The best homegrown Japanese restaurants in Dubai

Nama Yoso: Chef Reif Othman's Mirdif gem

Located in Dubai’s Mirdif Avenue Mall Nama Yoso is the brainchild of Chef Reif Othman. Known for his innovative take on modern Japanese cuisine, the Singaporean chef has crafted a space that combines minimalist design with flavourful fare…

Inside, undulating ceiling panels echo the fluid lines of Japanese calligraphy, while the open kitchen offers a glimpse into the culinary artistry at work. At the bar, mixologists craft alcohol-free concoctions with the same precision as their cocktail-making counterparts.

Nama Yoso welcomes diners daily for lunch and dinner, with an additional Japanese-fusion breakfast menu available on weekends from 9 a.m.

Ikayu: A homegrown Japanese restaurant in Dubai's Al Manara

Located in Dubai’s Al Manara, Jumeirah, a stone's throw from the HUNTR favourites Bagel Yard and Terra Eatery, lies Ikayu – a homegrown Japanese restaurant that offers a serene ambiance and delicious Japanese cuisine…

Encompassing elegant minimalism, inspired by Japanese aesthetics, the interior is a harmonious blend of natural elements: wooden walls complemented by handmade concrete surfaces, all bathed in a palette of brown, beige, and stone hues. Bespoke wooden chairs and tables further enhance the organic feel, while a full-length curtain allows natural light to filter through, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

At the heart of Ikayu's design is the Chef’s Counter kitchen, a fully lit space where diners can observe the meticulous assembly of sushi and the like. This open concept adds to the restaurant's immersive experience and underscores its commitment to transparency and culinary craftsmanship.

Dining Room by Mamafri: Homegrown South East Asian fare in DIFC

First opened in 2019 with just 5 tables in a humble Jumeirah 3 location, Mamafri's South East Asian cuisine quickly gained a cult-like following among those in the know. With the original outpost's success, a second branch soon followed in DIFC, and then in the capital, Mamafri opened its doors in Abu Dhabi…

Now, the homegrown eatery has unveiled its new look in DIFC following an early summer 2024 reopening and snazzy renovation.

Under the new name – Dining Room by Mamafri, this sleek, elegant space exudes a cosy yet sophisticated vibe. Flooded with natural light, it offers ample seating options for all group sizes - including intimate booth-like settings done in opulent marble with comfy leather couches. The curved wooden ceiling imparts a warm, almost 1970s-inspired masculine aesthetic.

Sushiyaki: A homegrown, licensed Japanese on the Jumeirah Waterfront

Situated along the serene Jumeirah Waterfront at the Madinat Jumeirah, you will find SushiYaki – a Japanese restaurant by the family-owned, family-run restaurant group, Food Fund International (SAN Beach, Clay and more). Having taken over the venue once home to Americano (a jazzy American brasserie, also by Food Fund), this cosy and romantic little spot is a must-visit if you love its specialities: sushi and yakitori…

If you've visited Americano before (as we have) you will notice some of the elements are still present, and with this soft refurb, the space has been elegantly made over with some signature Japanese elements to bring the fresh concept to life. We loved the umbrella-filled ceiling, the (AI-generated) Japanese murals, and the live sushi-making counter.

Ideal for a romantic date, a big group celebration, a birthday, and to impress guests, SushiYaki's name comes from the two signatures it serves – sushi and yakitori.

Uchi: A tiny Japanese fine dining gem with a specialist whisky bar

Open daily for lunch, dinner, and drinks until late, Uchi first opened in the winter of 2023 in Dubai’s well-heeled financial centre. With the coziness and exclusivity of a secret members club or upscale bar, this tiny Japanese fine dining gem is the brainchild of Carole Moawad, the Lebanese expat and entrepreneur behind the UAE’s first homegrown mochi ice-cream brand, M’OISHI…

Sultry and sophisticated, Uchi encompasses a small bar area alongside an intimate dining room for small to medium group sizes. There is also a chef’s counter.

Drinks-wise the bar is fully licensed and specializes in whisky – here, the signature UCHI shot is poured at a generous 50ml (exceeding the standard 30ml maximum for alcohol shots in Dubai).

Iki Sushi: A stunning omakase experience in Dubai

Named after the Japanese word for “coolness” and “rarerity”, ‘iki’ is often used when describing desirable things. Tucked away inside KOA by Canvas, Iki Sushi is one such desirable “thing” – an ultra-exclusive, omakase restaurant seating just eight diners a session, and a maximum of sixteen guests a night. Fully licensed, it hosts two dinner sessions an evening; one at 6 and one at 9 pm…

With the intimacy of an upscale, private dining room, Chef Koji Sagawa – who has over four decades of experience – takes centre stage in the kitchen, crafting each dish by hand before delivering them (also by hand) to his guests. All of the ingredients used here are flown in straight from Japan and strictly only the highest quality, seasonal produce.

