10 of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai

Kinoya is a dream come true for resident Neha Mishra, fondly known as Dubai’s very own ‘ramen queen’. She started her foodie career with sold-out supper clubs and has since been named the One To Watch by MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Loyal fans flock to Kinoya for a taste of Neha's take on izakaya and her signature ramen selections, including the spicy miso with chicken broth. An informal Japanese dining experience, it’s all about good food and good times.

From acclaimed chef Ross Shonhan, Netsu is a Japanese restaurant best-known for its sense of theatre. Located at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, the high-end eatery specialises in the traditional cooking technique of warayakiya – straw fire cooking. The central kitchen is a highlight (expect roaring flames), so don’t miss the grills while you’re there. The sushi is top-notch too, and the restaurant itself is Japanese fine dining at its sleekest.

Located in the Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort, creative Japanese restaurant Mimi Kakushi is in good company, counting celebrated restaurants such as Coya and Nusr-Et as neighbours. Step inside and you’ll feel transported to another world. The generous use of wood, vintage paintings and pops of green foliage create an almost homely vibe, while chefs work on artfully-plated dishes at the open kitchen.

This traditional izakaya-style concept in Garhoud should be top of your list. Fujiya Restaurant is the big sister of Kimura-Ya in Business Bay, and the menu is packed full of classic, delicious dishes including hot pot, sushi, ramen and more. The vibe is friendly and the interiors are suitably paired back, making it a great place for good food and conversation. For a slice of authentic Japanese food in Dubai, you can't get much better than this.

Sustainability and freshness are the order of the day at this traditional Japanese restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, serving up the choicest seafood and seasonal ingredients. Dishes include an impressive range of sushi, sharing platters and popular mains, such as the sticky teriyaki beef and black cod that falls in lovely pearly chunks. Don’t skip dessert – the fried banana with ice cream and chocolate sauce is a real delight.

Another authentic izakaya-style restaurant, Kimura-Ya specialises in shabu-shabu hotpot and nabemono-style variations. A well-known name in Tokyo, it is a testament to the eatery's popularity that there are now multiple branches across the city. The fact that a Japanese team is behind this venture, from the delicious food to the interiors, is evident from the moment you step through the door. The setting is immediately welcoming, with the menu placing an emphasis on traditional plates.

A trendy favourite among the Dubai International Financial Centre's after-work crowd, Zuma is one of the most-loved restaurants in the city. Since opening in 2008, its popularity has only grown with time. Dishes are served in a steady flow as they are ready, allowing diners to sample each at a leisurely pace. Order from a comprehensive menu of Japanese classics that includes miso-marinated black cod, sushi and a selection of larger dishes.

This culinary gem infuses creative genius with classic Japanese ingredients and traditional Arabian influences. Created by renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the restaurant is located in the ultra-luxurious Atlantis, The Palm. Choose from an extensive menu of classics including the legendary Nobu black cod, premium wagyu and fresh seafood. The dessert menu boasts irresistible choices such as cheesecake and mango brûlée.

This casual dining spot in Jumeirah's Dar Wasl Mall has won a slew of awards for its take on Asian street food. Helmed by chef extraordinaire Reif Othman, the menu primarily plays with Japanese flavours, including silky soft homemade ramen to hearty seabass claypot rice. Robata grilled skewers and sushi are other specialities that keep diners coming back for more. Don't leave without trying the incredible matcha fondue.