The Region’s Coolest Sushi Spots

Zuma Abu Dhabi is a sushi institution in the region, firmly establishing itself on Al Maryah Island as a benchmark for Japanese dining. The modern wood and stone interiors, open sushi counter, and robata grill for show-cooking create a space that balances elite dining with lively izakaya energy. Signature sushi dishes range from the Dynamite Spider roll and California Maki to expertly crafted nigiri, so whether you’re seated at the sushi bar or overlooking the waterfront terrace, Zuma remains a go-to destination for those seeking premium Japanese fare with a timeless Abu Dhabi vibe.

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If you’re after a quick sushi stop, artisanal cocktails and a soundtrack of old-school hip hop, YUBI is the place to be. Touted as the UAE’s first home-grown hand-roll bar, the concept, launched at 25 Jump Street (One Central) near Dubai’s World Trade Center, was designed in collaboration with chef Reif Othman. Guests can also enjoy interactive counter seating, where they can watch their hand-rolls be made and served straight into their hands.

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With several locations across Dubai, including Dar Wasl, Dubai Hills and Time Out Market, REIF Japanese Kushiyaki puts a bold and inventive spin on kushiyaki and izakaya-style dining. From the moment you step inside, the rich interiors and open kitchen set the scene. Created by chef-owner Reif Othman, each dish balances richness and delicacy, with standout plates including the otoro maki (fatty tuna belly with yuzu tobiko and kizami wasabi), spicy salmon over kurogoma rice with wasabi garlic sauce and gochujang mayo, and the deeply comforting 18-hour chicken-broth ramen.

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A long-time favourite among Dubai’s sushi lovers, Origami has grown from a small local gem in Umm Suqeim to a staple in the city’s Japanese dining scene, with six branches now across the UAE. Known for its modern and clean aesthetic, and fresh sushi, Origami combines authenticity and creativity. The extensive menu covers all the classics – from salmon sashimi and spicy tuna rolls to their crispy shrimp maki and truffle butter edamame. 

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Meaning “jewel” in Japanese, Hōseki is a hidden gem within the Bulgari Resort Dubai, offering one of the city’s most exclusive sushi experiences. With only nine seats overlooking the serene Jumeirah Bay, it redefines omakase dining through quiet luxury and precision. Under the mastery of chef Masahiro Sugiyama – a six-generation sushi master – each course is crafted with elegance and care, using the finest imported ingredients. Hōseki has been awarded one Michelin star by the Michelin Guide Dubai for four consecutive years since 2022, solidifying its place as a true treasure of Japanese dining in the UAE.

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A fusion of 1920s Osaka glamour and Dubai’s modern sophistication, Mimi Kakushi delivers Japanese dining with bold style and unmistakable flair. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road, the restaurant blends vintage allure, artful design, and exceptional sushi. The menu reimagines modern Japanese classics with dishes like black cod gyoza, crispy ebi tempura maki, and creamy matcha éclairs to finish – a perfect mix of nostalgia and contemporary cool.

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Located on Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah 2, Shinobi is a Japanese handroll bar bringing a dose of industrial New York energy to Dubai’s neighbourhood dining scene. With street art-inspired interiors, bold details and a lively soundtrack, it feels relaxed and unfussy, making it an easy spot for a casual sushi night. The speciality is its made-to-order handrolls, served with warm rice, crisp nori and premium seafood. Highlights include the yellowtail with jalapeño salsa and yuzu soy, the indulgent otoro truffle roll and the king crab handroll with creamy yuzu. 

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For those looking for more of an elevated sushi experience, the Nobu outpost needs to be added to your list. The renowned eatery has brought its signature Japanese-Peruvian dining experience to The Link at One Za’abeel, set on the 24th floor with panoramic views across the city. Guests can enjoy a glamorous, design-led setting that shifts from refined dining to a lively late-night destination, complete with a bar, lounge and resident DJs. The menu brings together Nobu classics and contemporary creations, from its legendary Black Cod Miso to Yellowtail Jalapeño, alongside sushi, sashimi and sharing plates. 

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TANSŌ is bringing a fresh perspective to Japanese dining, all from a discreet villa on Jumeirah Road in Jumeirah 1. Describing itself as a “Neo-Tokyo dining gallery”, the restaurant pairs an art-led interior of warm stone, crimson seating and a playful menu. Expect sushi and sashimi alongside inventive dishes such as Wagyu French toast topped with Oscietra caviar, miso-glazed aubergine and hand rolls, with a seasonal menu exploring Gulf ingredients through Japanese techniques. 

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Noren is one of Jumeirah Lakes Towers newest restaurants, with an all-day menu at Pullman Dubai JLT designed to feel as welcoming for a casual midweek dinner as it does for a special occasion. Created by former Zuma managing director Ilir Caushi and executive chef Pawel Kazanowski, the modern space centres around an open kitchen, sushi counter and island bar serving cocktails and sake. The menu spans sushi and raw dishes to Japanese grill plates, with standouts including chutoro with jalapeño dressing, cauliflower karaage, red miso-glazed bone marrow and king crab with Hokkaido lemon butter. 

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At the edge of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, 3 Fils remains one of Dubai’s most beloved sushi spots. Opened in 2016 by two Emiratis and Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar, this cool, laidback restaurant has become a benchmark for contemporary Asian dining in the UAE. Crowned number one on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2022 and a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, 3 Fils serves up world-class Japanese flavours with a side of Dubai charm. The menu strikes the perfect balance between comfort and curiosity – think wagyu-truffle maki, silky salmon nigiri and the cult-favourite Indomie noodles with beef chorizo.

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Itadaku is a beautifully refined Japanese dining destination that stays true to tradition, tucked inside Wasl Vita Mall on Al Wasl Road in Dubai. The space is warm and inviting, with soft lighting, natural wood accents and an open kitchen that lets diners watch the chefs at work – perfect for a cosy midweek dinner date. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, the menu features delicate sashimi of blue-fin tuna and scallop, a tempura selection of sweet potato and shiitake mushrooms, and an omakase nigiri flight showcasing uni and anago, all highlighting the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Japanese sushi.

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