If you’re looking for the best Japanese food in Dublin, a reservation at Sushi Matsukawa should be at the top of your list. Nestled discreetly on Queen Street in Smithfield, this refined Japanese counter spot offers a transportive culinary experience with Tokyo-level precision and Dublin charm. Our lunch here was with my wife, sister and brother in law, so it was always going to be great but it really was an experience.
A Michelin-Worthy Kaiseki Lunch in Dublin
Due to the tiny number of seats we reserved about a month and a half out to have the Lunch Special at Sushi Matsukawa is an elegant omakase-style offering that includes:
- Spinach with Smashed Tofu – creamy, light and delicately seasoned.
- Bara Chirashi (Scattered Sushi) – a jewel-like lacquered box of perfectly cut sashimi, sliced lotus root, tamago, and vinegared rice.
- Fish Stock Miso Soup – deeply savoury, warming and balanced with seaweed and chives.
- Two Types of Mochi for dessert – soft, chewy, and lightly sweet to finish.
Each element arrives on a wooden tray with handcrafted ceramics and perfect presentation. You don’t eat quickly here, you savour. To be real, it was amazing seeing each meal being prepared but I don’t think any of us expected it as a tray table with a lunch box, nonetheless it was very tasty. Maybe I also thought there would have been sushi style boards but that is my own lack of knowledge of what was advertised.
Sake Pairing: The Cherry Blossom on Top 🌸🍶
To complete the experience, we enjoyed a beautiful flight of premium sake, because it was a family gathering we weren’t going to do it sober of course. Served in stunning hand-blown glassware, the selection included:
- Jozen White: A silky, lightly sweet Junmai Ginjo sake with a clean finish—great with sashimi.
- A bolder, more structured sake (possibly a Yamada Nishiki varietal) that held up beautifully against the miso and the richness of the chirashi.
- And one with delicate floral notes that mirrored the lightness of the mochi.
The variety showed the restaurant’s thoughtful pairing approach and highlighted how sake, like wine, can transform a meal.
Why Sushi Matsukawa Is Special?
This isn’t just “good sushi in Dublin.” This is a fully immersive kaiseki experience. Every detail from the warm oshibori towel to the personal counter vibe—feels curated and intentional. The staff are friendly and focused, the plating is impeccable, and the sake list is long, cold, and crystal clear.
Even the glassware (which I love!) is exquisite: delicate saké cups and sculpted water glasses that feel right at home in a Kyoto omakase counter.
What to Expect
- 🎏 Menu: Kaiseki-style omakase lunch or dinner (set menu only)
- 📍 Location: 8 Queen Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7
- 🍶 Pairing: Premium sake and Japanese teas available
- ✨ Atmosphere: Calm, minimalist, and intimate (only 8 seats)
- 🕰️ Lunch: Served Friday–Sunday, €40 per person
