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    Ippuku

    3.9 (1.5k reviews)
    PriceyBars, Izakaya
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Ippuku Photos

    IPPUKU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    James K.

    Been here a few times and it's always yummy. Service is good and the ambiance makes you feel like you're in Japan but slightly nostalgic / retro. All the skewers are good, though depending on texture preferences people have - the skin does have a slight chew. The minced meat skewer was juicy and full of flavor, and I always love the heart and gizzard. The sauce for the cabbage is great and not too mayo, and I like the black sesame with the spinach. I also love the karaage here - crunchy and juicy. The porridge is a nice finish to the meal.

    More skewers
    Veronica L.

    They ran out of dessert before 630pm on a Friday -boo! But the food and drinks were great, as always. Good service. The salmon was excellent. Love their salad with chicken and apple, Brentwood corn fritters, anything with bacon or mochi (or both), the $30 squid is worth it, and the skewers. Clean dining area and very nice area to sit around the tables where you remove your shoes.

    Claudia S.

    Walk-in at Ippuku in Berkeley came with a pretty long wait, and there is no online waitlist which makes planning difficult. We were seated around 7:30 (which is still prime dinner time imo) only to be told that many of the menu items had already sold out, which was disappointing. The items that were still available were good and we still had a nice time overall. FYI, the non-alcoholic beverage selection is quite limited. At this price point, the wait plus the number of sold out dishes makes us question whether we would come back.

    oden set
    Alice H.

    This place has been on my want to go list for a while, and I finally got to try it! We didn't make a reservation and walked in instead. We waited for about 30 min and the restaurant texted us once the table was ready. We ordered quite a few dishes and started with Omakase gushi, which came with chicken breast, thigh with leek, heart, cartilage, and minced chicken. We also ordered the oden set, sasami, tori tataki, gyu-tan, enoki bacon, and buta bara. Evertyhing tasted pretty good, but the most impressive dish was sasami with umeboshi, which was inner bresat with umehad was the inner breast with umeboshi. It was my first time trying raw chicken, and it tasted really good. The chicken breast was really tender, with a tuna-like texture, and without any slimy or odd flavors. Ever since then, I've been telling my friends to try it. The Tori Tataki was seared chicken breast sashimi with ponzu, which tasted a bit plain compared to the sasami. So I would highly recommended to get theeir sasami!

    James W.

    Appreciated the small dishes for variety, but quality differed between dishes and I also found many of them lacked flavor. My favorite dishes were the negima (thigh with leek), the shisho making, and the goma yogoshi (spinach in sesame paste) for their more unique tastes. I wouldn't recommend the Nama-Yuba nor the mochi wrapped in bacon or nori. Service is good with the plates coming out in intervals to accentuate the dining experience which has beautiful booths or tatami mats for seating. Would recommend making reservations since the restaurant gets packed quite easily.

    Skewers omakase
    Lei L.

    Fantastic izakaya that specializes in chicken skewers in downtown Berkeley! Parking can be tricky - street parking or parking lots are your best bet. We got there right as it opened and so we were seated right away. It might be good to make reservations especially when school is in session. There's booths (with heaters!) and tatami areas where you take your shoes off and sit on the floor. The food was excellent! We got the salad, gyoza, rafute, skewers, negiyaki, gyuutan, and crab croquettes. Izakayas are places to drink so they serve small plates for sharing. It seems they have some bigger plates but we did not order any. The salad was refreshing and rafute, negiyaki, and crab croquettes were very tasty. The chicken skewers were fresh and flavorful. It is great for small groups and a date. Definitely recommend!!

    Chicken thighs
    Jay P.

