Living in Dubai comes with a fantastic perk – the abundance of dining options at your fingertips. Dubai is a diverse city, with residents from various backgrounds worldwide, making it a true cultural hub. Recently, Dubai foods have embraced the beloved Japanese dish, sushi. Dubai boasts a sizable population with a keen interest in Japanese culture and cuisine, particularly in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city.
The Japanese restaurants in Dubai have garnered dedicated followings due to their commitment to delivering authentic flavors of sushi, and using the freshest ingredients in their dishes.
If you’re on the hunt for the best sushi restaurants in Dubai, we’ve curated a list that focuses on quality without compromise. Here are some top picks:
Luxury yacht rental Dubai
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Located in the heart of Dubai marina, the luxury yacht experience is a culinary delight for sushi enthusiasts. This exquisite renting a yacht Dubai experience not only offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline but also boasts a diverse and mouthwatering selection of sushi.
From the freshest sashimi to sushi rolls, guests are treated to an extraordinary gastronomic journey, where the artistry of Japanese cuisine meets the extravagance of Dubai’s maritime luxury. Savoring these delectable sushi creations amidst the lavish surroundings of this yacht is an experience that combines the best of both worlds .
Zuma Dubai
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Located in DIFC, Zuma is a top-tier Japanese restaurant celebrated for its traditional Izakaya cuisine and is widely recognized as one of Dubai’s finest sushi establishments. This authentic Japanese gem is conveniently located near the iconic Burj Khalifa. Zuma’s menu in Dubai’s DIFC is a delightful culinary journey, offering dishes crafted from scratch using high-quality ingredients.
With a commitment to simply prepared yet beautifully presented Japanese cuisine, Zuma has secured its spot among Dubai’s culinary elite. Savor dishes like sushi, miso-marinated black cod, unagi bo sushi maki, pirikara gyu no makimono cocktails, sashimi, chocolate fondue, mushroom rice, tempura prawns, and maki rolls. A standout recommendation is the delectable black cod – a must-try.
Location: Podium Level, Gate Village 06 – Al Mustaqbal St – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: The average per-person cost at Zuma is approximately AED 300.
Timing:
Lunch:
Sunday to Wednesday: 12:30 pm to 03:30 pm
Thursday and Friday: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Dinner:
Sunday to Wednesday: 7:00 pm to 12:45 am
Thursday and Friday: 7:00 pm to 01:45 am
Hoseki
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For an authentic sushi experience in Dubai, venture to Jumeirah 2 and discover Hoseki in the Bulgari Resort Dubai. While it may be on the pricier side, Hoseki offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The restaurant for sushi exudes an ambiance that strikes a perfect balance between excitement and comfort, enhancing your culinary journey.
Hoseki is a haven for true sushi enthusiasts. Chef Masahiro Sugiyama, hailing from a family of sushi chefs, insists on using the freshest ingredients daily. Their menu continually evolves to showcase the best seasonal offerings. Every meal includes Miso soup, the house specialty omelet, and a selection of sushi.
Don’t miss their Sango, kohaku, ruri, and hisui sushi, as well as the renowned Sushi in Hoseki. Keep in mind that this restaurant is on the higher end price-wise, so it’s perfect for special occasions.
Location: Jumeirah Bay Island – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 135AED per person
Timing
Lunch:
Thursday to Sunday: 1:00 pm
Dinner:
Wednesday to Sunday: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Sushi Art
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Sushi Art is a contemporary Japanese dining place located on the ground floor of Building 5 within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern and artistic presentation.
Sushi Art features a sleek and modern interior design that combines sophistication with comfort. The restaurant’s ambiance is conducive to both casual dining and more formal occasions. It’s an ideal setting for business meetings, lunches, or evenings out with friends.
Sushi Art takes pride in its diverse menu that showcases a wide array of sushi and sashimi creations. Their sushi rolls are known for their creativity and are often presented with artistic flair. Each dish is prepared with precision and uses high-quality ingredients to deliver an authentic Japanese culinary experience.
The restaurant’s commitment to innovation is evident in the presentation and taste of these dishes.
Location: The Beach Unit 2204 – Dubai Marina – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 130AED person
Timing: 11am- 12am
Yo! Sushi
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Yo Sushi Dubai is a vibrant dining place located in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. Known for its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, Yo Sushi offers a unique and interactive dining experience.
