My experience with Japanese food began on a trip to Tokyo, where I discovered the world of flavors that I had no idea I could taste. The yakitori seared on smouldering embers, the soul-warming heat of a well-made bowl of ramen, the delicate art of sushi, it was a feeling that lingered long after I’d returned home.
I’ve been on a quest since then to try to find a place in Dublin that would take me back to those frenetic streets and tiny, authentic restaurants. This search has been a culinary adventure, with small and big finds alike. My journey led me through a variety of establishments, from small, old-style outlets to bigger, more modern ones, each with its own personality.
I’ve tried bustling noodle bars, peaceful sushi counters, and lively izakayas, all in the pursuit of finding the best Japanese restaurant Dublin has to offer. I did not eat alone, but instead encountered experiences that brought forth memories of my experiences abroad.
Daruma
I was lucky enough to visit Japan, and I’ve been looking ever since for a place here in Dublin that’s equally as authentic. Stepping into Daruma at 13 Parliament Street in Temple Bar, I felt like I was back in a crowded Tokyo izakaya once again. The scent, the decorations, and the general atmosphere just gave me a wave of nostalgia. With a massive 4.6 on Google and a smashing 4.5 on TripAdvisor, it’s easily the top Japanese restaurant Dublin has, and it’s the kind of place I’d be happy to bring someone to if I wanted to introduce them to the cuisine that Japanese people actually eat.
My friend and I started off with the tofu, which was nothing short of incredible. So silky, fresh, and well-seasoned. And the highlight of the evening was, without a doubt, the yakitori. We got a selection of skewers: pork, chicken, and beef. Each was cooked perfectly, with that nice smoky charcoal flavor you just can’t seem to get elsewhere. It was like being in one of those tiny laneways in Japan, a real pleasure. We also got the kaarage, and while it’s a simple dish, it was top-notch. Crispy on the outside and still juicy in the interior, and paired with a squeeze of lemon and some Kewpie mayo, it was heaven.
To wash it all down, we had some of their drinks as well, and they were all so fresh and made with A-grade ingredients. The perfect accompaniment to the food, I’d say. The service personnel were excellent, and I got to personally thank the man who runs the restaurant. I told him straight out that his restaurant is the best I’ve eaten at outside Tokyo, and I wasn’t exaggerating.
Now, a warning: the serving sizes are exactly what you’d get in Japan, maybe even a little larger. So if huge, Western-style portions are what you’re looking for, this might not be it. But for a true dining experience with incredible, fresh food, it’s ideal. It’s a really busy spot and gets packed from the start of the evening, so you’ll need to book a table a day in advance to make sure you get in. All in all, it was a really unforgettable night, and I’ll be back without a doubt.
Takara Ramen & Deli Sushi Bar
You know, there are some restaurants in Dublin which effectively always have a massive queue outside, and Takara on Abbey Street is one of them. My friends and I used to wonder for so long if it was actually justified by the hype the queues created. With a healthy 4.6 on Google and 4.4 on TripAdvisor, we thought, why not? And let me tell you, it’s excellent and one of the best Japanese places Dublin has to offer, and that’s for peanuts.
We got there at 4 pm on a Sunday and were really amazed at not having to wait at all. The service was super friendly and welcoming. They just explained it in a nutshell (you order at the bar), and we were seated at a table immediately. The restaurant itself has a great, warm atmosphere, and the food arrived remarkably fast, which was an added bonus.
The menu food is fantastic and so varied. We ordered the chicken ramen, chicken bento box, and chicken katsu curry. The portion sizes were humongous! We could hardly keep up with our meals, and that’s always a great indication. Everything was so delicious and so flavorful. For a place situated right in the middle of the city, it’s certainly very affordable, and the food is so down-to-earth and authentic-tasting.
Service was also quick and smooth, right from the start to the finish. The atmosphere is simply wonderful, and I would most certainly recommend it. A tip from me: we were lucky with the queue, but when we were departing, there was a huge queue. Good advice is to book the table or inquire from the restaurant about the best time to go so that you do not have to wait. You can call them at 018729963 for booking.
Matsukawa
You know, sometimes dinner is not just dinner; it’s an experience. That is what I had at Matsukawa, a gem of a sushi restaurant tucked away on 8 Queen Street in Smithfield. With a near-perfect 4.9 on Google and 5.0 on TripAdvisor, I knew it was going to be good, but it exceeded all my expectations. This is where you come for a truly unforgettable dinner, and it’s a strong contender for Dublin’s best Japanese restaurant.
The service was potentially the best I’ve ever had from the second we walked in. The hostesses and waitresses were all so welcoming and attentive, and the chef was absolutely fantastic. The whole team made us feel so special; everyone was so warm, professional, and genuine. It was more than dinner, but an experience that stayed with us long after we left. The atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming, perfect for a romantic anniversary dinner date. I couldn’t stop smiling from start to finish of the meal.
Every single part of the course was beautifully crafted and delectable. The sushi was impeccable, so fresh and visually pleasing, with each piece speaking of the chef’s expertise and effort. Some of my absolute favorites were the cuttlefish with squid ink sauce, the crab Chawanmushi, the scallop, and the salmon caviar. Dessert was likewise a pleasure, especially the matcha mousse filling for the crepe, which was velvety smooth and not overly sweet.
