Glass of Suntory Premium Malt's beer on a wooden table in a restaurant with blurred background and digital menu screen.

Japanese Izakaya: A Guide to Tokyo's Best

If you're looking for a true Japanese dining experience, look no further than an izakaya. These casual drinking and eating establishments offer a lively atmosphere and a wide range of dishes that are perfect for sharing with friends. Here's everything you need to know about the best izakayas in Tokyo.

Izakaya Tokyo: Where to Go

Tokyo is filled with izakayas, ranging from small, traditional establishments to modern, trendy spots. Some of the best include:

  • Torikizoku Shinjuku: This popular chain is known for its affordable prices and delicious grilled chicken skewers.

  • Torikizoku Shibuya: Another location of the popular chain, this izakaya is a great place to grab a quick bite or hang out with friends over drinks.

  • Saiseisakaba Asakusa: This traditional izakaya has been around since the early 1900s and serves up classic Japanese dishes like grilled fish and sashimi.

Best Izakaya Tokyo: What to Eat

At an izakaya, the menu is vast and varied, with dishes ranging from small plates to hearty entrees. Here are some must-try items:

  • Yakitori: These grilled chicken skewers are a staple of any izakaya, and for good reason. They're juicy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

  • Karaage: These crispy, fried chicken bites are the ultimate comfort food.

  • Takoyaki: These ball-shaped snacks are filled with diced octopus and covered in a sweet and savory sauce.

Japanese Izakaya Menu: How to Order

Ordering at an izakaya can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not fluent in Japanese. Here are some tips to help you navigate the menu:

  • Look for picture menus: Many izakayas will have picture menus that make it easy to see what you're ordering.

  • Use a translation app: If the menu is only in Japanese, use a translation app like Google Translate to help you decipher it.

  • Ask the staff for recommendations: The staff at izakayas are usually very friendly and can help you choose dishes that are popular or particularly delicious.

Japanese Izakaya Food: How to Enjoy

The key to enjoying an izakaya is to relax and have fun. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

  • Share dishes: Izakayas are all about sharing, so order a variety of dishes and share them with your friends.

  • Order drinks: Izakayas are also known for their wide selection of drinks, including beer, sake, and shochu. Try something new and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Don't rush: Izakayas are meant to be enjoyed over a leisurely meal, so take your time and savor each dish.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a fun and casual dining experience in Tokyo, an izakaya is the perfect choice. With a wide range of dishes and a lively atmosphere, you're sure to have a memorable evening. Just remember to relax, order lots of food, and enjoy the company of your friends.

A person sitting at a wooden table with a sizzling plate of eggs, with seaweed, and a partially cooked egg yolk in the center. The person is holding a spoon above the eggs. There is a glass of green-colored drink on the left and some empty black dish

A person sitting at a wooden table with a sizzling plate of eggs, with seaweed, and a partially cooked egg yolk in the center. The person is holding a spoon above the eggs. There is a glass of green-colored drink on the left and some empty black dishes and a napkin on the right.

Close-up of a portable stove with a small flame, placed on a wooden surface with a wooden-paneled wall in the background.

Close-up of a portable stove with a small flame, placed on a wooden surface with a wooden-paneled wall in the background.

Two pieces of fried chicken wings on a white rectangular plate, with some oil and sauce residue, placed on a wooden table.

Two pieces of fried chicken wings on a white rectangular plate, with some oil and sauce residue, placed on a wooden table.

A small tabletop stove with a flame, a plate of food, a glass of green drink with a red label, and small dish, set against a wooden wall.

A small tabletop stove with a flame, a plate of food, a glass of green drink with a red label, and small dish, set against a wooden wall.

A restaurant table with a digital menu in Japanese, an empty glass mug labeled 'PREMIUM,' black bowls, plates, and used utensils, and a tissue. The setting has wooden walls and a person partially visible on the left side.

A restaurant table with a digital menu in Japanese, an empty glass mug labeled 'PREMIUM,' black bowls, plates, and used utensils, and a tissue. The setting has wooden walls and a person partially visible on the left side.

A young woman with dark hair and bangs sits at a wooden table in a restaurant, reading a menu. She is wearing a cream-colored blouse with a floral pattern and a white turtleneck underneath. There is a glass with a drink and a phone on the table in fr

A young woman with dark hair and bangs sits at a wooden table in a restaurant, reading a menu. She is wearing a cream-colored blouse with a floral pattern and a white turtleneck underneath. There is a glass with a drink and a phone on the table in front of her.

Empty bowl of ramen with green onions on a wooden table, surrounded by used dishes, a spoon, a glass of green beverage, a menu, and chopsticks in a cup.

Empty bowl of ramen with green onions on a wooden table, surrounded by used dishes, a spoon, a glass of green beverage, a menu, and chopsticks in a cup.

A bowl of cooked vegetables including carrots, cabbage, and possibly potatoes, served in a small hot stone bowl on a wooden table at a restaurant.

A bowl of cooked vegetables including carrots, cabbage, and possibly potatoes, served in a small hot stone bowl on a wooden table at a restaurant.

People dining in a restaurant with wooden dividers, viewed through a black metal-and-wood frame.

People dining in a restaurant with wooden dividers, viewed through a black metal-and-wood frame.

Digital ordering tablet displaying various food and drink options at a restaurant, with a menu in Japanese and images of skewered food and a lemon soda.

Digital ordering tablet displaying various food and drink options at a restaurant, with a menu in Japanese and images of skewered food and a lemon soda.

Empty plate with a grilled chicken skewer with some sauce remnants on a wooden table.

Empty plate with a grilled chicken skewer with some sauce remnants on a wooden table.

Skewers of grilled meat and vegetables on a white rectangular plate resting on a wooden table.

Skewers of grilled meat and vegetables on a white rectangular plate resting on a wooden table.

A grilled chicken skewer on a black rectangular plate with sauce, on a wooden table.

A grilled chicken skewer on a black rectangular plate with sauce, on a wooden table.