Arisu Restaurant — Restaurant in Dublin

Besides a fever dream BBQ lunch once yearrrrrrs ago, I don't know why I never came back to Arisu... until today! All things considered probably my frontrunner for Korean food in Dublin. The complimentary pickles, kimchi and miso soup were a nice touch!

Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles, pork, veg) Bibimbap (rice, veg, chicken, egg, spicy sauce in a sizzling stone bowl that you mix together) Korean fried chicken wings with spicy sauce Cheese rabokki (rice cakes, ramen, spicy sauce, fishcakes, cheese)

Jajangmyeon was incredibly savoury with a hint of sweetness. Loads of sauce and veg (not much meat though). Bibimbap was a big serving, and the bowl was still sizzling hot enough for proper mixing with the egg and crispy rice at the bottom. Wings were fried well and still juicy, and the sauce had great flavour and not too spicy. Cheese rabokki was chewy, rich and sweet-spicy-salty. Not much rice cakes so I'd go for just the cheese tteokbokki next time (no ramen).

-Spicy chicken dup-bap Prawn tempura

I think Arisu is fast becoming a go-to lunch for me. Pretty good value for really big mains. I will be honest, I ordered this spicy chicken because a Google Map photo showed it was actually fried chicken 😂. However, I'm very glad of the mistake - the chicken in this dish was TENDER. I could literally cut the chunks so easily with a spoon. The spicy sauce was incredibly flavourful on a level that I've never been able to come close to with homecooking, and I almost wish there was more to just eat with the rice. The prawn tempura is okay for value, but I will say they were very plump and tender, fried crisp with a light batter, and is more of a Korean-style tempura - which was refreshing from the multitude of the traditional, Japanese-style tempura that can be found in Dublin...

I wish I could give Arisu a higher rating as the food was decent, but unfortunately we were a bit let down by the overall experience. We ordered "Set A" which included several cuts of pork, chicken, lamb and beef, and salad and lettuce for two people.

The gas container for our grill was almost empty, so the first serving of meat was left cooking on a low temperature until we were able catch the attention of our waiter.

The side plates are very small and a bit over-priced. We ended up ordering 2 x extra salads, 2 x Kim chis and 2 x bowls of rice (and we rarely order sides when eating out). The meat portions are generous. We just felt the balance was off, and would have liked less meat and more rice/veggies.

It felt awkward to constantly have waiters come over to turn / take off the meat. It did not have the authentic feel of a Korean BBQ since we were hardly allowed to do any of the cooking (the tongs were literally taken out of my hand while I was turning the meat). Some customers might prefer this and I understand there might be safety issues related to improper cooking, but we would have liked to have been asked if we needed or wanted the help. It would have gone a long way in making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

On the positive side, the restaurant has a nice atmosphere. Apart from the lamb, everything was well-seasoned. There is a lot of meat in the Set menu, so great if you are a meat lover. We might be back to try some of the lunch dishes, but will not go for...

The dining experience at this establishment is truly exceptional. Not only is the food fantastic, but the staff are also outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable meal.

One particular highlight of the menu is the Korean BBQ. It's an absolute blast and is perfect for groups, or even just for two people looking to have a unique and fun meal. You get to cook your own meats at the table, which is not only entertaining but also adds to the authenticity of the experience. The cuts of meat are of the highest quality, and the marinades are simply delicious.

However, even if Korean BBQ isn't your thing, there are plenty of other dishes on the menu that are sure to please. From appetizers to desserts, each dish is thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavor. The chefs clearly take pride in their work, and it shows in every bite.

Lastly, the staff at this restaurant are truly exceptional. From the moment you walk in the door, they make you feel welcome and valued as a guest. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to make recommendations based on your preferences. The service is prompt and attentive, without ever feeling intrusive.

Overall, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Whether you're in a large group or just looking for a romantic meal for two, the food and service are sure to exceed your...