Kokoro Hand Roll Bar (Al Serkal Ave) — Restaurant in Dubai

🍣 Overview

Nestled in Alserkal Avenue, Kokoro is Dubai’s first dedicated Japanese hand-roll bar and has quickly become a favorite among sushi lovers .

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Ambiance & Experience • Casual-chic vibe: A sleek, minimalist space with wood-and-metal decor, complemented by playful rubber ducks—making the restaurant feel fun, creative, and laid-back . • Front-row kitchen: With only bar seating and no reservations, diners enjoy being seated at a curved counter where they witness chefs expertly preparing each hand roll .

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Food Highlights • Top-tier ingredients • Fresh fish like bluefin tuna, hamachi, scallops, and uni flown in multiple times a week  . • Standout rolls: spicy tuna, hamachi, avocado, A5 wagyu, kani, sake, and negitoro . • Creative twists • Crudos (e.g., salmon with white ponzu and grapes, scallops with orange zest) add vibrant fusion flair . • Nori is slightly toasted for extra crunch. • Great value • Hand rolls priced from AED 25–50; crudos AED 55–75; nigiri/sashimi AED 20–85 .

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Service & Account • Warm, friendly staff who guide you through the menu—a great experience whether you’re sushi-savvy or a newcomer . • High demand with long queues (over two hours at peak times), but most guests say the wait is worth it .

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Community Buzz

Reddit users echo the sentiment:

“By far the best handmade rolls I’ve had in Dubai. Their A3 Wagyu roll is epic.”  “A really good but expensive is Kokoro at Al Serkal!” 

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Why It Stands Out Pioneering concept: As Dubai’s first hand-roll-only venue, it delivers a fresh concept and genuine Japanese craftsmanship . Interactive dining: Seeing chefs in action adds excitement and trust in ingredient quality. Playful authenticity: Fun atmosphere without compromising on quality—rubber ducks and all. Excellent value: Premium ingredients and imaginative food at moderate prices.

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📝 Verdict

Kokoro offers a vibrant, personal sushi experience with top-quality produce, innovative dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for sushi fans in Dubai—just be prepared for a wait. Whether for a casual bite or a fun sushi date,...

If you're in the mood for Japanese cuisine, Kokoro Hand Roll Bar is a must-visit. This restaurant offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, coupled with superb service and excellent food. Here's a detailed breakdown of my experience:

Salads: HIJIKI: SEAWEED, CARROTS, SESAME DRESSING (8/10) This salad was very good, featuring a delightful mix of flavors with a refreshing sesame dressing.

SUNOMONO: PICKLED CUCUMBER, TOMATO, CRISPY GARLIC & SHALLOTS (7.5/10) Good, this dish was refreshing and well-balanced, though the pickled cucumber could have been a bit more crunchy.

Handrolls: SAKE: (8/10) Very good, with fresh salmon and well-seasoned rice. HAMACHI: (7.5/10) Good, the yellowtail was fresh but lacked a bit of excitement. SPICY TUNA: (8.5/10) Very very good, this handroll had a perfect blend of spice, crispiness and freshness

Crudo: MAGURO: BLUEFIN TUNA, PICKLED CUCUMBER, PONZU (9/10) Excellent, with a harmonious combination of very fresh bluefin tuna and ponzu sauce.

Nigiris: BLUEFIN CHUTORO: (8.5/10) Very very good, the chutoro was rich and buttery. BLUEFIN OTORO: (8.5/10) Similarly, the otoro was very very good, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. SAKETORO: (9.5/10) Exceptional, the saketoro was a highlight of the meal, with incredible flavor and texture. A5 WAGYU WITH UNI AND CAVIAR: (9/10) Excellent, this dish was luxurious and flavorful with a slight smoky taste. A5 WAGYU: (9/10) Another excellent dish, the wagyu was tender and flavorful.

Ambiance: The ambiance was really vibrant and full of energy, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. The lively atmosphere paired perfectly with the exquisite food.

Service: The service was superb. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In summary,the restaurant offers an excellent dining experience with a variety of standout dishes. The vibrant atmosphere and superb service make it a great place to enjoy top-notch...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Handroll Sushi Bar, and I must say, it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality by Mr. Mohsin and his incredibly attentive team. Their passion for sushi and dedication to customer service truly set the tone for our meal.

The ambiance of the restaurant is both inviting and stylish, blending a modern aesthetic with a cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. The open kitchen concept allowed us to watch the chefs at work, showcasing their incredible skills and attention to detail.

Now, let's talk about the handrolls! Each roll was a masterpiece, beautifully crafted and bursting with flavor. The freshness of the ingredients was evident in every bite—whether you prefer classic options like the Spicy Tuna or something more adventurous, there’s something for everyone. The rice was perfectly seasoned, and the nori had just the right amount of crispness. I particularly enjoyed the signature rolls, which highlighted unique flavor combinations that left me wanting more.

Mr. Mohsin and his team were incredibly attentive, ensuring that we had everything we needed throughout our meal. They took the time to explain the different rolls and even offered recommendations based on our preferences. It was clear that they genuinely cared about our dining experience, making us feel like valued guests rather than just customers.

Overall, my visit to the KOKORO Handroll Sushi Bar was nothing short of amazing. I left feeling satisfied and already planning my next visit! If you're a sushi lover or just looking for a delightful dining experience, I highly recommend checking out this gem. Thank you, Mr. Mohsin and team, for an...