What’s On and The Black Hat Guide bring you the complete rundown of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai. Read snappy reviews, find out how book, and get a real insight with the help of our handy rating system. For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.

Sushi Counter
Dhs150 for two

Minimalist design and superlative sushi and sashimi served quickly. Delivery available.

Dubai Media City, CNBC Building, Ground Floor, Dubai, daily 11am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3751095. Metro: Nakheel. sushicounter.com
ALSO: Sheikh Zayed Road

Wagamama
Dhs150 for two
An appealing menu of hot Japanese dishes, a drinks licence and tightly packed bench-style dining.

What’s On Awards: 2012

Al Fattan Tower, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3995900. Metro: Dubai Marina. wagamama.ae
ALSO: The Greens and Crowne Plaza, Dubai

Benihana
Dhs400 for two

The Rotana hotel chain has this popular and entertaining mid-range American-Japanese restaurant installed in two of its Dubai hotels, putting on an entertaining teppanyaki show and serving decent sushi and sashimi.

What’s On Awards: 2013

Al Bustan Rotana, Casablanca Street, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2820000. Metro: Airport Terminal 3. rotana.com

Kisaku
Dhs300 for two

Frequented by Japanese expats, Kisaku’s fresh sushi ensures it’s a surprisingly busy spot.

Al Khaleej Palace Hotel, Deira, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2231000. Taxi: Al Khaleej Palace Hotel. alkhaleejhotels.com

Okku
Dhs600 for two

You’ll eat well for your money at Okku, which offers innovative twists on Japanese favourites, yet manages to avoid the heavyweight price tag of some Japanese restaurants. Doubling up as a cocktail bar ensures that this hotspot is busy every night.

What’s On Awards: 2012, 2013

The Monarch, 1 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon to 3pm, daily 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 5018777. Metro: World Trade Centre. okkudubai.com

Toko
Dhs1,000 for two

Offering a modern take on the Japanese concept of izakaya, this chic new restaurant serves up beautiful dishes that are perfect for sharing.

Vida Downtown Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily noon to 3pm, 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4428383. Taxi: Vida Downtown Hotel. toko-dubai.com

Nobu
Dhs1,000 for two

Renowned across the globe for its outstanding Japanese cuisine, the cavernous Nobu Dubai regularly fills every single one of its tightly packed tables at the glitzy Atlantis hotel.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7pm to 11.30pm, Thur 7pm to 12.30am, Fri noon to 4pm and 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: (04) 4262626. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. noburestaurants.com

Zuma
Dhs1,000 for two

Dubai’s most popular Japanese restaurant is the template for the late opening cocktail bar-cum-restaurant formula prevalent across the city, and its kitchen serves consistently outstanding food.
A constantly evolving menu ensures standards never drop.

What’s On Awards: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

DIFC, Gate Village 06, Dubai, Sun to Thur 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4255660. Metro: Financial Centre. zumarestaurant.com

Kanpai
Dhs400 for two

The food can be a mixed bag at this dimly lit restaurant in Souk Al Bahar. Stick to smaller plates like prawns in wasabi sauce and bushido soup with crabmeat and you won’t go too far wrong.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, daily noon to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4419262. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. facebook.com/kanpaidubai

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