The Iki bar is fully licensed and offers a selection of premium sake, wines, spirits and more. A sake-tasting experience is also available.

Ichiryu Ramen House: A Japanese gem created by 3 Filipino brothers

Founded by three Filipino brothers, Ichiryu Ramen House is a must-visit for all ramen and Japanese food lovers. Obsessed with Japanese cuisine, culture and arts, the De Guzman brothers include head chef Raul who’s been cooking ramen since 1989, operations manager Karl, and creative comms guru Nicolai.

Tucked away inside Wasl Port Views in Dubai’s Port Rashid, Ichiryu offers a unique Japanese-style “solo dining” experience, which includes semi-private cubicles and a hatch directly to order and receive your food. Elsewhere, the restaurant is bustling and features an array of seating options for all group sizes (inside only).

Casual, alcohol-free, bright, and fun, this homegrown gem is a great spot for lunch or dinner with friends, family, or solo. Nearly always busy, there might be a short wait to get a table – especially at weekends. But it is worth it.

Soon Izakaya: A hip Japanese restaurant & bar in JLT

Soon Izakaya is a hip Japanese restaurant and bar situated inside JLT’s Armada Tower 2, conceptualised by OY Hospitality. Drawing inspiration from Japanese gaming culture, cyberpunk, and the 1980s, Soon Izakaya offers a vibrant setting for lively lunches or dinners with family or friends…

The expansive space caters to all group sizes and features a fully licensed bar, an open-plan sushi bar, a DJ station, and decorative plants scattered throughout. We loved the Ahegaeo-style graphic floor and the robot named Tō Kōtei, meaning ‘party emperor’.

The beverage menu, curated by OY Hospitality's head bartender Dima Olenin, presents an enticing array of cocktails and mocktails. Additionally, guests can enjoy Japanese pilsner-style draft beers, saké, shōchū, sours, and chūhai. the HUNTR sampled and enjoyed the Malenia (55AED) and the To Kotei (50AED) cocktails.

Itadaku: An authentic homegrown Japanese experience

Tucked away along Al Wasl Road in Dubai’s Jumeirah 1, you will find Itadaku – a homegrown, family-run restaurant offering an authentic Japanese experience.

Itadaku, short for the word ‘itadakimasu’, which means “gratitude for receiving” in Japanese, is an alcohol-free, homegrown restaurant, open 6 days a week for lunch and dinner (closed Mondays). Advanced bookings are mandatory, and allow the team to execute precision from the kitchen to the table…

The vibes are sleek and minimal. There’s a chef’s counter where you can catch all of the robata-grilling action, and the neatly-presented staff greet you warmly as soon as you enter. Small and cosy, you can opt to sit on the bar stools at the chef’s counter, on one of the four and two-seater tables in the main restaurant or in the private dining rooms.

Mamafri: Epic South East Asian cuisine in Jumeirah

A tiny gem with just five tables, Mamafri Jumeirah is the place to head for epic South East Asian cuisine. Founded by Emirati cousins Rashed Belhoul and Saif Al Romaithi in 2019, Mamafri quickly became a coveted destination – despite the Covid-19 pandemic. So much so that there is now a branch in Abu Dhabi…

the HUNTR recommends ordering the Wagyu Sando (148AED) (out of this world), and Asian Buffalo Shrimp (48AED) – but honestly, everything is great here, and if you love dessert, do not miss Coco Cloud.

WAWA: A fun and quirky licensed authentic Japanese restaurant

Located within the Lotus Hotel near the Mashreq Bank metro station in Al Barsha 1 you will find WAWA – a licensed little Japanese restaurant that transports you straight out of Dubai…

Complete with dark wooden furnishings, dimmed lighting, and Japanese music, the unique atmosphere, and concept, coupled with the licensed bar make this a great spot to head for a fun lunch or dinner with a date or friends or even some of your livelier clients…

Good for small and big groups, WAWA is open for lunch 12-3.30 p.m. daily and for dinner from 6 p.m. until midnight. There are also two private dining rooms available.

Kinoya: A licensed homegrown ramen and izakaya restaurant

The brainchild of ramen chef and Dubai resident Neha Mishra, Kinoya started life as a secret supper club. Neha’s iconic ramen creations at said supper club soon went ‘viral’, and Kinoya was in the unique position of having a pretty cult-like following even before it opened its doors. This is both good and bad – eager customers, but lots of pressure. But you know what they say about diamonds and pressure…

Minimal, modern, and spread over lots of little intimate sections. The main dining room is much smaller than you might imagine from looking at pictures, and there are various private dining room options, including the coveted chef table(s).

