Ireland’s Adare Manor has introduced Ōku, a refined sushi restaurant that blends Japanese culinary tradition with Irish ingredients and heritage. The name Ōku, meaning “oak” in Japanese, pays homage to the Gaelic origin of Adare, which translates as “the ford of the oak.”
© Jack Hardy – Oku Photography
Under the direction of Chef Jan Vincent Amo, the kitchen applies the precision of classical Japanese techniques and the seasonal sensibility of kaiseki. The menu highlights carefully sourced ingredients from Ireland and beyond, prepared with an emphasis on balance, texture and clean flavors.
Chef Jan Vincent Amo © Jack Hardy – Oku Photography
The menu ranges from pristine sashimi to meticulously crafted nigiri and artful rolls. Dishes emphasize seasonality and ingredient quality, with several standout items such as:
- Bluefin Tuna Shibaki, showcasing the fish’s clarity and texture
- Truffled Wagyu Donburi, pairing rich Wagyu with aromatic truffle
- Preparations featuring locally sourced Irish salmon, Wagyu beef and sea vegetables, executed with authentic Japanese techniques
Interior design draws inspiration from suiboku-ga (ink wash painting), creating a serene, understated atmosphere. The dining room features dark oak timbers, aged brass accents and textured wall finishes that support a calm, contemplative dining experience.
Ōku’s beverage list is curated to enhance the flavors of the food. Offerings include:
- A premium sake selection, from crisp Junmai varieties to more complex Daiginjo expressions
- Japanese whiskies, including rare and aged bottles that mirror the depth of the cuisine
- Signature cocktails that combine yuzu, sesame, miso and Irish botanicals to bridge Eastern and Western flavor profiles
© Oku Photography
With its thoughtful fusion of Japanese technique and Irish produce, Ōku at Adare Manor aims to offer a refined dining experience that respects tradition while embracing local terroir and seasonal change.