Even though the price is slightly more, the quality of the meal and the experience in general make it so worth it. It’s such a wonderful sushi experience and a must-try for any Japanese food lover. Just remember that they only take reservations through OpenTable, so you’ll want to book ahead.
Yoi Izakaya
We invited my parents in for dinner, and we were looking for a great place to dine. That is how we ended up at Yoi Izakaya on 71 Mespil Road. We did not have to wait an eternity to get a table, which was a good start. The restaurant is a gem, having a stellar 4.8 on Google and TripAdvisor. It’s certainly one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dublin, and it’s somewhere that just feels like home.
The moment we sat down, I noticed that all the staff were Asian. To me, that’s always a reassuring indicator that they know what they’re doing, and it immediately relaxed me, reminding me of some of the places I’d been on my travels. We ordered a few things to share: ramen, fried noodles, and a rice pot. The ramen was a bit different from what I’m used to, but it was still delicious. The fried noodles were absolutely amazing, and the rice pot was so tasty, even though the meat was a little dry.
On a return visit, I went back and was once more impressed with the quality of food. Sushi rolls were extremely fresh and packed with high-quality ingredients. Salmon sashimi was the best I have ever tasted, with a sweet, buttery flavor that just melted away in my mouth. I also tried their meat dishes; the pork ribs were soft and had a lot of flavor, but the best was the steak ramen. The beef was perfect, adding a great richness to the broth.
Though it was busy on both occasions, the staff were totally friendly and courteous. The ambiance is cozy, with darker tones but plenty of lighting to illuminate it. You can tell they have so much pride in their food and service. This is a gem, and I would recommend it highly to anyone. You can call them on +35315981799 to book a table, as it is a favorite.
Musashi Noodle & Sushi Bar
You know, sometimes a place doesn’t look that great on the outside, but it utterly blows you away once inside. That was precisely how I felt about Musashi on 15 Capel Street. With a cracking 4.6 on Google and a 4.5 on TripAdvisor, it’s the sort of place you dash into for a quick bite before the cinema. It’s got such a great reputation for a reason, and it’s a solid contender for the best Japanese in Dublin.
The food was absolutely amazing. We had a little bit of everything: sushi, ramen, teriyaki chicken, and gyozas. Each and every dish was fantastic, and the flavor was so rich. Even the desserts were amazing; the cheesecake was the best I’ve ever had. The food arrives so quickly, and it is just stunning. While the servings are a little tiny, and they do not have as many dessert foods, the quality is superb, and the prices are ridiculously affordable for what you get.
And of course, the service was just amazing. We had the sweetest waitress anyone could ask for, who was so accommodating and understanding. She and the whole crew were just so nice and made the entire experience one of the thrills of my trip. It’s a great spot to have lunch, and a hint to you is to be there earlier than 5 pm. They have some great lunch specials that we had no clue about the first time, and we’ll make sure to order them next time.
The restaurant itself is great inside and feels chill and laid back. My one small complaint would be the mid-back chairs. They feel a bit awkward, but maybe that is the point so people eat and get out! It’s an overall great place with beautiful food and a fantastic ambiance. I will be back for sure. You can call them on +35315328057 or book through their site.
Nomo ramen
I’m always looking for a great ramen spot, and I was recommended Nomo Ramen by a friend. It’s literally across the road from the Harcourt Luas stop, and it’s a tiny, specialist ramen bar with a brilliant 4.5 on Google and a 4.0 on TripAdvisor. It has an amazing, cozy atmosphere, and it’s definitely one of the best Japanese restaurants Dublin has to offer for a bowl of authentic, delicious ramen.
The place itself is small but has such a great, hipster atmosphere to it. The staff are just so friendly and make you feel completely at home. We didn’t wait long at all, and the food was brought out fairly speedily. It’s the perfect place to go and get something on your own or to pull up a table with a few friends to have a catch-up.
I had the hot soy-based ramen, and it was great. The chicken broth was so rich and full of umami, and the rayu was great. The noodles were great, and the chicken was extremely tender. We also got the gyozas, which were nice and crispy outside but soft inside, and the deep-fried mushrooms, which were ginormous and a proper value for money. My boyfriend even had their specialty Carbonara mazemen and savored every spoonful. All the dishes were that fresh and a joy.
It is slightly overpriced, but worth it for the quality of the food. If you’re a lover of chicken-style ramen, this is where you must go. I would have no problem recommending it to anyone and will be going back myself for another bowl in the near future. They are located at 4 Charlotte Way, or you can email them at hello@nomoramen.ie.
Last few Words on Japanese food in Dublin
The hunt for Dublin’s best Japanese restaurant is a delicious one. From the authentic, old-school yakitori at Daruma to the indulgent bowls of ramen at Nomo Ramen, the city is full of incredible ones waiting to be discovered.
They’re each a bit different, but they all have something special to offer in terms of Japanese culture and food, from a special occasion treat to a fast, everyday snack. My advice? Don’t be afraid to experiment with them all. They all have a unique experience that’s well worth the drive.