Ramen is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re at home, no matter where you are. However, when eating ramen out, don’t expect it to taste like those cheap packages at the grocery store.
If you’re visiting Dubai, why not settle down for a warm bowl of ramen and some authentic Japanese food at one of the best ramen spots in the city?
1. Wokyo Noodle Bar
A casual noodle bar with a mission to explore the noodle tradition of the Far East, Wokyo Noodle Bar lets you create your ramen. Instead of having set menu items, you decide which sauce, base (type of noodle), protein, and any other toppings you want in your bowl of ramen.
They pride themselves on their ability to create the perfect bowl of ramen based on flavor, texture, and aroma, and they don’t disappoint. Wokyo Noodle Bar has meals for everyone, with vegan options, the choice of how spicy the ramen is, gluten-free products, and peanut allergy warnings.
There are two locations of Wokyo Noodle Bar, one in the Jumeirah Lake Towers and one in Wasl Square. The restaurants are open daily from 11 AM to 12 AM.
You can order pickup from Wokyo Noodle Bar on their website. You can also contact the restaurants by calling them at +971 800 WOKYO (96596) or emailing them at hello@wokyo.com.
2. Kimura-Ya Authentic Japanese Restaurant
Kimura-ya Authentic Japanese Restaurant is a chain with about 200 locations in Japan and even more worldwide. The menu is designed by the Japanese chef Mayuka Kojimam, and they provide authentic Japanese izakaya-style dining with iconic dishes, both traditional and modern.
The restaurant serves fantastic sushi, yakitori, sukiyaki, and more with ramen. They also sell Japanese alcohol, from sake to shochu to Japanese whiskey.
There are four Kimura-ya Authentic Japanese Restaurant locations in Dubai, all at hotels. To learn more about the restaurant, visit their website. For the Oberoi Hotel branch, call them at +971 56 790 1505. To contact the Habtoor Grand Resort branch or the Marriott Hotel branch, call +971 56 671 3079. Call +971 54 578 4306 to reach the Sheraton Dubai Creek branch.
Each restaurant is open daily from 12 PM to 1 AM.
3. Fujiya Restaurant
Fujiya Restaurant aims to provide the same Japanese izakaya experience to Dubai as you would get at any izakaya restaurant in Japan. They are recognized as one of the best Japanese spots in Dubai, even being awarded a Highly Commended status by Time Out Dubai in their 2020 Dubai Best Restaurants list.
Locals, ex-pats, and tourists all rave about Fujiya Restaurant. Their menu is chef-driven, often highlighting seasonal ingredients in their foods, including Wagyu beef, sushi, yakitori, and ramen.
The restaurant has two locations in Dubai, one at the Millenium Airport Hotel and one opposite the Dubai Mall. Their hours of operation are daily from 12 PM to 1 AM.
For more information about Fujiya Restaurant, visit the website, or call the Millenium Airport Hotel at +971 04 702 8846 or the Dubai Mall location at +971 04 547 7171. Use this link to make a reservation at the Millenium Airport Hotel restaurant.
4. WAWA Dining
Meaning “whoa” in Japanese, WAWA Dining serves Korean-inspired Japanese food while aiming to provide customers with a unique dining experience. They show that contemporary Japanese izakaya is more than only eating and drinking.
A hidden gem, WAWA Dining uses fresh ingredients that beautifully present its dishes and delicious food. Besides ramen, some signature dishes include beef gyoza, Korean miso hotpots, and sushi.
WAWA Dining is situated at the Golden Tulip Hotel and is open daily for lunch from 12 AM to 3 PM and open for dinner from 6 PM to 12 AM. To order delivery, make reservations, or learn more about the restaurant, visit the website or call them at +971 50 114 2580.
5. YUi
Opened in 2018, YUi was the first dedicated ramen house in the Dubai Design District. Noodles are made in-house and preserved overnight to maintain the texture. Also, instead of beef or fish broth commonly used, YUi uses chicken-based broth. With your ramen, you can also chow down on some tempura, kimchi, miso, or other options.
“YUi” means “only one” in Japanese. According to a review on Tripadvisor, the restaurant is “the best place to enjoy ramen and a variety of Japanese dishes in a super cool and bright ambiance.” So, if you want one excellent ramen spot, this is the place to go.
As I said before, YUi is in the Dubai Design District, specifically in Building 7. They are open Mondays from 12 pm to 9:30 pm and Tuesdays through Sundays from 12 PM to 10:30 PM.
To learn more about the restaurant, visit the website or call them at +971 4 243 4217.
6. Bentoya Japanese Restaurant
With a menu including a wide range of healthy options and only the freshest ingredients, Bentoya prides itself on keeping up-to-date with current food trends in Japan and serving terrific traditional dishes.
Bentoya’s mission is to continue serving the best Authentic Japanese food using only high-quality Japanese ingredients and the freshest local foods.
Their chef, Chef Taniuchi, has been certified as the “Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador” for his work in promoting exports of Japanese products and facilitating the spread of Japanese food and dietary practices within and beyond the UAE.
Bentoya Japanese Restaurant has two locations in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) and one in Dubai Motor City. Both sites are open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 11:30 PM.
To learn more about Bentoya Japanese Restaurant or order food online for delivery, visit their website. The phone number for the DIFC branch is +971 04 343 0222, and the number for the Dubai Motor City branch is +971 04 243 4306.