    We came before a Pixies show at The Greek and it was honestly very hard to leave. The interior design is amazing and has a mix of traditional and eclectic, a hint of the cool weirdness is their website design as well: https://ippukuberkeley.com/ The menu is very expansive and had some interesting stand-outs like Squid Ink fried rice. This is the one I really wanted to try but we were so full after we skipped it. The big thing to note is they take much longer than other Yakitori places for the dishes to come, I want to say at least 15 minutes but the quality was very good. Chicekn Yakitori Pieces: Thigh, wing, gizzard, cartilage. The gizzard and cartilage are challenging to cook right and they were some of the finest I've had in the Bay Area so if you like these cuts I would try them here. Hi-Balls: Japanese cocktail made of soda and whiskey. We had the lemon and plum ones and both were excellent. Korokke: Perfect fried potato balls with nice creamy mashed potatoes inside. These came out first and set the bar very high.

    Julia S.

    Parking is tough... but honestly, what isn't tough for parking in downtown Berkeley? Once you're inside, though, everything else is fantastic. The vibe is very Japanese izakaya--dim lighting, cozy booths, noren-style curtains you walk through, and a bar right up front. There's even bar-style seating outside, which is a nice touch. They also have larger group seating areas where you take off your shoes, which makes the whole experience feel immersive and authentic. Walking in, it genuinely doesn't feel like you're in Berkeley anymore, and that's part of the charm. Service was excellent--attentive without being overbearing. We came here for our anniversary dinner and ordered a ton: skewers, noodles, a green onion pancake, and some dishes we don't usually see. One standout was the bitter melon tempura, which was surprisingly fresh and delicious. If you like bitter melon, definitely try it. Portions were generous for the price, too. We also ordered a fish dish (I wish I remembered which one), but it was cooked incredibly well--honestly one of the best fish dishes we've had in a while, even though we don't usually go out of our way for fish. Yes, it can feel a bit pricier, but that's pretty standard for izakaya-style spots, and in this case, it was absolutely worth it. We'd definitely come back. 10/10--just brace yourself for the parking.

    Goma Yogoshi and Mentai Poteto Salad
    Kyra K.

    For an early birthday celebration, I wanted to take my companion out. I chose Ippuku because we'd never been and I wanted to surprise him with something new. In all honesty, it was an okay experience--a one-and-done. Ippuku is a Berkeley staple. As an izakaya, it will transport you to Japan. It's intimate, somewhat upscale for bar bites, but also mysterious and laid back. Lots of diners here come in larger groups or for dates--it's loud and a popular destination. I made reservations in advance, which I recommend because it's a popular spot. The service was kind and courteous from everyone who helped us. Food came out quickly and we were checked on throughout our meal. He and I shared: Negima, Hatsu, Tsukune, Goma Yogoshi, Mentai Poteto Salad, Dashi Maki, and Ika Suki Cha Han. Out of the yakitori, I liked the negima the best. They were nicely grilled and juicy but lacking a burst of flavor that I'm used to. Similarly with our appetizers, they were fine but not as seasoned. None of the items blew me away. As a Japanese girl, I used to hit up izakayas and yakitori spots almost weekly. For what I got here, I'd pay 1/4 of the price normally. So to pay as much as I did and the quality to not deliver was disappointing to say the least. As other reviews stated, portions aren't too big and it's quite expensive. An izakaya experience and yakitori in Berkeley is rare. My take on Ippuku is that if this is your first experience you'd be impressed, but if you know this cuisine I'd skip it! It's a hidden spot and easy to pass up off Center Street, but look for groups of people outside. A mix of metered and free street parking only.

    Pork belly appetizer
    KJ E.

    A friend recommended Ippuku to me and since I trust their taste, I had to come. Good thing I got there right as they opened because I didn't have a reservation for what looked like a poppin' Sunday evening. I don't know what on earth to order but my server, Lorie, helped me out graciously. I had five dishes and an adult beverage to round it out. And I would order all the same items and more-- and ideally to bring one or more friends with me so we can split food and I can try more things!!! The starter cabbage with mayo was a refreshing start. And I thankfully ordered the black sesame spinach (served cold) immediately after and whew-- what is in that?! It's a perfect size for one person so if you were thinking to share, order two... because you won't want to share. It gives off a peanut-y after taste and I wished I had more! As far as "main" dishes go: I had chicken neck (I am sorry-- I don't know the Japanese name at the top of my head!), pork belly skewers, pork belly appetizer (they were prepared differently and I suggest ordering both!), and sweet potato with butter glaze (kinda reminded me of a honey actually). Everything was amazing. Tender. Flavorful. My adult beverage was an Okinawa Paloma, which I would order again. A fun twist on a classic! Definitely loved the vibes, the people, and just everything about it. If you're looking to "treat yourself", I say yes to Ippuku!

    Stephanie H.

    Delicious food! We ordered the sampler and also grapefruit Chu hi! The samplers were good! It came with thigh, breast, heart, and wings. My favorite was the heart! I enjoyed the gamey taste. Although I thought it needed more seasoning, I enjoyed the skewers. We added more shoyu and togarashi from the sauce options on the table. I thought they also cooked the skewers perfectly, it wasn't too dry. I also enjoyed squeezing the grapefruit for our Chu hi. Overall, fun night out with friends!

    Bitter melon tempura
    Tommy C.

    Busy place. Reservations recommended. Authentic and comfortable vibe. Decent service. Staff were friendly and helpful. We tried an assortment of skewers. Good: Teba (wing), thigh oyster, momo, yaki onigiri, mentaiko potato salad I found the liver, heart, kawa (skin), and gizzard to be a little undercooked in the center. The outside was properly charred with the charcoal flavor but the center was much softer. Perhaps this was the cooking style of the chef. An assortment of sakes and shochu are available. Averaged about $115/person for food, drink, tax,& tip

    Squid
    Anni Y.

    Ippuku is a solid Japanese izakaya in downtown Berkeley. We spent about $235 before tip for three people, which included around 17 skewers, uni udon, a few appetizers, and two drinks. I made a reservation for 7 pm on a Saturday, and the place was packed when we arrived. We were seated right away, but the server let us know the grill was backed up and skewer orders would take about 50 minutes. That was fine with us since we started with appetizers. Parking: Mostly metered street parking and parking structures. We got lucky with curbside parking nearby for $5 for 2 hours, paid through a nearby ticket machine. Service: Overall pretty good. Our server was really busy helping multiple tables, so we had to wait until they were free to make additional requests. They accidentally spilled one of our drinks, but made up for it with complimentary sesame ice cream, which was creamy and had really strong sesame flavor. Food: For appetizers, we ordered eggplant, squid, karaage, and uni udon. The karaage was crispy, but I wished it came with mayonnaise, which seemed to be a common request from other guests. The eggplant was fine but felt small for the price. The uni udon was creamy but also had a distinct fishy flavor. For skewers, we tried quail eggs, tomatoes wrapped in bacon, beef tongue, the omakase gushi (five chef-recommended skewers), and chicken liver. The chicken thigh was juicy and flavorful. The beef tongue was another highlight, served as a thick cut of meat with shishito peppers that paired well together. Overall: If you're in the area and craving comforting skewers at a higher price point, Ippuku is worth a visit. It's popular, lively, and the skewers are solid with a few real standouts.

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    Ippuku Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ippuku

    What are the gluten free options? Curious if I can bring my friend who has celiac.

    Are walk ins accepted?

    yes, but the waitlist can get pretty long

    What is the parking situation around this place? Easy to park? Is there a lot or all by luck street parking?

    Street parking in the evening is possible within few blocks south of Center. There are also parking lots near by such as Allston Way, Center street Etc. You can see them on Google map. BART station is super close.

    Hi your number seems to be disconnected?

    The number is 510-655-1969

    Do they serve Bonjiri?

    Yes. It is on their menu, yakitori of all parts of a whole chicken.

    Is a reservation a must on a Fri/Sat night?

    It would help. It is crowded and we did not have reservations and had to wait about 40 minutes.

    Is this okay if I take my baby?

    I think so. But ask for a table.

