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Zakura Izakaya - Upper Baggot StA-Worth Trying

Name: Zakura Izakaya - Upper Baggot St
Address: 7 Baggot Street Upper, Dublin 4, D04 K7H1, Ireland, Dublin 4, Ireland
Rating: 4.6

7 Baggot Street Upper, Dublin 4, D04 K7H1, Ireland · Japanese restaurant, Authentic Japanese restaurant, Sushi restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (1880 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively Japanese izakaya with reliably fresh sushi, comforting ramen, quick friendly service, and strong value at lunch; occasional service lapses and seating comfort issues.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Zakura Izakaya delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored in fresh sushi and comforting ramen, paired with warm, attentive service that guides diners confidently. Tight seating and modest ambiance prevent higher grades, though strong loyalty and consistent execution across years establish it as a reliable neighborhood favorite worth visiting, particularly for lunch value.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked along Upper Baggot Street, Zakura feels warm and bustling rather than fussy. Servers are upbeat and quick to help, with one diner noting they were guided through portion sizes and spice levels. Plates arrive fast and the room hums with conversation, a reliable stop for easy, satisfying dinners. The cooking leans classic izakaya: fresh sushi, comforting ramen, crisp katsu, and bento boxes that deliver variety. It is more elevated traditional than experimental, with black garlic ramen and well-seasoned rolls keeping regulars happy. Quality is steady across years, though a few outliers flagged rice texture or sequencing hiccups. For families, staff are welcoming and practical, finding space for buggies and steering parents toward familiar hits like katsu curry, noodles, and salmon sushi. There is no explicit kids menu, but recognizable dishes make it kid-friendly by nature.

At a Glance

Fresh sushi and comforting ramen draw repeat visits
Friendly, quick service with solid problem resolution
Strong lunch value with mains around €13-14
Seating can feel tight and noisy at peak times
Occasional inconsistencies in rice seasoning or course sequencing

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Fresh-tasting nigiri and sashimi
Reliable bento value
Warm, attentive staff
Speedy service for lunch

Points of Concern

Seating comfort is mixed; some two-tops feel cramped during busy periods
A few reports of inconsistent rice temperature or seasoning
Rare service lapses, including perceived rushing or order sequencing issues
Delivery orders may include platform markups and venue surcharges
Review patterns are consistent with high authenticity overall; minor marketing-like posts appear but are not pervasive

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€28-38 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

From the lunch menu, pair Chicken Ramen (€13.50) with shared gyoza to keep costs reasonable
Vegetarians can choose Yasai Yaki Soba (€13.80) or Yasai Cha Han (€13.80) and add miso for a fuller meal

Perfect For

Casual weeknight sushi and ramen
Quick office lunches near the canal
Groups wanting varied Japanese options
Families seeking friendly service and familiar dishes

Location Insights

Area: Busy mixed commercial corridor near offices and embassies; popular lunch-and-dinner strip with steady foot traffic.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit and active, typical of Dublin 4 main streets.

Nearby: Near Grand Canal, offices, pubs and cafes; walkable to parks and residential streets.

BallsbridgeBallsbridge is a well-to-do neighborhood characterized by elegant Georgian and Victorian homes, embassies, and upscale dining options. The dining scene here is sophisticated yet relaxed, with a mix of traditional Irish pubs, modern eateries, and international cuisine attracting both locals and visitors seeking quality and ambiance.

Baggot Street UpperBaggot Street Upper is a lively stretch known for its variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to office workers and residents. It offers a dynamic dining environment with casual and upscale options, popular for after-work socializing and weekend 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, Outdoor seating

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