Dubai is not just a city. It is a multifaceted experience comprising different cultures, adventures, food, etc. It is a melting pot that can cater to all taste buds, hence a Mecca for food lovers. Among all cuisines, Japanese is among the top favorites here, especially Sushi, which is evident from the several eateries scattered around. No matter whether you crave Sashimi, Nigiri, or Maki rolls, this city has it all. So, let’s explore some of the best sushi in Dubai, I had during my last visit.
3 Best Sushi in Dubai
Zuma
Being ranked 87 in The World’s Best Restaurants” and having won the “Best Japanese Cuisine” in Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards in the year 2013, Zuma brings the best sushi in Dubai. It is located inside the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and is known for its Izakaya dining style.
Details | Information |
---|---|
Website | Zuma Dubai |
Phone | 044255660 |
Address | Podium Level, Gate Village, Building 3 – 06 Al Mustaqbal St – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai |
Menu | Zuma Menu |
Hours | |
Monday to Friday | 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Saturday | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
Sunday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
It is a place where chefs turn the finest cuts of fish into edible masterpieces. Going through their menu, we started our meal with a cocktail and a lightly salted edamame, that set the stage for what was to come. Their menu has different categories, such as sushi, robata, sashimi, and other dishes. The waiter helped us select the best sushi options. The Hamachi and Toro Sashimi delighted us with their delicate fish slices, offering a balance of sweetness and umami.
Next up, we had Crispy Salmon Skin Sushi, which had a crispy exterior giving way to tender salmon and bursting savory goodness. The Zuma Special Roll is what stole the show. Made from premium quality caviar, toro, and uni, each bite was a revelation providing rich, creamy flavors that linger on the palate long after the meal has ended. I give this place 8 out of 10 as it is an incredible place with a great ambiance and great food. So, reserve your table to savor the extraordinary.
Nobu:
Nobu is a fantastic restaurant to the point that you can point out weaknesses in other high-rated restaurants. Located in The Royal Bridge Suite Atlantis, The Palm resort, is known for its chic dining experience. It is headed by a renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who brings an exceptional fusion cuisine by infusing traditional Japanese flavors with Peruvian ingredients. The presentation of sushi and sashimi platters is nothing short of culinary masterpieces, with their precise cutting and beautiful presentation.
Details | Information |
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Website | Nobu Dubai |
Phone | 04 426 0760 |
Address | Atlantis – 22nd floor – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai |
Reservations | Reserve Online |
Hours | |
Friday | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
Saturday | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
Sunday | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
Monday to Thursday | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
We went to celebrate my father’s birthday and ordered 4 Omkases. The first two were Special Omakase, the global Omakase special menu and the latter 2 were Dubai Omakase, which is the menu from the Dubai team. As regards pricing, if you are trying Nobu for the first time, then their Special Omakase is worth spending on. But if you have already tried this menu at another branch then do try Dubai Omakase. The two Signature Omakase that we ordered cost around AED575, whereas the two Dubai Omakase were of AED775.
The starter for both Signature and Dubai Omakase is a taco. It is the salmon and miso taco for the Classic Omakase and a lobster and chimichurri taco for the Dubai Omakase. The lobster taco had a nice crispy taco shell. The fillings were also flavorful and started the meal with a bang. The next dish was a carpaccio. For the classic, we had a Yellowtail Carpaccio, and for the Dubai Omakase, we had a Mackerel Carpaccio, and both were equally delicious.
The next was the sushi course. The Classic Omakase had more dishes such as tuna, shrimp, salmon, and mackerel nigiri. It also had a mini sushi cup. My review on this is that if you are a sushi savant and like more popular or traditional forms of sushi, then you must try Classic Omakase. The Dubai Omakase’s sushi course offers unconventional fish such as wagyu jalapeno sushi, which is one of the best sushi pieces, as the wagyu is cooked well and combined with more flavor from the jalapeno.
The Omakase also had fried food. The Classic Omakase had rock shrimp served with a spicy sauce, a delicacy that has a balance of flavor and crunch. No matter a simple dish, it perfectly completes the course. The Dubai Omakase had a soft shell crab with ponzu sauce. The sauce perfectly complements the crispiness of the soft-shell crab, hence elevating the dish.
The last were the fish dishes. Delicate and delicious Alaskan Black Cod with Miso and the red mullet with garlic and coriander dressing for the Classic Omakase and the Dubai Omakase respectively. The chocolate fondant with matcha ice cream meal was the perfect end to the meal.
I rate the place a 9.5 out of 10. The food is delicious, leaving me with no complaints, and the top-notch service makes me come back for more. We had a professional server who made our dining experience memorable. Although the dinner here comes with a hefty price tag, the exceptional experience justifies the cost. So, book your table at Nobu today.
