A Global Spotlight on a Japanese Restaurant in Dubai

Dubai’s fine dining scene is gaining worldwide attention, and one Japanese restaurant stands out. TakaHisa, a top Japanese restaurant in Dubai, earned a major global award. Its executive chefs received the Two Knives honor at the Best Chef Award 2025 in Milan.

This award places TakaHisa among the world’s elite restaurants. It also shows Dubai’s growing role as a global food destination. Let’s explore why this achievement is significant for Japanese fine dining in Dubai.

What the Two Knives Award Really Means

Held on October 2nd in Milan, Italy, the Best Chef Award is a significant global food honor. It celebrates chefs for skill, creativity, and influence, not just restaurant popularity. The award uses a Knives ranking system, ranging from one to three knives. This system is as respected as the Michelin Guide and World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Earning Two Knives means a chef is officially world-class. It signals excellence, consistency, and leadership in the global food community. This recognition is scarce in Japanese cuisine. Only about 20 Japanese chefs worldwide have ever earned two or three knives. Because of this, receiving Two Knives places chefs among the very best in the world.

The Chefs Behind TakaHisa’s Success

At the heart of TakaHisa’s success are Chef Takashi Namekata and Chef Hisao Ueda. Chef Takashi Namekata, known as Chef Taka, is admired for precision, balance, and deep respect for tradition. Chef Hisao Ueda, also known as Chef Hisa, brings creativity, innovation, and years of experience in fine dining.

Together, they blend classic Japanese techniques with modern ideas. Their teamwork creates a dining experience that feels both authentic and exciting. The award recognizes not only their Japanese cooking skills but also their leadership and global influence. This achievement places Japanese fine dining in the Middle East firmly on the world stage.

A Refined Japanese Dining Experience on Bluewaters Island

Located in the Banyan Tree Hotel on Bluewaters Island, TakaHisa offers an elegant and authentic Japanese dining experience. The restaurant seamlessly combines tradition with luxury, creating a serene space that prioritizes quality, detail, and respect for its ingredients. TakaHisa is primarily known for Edomae sushi, a classic Tokyo-style technique that highlights freshness and precision.

It is also famous for premium wagyu beef, prized for its rich flavor and tender texture. Together, sushi and wagyu create a balanced menu that reflects the chefs’ shared vision and skills. This thoughtful pairing makes TakaHisa stand out in Dubai’s fine dining scene.

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Recognizing Chefs, Not Just Restaurants

Unlike many food awards, the Two Knives honor focuses on chefs, not just restaurants. It celebrates chefs for their skills, creativity, and personal impact on food culture. The award also recognizes chefs who teach others and inspire future generations.

Sustainability and respect for ingredients are integral to this recognition. Chefs are honored for shaping the evolution of food around the world. In this context, Chefs Taka and Hisa were praised for sharing Japanese cuisine beyond Japan.

Dubai’s Rise as a Global Culinary Capital

For Dubai, this achievement holds particular significance. Over the past decade, Dubai has grown into a global food destination. The city attracts chefs from Japan, Europe, and beyond. This mix of cultures has given rise to a bold and exciting dining scene.

High expectations have prompted restaurants to enhance their quality and creativity. TakaHisa’s success demonstrates that Dubai can compete with the world’s top food cities. It proves that Japanese cuisine in Dubai can earn absolute global respect.

Accolades as the Restaurant Nears Its Fourth Anniversary

As TakaHisa approaches its fourth anniversary later this year, the restaurant continues to build an impressive legacy. It has already earned 3 Toques from Gault & Millau, a respected global dining guide. TakaHisa is also listed among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in the Middle East.

These honors reflect its consistent quality, skill, and attention to detail. The new Two Knives award adds even greater prestige to this growing list. Together, these achievements confirm TakaHisa as one of the region’s most influential dining destinations.

A Celebration of Japanese Craftsmanship Without Borders

Award organizers praised chefs Taka and Hisa for successfully bringing the beauty of Japanese culinary artistry to the Middle East. Their work was recognized not only for technical excellence but also for its cultural impact. By staying true to Japanese traditions while cooking in Dubai, they introduce new audiences to authentic techniques and ingredients. They also share the deeper values behind Japanese cuisine.

The judges also highlighted how both chefs serve as role models for younger chefs—inspiring them to respect craftsmanship, discipline, and continuous learning. Their leadership shows that great cooking is about patience, care, and pride in one’s work.

With this international recognition, TakaHisa firmly secures its place on the global culinary map. The restaurant now stands as a powerful symbol of Japanese mastery abroad. It’s proof of Dubai’s growth into a truly world-class fine dining destination.