Bar is licensed, the staff are friendly, and our only gripe was that the chairs weren’t that comfortable in the main dining area.

Goldfish: Faultless sushi and yakatori in Jumeirah

Founded by Chef Akmal Anuar a.k.a. the talent behind the incredible 3Fils in Dubai, Goldfish first opened its doors at the beginning of 2021 at The Galleria Mall in Al Safa. The homegrown Japanese gem is a JV with the Sunset Hospitality Group and offers delicious sushi and yakitori in an elegant but casual setting…

The small space has been thoughtfully designed and executed. There are various seating arrangements including a sushi counter with bar stools offering the perfect view of all the impressive and creative action. There’s also outdoor seating available for the cooler months. the HUNTR loved the hip music playing and the friendly service.

the food is all about quality over quantity. As such there’s a perfectly curated menu featuring small dishes that can be shared and are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the mouth.

Mimi Kakushi: A striking ode to Japan’s swinging 1920s

A restaurant from the team behind La Cantine du Faubourg, Twiggy, Ninive, and Lana Lusa, Mimi Kakushi is inspired by the swinging 1920s in Osaka, Japan, and named after the iconic bobbed haircut of that era.

Located within the Four Seasons’ illustrious Restaurant Village, interiors-wise, there's a gorgeous Art Deco vibe, complete with Oriental touches. The frosted windows and artistic wallpaper add a cosy feel, and this is the kind of place you head to when you are feeling fancy. The circular leather booth tables are perfect for larger groups and there are seating options for smaller groups too. Fully licensed, Mimi Kakushi specialises in “far eastern flavours you’ll recognize with western influences you’ll love.”

The menu offers a variety of dishes (mostly built for sharing) including sashimi, nigiri sushi, soups, small dishes, cold dishes, maki rolls, seafood, salads, meats and poultry, rice dishes, tempura, gyozas, kushi, and vegetables, plus, of course, dessert.

3 Fils: A tiny little Asian gem in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

Here at the HUNTR, it’s no secret that we are quite partial to good food in good places and few are as good as 3 Fils in Dubai.

An award-winning contemporary Asian restaurant and a favourite with those in the know, 3 Fils first opened its doors in November 2016. Since then it has been wowing visitors with its faultless food, impeccable service, and relaxed, welcoming vibes.

Inside, the interiors are stark and minimal, think dark colours and concrete with flashes of neon light. You will be drawn to the semi-open kitchen at the back, where you can catch the talented team creating mesmerising dishes and there are a few tables that can seat medium-sized groups, together with smaller 2-seater tables.

Reif Kushiyaki: Chef Reif Othman’s ode to unconventional Japanese street food

Having previously manned the kitchens at the likes of Zuma and Play Restaurant and Lounge, Reif Kushiyaki Dubai marks Singapore-born, award-winning Chef Reif Othman’s first casual dining concept…

Chef-owned and operated, this alcohol-free Al Safa gem is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Interior designer Carolina Rey de Castro worked closely with Reif and his team to translate their dreams for a cosy, fun and welcoming space inspired by the streets of Japan into a reality.

The earthy colour palette and wooden elements are grounding and comforting, whilst a bright and punchy mural of Reif’s favourite childhood comic Astro Boy by local Lebanese artist Lauris Zailaa adds a pop of colour and nostalgia. The central glass-fronted kitchen is a nod to Japanese street food stalls and offers an enticing glimpse at the delicious and energetic action. Compact, the restaurant seats 29 inside and a further 30 outside when the weather permits. The table’s legs are reminiscent of chopsticks and each table is fitted with an opening drawer, which conceals the menu and cutlery.

YUi: Must-try tiny ramen restaurant in D3

Located within the walls of the super cool Selectshop Frame, YUi is a must-visit next time you find yourself in the Dubai Design District (d3)…

The team here uses 100% Japanese noodle flour, which is high in protein and low in ash content, giving their hand-made noodles a distinctive flavour. No MSG is used, they only use local, fresh chicken, antibiotic-free eggs, and 10-18 hour broth.

We adored the shio ramen (45AED) and the gyoza (35AED). The ramen is very simple, tasty, and authentic. The noodles are perfectly cooked and handmade and the gyoza is just as delicious and served with the traditional soy sauce on the side.

