The Best Japanese Restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah offers a delectable array of cuisines for locals and travelers. Among them is Japanese, which is one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Some of the best restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah are Japanese, and with good reason.

Japanese cuisine is praised for its emphasis on tradition, delicate and balanced flavors, precision, and polished presentation. 

When you’re craving a particular dish, you can find a Japanese restaurant that will specialize in it, like a sushi-ya (serving only sushi) or a yakitori-ya (serving skewered grilled chicken). Other restaurants focus on serving in a particular style, like a teppanyaki (preparing dishes on a large iron griddle or teppan in front of diners) or an izakaya (a casual drinking spot that serves grilled food and a variety of small dishes).

When you want more menu variety from a Japanese restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah, we’ve listed five of the best establishments for you to try.

UMI

Waldorf Astoria’s signature Japanese restaurant, UMI, offers a taste of Japan in posh surroundings. It is the ideal spot for working lunches, business meetings, first dates, and after-work cocktails (UMI’s karaoke room is the perfect way to unwind).

UMI offers a sushi bar, teppanyaki grill, chef’s tasting menu, and sake pairings, creating quite the memorable experience for every type of diner. On the menu, try the decadent and comforting signature dish, Wagyu Foie Gras Ramen or, for vegetarians, the Tofu Karaage Ramen. UMI also offers vegan options and a kids’ menu for discerning young diners.

Location: Waldorf Astoria, Vienna St. 

Opening times: Tues-Sun 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday Happy Hour 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Closed on Mondays. 

Ph: +971 54 998 9514

Zuma

Probably one of the most amazing mirages to come to life: a Zuma pop-up in the desert. Zuma is a world-famous izakaya-style restaurant that does authentic but nontraditional Japanese dishes.

For this limited-time only dining destination, Zuma in Ras Al Khaimah will be serving what has made it a favorite Japanese restaurant, such as fresh sushi and sashimi, a selection of its signature robata grill dishes (including the popular miso-marinated black cod), a cocktails menu filled with intriguing mixes, and a bar menu that’s anything but usual. 

Diners will also enjoy Zuma’s baikingu (buffet) brunch and desserts, including chawanmushi and mochi ice cream.

Smart elegant dress code applies.

Location: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

October 24, 2024 until April 30, 2025

Karma Kafe

For a seriously good Pan-Asian take on Japanese cuisine, head to Karma Kafe in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Karma Kafe combines its distinctively international menu with opulent surroundings and oriental and eclectic beats courtesy of Buddha Bar, creating quite the hip dining destination.

The restaurant’s terrace provides a stunning backdrop for lunches, dinners, or after-party drinks. Watch the sunset or star gaze, schmooze, and savor flavorful dishes, like Chicken Truffle Gyoza, USDA Ribeye Robatayaki, or any of their maki rolls, sushi, and sashimi selections.

Location: Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, Al Marjan Island

Opening times:  Daily 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Business Lunch Daily 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Ph: +971 7 209 0099

Sanchaya

Spicy, eclectic, magical — expect these and more when you come in for a meal at Sanchaya. 

The Sanchaya menu is an excellent representation of what Asian cuisine has to offer. Diners have a wide range of options for Thai, Cambodian, Chinese, Mongolian, Indonesia, and of course, Japanese. Try their fresh sashimi and nigiri, miso glazed black cod, and rice stick noodles with roasted duck, and wash it down with a refreshing ginger cooler with wasabi.

The restaurant’s extensive menu also includes small plates suitable for snacking, from edamame and prawn tempura to siu mai and chicken satay, while you hang out with friends or family at one of their water-edge terrace tables.

Sanchaya offers the perfect package of ambiance and good food. Small wonder then that this Ras Al Khaimah restaurant has been hailed Fact Magazine’s Favorite Restaurant in the Northern Emirates in 2024.

Location: Double Tree by Hilton, Marjan Island

Opening times: Daily 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Night Brunch Fridays 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Ph: +971 7203 0000

Sushi Library

When you want to just kick back at the end of the day or on a lazy weekend, take out your favorite sushi variety from Sushi Library. This “library” has an extensive selection of traditional, modern, and creative dishes for sushi lovers.

The Japanese restaurant’s menu caters to everyone from discerning diners to the sushi curious. Choose from their Signature Rolls, which include the Lobster Volcano and the Crispy Torched Salmon; indulge in their Special Rolls, like the Tempura Craze, Kabayaki Roll (barbecued eel with spicy crab), and Harmony Roll (prawn tempura with avocado and cream cheese); or try any of their Sashimi and Nigiri selections.

Sushi Library in Ras Al Khaimah also offers other outstanding Japanese dishes, like El Taco Sushi, Nagoya Wings, or Beef Yakiniku if you’re craving something else other than sushi. Even better, they have a small menu of vegan options.

Location: Al Hamra Mall

Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fri-Sun 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Ph:+971 54 233 4793

Ras Al Khaimah is home to many outstanding restaurants. And when you’re in the mood for Japanese, this emirate will have plenty of dining destinations for you to try. 

Visit Ras Al Khaimah today for traditional or contemporary Japanese food.