Zakura - Japanese Tapas (Japas & Sake Bar)
Dublin
At a glance
Located on Lower Baggot Street in Dublin 2, Zakura - Japanese Tapas (Japas & Sake Bar) offers a unique dining experience featuring a fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with a contemporary twist. Ideal for those seeking to explore Japanese cuisine, the menu at Zakura is designed to provide a medley of flavors through carefully crafted small plates. Guests can delight in a range of dishes including sashimi, norimaki, tempura, and ebi gyoza, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The selection also includes heartier options like chicken ramen, offering a blend of noodles in a spiced broth topped with grilled chicken and pak choi.
The ambience at Zakura complements its culinary offerings, with a space that marries modern aesthetics with subtle nods to Japanese culture. This creates a welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The sake bar further enhances the dining experience, allowing patrons to sample a variety of Japanese beverages selected to pair seamlessly with the menu.
Open seven days a week, Zakura accommodates a range of dining preferences with distinct lunch, dinner, and takeaway menus. Whether opting for a casual meal or a celebratory feast, the restaurant tailors its service to meet diverse dining needs. Its high standards are reflected in its commitment to sourcing high-quality fish and ingredients, delivered fresh each day. This dedication ensures that each dish is not only flavorful but also of the finest quality.
With its central location and versatile menu, Zakura caters to both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Japan in Dublin.
Reviews
I’ve been to a few different Zakura locations and each one has been wonderful. I got the Naruto ramen which was gorgeous. The noodles were beautifully cooked, the pork was so tender, and the broth was delicious, it had an almost earthy taste. The staff were also amazing here, as they have been at every Zakura location I’ve been to. They are so friendly, polite and attentive. I got more water refills here than I have at any restaurant I’ve been to. Thank you for such a wonderful experience
This is THE sushi spot in Dublin! The sushi rolls and mains were the best we’ve ever tried. Super fresh, tasty and well presented. Service was 10/10, we came on a sunny day and they gave our doggie a bowl of water without having to ask. They also checked on us and refilled our water a couple of times again without having to ask for more. Will definitely be back - already planning our next trip!
Words can’t describe how incredible this experience was. Incredible staff, so helpful and friendly, and the food transcended me to another dimension. The espresso sake martini? Insane. It is balanced, not too strong, a delicate flavor of coffee, sake, and vanilla. The presentation makes this experience a real treat.
As someone who travels to Japan almost every single year, I am always skeptical when trying Japanese restaurants in Europe. However, Zakura in Dublin completely won me over. It is easily one of the most authentic Japanese dining experiences you can find in the city. While there are slight variations in flavor compared to what you’d get in Tokyo—which is entirely understandable due to local ingredient sourcing—the culinary execution here stays remarkably true to the original Japanese spirit. The absolute standout feature of Zakura, which many casual diners might overlook, is their rice. In Japanese cuisine, rice is everything, and this place handles it flawlessly. They use high-quality Japanese grain, and it is cooked to absolute perfection. Each grain is distinct, beautifully holding its structure and sticking together just as it should, without ever becoming mushy or damp. Even the seasoned sushi rice is perfectly balanced in terms of vinegar and sweetness. It shows that the kitchen team truly respects the fundamentals of the craft. Beyond the food, the level of cleanliness here is unmatched. I have to specifically mention their bathrooms—they are absolutely immaculate, almost like a high-end hotel. It has been a very long time since I’ve encountered a restaurant bathroom in Dublin that is this clean and well-maintained. It reflects the true Japanese standard of hygiene and hospitality. The service is also top-notch; the staff are incredibly attentive, warm, and professional, adding to the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Here is a personal pro-tip from a frequent diner: If you are visiting alone and worried about the portion sizes, make sure to add the Fried Noodles side order for just €4.50 to go alongside your main meat dish. It is an absolute bargain, perfectly seasoned, and guarantees you will leave the restaurant completely full and satisfied! Between the incredible food quality, the hotel-grade cleanliness, and the wonderful hospitality, Zakura deserves nothing less than a solid 5 stars. It’s my absolute go-to for a proper Japanese fix in Dublin. Highly recommended!
I have been pregnant for months and haven’t had sushi. As celebration, my husband and I went to Zakura. We forgot to order our sushi without the raw fish roe (totally our fault) but the waitresses really tried and clarified that they remade our sushi. We are so grateful for their thoughtfulness and understanding! It’s made our day! And the food is DELICIOUS, as always! The environment is classy and private. Highly recommend.
