Kisaku

Basic yet authentic Japanese spot with quirky decor 56 Reviews

© ITP Images

Few restaurants in Dubai can boast a full house at lunchtime, but Kisaku, a traditional Japanese gem in the semi-boutique Al Khaleej Palace Hotel, seems to be a hit with the city’s discerning Japanese-loving diners. And this is no surprise, as the menu is thick, the dishes affordable, the food dangerously good and the service far from amateur. Diners pass through curtains to reach the main dining room, and can then choose between a table and the sushi bar. Those at the latter seem to be mostly Japanese expats who come to giggle away at the obscure Japanese TV programmes played at both ends of the room. The fatty tuna sashimi is sure to leave a lasting impression, as will the tasty, teriyaki-style mushrooms on skewers and the succulent white fish and onion tempura, not forgetting the fresh soft-shell crab tucked away within the delicious roast crab sushi rolls.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 22 March 2012

• Previous reviews
  • 24 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 04 January,2010- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 19 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 03 October,2007- reviewed by TimeOut Dubai Staff

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: ilde di benedetto on 15 Nov ' 12 at 11:14

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Makoto on 24 Oct ' 12 at 19:35

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

we went to Kisaku for Dinner yesterday and had the most amazing time with my family.
The food was heavenly, best authentic japanese restaurant in Dubai for me. because chef and manager are real japanese.
the service very attentive.Anyhow, I definitely will return!

Posted by: noni on 11 Aug ' 12 at 08:39

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Being half Japanese, authentic good quality no-nonsense Japanese food is very important to me. And Kisaku did not disappoint. Although the service was a bit lacking during our visit, the food made up for it, so all was good in the end.

Posted by: Kuze on 13 Mar ' 12 at 13:51

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Kuze on 13 Mar ' 12 at 13:51

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Okkotsu on 05 Mar ' 12 at 08:22

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

First time | saw such a good reviews. And I went to Kisaku after read below comments.
Now I know why people like Kisaku. Great food, great service and good price.
I have never met Japanese people in Nobu and Zuma. But now I know they are here.
I can say "This is the best Japanese restaurant" as one of a big Japanese food fan!

Posted by: Kasanova on 27 Feb ' 12 at 13:24

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Junaidi on 24 Feb ' 12 at 18:12

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Not to be compared with any other Japanese restaurant. Best food, smart staff, and relux.
Thay are truly serving real Japanese food by Japanese Chef.
I will go there again very soon!

Posted by: Castus on 13 Feb ' 12 at 15:30

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is the Japanese restaurant, not others. Finaly I found my favorite restaurant in Dubai.
They have huge menu. So I never felt loseng intrest. And never disapointed!!

Posted by: Ana on 08 Feb ' 12 at 04:00

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I'm hesitating to write a glowing review because I want to keep this hidden gem all to myself. Kisaku is the kind of place you go to truly enjoy food and sake. While the service is also top notch, it's the traditional dishes and their preparation that lure me in to Kisaku. Sometimes my favorite items, sea urchin and natto, are not available, but there is a plethora of other delicious dishes that never disappoint.

Posted by: wakami on 27 Jan ' 12 at 15:20

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

All of us-Japanese-only eat here!

Posted by: Glen Hagarty on 21 Jan ' 12 at 13:36

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is my most favorite restaurant in Dubai. Lovery food, and confortable atmosphere.
I've been to almost all Japanese restaurant in Dubai. But I came back here. Sushi is very tasty, and I also recommend Ramen noodle.

Posted by: Basoodeo on 11 Jan ' 12 at 10:17

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Amazing Wagyu beef menu. I have never tried before.
Great value!!

Posted by: Sunshine on 08 Jan ' 12 at 17:23

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

this restaurant is a must visit.
i strongly suggest you try their GREEN TEA ICE CREAM!!!!!!!! so0o yummy!!!!

Posted by: Billy on 08 Jan ' 12 at 13:40

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Fantastic food! Also great price and service.
Much better food & much cheaper price than Nobu, Zuma, Okku.
If you are looking for romantic dinner, pay more at other restaurant. But if you are looking for GOOD FOOD, there is no any other place to go. Kisaku is the only one which serves real Japanese food.

