In recent years, Abu Dhabi has rebranded itself as a global culinary hotspot. As a melting pot of cultures and demographics, the city has become a true crossroads of cuisine, where diverse styles and techniques converge to produce exceptional dining experiences. However, amid the rise of fusion and innovation, sushi remains a constant, with the industry as robust as ever. Honouring this timeless Japanese culinary tradition, Abu Dhabi is home to several outstanding sushi restaurants that continue to impress. Read on to discover which spots have left diners truly hooked.
99 Sushi Bar
Located in The Galleria Al Maryah Island, this contemporary Japanese restaurant, one of eight sister restaurants across three continents, stands as a celebration of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.
Finesse and precision are key components of the presentation at this world-class establishment, where chic interiors blend with an all-encompassing menu to provide diners with a truly memorable experience. Even though the Spanish-owned restaurant imports most of its seafood from its owners’ native country, the cooking doesn’t miss a beat.
The expansive menu showcases a range of timeless offerings – tartars, sashimi, tempura, carpaccio, and maki rolls – with standout dishes such as the Sea Urchin, the 99 Lobster Maki, and the Toro Toast (served with Kaluga or Beluga caviar).
For those seeking traditional elegance, the two-piece nigiri selections are exceptional, none more so than the A5 Crown: an inspiring combination of wagyu, smoked eel, and foie gras. Gunkan options also feature prominently, while meat lovers will find the Japanese Kobe Grande – a generous 150 grams of succulent beef served with potato glass and freshly grated wasabi – a compelling choice. As a hallmark of its commitment to quality, 99 Sushi Bar exclusively serves Bluefin Tuna.
The restaurant also offers an at-home catering service, designed to provide a truly unique Japanese experience in the comfort of your own home. The only Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in the city, 99 Sushi Bar is a tribute to the spirit of Bushidō – disciplined, refined and respectful. There is truly no plaice like it.
Otoro
With a Bib Gourmand acknowledgement from the Michelin Guide, this Al Qana Marina South establishment offers both excellent quality and value.
Otoro is a modern restaurant named after the most coveted cut of tuna belly. Located near the head of the fish, “otoro” is renowned for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Highly prized in Japanese culinary tradition, this namesake is fitting as Otoro itself has become a cherished fixture in the city’s dining scene.
The restaurant boasts relaxed surroundings: the space is dominated by an open kitchen, where you can watch expert chefs in their element. Benefiting from ingredients flown directly from Japan, the restaurant presents authentic options such as the Kagoshima wagyu, the Tokyo otoro and the Hokkaido uni.
The menu offers warm and cold plates, while also boasting meat and fish options via the main menu. The Maki roll and Nigiri menus are also a highlight, with the Tempura Unagi & Avocado and the Wagyu & Truffle choices allowing you to reel in an authentic taste of Japan.
Open since March 2022, this Nippon-inspired eatery has quickly become to flavour what a Shinto shrine is to spirituality – sacred, serene and steeped in Japanese tradition.
Zuma
Located in the capital’s luxurious shopping district of Al Maryah Island, this acclaimed dining spot takes its food seriously and ranks among the top Japanese restaurants in the UAE – its Dubai branch frequently appears on lists of the city's best sushi destinations. Housed in The Galleria, it features spacious natural stone sushi and robata counters, as well as a more traditional seating arrangement.
The sushi, sashimi and cold menu is an expansive expedition through traditional Japanese cuisine, with standouts such as the soft shell crab with chilli mayonnaise, cucumber and wasabi tobiko sauce a particular highlight. The grilled king crab with mitsuba and caviar also stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the cold menu’s best.
The offerings are elevated a notch via the seasonal & Zuma signature menu. The roasted lobster in shiso ponzu butter is a sensory experience, while the miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf is a treat for the taste buds. The sharing options are also smothered in sharp tastes: the Daikoku, featuring an extensive range of chef-selected dishes, transports you on a journey through Japan’s culinary soul – ideal for couples or groups.
With no fewer than 28 locations throughout the world, Zuma has been on a steep trajectory over the past two decades, and for good reason. Stepping into Zuma is like stepping into a ryokan for the senses – where hospitality, warmth and world-class cuisine are the only things that matter.
Kinsu
This highly-rated Japanese restaurant in the Al Nahyan neighbourhood has one of the most expansive menus found anywhere in the city. With a diverse selection that includes tempura, sashimi, and donburi, the restaurant also features a standout ceviche and tataki menu. While not traditionally Japanese, the irresistible ceviche pays homage to the wave of Japanese immigration to Peru in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Robata Yaki menu offers some meaty choices, while the Sushi Nigiri and Sushi Roll menus present some exceptional alternatives, such as the Wagyu Nigiri Premium – three pieces of A5 wagyu from Japan served with an enticing piece of uni on top. The Dragon Roll is another attraction, consisting of eel, salmon, cucumber, avocado and ikura.
Once the sushi has settled, it’s time to move on to the main menu, where inviting dishes such as the Gindara Misoyaki await. A grilled black cod in miso sauce served with rice, the dish stands as a sophisticated indulgence. Of course, any seafood lover would be remiss not to consider the King Crab. With options such as the Taraba Tempura, Taraba Nabe and the Taraba Sashimi all providing satisfaction on a plate, the true standout is the Taraba King Crab – a dish steeped in reverence for age-old Japanese tradition.
There are plenty of options when it comes to sushi restaurants in Abu Dhabi. With the options available on today’s list, you’re well-equipped to navigate the scene and savour some of the finest Japanese cuisine the city has to offer, whether you’re a seasoned sushi aficionado or simply looking to dip your chopsticks into something new.
