Kima Izakaya is Our New Go-To Japanese Spot in Dubai
An editor from Cake The Mag was invited to review Kima Izakaya. Here’s their take.
Some restaurants win you over slowly. Kima Izakaya had me the moment I walked in to the entire team chanting いらっしゃいませ (welcome) in perfect unison.
The restaurant is tucked into a cosy, intimate space in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai. The warm lighting, fun music, and outgoing staff who make you feel like they’ve known you for years really made the space feel inviting. There’s no forced performance or overly polished theatrics, it’s casual, comforting, and confident.
We went as a table of two and tried to cover as much ground as possible. We ordered the Prawn Gyoza, Duck Gyoza, Salmon Sashimi, Salmon Aburi, Kima Salad, Hokkaido Scallops, Beef Tataki, and Beef Yakisoba. Each dish carried the same level of freshness and clarity of flavour. The Duck Gyoza, Hokkaido Scallops, and Salmon Aburi were the standouts, while the Beef Tataki is definitely one for raw onion lovers. I wasn’t the right person for it, but the tables next to us were devouring it (as was my plus one).
And here’s the part that really sets Kima apart: the price point!
In a world where “casual Japanese” often means a bill that feels anything but casual, Kima is refreshingly grounded. It’s majorly affordable without compromising on quality. The value here feels almost shocking in the best way.
The team told us they designed the interior themselves, and it shows. There’s a personal, handmade quality to the space and not in the sense of DIY, but in the way everything feels considered and intentional. The small space works in its favour too, turning the restaurant into a tight-knit, lively little room where energy bounces around effortlessly.
Overall, I left full, happy, and already went back two weeks later. Kima Izakaya has officially become my new go-to casual Japanese spot in the city. It’s rare to find a place that hits great food, great atmosphere, and great value. Just make sure you call first as they get booked out!
