Dubai’s dining scene is packed with variety, but when it comes to Japanese food, few experiences compare to discovering the right mix of flavor, authenticity, and atmosphere. From Michelin-starred restaurants that deliver fine dining excellence to hidden gem restaurants in Dubai serving ramen and hand rolls, the city offers something for every taste. Whether you’re craving the freshest sushi, exploring creative takes on modern Japanese cuisine, or simply looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant, these spots stand out. Our journey took us through some of the top Japanese restaurants in Dubai, each offering its own unique style from cozy neighborhood finds to fine dining destinations. This guide will take you to a dining experience worth remembering.

Kokoro Hand Roll Bar – Dubai’s Hidden Gem

A Dining Spot That Blends Playfulness and Flavor

Kokoro Hand Roll Bar is one of the top Japanese restaurants in Dubai, celebrated for serving some of the city’s finest hand rolls and Japanese dishes. Unlike many places, no reservation is needed, making it an easy yet exceptional dining choice.

The restaurant blends modern interiors with authentic Japanese touches, creating a space that feels both stylish and welcoming. What truly sets Kokoro apart is the way each dish is freshly prepared in front of you, turning dinner into an experience rather than just a meal. The chefs bring energy and passion to the bar, making Kokoro one of the must-visit spots for sushi, while the service team makes you feel at home with their warmth and attentiveness.

 Signature Hand Rolls and Must-Try Dishes

During our visit, a few dishes stood out and made the experience unforgettable. The Maguro Crudo was light, fresh, and full of flavor, the perfect start to the evening. The Spicy Tuna Handroll, one of their signatures, impressed us with its crisp seaweed, perfectly seasoned rice, and just the right kick of spice. To end on a high note, the Torched Wagyu Nigiri melted in the mouth, rich and smoky, and easily one of the best bites of the night. If you’re curious to explore more, Kokoro also serves comforting ramen, along with other traditional Japanese food.

If you’d like to explore their full menu and prices, check out Kokoro Hand Roll Bar on Zomato.

Why Kokoro Deserves a Spot on Your List

This explains why they consistently average above 4.5/5 star ratings in most reviews, where customers speak highly of the restaurant. With prime locations near Dubai’s central business district, Kokoro has become a favorite for locals, tourists, and food lovers. For anyone looking to discover the best hand rolls in Dubai, Kokoro Hand Roll Bar more than delivers, combining flavor, atmosphere, and service into a truly memorable dining experience. It stands out as a hidden gem Japanese restaurant in Dubai.

Tori – a combination of a restaurant and cafe

My experience

Tori is another Japanese restaurant in Dubai that has a great ambiance with low lighting, a calm and nice atmosphere as you get welcomed by joyful staff ready to serve you, with the choice to sit close to where the chef prepares its dishes, as you sit and enjoy seeing how they make each dish with precision and dedication. Additionally, it is a no-reservation restaurant that doesn’t make you wait for long, which is an excellent attribute if you are looking for a place that doesn’t decline your visit.

Moreover, when I dined, I also witnessed the staff performing a fantastic birthday service, where the entire staff gathered to sing and celebrate with the birthday guest, complete with ringing a bell as they sang.

Must try dishes

Tori has multiple dishes to try out. My favorite out of all of them, which I would definitely get again, is the salmon carpaccio. It had a delicious kick of sour and spiciness with fresh raw salmon that is hard to perfect, which deserves its praise as it makes you feel like you are eating an authentic dish made freshly in front of your eyes.
The other dish is the spicy tuna roll with its creaminess that tastes like sour cream and a tang of spice served with its soft and tender tuna, which was unique in my opinion, as I have never tasted something like that before when going to other sushi restaurants, and would recommend it if you’re looking for something new to try out.
Lastly was the shrimp tempura sushi, which was instantly distinguishable by its soft sushi rice and creamy texture served with avocado, as it isn’t your regular kind of sushi.
These are my recommendations of dishes that you must try when visiting Toriri, as it has some of the most delicious and unique flavors.

Mimi Kakushi – Where Fine Dining Meets Retro Glamour

Step Into 1920s Osaka in the Heart of Dubai

Mimi Kakushi brings something truly different to Dubai’s Japanese dining scene. Tucked inside the Four Seasons Resort’s Restaurant Village on Jumeirah Beach Road, it combines the elegance of 1920s Osaka with a bold, modern flair. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by dim lighting, jazz notes in the background, and interiors that fuse Japanese craftsmanship with a Western art deco style. It feels more like stepping into a story than just entering a restaurant.

Japanese Classics With a Refined Twist

What impressed us most was how seamlessly Mimi Kakushi balances atmosphere with flavor. The menu features Japanese classics like sushi, gyoza, tempura, and sashimi, but each dish is refined with a unique twist that makes it memorable. We started with the gyoza, which were crisp on the outside and tender inside, paired with a dipping sauce that elevated the dish. The tempura was light and airy, not oily, letting the freshness of the vegetables shine. The sashimi platter was a standout, vibrant cuts of fish so clean and delicate that every bite felt like it was crafted with care.

Awards, Recognition, and Rave Reviews

It’s easy to see why Mimi Kakushi has earned a spot among Dubai’s Michelin-recognized restaurants and even on the World’s Best Bars list (2024). The service was attentive without being intrusive, and the entire experience felt curated to be both luxurious and welcoming. For anyone searching for authentic Japanese fine dining in Dubai, Mimi Kakushi delivers not just food, but a full immersion into style, history, and taste.

3Fils –michelin star restaurants 

Are you looking for the finest Japanese sushi restaurant in Dubai? This Michelin-starred sushi restaurant is the perfect place to indulge. In a modern location near the water, it offers a unique experience with a menu that goes beyond just sushi. From fresh sashimi to creative signature rolls and other unique Japanese-inspired dishes, every bite feels like a work of art. Although it is a Michelin-starred restaurant, the menu was averagely priced and not too expensive. Each dish usually ranges between 55 and 100 AED, depending on what you order, which is really good for the quality, service, and overall experience you get from this restaurant.

You can also explore the restaurant’s Culinary Accolades to see how it has earned its place among Dubai’s most celebrated dining destinations.

My experience

What made my experience even better was the warm hospitality and friendliness of the staff and how they gave us suggestions of what to order and recommended some of their best sellers for us to try. I appreciated how there was no line or reservation needed, and we were seated right as we walked in. The service was also really fast and barely had any wait time; each dish came right after the other. Although the restaurant was quite busy while I was there, I still enjoyed the restaurant’s atmosphere, which is chic and modern yet inviting. During my visit, I noticed the freshness of the ingredients and how each piece was carefully prepared, not just to taste good, but to look beautiful on the plate. I especially enjoyed how the flavors were balanced: light, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy.