Oh sushi…you most wonderful of foods. We bow down to the perfect little parcels of rice…the Japanese meal that leaves you feeling full whilst feeling guilt-free at the same time.

But where can you find the best of the best when it comes to maki, sashimi and nigiri? Let us tell you…

10. Sushi Express

If you like delicious sushi that’s more than reasonably priced, made in minutes before your very eyes, then you’ll love JLT’s Sushi Express. Sit inside if it’s too hot or brave the heat and take in the beautiful lake view (you can also get delivery). Be sure to try the crispy California rolls and the spicy tuna rolls. Prices start at around AED 32 for eight pieces.

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9. Karma Kafe

In equal parts fun bar meets delicious food, Karma Kafe in Souk Al Bahar is a must visit if you haven’t been already. As well as tasty rolls (try the crunchy prawn rolls and the vegetable rolls) they do a Japanese Tuna Pizza that is beyond amazing, the ceviche is also worth a shout out!

8. Yo Sushi

It might be a worldwide chain rather than a posh Japanese restaurant, but there’s no denying that the food tastes just as good. We’ll never get bored of the conveyor belts of sushi passing by your table, the puzzling way all the plates cost different prices (unless you pop along on a ‘Blue Monday’ and all dishes cost the same – yay!). There’s Yo Sushi outlets dotted around Dubai but our fave ones are in Marina Mall and IBN Battuta. Try the Salmon and Avocado maki and while you’re there check out the popcorn shrimp too…yum!

7. Chez Sushi

Not only does Chez Sushi have the single maki rolls nailed, they’re the king of bento boxes, our fave one being the AED 76 Salmon Teriyaki Bento (salmon teriyaki, tuna sushi, salmon sushi, tempura combo, california maki, mixed greens). Oh and did we mention the prawn tempura rolls and the veggie dumplings…delish! Visit one of the three outlets (Al Wasl, Marina or Arabian Ranches) to enjoy your sushi in a clean and modern setting.

6. Crescendo Friday Fork and Cork Brunch (Anantara)

We love throwing in a curve ball…and here it is. This is a brunch not a sushi eatery in any way…it’s not even a brunch that specialises in Japanese food. The Crescendo brunch (find it on Entertainer) has everything from roast dinners to pastas and an array of desserts that are probably the best at any brunch in Dubai (think banana cake, every sort of chocolate pudding and carrot cake too!). Hidden amongst these delights is a sushi table, the highlight of which is a sushi cake: layers of rice topped with veg and seafood in a delicious mayonnaise. The regular maki, spring rolls and nigiri are just as tasty too.

5. Sushi Counter

Sushi Counter has multiple locations around Dubai but our favourite is the one at Media City, we love popping in and ordering enough dishes to fill the whole table. The summer rolls are delicious (try the tuna or lobster and avo one – yum!), check out the black rice California roll for something different and super tasty but our top dishes here are the tartares, if we had to pick a fave, from the various on offer, we’d go with the shrimp and avocado option. 

4. Nobu

And we come to our first proper posh sushi. There’s so many places around town for a delicious no-frills nigiri that you need to be extra special to get us to put our hands that little deeper into our pockets. Nobu is one of those places that is indeed worth it. From the setting at Atlantis The Palm to the beautifully presented sushi platters and then the excellent service to boot. Every bit of sushi is delicious…end of. Try the sake and the black cod while you’re there!

3. Sushi Art 

With locations in DIFC and JBR, Sushi Art have the whole of the Emirate covered when it comes to delivery (must mention the stylish packaging here too), although we do love visiting the JBR branch and then going for a walk (read: popping into Magnolia Bakery around the corner) afterwards. This sushi tastes so clean and fresh that you won’t feel guilty when you order a round of seconds. We recommend the shrimp tempura or lobster rolls or the tuna, spicy salmon or shrimp spring rolls…for starters! 

2. Moana (Sofitel The Palm)

Perfect pagoda style setting over water, delicious seafood and sushi and the tastiest cocktails…Moana is a must for anyone who hasn’t already visited and been won over. Think the freshest sushi, sashimi and ceviche, beautifully served as starters or mains…one look at the menu and you’ll want to try everything – which you can do at the seafood brunch every Friday…probably the best brunch in town!

1. Sho Cho

To make number one on this list, you need to be something close to perfect. You need the best setting, the best drinks and of course the best sushi…let us welcome Sho Cho to the number one spot. Choose to be seated on the funky white sofas indoors or the rather wonderful terrace and watch and listen to the gentle waves that the terrace sits just above, there’s dj’s that turn the place into a party haven as the hours get later and the bar is as well stocked as we’ve seen one. But the most important thing is of course the food. The sushi is EVERYTHING! Deliciously fresh rolls (try the octopus or salmon sushi options), sashimi and fish make this place but the rock shrimp tempura and vegetable dumplings are also a must. Grab some mates, order some platters of sushi and make a night of it.

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