The restaurant’s interior reflects a modern and stylish design, with an open-concept conveyor belt system that winds its way through the dining area. Diners can sit around the belt and select their favorite dishes as they pass by, making it a fun and engaging way to enjoy a meal.
The colorful plates used for serving each dish represent different price points, allowing customers to keep track of their spending as they indulge in a variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies.
Yo Sushi Dubai is not just about convenience and presentation; it also places a strong emphasis on the quality and freshness of its ingredients. The chefs take pride in preparing dishes with the finest seafood, seasonal produce, and authentic Japanese flavors. Whether you’re a sushi lover or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
In addition to the conveyor belt offerings, Yo Sushi Dubai provides an extensive menu with a diverse selection of hot dishes, appetizers, and desserts. Guests can choose from a range of traditional and contemporary options, including tempura, ramen, bento boxes, and more. There are also vegetarian and vegan choices available, ensuring that everyone can find something to delight their palate.
Location: Unit LG – 116 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Level 2, Mall of the Emirates – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 20- 45AED per person
Timing: 12pm-12am
Wakame
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Wakame is another excellent choice for sushi enthusiasts in Dubai. Known as one of Dubai’s most renowned dining destinations, Wakame boasts captivating live sushi preparation by skilled chefs.
One of the restaurant’s highlights is the live dim sum counters, where your favorite dim sum dishes are expertly prepared right before your eyes. At this trendy Asian eatery, you’ll find superb sushi crafted from premium ingredients.
Popular dishes include hamachi tataki, crispy kataifi prawn, volcano, and rainbow reload. Don’t miss out on the spicy tuna rock n’ roll and the dragon – they come highly recommended.
Location: 3rd Floor – Sofitel Dubai Downtown – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 115AED per person
Timing: 12 pm–12:45 am
Tomo
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Tomo, a long-standing high-end Japanese restaurant, stands out as a unique gem in the city. Its rooftop patio offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline throughout the day. This renowned establishment is celebrated for its impeccable sushi offerings in Dubai. The name “Tomo” translates to a lifelong companion in Japanese, and it’s the perfect spot for friends to create cherished memories while enjoying delectable maki and nigiri rolls.
Tomo Raffles offers both great sushi and a cozy atmosphere with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. Must-try dishes include sushi, sashimi, chocolate cake, flounder fin, Japanese cured mackerel, and salmon roe. Sashimi is a signature dish here, so be sure to indulge.
Location: Exit 56 – Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: The average meal cost at Tomo Raffles is AED 175 per person.
Timing:
Lunch:
Daily: 12:30 pm to 02:45 pm
Dinner:
Daily: 6:30 pm to 12:30 am
Sumo Sushi and Bento
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Sumo Sushi and Bento in various locations of Dubai is a go-to place for a diverse selection of sushi at an affordable price point. Their menu boasts an array of tasty sushi rolls, including favorites like the phoenix roll and the tiger roll. They also offer heart-healthy options like Black Sushi rice.
The restaurant provides impeccable service in a clean and friendly environment. If dining out isn’t your preference, you can use their delivery app, Sumo Sushi, to have your favorites delivered to your doorstep.
Location: Internet City Building 10 – Ground Floor, Phase 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 82AED per person
Timing: Daily 11 am to 11 pm
Umami
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Umami is where you can find sushi in Dubai at a reasonable price. This restaurant caters to locals and visitors alike who crave delicious, traditional Japanese dishes. Umami offers a variety of mouthwatering options, including California rolls, salmon rolls, prawn tempura rolls, and sashimi. You can also explore different types of Japanese cuisine, including noodles.
Location: UMAMI, Dubai – Food Court 2nd Floor Al Ghurair Ctr, Deira
Price: At Umami, you can expect to pay around 47 AED per person.
Timing: Daily from 11 am until 11 pm
Akira Back
Akira Back, a Japanese chef renowned for infusing Korean flavors into authentic Japanese cuisine, is located on The Palm West Crescent. This sushi restaurant in Dubai is highly regarded for its exceptional service and delectable Japanese fare.
Akira Back stands out with its outdoor and private dining options, along with an extensive selection of sushi platters. Notably, they cater to vegetarians, gluten-free, and vegans places in Dubai.
The menu features enticing dishes like crispy pork belly, green monster, spicy Seoul, baked crab hand rolls, and rock shrimp hand rolls. Don’t forget to try the wagyu tacos and specialty sushi rolls for a truly exotic sushi experience.