3 Fils Sushi
Having won the top spot in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2022, 3 Fils offers super delicious food at reasonable prices. I have been there several times, so have a rough idea about their menu. Jumeirah Fishing Village is located near the fishing harbor among other shops.
Details | Information |
---|---|
Website | 3 Fils Dubai |
Phone | 056 273 0030 |
Address | Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – Shop 02 – 1 Al Urouba St – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai |
Menu | 3 Fils Menu |
Hours | |
Monday to Friday | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
Saturday & Sunday | 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
During the last two visits, our bills totaled AED581 and AED506, which is around AED140/person. It may seem expensive for a casual dining experience, but given its status as the top restaurant in the MENA region, it is worth the investment.
Their salmon nigiri here is affordable yet delicious as compared to the sushi offered by Goldfish and other restaurants. At 3 Fils, you get 4 pieces for AED41, whereas at Goldfish it is AED40 for just 2 pieces. So, relatively speaking, it is a better option. Unlike other sushi restaurants, 3 Fils doesn’t offer soya sauce, and won’t serve it even if you request it. This is because they source the best ingredients from Japan and want you to enjoy the flavors as they are. The sushi rice is cooked perfectly and has a touch of wasabi in it, so you don’t need soya sauce to enhance the flavors.
The salmon nigiri here is highly popular due to its rice being perfectly seasoned with the right amount of vinegar. When it is served, you’ll be tempted by its glossy appearance ensuring a delectable experience. Sized perfectly for a single, satisfying bite, you’ll enjoy all the flavors in a single mouthful. We also had the salmon carpaccio, which is perfect for those who want some sauce to complement the salmon.
We also tried the sushi rolls, all of which were delicious. Ranging from the volcano roll to the crispy eel roll, and the soft shell crab maki, each had a unique taste. Out of all the rolls, the crispy eel roll is my favorite. Despite its average presentation, the flavors and textures were amazing. Post this; we also had shake don, which was one of their seasonal items on the menu. It is a bowl of rice and salmon topped with ponzu mayo dressing and green tobiko. It is truly a one-of-a-kind dish with unique flavors from the tangy sauce, the flavorful salmon, and the perfectly cooked rice. However, it is worth mentioning, that this dish isn’t a large portion, so it won’t fill you up completely.
We ended our meal with Ispahan, which is one of the best dessert items here. I loved the blend of sponge cake with raspberry and rose lychee milk in it. No matter if it leans on the sweeter side, they have achieved a good balance of crunchy and soft textures and tangy and sweet flavors. I also liked the African Powerhouse, which had rich dark chocolate served with delicious vanilla ice cream.
I rate 3Fils 9.5 out of 10. The food is delicious yet affordable. Dining there in the colder months is enjoyable as you sit outside and enjoy the view of the harbor. The waiters are experts and propose the best options on the menu. Although the restaurant doesn’t offer fine dining, but has incredible food. Moreover, it offers a comfortable dining experience without any pressure of dressing up or ordering expensive wine.
FAQs: Best Sushi in Dubai
THE BEST SUSHI IN DUBAI In Dubai, Zuma is one of the best sushi restaurants in town followed closely by Nobu and 3 Fils. Both offer great food and special dining experiences.
What is Zuma, and where is it in the world? Zuma: DIFC, Dubai International Financial Centre specializes in Izakaya dining, and the place is known for its top-notch sushi and robata.
What makes Nobu stand out as a sushi restaurant in Dubai? The Royal Bridge Suite Atlantis, The Palm resortNobu: Combining Japanese classics with Peruvian influences in a something-for-everyone format. It features elegance in its dining experience and service.
Is 3 Fils a cheap sushi restaurant? 3- Three Fils 3 Fils is, after all one of the rare places to rustle decent sushi at affordable prices. Despite the relaxed dining format, it has garnered the honor of being named the top restaurant in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2022 and remains fair value for money.
Are there many types of sushi to choose from in the Deixa comigo restaurant? Absolutely. Zuma, Nobu, and 3 Fils are serving up some of the best variety in town from Sashimi to Nigiri and Maki rolls for all sushi lovers.
What is the ambiance of these best sushi restaurants in Dubai? Background each places its own atmosphere Zuma offers a lively Izakaya style, Nobu caters to the sleek and cool crowd whereas 3 Fils is perfect for those who want a more chilled-out setting above water(_(‘))s edge.
Conclusion
I’ll sum up my argument by saying, that Dubai offers something for everyone. It caters to people all of culinary pallets and budgets. As regards sushi, there is a wide range of options ranging from high-end extravagance to casual dining. No matter whether you are craving the melt-in-your-mouth cuts of Zuma, the artistic masterpieces of Nobu, or the delicious and budget-friendly delights of 3Fils, Dubai has it all. So, come hungry, come curious, and browse through the best sushi in Dubai, as the above-discussed options are just a few highlights, and there is a lot more to discover. So, find your sushi paradise and let us know in the comments below.