Origami: Minimal flair and Japanese cuisine at The Dubai Mall

This stunning restaurant is the Emirati-owned Origami’s fourth branch (there are three in Dubai & one in Sharjah). Located along the prestigious Fashion Avenue inside the world’s largest mall, Origami encompasses an elevated, minimalist design, with remarkable attention to detail – we loved the eye-catching countertop that looked like it was made of ice blocks. Dreamy…

There’s a live sushi bar where you catch all of the foodie action, a cosy leather lounge seating area, and a variety of dining tables for small and large groups. It’s the ideal place for some exquisite Japanese food – solo, with friends and family, or with clients and colleagues.

The menus feature a tempting array of Japanese dishes alongside thirst-quenching mocktails and specialty teas. The food menu is divided between Soups, Small Plates, Salads, Makis, New Style-Sashimi, Origami Style Nigiri, Robata, and Large Plates. The creations are meat, fish, poultry, and seafood-heavy although there are some vegetarian-friendly options.

Bocasu: Industrial warehouse hiding a bonsai garden, specialty coffee and premium sushi in Al Quoz

Behind an unmarked black facade in Al Quoz sits one of Dubai's most unexpected dining concepts – a place where you can sip single-origin Ethiopian coffee whilst shopping for century-old bonsai trees, then settle into olive-green banquettes for handrolls that wouldn't be out of place in Tokyo's Tsukiji market. The name says it all: Bo for bonsai, Ca for café, Su for sushi.

German owner Tim Albermann and Japanese chef Yu Hasegawa have transformed an industrial warehouse into something that defies every category – part art gallery, part nursery, part serious Japanese restaurant. Expansive windows showcase living bonsai sculptures that you can actually purchase, whilst the kitchen turns out everything from Una Ginza handrolls (82 AED) with grilled eel to 'jawarma' fusion wraps that bridge Tokyo and the Middle East.

the HUNTR discovered a space where activated charcoal lattes meet delicate wagashi desserts, where you might find yourself contemplating a 50-year-old juniper tree between courses of bluefin tuna handrolls. The mezzanine level features projection-mapped washrooms that create digital forests – because at Bocasu, even the most mundane experiences are transformed into something remarkable.

Kima Izakaya: Authentic Japanese comfort food in Jumeirah Lake Towers

In a city where Japanese restaurants often chase trends, Kima Izakaya does something radical. It simply focuses on making exceptional comfort food in a space that feels like stepping into a neighbourhood joint in Osaka. Vintage Japanese movie posters line the walls, rope-woven stools surround natural wood tables, and the gentle sounds of sushi preparation create a soundtrack that's infinitely more compelling than any playlist. This Spanish-owned, Polish chef-led operation proves that authenticity isn't about passports but about understanding what makes Japanese comfort cooking so deeply satisfying.

The magic happens in the details that most places overlook: karaage (39 AED) that achieves that coveted crackling exterior whilst keeping the chicken impossibly juicy inside, and house-made mochi (12 AED) so compelling that the HUNTR ended up ordering additional portions in flavours ranging from matcha to salted caramel. Instead of sake, they serve 0% Kirin and quality sencha tea, proving that the izakaya experience transcends alcohol. It's about gathering over expertly prepared food that prioritises technique over flash.

What sets Kima apart isn't just the food but the atmosphere of genuine hospitality that emerges when skilled chefs work mere metres from your table, when there's no wifi to distract from conversation, and when a weekend set lunch (79.99 AED) feels less like a meal and more like a small celebration of what happens when passion meets proper technique.

TORI Al Khawaneej Walk: A homegrown modern Japanese restaurant Dubai

This modern Japanese restaurant features an exclusive live sushi bar where chefs in traditional navy uniforms work behind sleek counters, their knife work visible through a charming 'Magic in the Making' window. Natural light floods through the glass ceiling, creating an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and surprisingly neighbourhood-intimate for a mall location.

The magic lies in the details that most modern Japanese restaurants overlook. Their Spicy Tenderloin (188 AED) arrives with striking sesame seed crusting that somehow delivers beautifully balanced flavours rather than the aggressive heat you'd expect, whilst their ATB Cheesecake (58 AED) proves to be a masterclass in texture with its crispy kataifi base supporting smooth cream cheese. Even the alcohol-free drinks menu shows serious consideration, with options like Lavender Dream (35 AED) combining floral notes with yuzu in ways that feel sophisticated rather than substitutional.

the HUNTR discovered a space where playful floor graphics reading 'So glad you are here' coexist with precision knife displays, where whole lobster (320 AED) with shiso ponzu represents serious culinary ambition, and where the evening transformation brings an exclusive ramen bar into focus. Worth seeking out in Al Khawaneej Walk for the live sushi bar alone.