Newly opened Kimura-Ya could possibly be the BEST casual dining, authentic, izakaya-style Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Located in the lobby of the Oberoi Hotel in Business Bay, it looks and feels like a scaled-up version of sister concern, Fujiya, on which it is loosely based. It’s very much like walking into any mid-segment Tokyo eatery.
Entrance 
Entrance 
The Bar
The food at Kimura-Ya is simple and uncomplicated. Take the sushi for example – bite sized, dainty almost, perfectly formed and fresh, fresh, fresh. It’s very similar to the sushi at Tomo, Raffles. Other must try dishes include the superb Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Gyukatsu (deep-fried beef cutlet) and the Chicken Yakitori – all perfect accompaniments with draft Asahi and/or Kirin (I went for the and, of course one after the other). Bottom line – the food (and draft) is excellent.
Gyukatsu (deep-fried beef cutlet) 
Chicken Yakitori 
Sushi sampler 
Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) 
Unagi Kabayaki (BBQ Eel)
Service is exemplary for a venue so recently opened. Much credit must be given to Japanese manager Mogi-san whose success at launching Fujiya is obviously being emulated at Kimura-Ya. He is blessed with the friendliest, giggliest (is that even a word), chirpiest, most cheerful, all-Asian staff I have seen in a while. I must mention supervisor Jeca who was simply amazing on both the occasions Amu Kambiz and I dined there.
Mogi-san and team 
Japanese GM, Mogi-san 
The amazing Jeca (right) and a colleague
Kimura-Ya is a breath of fresh air in a market segment overcrowded with bubble gum sushi joints on the one end and pretentious, over-priced poser-magnets on the other. It offers an authentic experience of what an everyday, mid-segment izakaya restaurant in Japan is like – one which is accessible to almost everyone, not just the privileged few. Perhaps that’s why it is so much fun. I love this place and wholeheartedly recommend it – well worth a detour.
#1 Blogger on Zomato Dubai in 2018 and 2019 and beyond…
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.