Washoku Guide
← All cities
Ireland

Dublin.

Dublin's Japanese dining scene is small but earnest — chef-led sushi counters and izakaya rooms shaped by Atlantic seafood access and a growing Japanese community. Selected for authenticity, not hype.

At a glance
Curated
2
Types
2
Filter by authenticity
Filter by type
Filter by price
01
Matsukawa — authentic omakase edomae sushi restaurant in Dublin, Smithfield

Matsukawa

¥¥¥¥
Smithfield · Sushi · omakase
Omakase Edomae sushiNigiriOmakase counterKaiseki-influencedPremium sake

Ireland's first and only omakase restaurant, Matsukawa offers an intimate 8-seat counter experience in Smithfield, Dublin, led by Japanese chef-proprietor Takuma Tamaoki with a menu rooted in classical Edomae sushi tradition.

View restaurant →
FAQ

Questions, answered.

What makes a Japanese restaurant in Dublin authentic?
In Dublin, we look for the same signals we apply globally: a chef grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused format (sushi-ya, ramen-ya, izakaya, kaiseki, etc.) rather than a generalist Asian menu. Local sourcing is fine — what matters is how the kitchen treats the tradition.
How do you define authenticity?
Washoku Guide defines authenticity by the kitchen's grounding in Japanese culinary tradition: trained chefs (often in Japan), techniques and ingredients consistent with Japanese practice, a focused menu rather than a pan-Asian one, and a coherent dining format (sushi-ya, ramen-ya, izakaya, kaiseki, etc.). We weigh these signals together — no single factor decides.
Do you require Japanese ownership?
No. Japanese ownership is one positive signal, but it is not required. We also recognise restaurants with Japanese-led kitchens or non-Japanese chefs who have trained extensively in Japan and apply traditional techniques with discipline. What matters is the cooking, not the passport.
How are restaurants selected?
Each entry is researched and chosen by Washoku Guide editors — not voted in, not paid for, and not algorithmically ranked. We read kitchen biographies, study menus, talk to people in the industry, and visit when possible. Restaurants pay nothing to be listed.
Are the listings ranked?
No. Washoku Guide is a curated guide, not a ranking. Order on a city page is editorial and may change as the guide evolves; it does not imply that #1 is better than #5. Every listed restaurant has met our authenticity bar.
How often is the Dublin guide updated?
We revisit each city periodically and update entries when restaurants open, close, change hands, or change kitchens. If you spot something out of date, please let us know.