Washoku Guide
Cities/Dubai/Izakaya/Mitsu-Ya
Dubai · Izakaya · a la carte

Mitsu-Ya

JapaneseIzakayaOmakase barSushiRamenJapanese-ownedDIFCSunken GardenCounter dining

Mitsu-Ya is a Japanese-owned izakaya and omakase sushi bar hidden within the Sunken Garden at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC, founded by Chef Mitsu Arai from Chiba, Japan. The name translates as 'Mitsu's house,' reflecting the personal, chef-driven philosophy behind a menu that spans ramen, sushi, and small-plate izakaya fare.

Price
¥¥
Area
DIFC (Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Sunken Garden)
Since
2022
Chef
Mitsu Arai
Mitsu-Ya — authentic japanese restaurant in Dubai, DIFC (Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Sunken Garden)
Plate № 30
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About
Opened in March 2022, Mitsu-Ya is the creation of Chef Mitsu Arai, who grew up in Chiba and began cooking at age 16 in Japan, training in Tokyo's finest kitchens from age 19 before a globe-spanning career across Vietnam, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, and Beirut. At Mitsu-Ya — located within the serene Sunken Garden of the Ritz-Carlton DIFC, accessible independently from the hotel — Arai has built a dual-format venue: an intimate counter for omakase, and a casual izakaya setting for à la carte. The menu is notable for its breadth at DIFC price points: ramen starts at AED 75, sushi from AED 30 per piece, and mains from AED 100–430. Standout dishes include the broths praised by The National as 'brilliant ramen.' The restaurant operates daily from noon, making it one of the more accessible Japanese chef-owned venues in Dubai's financial district.
Neighborhood & visiting

Mitsu-Ya sits in DIFC (Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Sunken Garden), one of Dubai's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Fully Japanese-owned and led by Chef Mitsu Arai — a Chiba-born, Tokyo-trained chef with career experience across seven countries before settling in Dubai.
  • Rare dual-format concept: intimate omakase bar counter alongside a casual izakaya setting, accessible from AED 75 for ramen through to multi-course omakase.
  • Tucked within the Ritz-Carlton DIFC's Sunken Garden, Mitsu-Ya occupies one of Dubai's most unexpectedly tranquil dining locations, independent of the hotel.

Independently owned and operated within Ritz-Carlton DIFC premises. Enter via Sunken Garden signage. Instagram: @mitsuyadubai.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Mitsu-Ya

Is Mitsu-Ya an authentic japanese restaurant in Dubai?
Yes — Mitsu-Ya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Dubai: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Mitsu-Ya located?
Mitsu-Ya is located at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Sunken Garden, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates in the DIFC (Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Sunken Garden) neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Mitsu-Ya?
Mitsu-Ya accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Mitsu-Ya?
Mitsu-Ya sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Dubai.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Dubai →Izakaya in Dubai →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →