MaKiRa — Restaurant in Dubai

The Worst Dining Experience of Our Vacation

On May 21, 2025, my wife and I had dinner at MaKiRa in the Dusit Thani Dubai. We had a wonderful stay at the hotel, but this restaurant was a major letdown.

Atmosphere: Nice design, open kitchen, soft lighting, and Japanese pop music. But the wooden tables were sticky to the point you couldn’t move a glass — a major hygiene red flag. The A/C was freezing, more suited for fish than people. And the open kitchen had no proper ventilation, so the smell lingered heavily.

Service: We had a reservation but were told, “Sit anywhere.” The hostess, also the bartender, disappeared multiple times while making drinks. Aside from a robotic “Is everything okay?”, there was no service. Used wrappers and a soy sauce pot stayed on our table until after dessert. We didn’t even learn our servers' names (Kripa & Shree) until they handed us a QR code with their names written on the back — no introductions, no name tags. Reviews often mention them, and now we get why: they push for reviews, hoping no one leaves a bad one. But service was inattentive and indifferent.

Food: We ordered the most expensive item — “The Best Selection of Our Sashimi, Sushi, Rolls, and More” for ~300 AED. We expected a showcase of the chef’s skill. Instead, we got 6 pieces of the cheapest sashimi (3 types), 3 basic sushi pairs, and two half rolls (shrimp and maki). No eel, no premium cuts, no creativity. Fresh? Yes. Impressive? No. You’d pay less for this exact plate at a casual sushi bar — and get it faster.

To make it worse, ordering each item separately from their own menu costs less than the set. Maybe the extra charge was for the mayo drizzle on the leaves?

Drinks & Dessert: Drinks were just okay — 5/10, not well balanced. Dessert (a sour Japanese cheesecake) was fine, though very tangy toward the end. I finished it just not to leave hungry.

Conclusion: If ramen is your only strength, rebrand as a ramen café. That’s not a bad thing. But don’t market yourself as a premium Japanese restaurant if your sushi offering is basic and overpriced. Thankfully, this meal didn’t affect our love for the hotel. But as for MaKiRa — we’re not coming back, and we don’t recommend it. Read the full review...

I had the pleasure of dining at Makira Japanese Restaurant, and it was an exceptional experience. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a serene atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the evening

The menu at Makira offers a wide range of authentic Japanese dishes, and we were delighted by the variety and quality of the offerings. The sushi and sashimi were incredibly fresh and beautifully presented, showcasing the skill and artistry of the chefs. We particularly enjoyed the salmon, which was a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

The staff at Makira were attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent service throughout our meal. They were more than happy to offer recommendations and explain the ingredients and preparation of the dishes, which enhanced our dining experience. The attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident in every aspect of the meal.

The ambiance of Makira is both elegant and relaxing, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a quiet night out. The tasteful decor and calming atmosphere create a wonderful dining environment.

Overall, Makira Japanese Restaurant exceeded our expectations. The combination of exquisite food, outstanding service, and a beautiful setting make it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese cuisine. We look forward to returning and exploring more...

Me and my family had the pleasure of dining at Makira in Dusit Thani Dubai with my family, and it was an unforgettable experience! My wife is a photographer and we had so much fun capturing the dishes and the ambience . I am sharing some of the photos here .

The restaurant serves some of the most authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine in Dubai.

The sushi was incredibly fresh and perfectly crafted, bursting with flavor in every bite. The ramen was rich, comforting, and full of depth—absolutely soul-satisfying. To top it off, the desserts were a delightful surprise, and the cocktails were expertly prepared, complementing the meal beautifully.

A special shoutout to Ms. Shree and Mr. Aksh for being such wonderful hosts. Their warm hospitality and deep knowledge of the menu truly enhanced our experience. They guided us through the incredible Japanese offerings and ensured that my family and I felt right at home.

If you're looking for an exceptional Japanese dining experience with top-notch food and service, Makira is the place to be. My family and I can’t...