DAY TWO 28 JANUARY 2025

As already mentioned in an earlier post Eatokyo on Capel Street closed on Sunday [26 January 2025]. Within a week or two Tucano+ will open at the same location and I plan to visit them on their opening day. Especially as the he new restaurant will feature some really interesting urban art.

Tucano appears to be a relatively new arrival to Dublin, focusing on Brazilian cuisine. Their existing restaurant has garnered attention for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic Brazilian dishes.

Tucano Plus: The new Capel Street location, dubbed “Tucano Plus”, is being touted as an “upmarket” version. The intriguing addition is the “special sushi menu”, a nod perhaps to the location’s previous occupant and a potential bid to attract a wider audience.

Eatokyo:

Wellington Quay: While an exact opening date for their first location on Wellington Quay is tricky to pin down without further digging, it appears they were established there for a good number of years, becoming a popular spot for Japanese cuisine in Temple Bar. Their website mentions it being a “peaceful haven” by the River Liffey, suggesting it was a well-loved fixture. I first visited this restaurant at Christmas 2018 and have some photographs to prove it but for some reason I never visited it since then

Expansion: Eatokyo later expanded to two other locations:
Capel Street: This branch, now taken over by Tucano Plus, aimed to bring “the finest Asian street food to the heart of the city”. Since the ending of Covid restrictions I have visited at least once a week.

Talbot Street: Also taken over by Tucano, this branch was praised for its “bento boxes and sushi selections” and described as having a “modern atmospheric restaurant” vibe.

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24 JANUARY 2025 THE DAY OF THE BIG STORM

Capel Street in Dublin is a vibrant hub for food lovers, constantly evolving with new restaurants and culinary experiences. This week sees a change in the street’s landscape with the opening of Hana Izakaya by Musashi and the closure of Eatokyo.

Eatokyo, a long-standing Japanese restaurant on Capel Street, has sadly closed. While no official reason has been publicly given, their website only lists trading hours and contact details for their Temple Bar location. This closure highlights the difficult climate for the hospitality industry, particularly with rising costs and VAT increases impacting businesses.

Gushi, an Asian fusion restaurant that operated on Capel Street for two and a half years, has also recently closed. Again, no official reason has been provided for the closure. The competitive nature of Dublin’s restaurant scene and the increasing costs of operation are likely contributing factors. It’s reported that 577 eateries across Ireland have closed since the September 2023 VAT increase.

However, the closure of these establishments creates opportunities for new ventures. Hana Izakaya by Musashi, the latest addition to the Musashi group, has now opened on Capel Street. Musashi, already established in Dublin with six branches, is known for its high-quality Japanese and Thai cuisine, fresh ingredients, and lively atmosphere.

An izakaya is a Japanese pub where food is as central as the drinks. It offers casual dining with sharing plates in a relaxed setting. It’s similar to Spanish tapas but focuses on traditional Japanese dishes and sake. Hana Izakaya by Musashi offers both delivery and in-store dining.

Capel Street continues to be a diverse culinary destination. While the closures of Gushi and Eatokyo are unfortunate, they also allow new concepts like Hana Izakaya by Musashi to emerge. Despite the challenges faced by the hospitality sector, Capel Street’s dining scene remains resilient and adaptable. With its focus on fresh ingredients, a blend of Japanese and Thai cuisine, and the convivial atmosphere of an izakaya, Hana Izakaya by Musashi is well-placed to succeed.

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