Samurai Japanese Restaurant

Samurai Japanese Restaurant brings a rich heritage of authentic Japanese cuisine to Abu Dhabi, offering diners a carefully curated menu that balances traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Since opening its doors in 2005, Samurai has focused on selecting the finest ingredients to deliver a true taste of Japan in the heart of the UAE’s capital. The restaurant’s founders draw on over four decades of experience and connections within Japan, ensuring that each dish reflects both culinary integrity and a deep respect for Japanese food culture. With multiple locations across the city—including the Meena Street branch next to the Al Diar Capital Hotel, Muroor, Al Raha, and Al Wahda—Samurai makes genuine Japanese dining accessible and convenient for residents and visitors alike.

Google Maps reviews consistently highlight the generous portions and the thoughtful gestures extended by the kitchen, such as complimentary sushi platters. One reviewer described the experience as “a wonderful dining experience” and praised the “rich and well-balanced broth” of the ramen. Another noted that the portions were large and the food was exceptionally tasty, especially given the moderate price point—typically reported by guests as between 50 and 100 AED per person. The restaurant holds a 4.1-star rating based on over 428 reviews, with many commenters pointing to the warm, attentive service as a standout feature.

Menu Highlights at Samurai Japanese Restaurant

The menu at Samurai Japanese Restaurant spans a broad range of Japanese favorites, making it easy to find a dish for any craving. The dine-in menu, accessible online, includes everything from sushi and sashimi to hearty ramen, bento boxes, and teppanyaki. Guests frequently mention the seafood miso ramen and chicken shio butter ramen, both praised for their deeply flavorful broths. The yakiniku bento box and tori furai bento box are also popular choices, offering a satisfying variety of proteins and sides in a single meal.

For sushi lovers, the maki rolls—including California maki, volcano roll, and tempura roll—are repeatedly mentioned in customer feedback. The restaurant also offers agemono (deep-fried dishes), nabe (hot pot), yakimono (grilled items), yakiniku (grilled meat), and a selection of teishoku set meals. An à la carte menu featuring appetizers, soups, salads, rice dishes, noodles, and desserts provides additional variety, while the sushi counter allows diners to watch skilled chefs prepare fresh fish in real time.

The Dining Experience

Samurai Japanese Restaurant offers a multifaceted dining atmosphere designed to suit different preferences and occasions. At the Meena Road flagship, guests can choose between western-style tables, a dedicated sushi counter, or traditional tatami rooms that capture the serene spirit of a Japanese home. This variety makes the venue equally suitable for casual lunches, business meetings, or special family dinners.

Diners can enjoy their meal on-site, opt for takeaway, or use contactless delivery when they prefer to eat at home. Online ordering is available through the restaurant’s website, and customers mention in reviews that the service is prompt and that the food travels well. The restaurant’s interior, as captured in customer photos on Google Maps, features warm lighting, wood accents, and a clean, minimalist aesthetic that echoes contemporary Japanese design.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

With a 4.1-star rating from over 428 Google Maps reviews, Samurai Japanese Restaurant has built a solid reputation among Abu Dhabi diners. Many reviewers classify it as a budget-friendly option for Japanese food, describing the price-to-portion ratio as excellent. A recurring theme is the free extras provided by the kitchen—small complimentary dishes that elevate the overall value and create a welcoming, hospitable feel.

One local guide remarked that the okonomiyaki with squid was a highlight that reminded them of the markets in Kyoto, while the potato salad earned a separate mention for its flavor. Sushi receives consistently positive feedback, though a few reviewers note that while the sushi is good, it may not reach the absolute top tier when compared to higher-priced specialty restaurants. The service is almost universally described as warm, attentive, and thoughtful, with staff frequently anticipating needs before they are expressed. The Google Maps review data indicates that the restaurant sees peak activity on Wednesdays, so planning a visit on a different day may result in a quieter experience.

Samurai Japanese Restaurant in the Meena District, Abu Dhabi

The Meena branch of Samurai Japanese Restaurant is situated on Meena Street, next to the Al Diar Capital Hotel, placing it in one of Abu Dhabi’s well-known central districts. The area is served by public transportation, making it accessible for both residents and hotel guests staying nearby. The Google Maps listing notes that the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, and the “Speisen vor Ort” (dine-in) attribute confirms that the space is equipped to welcome guests who need level access.

For drivers, the surroundings offer multiple parking options typical of the downtown Meena area, and the proximity to the Jannah Hotel and Al Diar Capital Hotel gives visitors reliable landmarks for navigation. The restaurant’s location near the Corniche and other central attractions makes it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing or business in the capital.

Hours, Reservations, and Contact

The Meena branch operates from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, making it a flexible choice for lunch, dinner, or late-night Japanese food. The Muroor branch stays open from 12:00 PM to 11:45 PM, Al Raha from 11:00 AM to 10:45 PM, and Al Wahda from 10:00 AM to 9:45 PM, giving customers multiple location and time options across the city. Table reservations can be booked directly through the samurai.ae website using the “BOOK TABLE” feature.

The restaurant provides multiple ways to get in touch: by phone at +971 2 676 6612 (Meena branch), via WhatsApp at +971 50 110 8775, or by email at order@samurai.ae. New customers can receive a 15% discount on their first order by using the promo code “samurai20” when ordering online. Follow Samurai Japanese Restaurant on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X for updates, photos, and special offers.

Common Questions

What type of Japanese food does Samurai Japanese Restaurant serve?

The menu covers a broad spectrum of Japanese cuisine including ramen, bento boxes, sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, teppanyaki, agemono, nabe, yakimono, yakiniku, and teishoku set meals.

Does Samurai Japanese Restaurant offer delivery and takeaway?

Yes. The Google Maps listing and restaurant website confirm that Samurai provides takeaway, contactless delivery, and online ordering.

What are the opening hours of Samurai's Meena branch?

The Meena branch on Meena Road, next to Jannah Hotel, is open daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Can I make a table reservation at Samurai Japanese Restaurant?

Yes. Table reservations can be made online through the restaurant’s website using the book-a-table function.

What is the price range at Samurai Japanese Restaurant?

Google Maps reviews consistently report a price range of 50–100 AED per person, positioning the restaurant as an affordable Japanese dining option in Abu Dhabi.

Is Samurai Japanese Restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes, according to Google Maps attributes, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

How many Samurai branches are there in Abu Dhabi?

The restaurant operates four branches: Meena Road, Muroor (Airport Road), Al Raha Mall, and Al Wahda Mall Extension.

Comparing dining options on Ilistify gives you a clear picture of what each restaurant offers. Whether you are drawn to Samurai’s generous portions, its tatami rooms, or its complimentary chef’s extras, seeing all the details in one place makes choosing your next Japanese meal in Abu Dhabi simpler and more enjoyable.