Posted by: Thomas on 02 Jan ' 12 at 10:21

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

We love Japanese food. And first time we tried Japanese traditional New Year food yesturday. It was beautiful presentation and of couse so tasty!
But we had to wait for 30min to get table...

Posted by: Dan on 24 Dec ' 11 at 14:34

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I had great birthday dinner with great Sake. I love food at Kisaku!
Thanks for the team!

Posted by: Makoto on 22 Dec ' 11 at 23:00

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Kisaku Japanese restaurant is best dining for us, because professional Japanese sushi chefs are live cooking , also very fresh seafood items and simple cooking and not too much sauce., and many Japanese bossiness man are dining. That’s why definitely as Japanese taste.

Posted by: Jenifer on 22 Dec ' 11 at 13:32

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My hasband and myself always go to Kisaku when we wanna eat sushi.
We like sushi counter. It is the best seat to eat sushi.
Highly recommend.

Posted by: Saana on 19 Dec ' 11 at 09:25

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I think you can trust all reviews here. And I agreed all comments.
This is very authentic, and quality is the best.
There are many fashonable Japanese Restaurant in Dubai. But there are not many with high quality of food and service.
This is good choice if you are groumet person.

Posted by: George on 17 Dec ' 11 at 10:01

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

authentic Japanese food, great food, great service

Posted by: Rifky on 14 Dec ' 11 at 09:09

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Amazing food. I won't go other Japanese restaurant anymore, because I know Kisaku now.
The menu is little bit difficult for Japanes food biginner, because they have a lot of kinds. But waitress helps me always.
I highly recommend this restaurant for all.

Posted by: Gozali on 10 Dec ' 11 at 13:24

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

All my Japanese friend said, Kisaku is the best Japanese restaurant. And it was true. I was very surprised... Most of the guests are Japanese there. (I have never seen Japanese guest in other famous Japanese restaurant)
Japanese people choose this is the best. So this is it.
I love grilled eel and black cod.

Posted by: Agnes on 03 Dec ' 11 at 13:41

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My hasband and I are big fun of Japanese food, and we have tried many many Japanese restaurant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
It is depends what people are focus on, but for us this is the best restaurant. (It's just our opinion)
Not gaudy, and not gorgeous. But thay are keeping high standard food quality and service. Also very reasonable. I don't need to worry about the bill when ordering.
Just one things I was disapointed last time, because I forgot booking befor visiting. We had to wait for 20 min. You shoud not forget phone call before going this restaurant.

Posted by: Justine on 26 Nov ' 11 at 16:04

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

It was first time to try Kisaku. I think it is the best value of the restaurant.
We tried Sushi, Tempura, and appetizer from recommendation menu. Also Ramen noodle was great!
We were 4 of us, and bill was about 1000Dhs with a lot of alcohol. I want to go back this restaurant with friends next time.

Posted by: June on 15 Nov ' 11 at 12:49

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The reviews are ture. Quality of the food is the best in Middle East.
And they set very reasonable price. kisaku is my most recommended restaurant.

Posted by: Nathen on 10 Nov ' 11 at 13:33

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Mohanan on 07 Nov ' 11 at 13:58

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went to Kisaku last week after I read the review.
As you can see all the comments from other people, Kisaku was truely great!
I've been living in Dubai since 2 month ago. But I already tried many Japanese restaurant and there was nothing good Japanese food here till I knew Kisaku.
I am sure that I will be back there very soon.

Posted by: Jenifer on 05 Nov ' 11 at 12:08

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Best Japanese Restaurant!!!!!

Posted by: Benjamin on 01 Nov ' 11 at 15:11

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

It was the best experence to know about Japanese food.
I used to go other Japanese restaurant. But I knew it, that they are just fusion Japanese food.
I got shock why I spend so much money for not real Japanese food...
Kisaku is very reasonable, but best quolity of the fish. You must try!!

