Daikan Izakaya

Right on the waterfront at The Pier on Yas Island, Daikan Izakaya is an energetic Japanese-style pub where strangers become friends over steaming bowls of ramen and plates of crispy karaage. The motto says it all: “Come alone and leave with friends.” Open daily from midday until late, this vibrant spot in Abu Dhabi blends the warmth of traditional izakaya with contemporary urban design, floor-to-ceiling views of Yas Bay, and a soundtrack that keeps the room buzzing. Whether you slide onto an indoor booth or grab a table on the terrace, the experience is built around shareable plates, expertly crafted cocktails, and some of the most talked-about ramen in the emirate.

With a 4.5-star rating across nearly 1,900 reviews, Daikan Izakaya has earned a reputation for consistency, service, and atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the Spicy Miso Ramen and the Chef’s Special Ramen, while takoyaki, sushi rolls, and yakitori skewers round out a menu that travels from Tokyo to Abu Dhabi without losing its soul. Families, couples, and groups of friends all find something here: colouring materials for children, attentive staff who remember preferences, and a view of the sunset that makes every dinner feel like an occasion.

Menu Highlights & What to Order

One of the best ways to approach Daikan is to order a few small plates then anchor the meal with a signature ramen. The menu balances izakaya classics with inventive house creations, so there is always something new to try.

• Ramen – The Spicy Miso Ramen delivers a deep, savoury broth with a controlled kick, while the Chef’s Special Ramen changes with the seasons and often features premium toppings like slow-braised chashu or marinated eggs. Tonkotsu ramen fans will find a rich, pork-bone version that clings to every noodle.
• Small plates – Takoyaki arrives crisp on the outside and molten inside, drizzled with kewpie mayo and bonito flakes. Yakitori skewers come in classic salt-grilled and tare-glazed options using chicken thigh, negima, or tsukune meatballs.
• Sushi & maki – The spider roll is a standout, combining soft-shell crab with avocado and spicy aioli. California rolls and chef-selected nigiri flights offer fresher, lighter bites.
• Karaage & fried dishes – Japanese fried chicken is a crowd favourite, consistently described as juicy and well seasoned, served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of Japanese-style tartar.
• Drinks – A full bar programme includes Japanese whisky highballs, yuzu mojitos, and sake flights. The mojito gets frequent shout-outs in reviews for its balance and freshness.

Location & Ambiance

Daikan Izakaya occupies a prime position at The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The restaurant is part of the Yas Bay Waterfront development, putting it steps from entertainment venues, the promenade walkway, and outdoor event spaces. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a terrace that overlooks the bay, making it a go-to for sundown sessions and late-night gatherings.

Inside, the space is generously proportioned yet feels intimate thanks to warm wood panelling, soft lantern-style lighting, and a mix of high-top communal tables and lower banquettes. While weekends bring a lively, almost club-like energy, weekdays offer a more relaxed pace where guests can hear the sizzle from the open kitchen. It is a deliberately design-forward room—but never at the expense of comfort.

Hours That Work for Every Plan

Abu Dhabi dining hours often serve an early family crowd and a later social set, and Daikan Izakaya effortlessly caters to both. The team keeps the doors open seven days a week, with slightly extended hours on weekends.

• Monday to Thursday & Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
• Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM

These hours mean you can drop in for a relaxed lunch, an early dinner with children, or a late-night round of sake and skewers after a concert or event on the island. Takeout is available during all opening hours, and delivery through platforms such as Deliveroo makes it easy to enjoy Daikan ramen at home or at a nearby hotel.

Services & Facilities

Daikan Izakaya is more than a standalone restaurant; it is a full-service brand with multiple locations across the UAE. At the Yas Bay flagship, the focus remains on dine-in and takeout, but the wider Daikan family means fans can also grab a quick bowl at one of the Daikan Ramen outlets in Dubai Mall food courts, neighbourhood malls, and even at a licensed district in City Walk.

• Dine-in – Indoor and outdoor seating with bay views, high chairs for children, and colouring materials provided on request
• Takeout – Call directly (+971 58 124 1529) or place an order via Deliveroo
• Reservations – Book a table through the restaurant’s SevenRooms page or walk in; large groups recommended to reserve, especially on weekends
• Group dining – Communal tables and flexible seating accommodate office parties, birthday dinners, and post-event gatherings
• Other Daikan venues – Daikan Izakaya City Walk (Dubai), Daikan Ramen Festival City Mall, Daikan Ramen Al Jimi Mall (Al Ain), Daikan Ramen Nad Al Sheba Mall, Daikan Ramen Nakheel Mall (Palm Jumeirah), and Daikan Ramen JLT

What Makes Daikan Izakaya Different

At a time when many Japanese restaurants in the UAE lean heavily on luxury dining, Daikan Izakaya charts a different course. The vibe is electric but never formal; the service is attentive but not intrusive; and the price point sits firmly in the “excellent value” range for the quality you receive. Hundreds of reviewers mention returning specifically for the ramen, then staying for the atmosphere and staff.

The team’s attention to detail shows up in small touches: colouring materials for kids without being asked, kitchen willingness to adjust spice levels, and an open-kitchen format that lets guests watch their yakitori being grilled over binchotan-style charcoal. The restaurant also capitalises on its Yas Island location by syncing menus and deals with major event calendars—F1 weekend, UFC nights, and festival dates—so there is always a reason to visit.

Planning a Visit to Yas Bay Waterfront

Daikan Izakaya sits inside the Yas Bay Waterfront development, a short walk from Etihad Arena and the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Parking is straightforward with the Pier’s underground garage, plus valet services available at the waterfront entrance. Ride-hailing drop-off and taxi stands make it equally easy for those coming from other parts of Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

For the best experience, aim to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to secure a terrace table; the transition from daylight to twilight over the bay is spectacular. If you visit on a Friday or Saturday evening, expect a lively crowd and a slight wait for outdoor seating—reservations are your best bet. Dress code is smart casual, and the air-conditioned indoor dining room provides welcome relief during the hotter months. Whether you are starting a night out or winding down after a day of meetings, Daikan Izakaya delivers a genuine izakaya welcome with an Abu Dhabi twist.