100 Percent Authentic Japanese Dining, Down to the Chefs, the Ingredients, and Every Last Detail
Itadaku is one of Dubai’s most quietly remarkable restaurants, a true hidden gem nestled within Wasl Vita Mall on Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah 1. Named after the Japanese word itadakimasu, an expression of gratitude for food and for everyone who contributed to its creation, Itadaku is led by Chef Masaru Sakagami and run entirely by Japanese staff, from the kitchen to the dining room, a rarity even among Dubai’s strongest Japanese restaurants. Recognised by World of Mouth among the 30 best restaurants in Dubai for sashimi, tempura, ramen, and sushi, and consistently praised by Time Out Dubai’s FooDiva guide and countless diners as the most authentic Japanese restaurant in the UAE, Itadaku has earned its reputation through consistency rather than spectacle, with no fusion, no shortcuts, and no compromise on tradition.
Restaurant Features and Dining Experience
Stepping into Itadaku feels genuinely transportive, with bonsai trees, traditional folding screens, calligraphy artwork, and bar-style seating recreating the atmosphere of a true Tokyo dining room rather than a Dubai interpretation of one. Almost every detail of the interior, down to the dishware itself, has been sourced directly from Japan. The open kitchen is the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch Chef Masaru and his team work with quiet precision, and the restaurant strongly recommends taking a seat at the counter, where the chefs and bartenders are happy to recommend their favourites from the menu.
Seating capacity is modest at around 28 covers, which keeps the experience intimate and unhurried, with soft lighting creating a calm, peaceful escape from the bustle of the city outside. The restaurant suits a wide range of occasions, from a quiet family dinner to a romantic evening for couples, and the warmth of the welcome is something guests repeatedly highlight as feeling exactly as it would in Japan itself.
The menu is extensive and built entirely around authentic Japanese culinary tradition, with fresh ingredients including mushrooms, oysters, and Wagyu beef imported directly from Japan four times a week to maintain consistency and quality. Guests can choose between set menus, an omakase experience, or the full a la carte menu, which covers sushi, sashimi, kushiyaki skewers, and tempura in considerable depth.
Signature dishes that guests return for repeatedly include the Kushiyaki Kuroge Wagyu, Chicken Tori Teriyaki, and Kushiyaki Samon Tsumire for non-vegetarian diners, while vegetarian and vegan guests are well catered to with options including Kushiyaki Iwate Shiitake, skewered shiitake mushrooms simmered in dashi broth, and Kushiyaki Satsumaimo, a sweet potato skewer that consistently ranks among the most praised dishes on the menu. The Salmon Nigiri, fresh sashimi platters, gyoza, and the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu steak are equally celebrated, and the omakase menu remains a particular favourite for guests who want to surrender the choice entirely to the chef, including a dessert course that has won over even sceptical diners.
The restaurant offers a thoughtful selection of beverages including sake, fresh juices, and a curated drinks list designed to complement the umami-forward menu, served in a setting that emphasises quiet conversation over loud energy. Itadaku is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, only closed on Mondays, so it’s a safe bet for both midday and evening dining.
The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, has free Wi-Fi, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak dinner hours (given the restaurant’s small footprint and growing popularity). Some guests have mentioned that the mall around has limited parking so coming a bit early or using a ride share service is recommended on busy nights. It is the ideal spot for date nights, family meals and intimate celebrations, with an average spend of around AED 80 per person for lighter visits, rising considerably higher for premium cuts and the full omakase experience.
Itadaku is situated in Jumeirah 1, near Mercato Mall and Jumeirah Beach Road, approximately five minutes from Jumeirah Beach. La Mer is a short drive, City Walk is around 10 minutes away, and Downtown Dubai and DIFC are approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Address: Itadaku, 32c Al Wasl Road, Wasl Vita Mall, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE
Website: itadaku.ae
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, lunch and dinner | Closed Monday
Average Cost for Two: AED 400 to AED 600
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