Posted by: Makoto on 01 Nov ' 11 at 14:53

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Awsome Japanese food! I had amaging time at Kisaku.
I am sure I will be back there soon!!

Posted by: benji on 27 Sep ' 11 at 08:01

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The best, real, sushi is amazing, the salmon is as good as toro, simply the place where the japanese go for japanese food.. awesome everything not only sushi. waitresses that only speak Japanse! lol awesome.

Posted by: Ken on 23 Jul ' 11 at 18:14

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went to Kisaku for biz lunch yesturday.
There are many choice of Lunch Special Items. We orderd different set, but all dishes were good value and great quality.
I recomend this restaurant for everyone!

Posted by: Tariq on 17 Jun ' 11 at 16:43

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great food, quick service and very friendly and SMART staff. Best black cod in town better than any of the high end restaurants and for the quarter of the price it's a must, I tried it in the best sushi places in Dubai and Abu dhabi, not to be compared with any!!

Posted by: KC on 06 Apr ' 11 at 11:21

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Feel very conforteble to staying there.
Not too noisy and not too quite.
Very `Japanese`, not just `Japanese Style`.
Tuna and Ika were very flesh as sushi and sashimi.
I recommend you to sit at sushi counter, if you eat sushi and sashimi mainly.
Good Job KISAKU!

Posted by: Danny on 04 Apr ' 11 at 15:26

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I am very dissapointed that Kisaku didn`t get a award this year...
I went there last night, but Kisaku is still full of Japanese guests and keeping best quality of food and service.
This is the JAPANESE RESTAURANT, I think. Very homely restaurant.
Various items of food and sake on the menu, but you don`t have to confuse. Service staff explain you all very kindly.
You must try real Japanese food in Kisaku by two Chefs from Michelin star restaurant in Japan.

Posted by: Jessie on 06 Mar ' 11 at 10:48

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Made my reservation 2 days prior to my trip to Dubai and was pretty pleased with myself when I did so. The hotel where it’s situated in looks a bit dodgy, however when you enter the restaurant, you’re welcomed by this buzzing atmosphere. No need to doubt about the food as at least 95% of the customers are Japanese.

It was already 10pm when we left the restaurant and there were still people by the door waiting to get a table. I would definitely go back to this restaurant on my next trip to Dubai. I even recommended it to my friends who live in Dubai but haven’t heard of it.

Posted by: dp on 16 Jan ' 11 at 07:55

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Kisaku serves probably the best true sushi in town. Food is super fresh, service is excellent and decor is very cosy. You need to book in advanced since it gets very crowded as it's very popular with the Japanese community living in Dubai.

Posted by: Max on 28 Dec ' 10 at 16:20

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

First off, I'm a fan of genuine Japanese cuisine so I was heartened to see no sign of deep-fried maki, cream-cheese or other Americanisations.

I've travelled extensively and have plenty of experience of amazing sushi to compare against but I'm not above stopping by lesser establishments like Bento-Ya for a cheap fix on my way home from work.

The difference is that the chefs at Kisaku understand the flavours rather than cooking by numbers and this shines in the quality of the product.

It's not glamourous like Zuma and Nobu but the flavours are as good but at an afforable price. Last visit I paid 270AED for a draft beer, wakame salad and enough sushi/maki to fill a big man.

Kisaku should be highly recommended for all of Dubai's genuine sushi lovers and any newcomers curious of what real Japanese food tastes like.

Posted by: clair on 21 Mar ' 10 at 15:00

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

It’s the best Japanese restaurant I have found outside of Japan.

Posted by: Jo on 08 Mar ' 10 at 22:15

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Japanese Food ! This is simply the right place ! Real Japanese food , friendly staff and for the quality offered; the prices are really good! .
Never been to Deira so many times before i went to Kisaku, getting there is a little bit stressing because of traffic , but believe me ... Its worth it, I Never regret !

Posted by: Disgruntled on 03 Mar ' 10 at 11:05

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

went there last night. very friendly staffand excellent food.

