Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Japanese nightlife by venturing into the world of Izakaya, a casual Japanese pub. These bustling establishments offer a delightful blend of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively conversations, providing an authentic glimpse into Japanese culture. Izakaya is usually サラリーマン Sararīman, aka salary man’s favorite place to go for 飲み会 nomikai, aka drinking party, after a long day of work. In this blog, we will give you some vocabulary of the food you can find on the menu, restaurant recommendations, and more!
居酒屋 Izakaya
Izakayas offer a vast array of delectable dishes, each bite bursting with flavors that capture the essence of Japanese cuisine. Some must-try dishes to tantalize your taste buds include, Yakitori and Kushikatsu.
焼き鳥 Yakitori
Skewered and grilled chicken, seasoned to perfection and often accompanied by various sauces.
Izakaya Restaurant Recommendations
今井屋本店
- Shinjuku Location: 東京都新宿区新宿3-33-10 新宿モリエールビル B1F
- Opening Hours [Monday – Friday 17:00~23:30 | Saturday & Sunday 11:30~14:00/17:00~23:30]
- Price Range ￥6,000～￥7,999 at night
佐五右衛門
- Shibuya Location: 東京都渋谷区道玄坂2-29-8 道玄坂センタービル 4F
- Opening Hours [Monday – Sunday 17:30~23:30]
- Price Range ￥4,000～￥4,999 at night
俺のやきとり
- Shibuya Location: 東京都渋谷区宇田川町12-7 エメラルドビル３階
- Opening Hours [Monday – Friday 17:00~23:30 | Saturday & Sunday 11:30~14:30/16:00~23:30]
- Price Range ￥5,000～￥5,999 at night
串焼き もんじろう
- Location: 東京都渋谷区恵比寿1-11-5 ジェムズ恵比寿 4F
- Opening Hours [Monday – Friday 11:30～14:30/17:30~23:30 | Saturday & Sunday 17:00~23:30]
- Price Range ￥4,000～￥4,999 at night
鳥貴族
- Shibuya Location: 東京都渋谷区 道玄坂 ２丁目 ９-９ 梅原ﾋﾞﾙ ２階
- Opening Hours [Monday – Friday 16:00〜4:00 | Saturday & Sunday 15:00〜4:00]
- Price Range ￥2,000～￥2,999 at night
Some Must-order Yakitori Dishes!
| つくね | Tsukune | Minced Chicken |
| ささみ | Sasami | Chicken Breast |
| 手羽先 | Tebasaki | Chicken Wings |
| レバー | Leva | Liver |
| ねぎま | Negima | Chicken Thigh/Breast with leek |
| 皮 | Kawa | Chicken Skin |
| 提灯 | Chochin | Fallopian tube and hanging ovary (egg yolk) |
| 砂肝 | Sunagimo | Gizzard |
| ハツ | Hatsu | Chicken Heart |
| もも | Momo | Chicken Thigh |
| 軟骨 | Nankotsu | Knee Cartilage |
串カツ Kushikatsu
Deep-fried skewered meat, vegetables, and seafood coated in a light and crispy batter.
Izakaya Restaurant Recommendations
串カツ田中
- Ebisu Location: 東京都 渋谷区 東3-26-1
- Opening Hours [Monday – Sunday 16:00〜24:00]
- Price Range ￥2,000～￥2,999 at night
串家物語
- Shinjuku Location: 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-19-1 新宿東宝ビル 1F
- Opening Hours [Monday – Sunday 11:00～23:00]
- Price Range ￥2,000～￥2,999 at night
串かつ でんがな
- Shinjuku Location: 東京都 新宿区 新宿3-3-9
- Opening Hours [Monday – Sunday 16:00～23:00]
- Price Range ￥2,000～￥2,999 at night
はん亭
- Location: 東京都文京区根津2-12-15
- [Monday – Sunday 11:30～15:00/17:00~22:00]
- Price Range ￥6,000～￥7,999 at night
串揚げPyon
- Location: 東京都港区六本木4-10-3 第Ｖ大栄ビル 1F
- Opening Hours [Tuesday – Saturday 17:30～20:30]
- Price Range ￥40,000～￥49,999 at night
Some Must-order Kushikatsu Dishes!
| 牛肉 | Gyūniku | Beef |
| 豚肉 | Butaniku | Pork |
| 鳥肉 | Toriniku | Chicken |
| チーズ | Chīzu | Cheeze |
| エビ | Ebi | Shrimp |
| ウズラの卵 | Uzuranotamago | Quail Egg |
| しいたけ | Shītake | Shiitake Mushrooms |
| 獅子唐辛子 | Shishi tōgarashi | Small Green Pepper |
| ナス | Nasu | Eggplant |
| 蓮根 | Renkon | Lotus Root |
| ウインナー | Uin’nā | Wiener |
| 餅 | Mochi | Rice Cake |
飲み会 Nomikais
Beyond the casual dining experience, izakayas also play a significant role in Japanese social life, serving as the backdrop for 飲み会 nomikais, group drinking parties. These gatherings, often organized by colleagues, friends, or classmates, provide an opportunity to bond, socialize, and strengthen relationships.
Etiquette for a Memorable Nomikai Experience
To ensure a pleasant and respectful nomikai experience, follow these guidelines:
- Order a drink first: Izakayas typically prioritize drinks over food orders.
- Share dishes: Sharing is encouraged, fostering a sense of community.
- Finish your food and drinks: Avoid leaving food or drinks unfinished.
- Contribute to the conversation: Engage with fellow diners and participate in the lively atmosphere.
Tips For Nomikais! Look For 飲み放題 Nomihodai
飲み放題 Nomihodai is a Japanese term that literally translates to “all-you-can-drink.” It is a popular concept at izakayas, Japanese-style pubs, and other establishments where alcohol is served. For a fixed price, usually around ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 per person or cheaper! Customers can enjoy unlimited drinks for a set period of time, typically two or three hours.
Izakaya Hub Recommendations
To truly experience the essence of izakaya, consider visiting these highly-rated establishments:
新宿三光商店街 Golden Gai in Shinjuku
A labyrinth of narrow alleyways lined with tiny izakayas, each offering a unique and intimate dining experience.
Location: 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-1-6
恵比寿横丁 Ebisu Yokocho in Ebisu
A vibrant district known for its bustling izakayas, offering a diverse range of cuisines and lively atmospheres.
Location: 東京都渋谷区恵比寿1-7-4
Venture into the vibrant world of izakayas and nomikais, and embark on a culinary and cultural adventure through the heart of Japan. Savor the delectable dishes, enjoy refreshing drinks, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, and create unforgettable memories of your time in Japan.
Helpful Blogs!
Check out these Coto Blogs for useful phrases when ordering food!
- Japanese Essentials: Key Phrases for Ordering at a Restaurant
- Japanese Essentials: Ordering at a Japanese Fast Food Restaurant
- How to Order Take-Out in Japan (お持ち帰り) – Japanese Essentials
FAQ
Izakayas are more focused on food and offer a wider variety of dishes, while bars typically focus on drinks and may have limited food options.
It is customary to order a drink first, then follow with food orders. Sharing dishes is encouraged, and it is polite to finish your food and drinks before leaving.
Prices vary depending on the location and type of izakaya, but expect to pay around ¥3,000-5,000 per person for a meal and drinks.
Some izakayas are more suitable for adults, while others welcome families. It is always best to check with the restaurant beforehand.
Most izakayas are located in urban areas and are easily accessible by public transportation.