Zakura - Japanese Tapas (Japas & Sake Bar)

You walk into this narrow Baggot Street spot and immediately know you're somewhere that takes Japanese food seriously. The counter seats fill up fast with locals who've cottoned on to what might be Dublin's best take on Japanese small plates – proper japas that make sense to share rather than the usual fusion nonsense. The sake list alone is worth the trip, with proper explanations that don't make you feel like an eejit for not knowing your junmai from your ginjo. The kitchen turns out consistently brilliant plates that change regularly, and the staff actually know their stuff without being precious about it. It's the kind of place that works equally well for a quick lunch or a proper night out with mates.