Table of Contents:
What is an Izakaya?
Must-Try Dishes
Must-Try Drinks

We are food lovers who often visit Izakaya while visiting Japan. There are various styles of Izakaya – some specialize in specific food items, some are tiny places with only several chairs, and some are upscale. The common agreement of all Izakaya is a friendly atmosphere and something for everyone. As you step into the inviting warmth of an Izakaya, you’re not just entering a place to eat and drink, but a cultural experience that tantalizes all senses. For food lovers, an Izakaya is a paradise waiting to be explored, offering a dizzying array of dishes and drinks. This guide is your key to unlocking the culinary treasures of these vibrant establishments.

What is an Izakaya?

Originating from sake shops that allowed customers to sit and drink on the premises, Izakaya has evolved into social dining spots, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Think of them as Japan’s answer to the Irish pub or the Spanish tapas bar. Please visit our Guide to Izakaya Etiquette article which is tailored for first-timers, ensuring your Izakaya visit is both enjoyable and respectful of Japanese customs.

Must-Try Dishes

Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
A staple of Izakaya menus, yakitori is skewered chicken grilled to perfection. Each piece is seasoned simply with salt or a savory-sweet sauce (tare) and grilled over charcoal. From succulent thigh pieces (momo) to adventurous options like chicken liver, there’s a skewer for every palate. My favorites are chicken hearts and chicken cartilages. My husband doesn’t like either of these. He prefers tsukune (chicken meatballs) and chicken skin. Sample everything, and you will find your own favorites.

Sashimi
Sashimi, fresh raw fish sliced into delicate pieces, is a testament to the freshness and quality of Japanese seafood. Common choices include salmon (sake), tuna (maguro), and octopus (tako). We often order an assorted sashimi plate at Izakaya to enjoy their selection of seasonal fish. Savor each piece with a dab of wasabi and soy sauce to enhance its natural flavors.

Izakaya-Style Tempura
Unlike formal tempura restaurants, Izakayas serve a more casual style of tempura. Vegetables and seafood are lightly battered and fried, creating a crispy exterior with a tender, juicy interior. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Our all-time favorite is corn tempura at Donjaka in Shinjuku.

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Karaage, featuring marinated chicken deep-fried to golden perfection, is the ultimate comfort food and a staple dish at Izakaya. It’s crispy, juicy, and often served with a squeeze of lemon or a side of creamy mayo for dipping.

Tofu Dishes
For a lighter option, tofu dishes are a must-try. Whether it’s silky soft tofu with a delicate soy-based sauce or deep-fried agedashi tofu with a dashi-based broth, these dishes showcase the versatility of this humble soy product.

Must-Try Drinks

Sake
No Izakaya experience is complete without sake. From dry to sweet, clear to cloudy, the varieties are endless. Ask your server for recommendations to pair with your dishes. We suggest you ask the waiter to recommend a jizake (locally-produced sake). It often best compliments the regional food.

Shochu
Shochu, a distilled spirit typically made from barley, sweet potatoes, or rice, is a stronger alternative to sake. Enjoy it on the rocks, mixed with water, or as part of a cocktail. You find various flavors of chu-hai in the Izakaya menu. Chu-hai is a mixed drink of shochu, carbonated water, and flavoring.

Japanese Beer
Crisp and refreshing, Japanese beers like Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo are perfect palate cleansers between dishes.

Umeshu (Plum Wine)
For something sweet, try umeshu, a Japanese plum wine. It’s delightful on its own or as a dessert drink.

Non-Alcoholic Options
For those avoiding alcohol, Izakayas often offer a range of soft drinks, teas, and non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails.

An Izakaya provides a snapshot of Japan’s rich culinary culture. As you explore these delights, remember that Izakaya is about shared experiences. Order a variety, share among your group, and most importantly, enjoy the atmosphere that makes dining in an Izakaya truly unique.

For those who want to explore more, we recommend watching Midnight Diner, a Japanese TV series.