We’re obsessed with Japanese ramen; honestly, we could slurp it every single day! So we set ourselves a quirky challenge—a quest to find the best ramen in Dubai. And let me tell you, there’s no shortage of contenders! So far, we’ve slurped our way through eighteen bowls and are still counting. Each bowl? A winner! But, of course, we’ve got our favourites, and we’re bursting to spill the beans on our top 3 picks!
1. Best Ramen in Dubai – Konjiki
The best ramen in Dubai? Surprisingly, the best ramen we discovered was tucked away in The Mall of The Emirates. This little gem has held Tokyo’s Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2015—bringing that authentic Japanese magic straight to Dubai!
We heard that this place is typically bustling, so discovering it relatively quiet upon our arrival was a pleasant surprise. Seated and eager to indulge, we opted for the Shoyu Ramen—what a game-changer! It effortlessly stole the show. The staff recommended trying the three distinct tastes separately before blending them—clam tare, black truffle porcini oil, and chicken broth—all creating this incredibly tasty and addictive fusion! We also ordered a second bowl, the spicy beef ramen. It was seriously good, boasting perfectly cooked noodles and melt-in-your-mouth beef. Yet, nothing could outshine the Shoyu. For the ultimate ramen experience, trust me, go straight for the chef’s signature ramen!
From Dhs55 for a bowl. Mall Of Emirates – 2nd Level – Al Barsha – konjiki.uae(04 227 6811)
2. Kinoya
Kinoya perfectly captures the essence of a Japanese izakaya! An izakaya is a relaxed hangout spot in Japan frequently visited by solo workers after their shifts. Kinoya boasts an authentic interior design, featuring a ramen room, chef’s table, private dining sections, and a vibrant bar—and it’s licensed too! The ambiance at Kinoya? Warm, bustling, with incredibly friendly staff. Ideal for enjoying a swift bowl of ramen accompanied by Japanese drinks!
Now, let’s talk about the ramen! There were five different ramen options on the menu, we decided to try the Spicy Miso and Shio Paitan. The Shio Paitan ramen, is the chef’s special, crafted with slow-cooked chicken broth, dashi, seared chicken, and mayu (burned garlic oil), offered beautifully balanced flavours and a rich, comforting broth. As for the spicy miso, it boasted a deliciously creamy broth paired with crispy, tender chicken and flawlessly cooked noodles. And let’s not forget the egg—what a showstopper! Trust me, it’s egg-cellent! This place not only exudes authenticity but tastes authentically Japanese—you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported straight to Japan!
Pro tip: Reserve ahead!
From Dhs55 for a bowl. The Onyx, The Greens, kinoya.ae(04 220 2920).
3. IchiRyu
A bit of a journey for us, but while wandering around the neighbourhood, we decided to check for a table. Luckily, we managed to secure one! It’s an amazing Anime-themed ramen house with fantastic décor all around. They offer solo dining booths, these private spaces where you can enjoy your ramen discreetly—a popular dining style in Japan.
When we arrived, they greeted us in Japanese, which was a nice touch and even handed us bibs to avoid any splashes.
The ramen choices were quite unique—I hadn’t seen some of these flavours before! They offered Black Ramen, Green Ramen with pesto, Red Ramen with tantanmen, and White Ramen. When I asked about the spicy ramen, the waiter suggested trying the ‘red ramen,’ so we went for that along with the ‘black ramen.’ Both were incredible—the broth was amazing! The egg was spot-on, noodles cooked perfectly, and the chicken was so juicy and tender. Overall, it was a delightful and flawless ramen experience!
From Dhs55 for a bowl.Wasl Port Views Bldg. 7, AL Mina Road, Jumeriah 1,Ichiryu Ramen House(50 375 0354)
More Great Ramen Joints
Here are a few more restaurants we can recommend for their fantastic Ramen:
AURA Skypool Experience: Where infinity meets wow!
