that you savor the best ingredients and get to indulge in a creative culinary experience. It is known for the high-quality food ingredients used. 

Must try at Itsu Modern Japanese Restaurant: 

• Dragon Roll: This sushi roll with tempura shrimp, avocado, and eel topped with the restaurant’s signature sauce. 
• Teppanyaki Chicken: Teppanyaki is available in almost all Japanese restaurants in Dubai; however, this is the best! Chicken is grilled on a Teppanyaki grill and served with vegetables and rice. 
• Salmon Sashimi: Beautifully plated slices of salmon sashimi. This is a treat for your eyes, not just your stomach! 

Location- Marina Walk, Dubai.

Timing- 12:00 AM to 11:00 PM (All days) 

Phone Number-  +97143626351

10. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant

This is a classy restaurant with a refined approach to Japanese food. You can expect the best ingredients and creatively curated dishes on the menu. This restaurant is the one to pop up when you are looking for the best Japanese food in Dubai online. They offer exceptionally well-organized delivery and takeaway services. The infrastructure of 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is smartly designed to ensure a chic, elegant ambiance, with space-separated between takeaway orders and dining. 

Must try at 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant:

• Toro Nigiri: Grated wasabi as a side-to-mouth-melting tuna nigiri is essential to try here. 
• Wagyu Gunkan: This savory dish is made with Wagyu beef and truffles. 
• Signature Tasting Menu: The best part of 99 Sushi Bar is the curated menu, which showcases the restaurant’s original culinary brilliance. 

Location- Downtown, Dubai.

Timing- 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM (All days)

Phone Number- +97145472241

Final words! 

If you do not know where to look, Japanese cuisine can be challenging. The places mentioned in this guide are the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai. Dubai Local has your back for the best places to eat, visit, and party in Dubai. Visit the restaurants and let us know which one is your favorite. 

If you are planning a trip to Dubai or are here and need a guide to food, cultural events, or laundry services, Dubai Local has you covered. Check out our website for more Dubai digging.