7. Ikigai Restaurant & Bar
Ikigai Restaurant & Bar is inspired by Japan’s famous street taverns and prides itself on being a welcoming spot where friends reconnect over a perfect pick-me-up after a long day. They aim to make everyone feel at home from the second you walk through the door.
The restaurant has all-you-can-eat sushi and ramen with signature Japanese cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wines to pair. So, you can get fantastic value and authentic Japanese food here.
Located on the first floor of the Millennium Place Marina Hotel, Ikigai Restaurant & Bar is close to the Dubai Marina. They are open Sundays through Fridays from 5 PM to 1 AM, and Saturdays from 1 PM to 1 AM.
To make a reservation or learn more about the restaurant, go to their website, call them at +971 4 550 8114, or email them at reservation@ikigaidubai.com.
8. The Daily DXB
If you have a long layover at the Dubai International Airport, check out The Daily DXB. Along with delicious ramen and other Asian dishes, they serve fried chicken, Italian specialties, Hawaiian poke bowls, and grab-and-go pastries.
Each recipe is customizable, so you will get what you want with every order. The Daily DXB is a restaurant everyone can eat at, with vegetarian and vegan options and halal dishes. They also have a comprehensive drink menu.
Located in Terminal 3 and Concourse B of the Dubai International Airport, The Daily DXB is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you have any questions, give them a ring at +971 55 613 1163.
9. Wagamama
Wagamama is inspired by the fast-paced Japanese ramen bars and their desire to celebrate Asian food. With a menu created to soothe, nourish, sustain, and inspire, Wagamama uses only fresh ingredients and serves dishes as soon as they are ready.
A restaurant chain that first opened in London in 1992, Wagamama uses the philosophy of “kaizen,” meaning “good change,” to shape each dish and push them to find better ways to do everything.
Although ramen is the staple dish here, they serve many Japanese favorites, including curry, Kokoro, and donburi.
Wagamama has 6 locations in Dubai:
- Crowne Plaza (+971 4 305 6060)
- Palm Jumeirah (+971 4 551 0192)
- Greens Community Centre (+971 4 361 5757)
- Dubai Mall (+971 4 320 3237)
- Motor City (+971 4 575 5912)
- Hills Mall (+971 4 589 5656).
To learn more about the restaurant chain or order delivery, visit their website. Most Wagamama branches are open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM.
10. Zutto Suki Ramen
As the name implies, Zutto Suki Ramen is all about ramen, with best-selling dishes including Tan Tan Men Ramen, Chicken Katsu, Miso Ramen Plate, and Vegetarian Miso Ramen Plate.
Their service is fast, friendly, and accommodating, complimenting their mouthwatering ramen, which explodes with Asian flavors.
Zutto Suki Ramen is at the Centurion Star Building in Deira. They deliver across Port Saeed and Ibn Batutta Mall. They are open daily from 11 AM to 12 AM.
Go to their Facebook page to learn more about the restaurant and look at the menu. Call Zutto Suki Ramen at +971 800 RAMEN (72636) to order delivery or ask questions.
11. Wok Boyz
With a completely customizable menu, Wok Boyz aims to bring authentic flavors of the Far East to the streets of Dubai. The founders were inspired by the intense flavors of Asian street food and the show that comes with traditional wok cooking.
At Wok Boyz, you decide the base (noodles, rice, etc.), protein, two vegetables, sauce, and any other toppings wanted. The restaurant also serves street foods, like Pad Thai, curries, and gyoza.
These choices allow you to have complete freedom over what you eat.
The restaurant is in the Dubai International Financial Centre, across the street from the Museum of the Future. They are open Sundays through Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 11:15 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 AM.
To learn more about Wok Boyz or place an order online, visit their website. You can also call them at +971 600 500 WOK (965).
12. Sumo Sushi & Bento
Sumo Sushi & Bento first opened in Dubai in 2000, earning a reputation for providing quality menu items, a relaxing atmosphere, and excellent service. They have four core values that drive their work:
- Integrity
- Simplicity
- Quality
- Creativity
Despite having “sushi” in its name, Sumo Sushi & Bento has amazing ramen and even has its own Ramen Festival. The Ramen Festival in 2022 introduced two new ramen flavors to their menu: Birria Ramen, a slightly spicy Mexican beef with chilies, chipotle, and herbs, and Cheese Ramen.
Sumo Sushi & Bento has 8 locations in Dubai alone, including:
- Dubai Media City
- Jumeirah Town Centre Mall
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Al Garhoud
- Dubai Health Care City
- Dubai Motor City
- Al Murooj
- Dubai Festival Plaza
Each Sumo Sushi & Bento restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM. To learn more about the website or order online, visit their website, and you can call them at +971 800 SUMO (7866).
13. Kinoya
The last restaurant on my list is Kinoya. Based on the concept of izakaya, expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere each time you visit. The restaurant is small and intimate, allowing you to relax and have a good meal with friends and family.
To get the perfect, authentic bowl of ramen, Kinoya carefully selects every ingredient used. They also serve other everyday Japanese dishes, including Donabe, Onsen Tamago, Gyoza, and Dashi. They offer superior authenticity, and you’ll feel like you’ve taken a plane straight to the warm ramen spots in Japan when you take that first bite.
Kinoya is in the Green Souk shopping mall at the Onyx Tower 2, a mere 10-minute walk from Station 9 of the Dubai Internet City Metro. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 12 PM to 1 AM and closed on Mondays.
To make a reservation or learn more about the restaurant, visit the website or call them at +971 4 548 6776.