The AURA Skypool Experience is the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. You might assume it’s just another expensive Instagram hotspot (I did!), but you’d be mistaken. It’s an unforgettable experience I recommend to both locals and tourists
AURA Skypool Dubai is absolutely fantastic. When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a world of luxury and relaxation. Begin with a swift check-in on the ground floor. Then, get ready for an exhilarating elevator ride to the 50th floor. It’s a fun and thrilling experience, and you can’t help but be impressed.
Chic changing rooms
Keep in mind there’s a dress code for the building, so you can’t just stroll in wearing your swimwear. But don’t stress, you can switch into your swim gear at the pool. Once I set foot on the 50th floor, I was welcomed by these incredibly luxurious and flawlessly maintained changing rooms. To my left, a staircase unveiled lockers, mirrors, and a trove of amenities that were absolutely fabulous. We’re talking about boujee toiletries, high-end Dyson hairdryers, and more, all presented with a level of cleanliness that’s just off the charts!
Aura Skypool Infinity views, to take your breath Away
The hidden gem awaited just beyond the changing rooms—I found myself face to face with a captivating 360-degree infinity pool at AURA Skypool, it really takes your breath away! The design was nothing short of incredible. Normally, being 1.6m tall means I struggle in pools—I end up with wet hair, unable to stand. But this pool was a game-changer. I could easily stroll around the entire circle, soaking up the mind blowing views, and taking photos, all while keeping my hair looking Instagram-worthy, far from my usual drowned rat pool look. With a steady depth of 1.25m / 4.1ft, the shallow water was a lifesaver for maintaining that picture-perfect hair, even for someone like me!
Impeccable Service at AURA Skypool Experience
The scenery at AURA Skypool is breath taking, no doubt. But what really sets it apart is the outstanding service. The staff goes above and beyond, I was impressed with the refreshing goodies like fruit, cool towels, and ice lollies. And get this—every time you step away, they make sure your sunbed towel is impeccably arranged. They even go the extra mile to clean your sunglasses. The dining and drinks are top-notch, although a bit on the expensive side. The cherry on top? A saxophonist accompanying the DJ, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Time Slots to Suit Your vibe
Sunrise (6am – 9am): For early birds looking for a fresh start with a view.
Morning (10am – 2pm): Perfect for a leisurely midday dip.
Afternoon (3pm – 7pm): A triple treat – sun, sunset, and evening rolled into one!
Evening (8pm – 11pm): Ideal for a nighttime swim under the stars.
Which Side Should You Book?
Let me share some tips on finding your perfect spot—it’s a bit like solving a puzzle, but trust me, it’s worth it. Consider if it’s worth splurging on a better spot if you plan to spend most of your time in the pool. Food for thought. For sunrise, opt for the city view; for sunset, choose the opposite side. Keep in mind, you can easily walk there for photos. Be mindful of winter wind; the shaded side gets chilly. Check the detailed breakdown below for help in deciding. I wish I had known that I’d only spend 20 minutes on my lounger, making me question if the extra spending was justified, especially when I could walk or swim around all sides.
Burj Al Arab view
I love this part of the pool. The views might not be as breath taking, but it’s way more peaceful—way fewer people splashing around, and it feels more secluded. If you’re after a serene afternoon and evening, go for the Burj Al Arab side; it’s a quieter alternative to the busier Palm side. Just a heads up, it’s mostly in the shade, so you might feel that famous Dubai wind, meaning it will get quite cold here in winter, but it’s a welcome break from the summer heat!
Price: 1st Row starting from 300 AED, 1st Row Cabana starting at 775 AED (for 2 guests)
City skyline view
The Sunrises from this side, perfect for the early risers. This was least appealing area for me. While the views were fantastic, the space felt crowded and somewhat dim. I wasn’t a fan of the layout of the beds in this section.
Price: 1st Row starting from 300 AED, 2nd Row starting from 250 AED. 3rd Row Cabana starting from 650 AED (2 guests)
Marina & Ain Dubai view
For non-stop sunshine and a chill vibe, go for the Marina & Ain Dubai side. Perfect for morning, afternoon, and evenings, soaking up the sun all day. The views are incredible—trust me. Though it’s a bit busy, it feels more spread out than the other areas. This side gets the morning and afternoon sun, plus you can catch sunset. I would highly recommend this side, especially during the winter months.
