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Zakura - Japanese Tapas (Japas & Sake Bar)A-Worth Trying

Name: Zakura - Japanese Tapas (Japas & Sake Bar)
Address: 17A Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 YN96, Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
Rating: 4.8

17A Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 YN96, Ireland · Japanese restaurant, Authentic Japanese restaurant, Ramen restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (516 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Reliable Japanese spot in Dublin 2 with fresh sushi, comforting ramen, friendly service, and standout lunch value; expect a cozy, lively room and occasional service hiccups at peak times.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Zakura delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored in fresh sushi and richly flavored ramen, paired with strong service attentiveness that keeps the room moving. Solid consistency and excellent weekday lunch value reinforce its standing as a reliable neighborhood favorite, though occasional peak-time service lapses and modest space comfort prevent it from reaching grade A territory. A cozy, well-executed Japanese tapas destination competitive with the area's better dining options.

Restaurant Summary

Step through the noren into a room that feels warm and cozy, with soft wood tones and a buzz that builds after work. Servers are often friendly and quick to help, and plates arrive looking polished. One diner summed it up: "Fresh fish, comforting bowls, and a team that keeps things moving." Do book evenings; it can get lively at peak hours. The cooking leans classic rather than flashy: fresh sushi, richly seasoned ramen, crisp gyoza, katsu, and rice bowls. It reads like a greatest-hits tour of Japanese comfort, executed with care and sized generously, especially the specialty rolls. Prices track the city center—lunch deals punch above their weight, while premium rolls run higher but feel fair for the quality. Families do well here thanks to familiar kid-friendly options like katsu, chicken ramen, fried rice, and a kids bento mentioned in reviews. Portions are shareable, and staff will help with modifications for vegetarians or simpler tastes. Space is intimate, so strollers may be snug; earlier seatings are easier for families.

At a Glance

Fresh sushi and comforting ramen with consistent praise
Excellent weekday lunch value (bento around €11.50)
Cozy decor and friendly, helpful staff
Service can miss items or slow at peak times
Some specialty rolls are pricier (~€20) and rich

What Sets It Apart

strong_lunch_value
cozy_hidden-feel_interior
broad_menu_with_fresh_sushi

What People Love

Feeling of a hidden, intimate space
Clean, fresh fish with tidy presentation
Hearty, soothing ramen bowls
Staff who guide portions and accommodate needs
Lunch deals that feel like a steal

Points of Concern

Occasional missed or delayed items when very busy
Noise and tight tables in the evening rush
One-off complaints about overly sweet rice or salty broth
Review patterns are consistent with typical organic diners; minimal risks observed

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€28-42 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For value: lunch bento (~€11.50).
Comfort route: chicken ramen or katsu (€13-14).
Sharing route: 1-2 specialty rolls for two, then add gyoza.

Perfect For

Workday lunch near Baggot Street
Casual date night with shared rolls
Small-group catchups over ramen and sake
Reliable sushi fix in the city center

Location Insights

Area: Central Dublin business corridor with offices, cafes, and after-work crowd; lively weekday lunches and casual evening dining.

Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with good lighting; typical city-center foot traffic into late evening.

Nearby: Near offices, bars, and Georgian streets; convenient for work lunches, casual dates, and pre-drinks dining.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–23:00 Friday12:00–23:00 Saturday12:00–23:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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