Japanese restaurants in Dubai
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A
Sumibiya
At the first Japanese yakiniku-style restaurant in Dubai, every stone table has a recessed gas grill where you cook your own meat then pair it with a selection of sauces and condiments. Though the Wagyu beef and seafood run high (Dh100+), the set menus of various meat-and-veggie combos are a relative bargain. There’s nothing romantic about the narrow windowless room, but it’s great interactive fun for families or groups of foodie friends.
reviewed
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B
Zuma
One of a new crop of contempo Japanese restaurants, this dramatic bi-level den draws go-go executives for power lunches and the sexy crowd for low-light dinners. Tables are in full view of a massive bamboo sculpture and the two kitchens; one a sushi counter, the other a robata grill. Choice picks include barley miso marinated baby chicken, marinated black cod and salmon teriyaki. Immensely popular Friday brunch, too.
reviewed
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C
Miyako
The coolly minimalist dining room of this excellent Japanese eatery feels very Tokyo, with sleek surfaces of stainless steel, shoji screens and an authentic tatami room. The sushi is stellar (as are its prices), but this is a place to branch out. Shabu shabu is superb, made with tender and tasty beef; the crumbed fried oysters and braised pork belly (kakuni) merit special attention. If you’re not staying in the area, book for after 9pm or at the weekend to avoid the traffic.
reviewed
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D
Tokyo@Thetowers
We’re torn about T@T. While it serves brilliant sashimi and some of the freshest, perkiest, shiniest sushi in town, the prices are ridiculous, there’s no din and the views from the corridor-like dining room are of a shopping mall – a big letdown when you consider its location in one of Dubai’s iconic towers. Try Kiku first, but keep this in your back pocket if they’re booked.
reviewed
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E
Kiku
It’s a good sign when the patrons in a Japanese restaurant are Japanese. Sushi is Kiku’s primary focus, with fugu the signature, and here they’re done right, with thick slices of off-the-boat-fresh fish. The classic shoji-screen decor is crisp and clean, but reserve a tatami room for more elbow room and maximum romance. For drama – and hot food – book a teppanyaki table.
reviewed
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F
Creekside
Despite its name, there are no Creek views at this austere Japanese restaurant with overly bright lighting. But sushi cuts are thick and hearty, the chef’s signature rolls inventive, and the tepanyaki table great fun for watching chefs throw knives as they cook. The expansive bento box is great at lunchtime (Dh90), but at dinner the service needs help.
reviewed
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G
Okku
A platinum card is a handy accessory at this ‘look-at-me’ temple where the pretty people nibble on sushi and tuck into their miso-blackened cod. If you can put up with the hype and the high prices, you should feel right at home in this beautiful space anchored by an aquarium where jellyfish do their ethereal dances.
reviewed