A typical izakaya menu will feature smaller dishes to share and simple drinks. Beer, whiskey and shochu are popular choices.
Most izakaya staff speak only Japanese. You can order by point, use Google Translate or leave it up to the staff by saying 'ryori wa omakase shimasu'. At the end of your meal, you simply say 'okaikei onegaishimasu' to pay your bill.
1. Toridosi
A sister establishment of SG Club, Toridosi is a great place to stop for lemon sour cocktails with a twist. In addition to serving the classic version of the cocktail (made from freshly squeezed lemons mixed with shochu and topped with club soda), they also serve other versions using ingredients like strawberries, watermelon, passion fruit, or mango, depending on the season. They also have a range of highball drinks made with various house-infused spirits, including black tea, raisins, and dried lemon.
The restaurant is located behind a nondescript door on the second floor of an old office building. Once you step inside, you'll find an izakaya with a casual atmosphere, a surprisingly large seating area, and plenty of room to dance the night away. In addition to the wide selection of lemon sour cocktails, Toridosi also serves a range of appetizers and tapas. Some of the most popular items include the grilled chicken leg ($30), which is served in bite-sized pieces and covered with garlic fried rice.
If you're looking for something lighter, there are a variety of sashimi and other light snacks available as well. The sushi chefs at Toridosi are incredibly talented, so you're sure to get a delicious and fresh meal every time.
Another great thing about Toridosi is that it's open until 1 am, so you can have a late-night snack after a long night out. Plus, there's live music playing in the bar from 6-8 pm every day, so it's a fun place to hang out after a long night of partying. In fact, the late hours and amazing food make Toridosi one of the best places to stay after a night out in Tama Center. You won't regret stopping by! For more information, check out the official website for Toridosi. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for up-to-the-minute updates.
2. Shirubee Izakaya
Izakaya is a Japanese word that literally means “stay-drink-place,” and this 1,800-square foot space in the Ebisu Yokocho district has just the kind of atmosphere that fits the description. There are tables and bar seating, and the menu is diverse enough to cater to all tastes. It also includes the kind of dishes that would be found in a typical gastropub, such as grilled meats and seafood, tapas-style appetizers, and even some Chinese and Okinawan specialties.
Chef Fumihiro Tamayose presides over the rowdy kitchen crew that serves up the restaurant’s brand of Chinese-Okinawa fusion. He explains that the menu aims for cultural collision with ingredients like umi budou (a seaweed found in Okinawa) and mapo tofu (a spicily seasoned tofu dish from Taiwan). 多摩センター 居酒屋
But this isn’t just about food – it’s a full-on entertainment experience. To wit, patrons are encouraged to order as many plates of food and drinks as they want. Those who place their orders in a timely manner get to see a show of sorts: the kitchen staff competes for a high score in a game of “umai” (“what are you eating?”). It’s a test of adroit timing and the ability to elicit the most spirited response from the patrons around them, and the winner receives an honorary rice cracker.
In a city where dining spots are constantly morphing and changing, Shirubee maintains a comfortable consistency of good food and service. It’s the sort of izakaya where people go to spend an evening socializing and drinking with friends, and it’s a place that should definitely be on your list of things to do during a Tokyo layover.
Behind a nondescript door in the back alleys of the Shimokitazawa district, you’ll find one of the city’s best izakayas, which specializes in lemon sour cocktails. These aren’t your standard izakaya lemon sours, though. They’re playful modern versions that range from the sour to the salty to the bizarre, and they are all designed to be enjoyed while you sip one after another and enjoy your meal in this funky back-alley tavern.
3. Teppanyaki Izakaya
This izakaya is a great place to go with a group of friends or a large family. It is a very social and relaxed place and the food is great too. You can have teppanyaki (steak and shrimp, chicken, vegetable and pork), as well as sushi, sashimi and yakitori. The menu is very varied and the portions are quite small so you will be able to sample many different things and share them among your party. It is also a good idea to order a variety of drinks as most izakayas have an all-you-can-drink style menu (nomihodai) which usually includes beer, wine, sake and shochu based drinks.
When you arrive, it may be a little difficult to understand the waiters as they speak very quickly. You can try to communicate using hand gestures or a combination of English and Japanese, but it is best to have some basic phrases and a dictionary with you to help. The menu will be in Japanese, and while some restaurants offer a menu with pictures or a translation service, it is not always available.
Most izakayas serve a wide variety of dishes and are meant to be shared, so if you don’t know what to order, ask the people around you. The people in Japan are very friendly and open to talking to strangers, and after a few drinks even the most reserved Japanese start to display surprising language skills. If you don’t want to order from the main menu, ask for a special dish, and the chefs will be happy to prepare something for you.
The menu is generally very affordable, with teppanyaki items costing about 500 yen or less. It is a great choice for families with children and the staff are very helpful and friendly. They will happily explain the menu to your children and help them choose what they would like to eat. Unlike traditional sushi restaurants, which only offer fish raw with no sauces, teppanyaki is great for anyone on a vegetarian diet as the ingredients can be cooked and prepared in a way that is low in fat and calories.
4. Tama Center Izakaya
Despite being less touristy than the main Tokyo hub, Tama Center has its own special brand of izakayas that are well worth a visit. These spots serve up all the food and drink that you can think of to help you get a proper taste of Japanese culture. Here are a few to check out:
A sugitama (cedar ball) hanging outside this seafood izakaya draws your attention as you approach, and once inside, you'll be impressed by the subdued and modern interior, with its large counter displaying rows of fresh fish that was brought in that day. One of the highlights on the menu is the [Box Sushi], where a thin layer of rice is spread in the box and then piled high with attractively arranged uni (sea urchin), steamed awabi (abalone) and ikura (salmon roe).
With its dark wood panels, tatami seats and sake bar, this cozy izakaya feels like it sprung from a Tokyo back alley. It's great for a cosy catch-up with friends over bottles of sake – the servers can recommend something good – and delicious bites such as the octopus karaage ($9), which is lightly fried octopus in a light tempura batter, or the silky smooth Japanese omelette ($9). Don't miss the steamed dumplings, such as pork and shrimp shumai ($232 for four), either.
If you're looking for an authentic and spirited izakaya experience, look no further than this lively spot that's a short walk from the station. This popular local hangout is always hopping with people enjoying drinks, snacks and live music. It's best to arrive early to secure a seat as the venue fills up quickly.
Owners of the Shibuya udon shop Mansai have opened this casual izakaya, where you can enjoy steamed dishes such as octopus steamed with katsuobushi (salted dried fish) and shrimp shumai ($232 for four). Try also their soft and creamy Japanese-style omelette ($9) or the comforting but rich monkfish liver ponzu (Y=8).