Price: 1st Row starting from 275 AED, 2nd Row Daybed starting from 250 AED, 2nd Row Sofa Seating starting from 225 AED.
Palm view
Alright, there is no denying it, the views are insane! This also means this is the spot that everyone’s eyeing. The views from the 50th floor, overlooking the Palm, are just something else. But let me tell you, that pool area is always buzzing. People are lining up for photos. As for seating, it’s a bit snug, especially towards the back. If you’re all about soaking up the sun all day and catching a front-row seat for the sunset, head over to the Palm View. Just a heads up, it gets pretty lively with music, tons of photos, and a bit rowdy during sunset. But if you enjoy people-watching and having a good time, this is your spot for some lively action.
Price: 1st Row starting from 300 AED, 2nd Row starting from 250 AED, 3rd Row Sofa Seating starting from 225 AED.
Ok you picked your side, what seat should you book?
My Two Cents on Seating Choices
Cabana Elegance:Opting for a 1st-row cabana at Aura Skypool Experience with a Burj Al Arab view is an excellent choice. However, steer clear of cabanas a few rows back along the city skyline—they appear cramped. Enjoy complimentary bath robes with this option, but please note they’re not for keeps!
First Row Loungers: A fantastic option for those not looking to splurge on a cabana. Enjoy excellent views and direct access to the pool.
Second Row Loungers: While not a bad choice, the second-row loungers may feel a bit crowded, making them not my top recommendation.
Sofa Seating: The sofas offer a surprisingly comfortable experience, complete with tables for convenient dining. A practical and cozy choice.
High Table Seating: Less popular, possibly due to limited online booking visibility. Though overlooked, these high tables might be worth considering for a unique experience.
Is there a minimum spend?
Only the 1st row of the Palm View and the 1st row of the Ain Dubai View have an additional minimum spend on food & drinks which should be paid in advance. This amount is in addition to the entrance fee. This minimum spend only applies for the Afternoon Pool Experience, not for the other experiences.
Budget friendly hack
If you’re not concerned about lounging, and want to save some money I suggest opting for a high table – it’s a more budget-friendly option, and you’ll still have access to the entire pool! You’re free to swim in any section of the pool, no matter where your seat or bed is located. Plus, towels and toiletries are provided in the changing rooms for your convenience.
Aura Skypool Experience – Is it worth it?
Is it a worth it? Absolutely, yes, and unequivocally yes! While it’s undeniably a splurge, it’s worth every dirham. It’s an unforgettable experience and quite possibly one of the most outstanding moments you can enjoy in Dubai. My only advice is to please plan in advance, this experience gets booked up fast! Book your experience here Aura Skypool Website
No entry for guests under 15 anytime. After 7 pm, those under 21 not allowed. ID proof needed; without it, entry may be refused. Ages 15-18 require an adult companion
How Do I Get to Aura Skypool Experience?
Dubai Metro & Monorail: Hop on the Red Line to Al Khail Metro Station. From there, you can take a leisurely 20-minute walk or catch a taxi to Palm Gateway. Next, ride the Palm Monorail to Nakheel Mall, conveniently connected to The Palm Tower, home to Aura Skypool Experience.
Bus & Monorail: You’ve got some excellent bus options too. Look out for Palm Jumeirah Monorail Station (bus line 8), Infotech, Dubai Internet City 1 (bus line 84), and Middle East Broadcasting Center (bus line F56). They’re all within walking distance of Palm Gateway, your gateway to the monorail.
For detailed public transportation schedules, be sure to visit rta.ae.
Car: If you’re driving, head northwest on Al Marsa Street. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Al Gharbi Street. Once you hit Palm Jumeirah, just follow the signs to The Palm Tower.
And if you’re looking for landmarks to guide your way, the trendy beachfront destination, Club Vista Mare, is right around the corner!
Disclaimer: This is my personal review based on my own experiences. I paid for everything myself and am not associated with, sponsored by, or gifted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.
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