Dublin Restaurant Offers Karaoke with Mixed Cuisine

Maneki’s menu features Japanese, Chinese, and European dishes in a Georgian townhouse.

Maneki, situated in a Georgian townhouse on Dawson Street in Dublin, blends Japanese, Chinese, and European cooking, offering a unique dining and karaoke experience. However, a recent review suggests that while the presentation shines, the flavors may not always match the high prices.

Ambiance and Offerings

Opened in 2019, Maneki spans five stories, featuring four dining rooms and karaoke suites. The decor includes textured gray stone walls, banquettes, and oversized white feathers. Owned by Polly Yang, who trained in Japanese kitchens, the restaurant aims to create a “culinary dialogue” between different culinary traditions.

Menu Highlights and Critiques

The menu includes sashimi, futomaki, stir-fries, and hot pots, designed for comfort rather than culinary challenges. One specialty is the “Holy Crab Seafood Heaven,” featuring various seafood stir-fried in garlic butter chilli sauce. The Holy Special costs €89 for two, while adding lobster makes it The Holy Supreme at €114.

However, not all dishes met expectations. The soft shell crab roll (€26) was deemed forgettable, and the beef teppan yaki (€30) lacked a proper sear and suffered from a teriyaki sauce that tasted more like syrup. The kimchi seafood ramen (€24) was criticized for its bland broth and excessive farmed salmon.

Drinks and Dessert

Maneki offers a variety of drinks, including wine, sake, beer, and plum wine. A 210ml carafe of Junmai sake costs €12, and a bottle of Asahi is €6.50. For dessert, the mochi (€7.50) was described as firm and unremarkable.

Overall Impression

Maneki appears to be designed for group outings, where the theatrical presentation and karaoke can enhance the experience. Service is noted as warm, but the food quality is inconsistent. According to a recent survey, 62% of diners prioritize food quality over ambiance when choosing a restaurant (National Restaurant Association 2024).

In conclusion, while Maneki offers a showy start and a fun karaoke option, the menu’s execution can be muddled, failing to consistently deliver on its pan-Asian promise. The initial excitement might fade, leaving little to remember once the experience concludes.