Where to Find the Best Sushi in Abu Dhabi

Sushi lovers in Abu Dhabi are never short of good restaurant options. The city has steadily built one of the UAE’s most impressive Japanese dining scenes, with Michelin-starred counters, waterfront restaurants, and neighbourhood sushi spots that keep locals coming back. If you’re looking for the best sushi in Abu Dhabi, this guide covers restaurants worth knowing about.

The options cover a range of budgets and areas, a polished fine-dining experience, a casual lunch, or something in between, making it straightforward to find the right fit for any occasion.

• The best sushi restaurants in Abu Dhabi
• Sushi restaurants in Abu Dhabi: A quick comparison
• Tips for choosing a sushi restaurant in Abu Dhabi
• Key takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

The best sushi restaurants in Abu Dhabi

1. Zuma Abu Dhabi

One of the most celebrated Japanese restaurants in the UAE, Zuma Abu Dhabi brings its internationally acclaimed izakaya-style dining to Al Maryah Island. The menu is built around expert robata grilling and shareable plates, with signature dishes like soft-shell crab katsu and lobster carpaccio that keep diners returning, alongside a buzzing Saturday Baikingu brunch that fills up fast.

• Phone: +971 2 401 5900
• Location: Abu Dhabi Global Market, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi

2. Sushi Story

A dependable sushi restaurant with several branches across Abu Dhabi, Sushi Story is a local favourite for residents who want well-crafted Japanese food without a fine-dining price tag. The menu covers classic maki rolls, sashimi, bento boxes, and hot Japanese dishes.

• Phone: +971 2 639 1888
• Location: Near Baynunah Tower, Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi

3. SushiArt

SushiArt has earned a loyal following in Abu Dhabi through its creative Japanese-inspired menu and carefully sourced ingredients, served in a clean, modern setting. With three branches in the city, it is one of the most accessible options across different neighbourhoods.

• Location: The Galleria (Al Maryah Island), My City Centre Masdar, and Al Qana

4. OTORO

Helmed by Michelin-recognised Chef Akmal Anuar, OTORO at Al Qana has earned acclaim from both the Michelin Guide and Gault Millau for its commitment to premium Japanese produce. The menu spotlights ingredients like Wagyu from Kagoshima and Uni from Hokkaido, making it a destination for those who take their sushi restaurant experience seriously.

• Phone: +971 2 886 9995
• Location: Al Maqta’ Street, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi

5. Kishi Thai and Japanese

Kishi is a relaxed all-day dining destination set within the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City, blending Thai and Japanese cooking on one accessible menu. Alongside sushi rolls and sashimi, the kitchen serves Thai curries, pad thai, and weekend brunch sets, a practical choice for families and residents looking for a Japanese restaurant in Abu Dhabi that covers multiple cuisines.

• Phone: +971 2 656 5630
• Location: Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi

6. Sushi Counter

Tucked within the NYU Abu Dhabi campus in the Saadiyat Marina District, Sushi Counter is a casual Japanese restaurant that delivers fresh sushi rolls and sashimi with marina views. The relaxed setting and accessible menu make it one of the more understated sushi places in Abu Dhabi, particularly popular with students and professionals living on or near Saadiyat Island.

• Location: NYU Abu Dhabi, Laffan Street, Saadiyat Marina District, Abu Dhabi

7. Buddha Bar Beach

Part of the internationally recognised Buddha Bar brand, this beachfront venue at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort serves pan-Asian cuisine, including an extensive sushi selection, against a backdrop of beach views and weekend DJ sets. It stands out among sushi places in Abu Dhabi for its atmosphere as much as its food, drawing a lively crowd for both lunch and evening dining.

• Phone: +971 2 498 8888
• Location: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

8. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant

A Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant at The Galleria within the Four Seasons complex on Al Maryah Island, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant brings haute Japanese cuisine to Abu Dhabi with precision and polish. Contemporary plating, premium ingredients, and an elegant dining room make it one of the best sushi restaurant choices in the city for a truly memorable meal.

• Phone: +971 2 672 3333
• Location: The Galleria (Four Seasons), Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi

Sushi restaurants in Abu Dhabi: A quick comparison

Not sure which of the best sushi places in Abu Dhabi to choose? Here is a side-by-side look at all options to help narrow it down.

Prices are approximate. Confirm with the restaurant before visiting.

Tips for choosing a sushi restaurant in Abu Dhabi

With so many sushi places in Abu Dhabi to choose from, a few pointers can help narrow things down.

Set your budget. Prices range from around AED 60 per person at casual spots to over AED 500 at fine-dining venues. If you’re looking for the best sushi restaurant in Abu Dhabi for a special occasion, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant and Zuma are the premium picks. For everyday dining, SushiArt, Sushi Story, and Sushi Counter offer quality at a more accessible price point.

Think about location. Abu Dhabi’s sushi restaurants are spread across the city. Al Maryah Island has the highest concentration, with Zuma, SushiArt, and 99 Sushi Bar all based there. Saadiyat Island offers both Buddha Bar Beach and Sushi Counter, while Khalifa City residents can head to Kishi at Al Forsan Resort. If you’re searching for an apartment near these dining hubs, properties on Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island are among the most sought-after in Abu Dhabi.

Match the venue to the occasion. A business dinner suits OTORO or 99 Sushi Bar best, while a family lunch works well at Kishi or Sushi Story. Buddha Bar Beach is ideal for a lively group evening in a beachside setting. For those exploring sushi options for the first time, SushiArt’s multiple branches and accessible menu make it a practical starting point.

Book in advance for busy venues. Zuma, 99 Sushi Bar, and Buddha Bar Beach fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended for these Japanese restaurant Abu Dhabi venues. Casual spots like Sushi Story and SushiArt typically accept walk-ins.

Key takeaways

• The best sushi in Abu Dhabi spans a wide range, with Michelin-starred venues like 99 Sushi Bar and OTORO at the top end, and accessible everyday options like SushiArt and Sushi Story for regular dining.
• Al Maryah Island is the city’s main hub for sushi restaurant dining, home to Zuma, 99 Sushi Bar, and SushiArt’s Galleria branch.
• For the best sushi places in Abu Dhabi on a budget, Sushi Counter (Saadiyat Marina), SushiArt, and Sushi Story offer quality at a lower price point.
• Advance bookings are essential at Zuma, 99 Sushi Bar, and Buddha Bar Beach, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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