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Dublin › Temple Bar › Yamamori Izakaya - Japas & Sake
Yamamori Izakaya - Japas & SakeB+Worth Trying
12 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, D02 RD36, Ireland
· Japanese restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (3340 reviews)
Reservations
Lively Japanese izakaya with creative sushi and strong service in a buzzing central Dublin spot, priced on the higher side with occasional service timing and value complaints.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Yamamori Izakaya delivers competitive quality through strong food quality and attentive, knowledgeable service, with a lively, appealing setting that draws repeat visitors. However, inconsistent execution and operational friction during peak service—including timing delays and occasional missteps—prevent the restaurant from reaching grade A territory. Premium pricing and portion sizes also divide opinion, though many feel quality justifies the spend when guided by staff toward standout dishes.
Restaurant Summary
Set on a lively stretch near the Creative Quarter, this spot feels warm and buzzing the moment you step in—dim lights, a sleek bar, and servers who actually guide you. One diner summed it up: "Service felt personable and the plates looked like art." However, expect a high-energy room that can get loud at peak times. In the kitchen, the team leans modern izakaya with creative sushi and premium cuts. Think eel with foie gras, bluefin sashimi, and hot-stone wagyu, alongside crowd-pleasing japas like gyoza and chicken nanban. It is not bargain dining, but many feel the ingredients and execution justify the spend, especially if you share a few standouts and let the staff steer you toward specials. For families, there are familiar anchors—teriyaki salmon, tempura prawns, simple rolls, tofu soba—yet the menu skews adventurous. There is no obvious kids menu, so younger diners who prefer plain fare may be happier with simpler choices like edamame, rice bowls, or milder maki.
At a Glance
- Creative nigiri and premium sashimi impress many diners
- Friendly, knowledgeable servers often named and praised
- Pricing and portions feel high to some guests
- Timing issues on busy nights (delays or courses arriving together)
- Groups may face 12.5% service charge and limited bill splitting
What Sets It Apart
- creative_nigiri_combinations
- premium_tuna_cuts
- central_city_izakaya_vibe
What People Love
- Memorable chef-special rolls and nigiri mashups
- Premium tuna cuts and clean plating
- Attentive service with helpful recommendations
- Buzzy, central-city energy
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (many rolls €25+ and premium items near €28) which may surprise casual diners
- Service timing can wobble on peak nights; some report delays or all plates arriving at once
- Portion complaints on select items (e.g., wagyu hot stone) and pricey wine list reported by a few
- Review patterns are consistent with enthusiastic regulars and named-staff praise; monitor for over-concentration but authenticity seems intact overall
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€48-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable meal: 1 chef-special roll (€25-29) + 2 japas (€12-16 each) + sashimi (€14-28).
- Value play: Mix a premium nigiri or sashimi with a hearty japas (e.g., chicken nanban) to balance cost and fullness.
Perfect For
- Date night with shared plates
- Friends pre-club dinner
- Sake and sushi enthusiasts
- Adventurous eaters exploring modern Japanese
Location Insights
Area: Bustling city-centre street with bars and eateries; popular for nights out and casual dates.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked central area; typical late-evening crowds and nightlife.
Nearby: Near Creative Quarter, shopping streets, pubs, and late-night venues; basement club activity mentioned by diners.
South Great George's StreetSouth Great George's Street is a lively area in Dublin 2, popular for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It attracts a diverse crowd looking for casual dining and socializing in a bustling urban environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:30
Saturday13:00–22:30
Sunday13:00–21:00
Available: Reservations
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