Akira Back is a perfect choice for sushi platters that satisfy your sushi cravings in a unique way.
Location: Palm Jumeirah – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 245AED per person
Timing: 7 pm–12 am
3Fils
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3Fils has garnered significant acclaim over the years, earning the title of the best Asian restaurant from 2018 to 2020. It’s also rated as the best restaurant in the MENA region by Forbes and recognized as one of the world’s ten most incredible new restaurants. Located in the unique setting of Jumeirah’s fishing harbor, 3Fils holds its own against Dubai’s upscale dining establishments, offering a truly exceptional sushi experience.
The menu features an array of delectable items, including hash brown with tuna, edamame shiitake linguine, A5 wagyu maki, uni bowl, tai snapper, negitoro, and yokozuna.
Notable sushi options, octopus from Fremantle, and the African Powerhouse dessert – featuring Ghanaian dark chocolate and Madagascar vanilla ice cream – will pique your curiosity. Be sure to try the Salmon-Carpaccio and seaweed salads, both of which are must-tries.
Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – Shop 02 – 1 Al Urouba St – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 60AED per person
Timing: 12 pm to 11:30 pm
NOBU
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Nobu is a Michelin Guide-selected seafood restaurant in Dubai and one of the best in Dubai. Owned by celebrity Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, it offers an unforgettable culinary journey with a fusion of traditional Japanese dishes and Peruvian influences. It’s a favorite among celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez.
The sushi bar and sake lounge are particularly impressive, and you must try their signature ‘Miso-marinated Black Cod.’ Other notable dishes include ‘Lobster with honey truffle sauce,’ ‘Roasted baby chicken with cabbage spicy lemon sauce,’ ‘Lobster with wasabi pepper,’ and ‘Wagyu beef tacos.
Location: Atlantis – 22nd floor – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Price: 275 AED (10 pieces)
Timing: 6 pm–1 am
How to Pick the Right Sushi Place in Dubai?
Choosing the right sushi restaurant in Dubai can greatly enhance your dining experience. Sushi aficionados understand that not all sushi establishments are created equal, and finding one that meets your expectations is essential. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a sushi restaurant in Dubai:
Chef’s Reputation for Excellence
The skill and experience of the sushi chef are paramount. A highly skilled sushi chef can make a significant difference in the quality and taste of the sushi. Look for restaurants with renowned chefs who have a reputation for excellence in crafting authentic and delicious sushi.
Local Reputation of the Restaurant
Research the restaurant’s local reputation. Read reviews from customers who have dined there to gauge the overall experience. Assess factors such as the restaurant’s atmosphere, food quality, pricing, and customer satisfaction. A good reputation is a strong indicator of a restaurant’s quality and safety.
Menu: Review the restaurant’s menu to get a sense of what types of sushi are offered. A diverse and well-curated menu is a positive sign. Consider whether the prices align with the expertise of the chef and the quality of ingredients used. An extensive and creatively crafted menu is often indicative of a reputable sushi establishment.
Recommendations
Seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or food enthusiasts. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights into exceptional sushi restaurants. Additionally, consider recommendations from reputable travel and dining guides or websites.
Hygiene and Freshness
Pay attention to the restaurant’s commitment to hygiene and the freshness of ingredients. Sushi should be made with the freshest seafood and ingredients to ensure both safety and flavor. Clean and well-maintained facilities are also essential for a positive dining experience.
Ambiance
Evaluate the restaurant’s ambiance to ensure it aligns with your preferences. Whether you prefer an intimate, traditional setting or a trendy and modern atmosphere, choose a restaurant that offers the ambiance you desire for your dining experience.
Online Research
Utilize online resources to gather information about the restaurant. Many restaurants have websites or social media profiles that provide insights into their offerings, ambiance, and customer reviews. Online research can help you make an informed decision.
Final words
Dubai’s sushi scene is a symbol of the city’s culinary diversity and commitment to excellence. From Michelin Guide-selected restaurants to affordable and innovative options, Dubai offers a wide range of sushi experiences to cater to every palate and preference. With renowned chefs, fresh ingredients, and diverse menus, sushi enthusiasts and newcomers alike can savor the best of Japanese cuisine while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city.
So, whether you’re seeking traditional authenticity or a fusion of flavors, Dubai’s sushi restaurants are ready to satisfy your cravings and provide memorable dining experiences.
