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Dublin › Temple Bar › DARUMA
DARUMA
13 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 P658, Ireland
· Authentic Japanese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (671 reviews)
Reservations
Creative Japanese izakaya with excellent sushi and standout drinks; small plates, premium fish, and service-driven experience at premium prices.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and buzzing, all warm wood, counter seats, and staff who actually talk you through the menu. One diner said the team "guided each plate like a mini tasting," and the bar crew backs it with clever sake flights and NA cocktails. However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. Cooking leans modern izakaya: impeccable fish and playful touches on nigiri and skewers, with dry-aged cuts and textures that pop. Expect small plates meant for sharing rather than a single heavy main, and plan to add rice or a donburi if you want a fuller meal. It suits adventurous eaters who enjoy chef guidance and craft drinks more than bargain hunters. Families will find a few friendly choices like katsu, tamago, miso soup, and rice, but portions are modest and flavors can be assertive. There is no explicit kids menu, and the small-plates format plus premium pricing may not suit picky eaters or big appetites.
At a Glance
- Top-tier nigiri and sashimi with creative flourishes
- Engaged service with sake education and bar interaction
- Small portions; add rice or a don if hungry
- Premium pricing can surprise first-timers
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- chef_led_sake_guidance
- creative_izakaya_twists
- counter_bar_interaction
What People Love
- Melt-in-mouth nigiri and thoughtful omakase
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff and curated pacing
- Inventive NA and sake-led cocktails
- Cozy, transportive izakaya vibe
Points of Concern
- Portions run small; some guests left hungry without adding sides
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (€16-25 dons, €35-65 sashimi) which may surprise casual diners
- A few reports of rushed pacing at peak times
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (invited-by-email notes, promotional tone) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€45-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Anchor with a donburi (€16-25) plus 1-2 small plates for satiety
- Share a 10pc nigiri omakase (€40) and add aburi salmon for contrast
- Consider vegan skewer selection (€15.95) with sides like edamame and rice
Perfect For
- Date night at the counter with sake flights
- Food lovers chasing premium sushi in a lively spot
- Small-plate sharing with cocktail enthusiasts
- Solo diners who like bar interaction
Location Insights
Area: Bustling nightlife and dining hub popular with visitors and locals; lively streets and evening energy.
Safety: Generally safe with heavy foot traffic; late-night crowds and noise typical of Temple Bar.
Nearby: Near pubs, cocktail bars, tourist sights, and the River Liffey; strong bar-hopping scene.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations
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