Posted by: Xiaopa on 03 Mar ' 10 at 07:02

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Went there with my wife on my birthday. We booked only 2 days in advance and could only manage to get 2 seats at the sushi counter. In fact, this the best spot as you can see the sushi master working. The only minor issue is that you are then in the smoking area and the crowd there, 90% Japanese, smoke a lot (still the ventilation is really good and you hardly smell cigarettes smoke).

We had miso soup, mixed tempura, mixed sashimi, two mix of 10 sushi, one eel on rice and desserts. Everything was excellent. Sushi were tender and very fresh. All the food was very nicely presented, the waitress was very friendly and informing us when we were ordering too many dishes, not pushing for consumption at all.

Overall my best experience for Japanese food in Dubai. I'm looking forward to go there again to sample their other dishes!

Posted by: DR on 28 Feb ' 10 at 07:57

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Highly possible the best Japanese food in Dubai.
Not really family friendly; most of the customers are adults, they serve alcohol drinks.
Does not really fit under business lunch as they close at 1 PM.

Posted by: Chewly on 01 Dec ' 09 at 12:08

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have never had a proper japanese food in dubai until a friend brought me to KISAKU.....it transported me to the time i went to japan for a holiday...everything is just perfect!!!! FOOD AMAZING.....SERVICE EXCELLENT...PRICE CHEAP..... I highly recommend this for a nice japanese food trip.....i even dream about it!!!!!!!

Posted by: SHANE on 13 Oct ' 09 at 11:53

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Been there for a few times. The food is great. But the service is non-consistent. The Japanese staffs are incredibly friendly, but the Filipino staffs are moody -no eyes contact, no smile, pushy and bad body language. I almost made an issue on my first trip due to the attitude of the waitresses.

Overall, I will still go back to the restaurant for the food, only hopeful to be served by Japanese staffs.

Posted by: Sunny on 24 Aug ' 09 at 19:23

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Unworthy to conpare to other Japanese restaurant. Great food, worm service... there is no grumble.
90% of guests are Japanese in this restaurant. That means, this is real Japanese restaurant!!
I`ve tried many Japanese restaurant in Dubai. I can`t go others anymore, because I know Kisaku already.

Posted by: amira on 23 Aug ' 09 at 15:41

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

firstly, congratulations to kisaku for being awarded as most highly commended japanese restaurant among others. well, it got what takes. with its good location; great food and good service and affordable price. kisaku truly offers real taste of japanese food. not to compare with others but the quality of the food is completely different that u will never stop keep of coming back.

Posted by: kylenathan on 23 Aug ' 09 at 15:27

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• Best for: Family friendly

Great food, aunthentic japanese food made by japanese chef.good service.

Posted by: mitch on 21 Aug ' 09 at 21:08

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

the best japanese food so far i've tried here in dubai. nice ambience and the staff are so friendly.

Posted by: bianca on 21 Aug ' 09 at 17:59

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

it was fun and great to know this japanese restaurant "kisaku". We experience the authentic japanese style and very affordable to us. With great food and warm welcomed from the staff, what else you will look for?! have fun and from time to time you will love to come back.

Posted by: Meng on 08 Jul ' 09 at 10:15

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

the best Japanese Restaurant i've ever been in Dubai

Posted by: Ken on 11 Jun ' 09 at 11:10

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great Japanese food. The placehas such an authentic Japanese feel.

Posted by: Terence on 23 Mar ' 09 at 20:41

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is so far the best true Japanese Restaurnat here in Dubai!! Having been the others, this is truly serving real Japanese food at affordable prices and they have so many Japanese staff...from the Head Chef to the line staff. What more can you ask for??? When I am in there, it reminds me of little Tokyo as most guests are Japanese. Oishi!

Posted by: Caz on 16 Mar ' 09 at 08:21

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This restaurant flies under the radar due to its location but die-hard Japanese enthusiasts and expats frequent it so much you usually need to book ahead. Great food from a great chef with great service. The restaurant and the hotel may lack in the style stakes when compared to Nobu, Zuma but we're here to eat and not "be seen".

Posted by: Nawaf on 20 Jan ' 09 at 07:27

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Great food. perhaps the most Japanese of Japanese restaurants I had tried in Dubai