    View All 15 Questions

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    Kinda Izakaya

    Kinda Izakaya

    4.2
    (183 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    We discovered this fun little Izakaya (Japanese social eatery) when coming into town for the…read moreLadytron show at the UC Theater on busy Saturday night on University Avenue and we are glad that we decided to give it a try. It was conveniently located across the street from the venue, and the unassuming outside of the restaurant did not hint at the amount of fun, ambiance, good food, and warm hospitality contained inside. First, there is the name. Not sure if it's some sort of play on words, secret joke, or if it's someone's actual name, but it works, kinda. It's kinda a restaurant, kinda a bar, kinda of a hangout, and kinda fun. The tiny entrance and plain facade reveals a bustling world of delicious food, tasty beverage, and lots of decorative eye candy to keep you looking around the space while you are hanging out with friends, on a date, or just relaxing after a long day. The decorations there are very upbeat, eclectic, fun, and distinctly Japanese pop culture. Posters, banners, flags, lanterns, toys, and trinkets can be found all over the restaurant, and made it fun to keep looking around and discover new novel things to look at. I did feel like I was in an authentic Izakaya somewhere in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ebisu in Tokyo. The place had a lot of personality & personal flair in an otherwise, tiny & industrial small warehouse type space. Service was excellent. The host was the cute & personable Mina, who couldn't have been more accommodating, patient, friendly, and engaging. It was very busy, and even though it was our first time there, Mina made us feel welcome into their home and was also very helpful to guide us around their experience. The other staff were less engaging, but still professional, efficient, and polite. Service was quick, attentive, and friendly on all accounts, and they as a team, managed to serve an entire full house of hungry & happy patrons during the entire Saturday night dinner rush. Fun place with a good staff. We opted for Izakaya-type, shared small plates to satisfy our hunger cravings without getting too full and weighed down on big portions of heavy, rich foods. Everything on the long & expansive menu looked great, but we mostly stuck with small appetizers to sample & savor. It was nice that there were plenty of lighter, fresh vegetarian options as neither of us were really in the mood for seafood, fried food, or big heavy entrees. We ordered the Kinda Tofu, Kyuri sliced fresh cucumber salad, and Kinoko butter-grilled mushroom hot platter and washed it down with some green grape Jinro soju. Everything was pretty good! Not overly fried, greasy, salty, or seasoned. Lightly cooked, delicately glazed, with just enough seasoning & oil/sauce to make it taste good, but not end up too complicated or messy. The taste really came through using these minimal cooking & seasoning techniques. The taste of the original vegetables & tofu came through perfectly, and were only complimented by their light hints of adding flavor. Portion sizes were ample for two people, and presentation was appetizing and organized. The bill for 3 apps + 1 bottle of Soju was less than $50, so it was a good value for the fun experience & good food. Wait times during the dinner rush are long, and there isn't really anywhere to sit or stand, so reservations are recommended. You can also enter and go straight to the 10-seat bar if there are openings, but we got a table for two after around a 20-30 minute wait. After that, everything moves pretty quickly, from ordering, getting food & drinks, to wrapping up and getting your check. Perfect system if you're trying to get to a concert, movie, or appointment with a specific start time. I really liked this place, not Kinda, not Sorta, but Definitely, or Absolutely! Kinda Izakaya will always be our destination to eat & hang out next time we come back to Berkeley, it is a true gem of a Japanese Izakaya/light meal fare right in the heart of downtown Berkeley. It's fun, tasty, busy, and friendly. Small & cozy, yet also airy & comfortable.

    2nd Visit. I'm smitten with the menu and vibes. $6 Kyuri:…read morerefreshing vinegary counter to the fried and grilled items. $12 Crispy Chicken Knees: very karage like. Excellent. $6 Bacon+Oyster: Least surprising. Tasty at least. $4.50 Chkn Skin: kinda sweet! In a good way, charred, and fatty. Delicious. $31 Ika Yaki: delicious

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Kaki Fried
    Kaki Fried
    Black dragon roll

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    Black dragon roll
    Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

    Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

    3.9
    (442 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$

    Top contender for Japanese cuisine in Berkeley--equal parts sophisticated and scrumptious…read more Highlights include: - Sea Bean & Corn Tempura: a savory funnel cake worthy of a Michelin star thanks to its texture and the side of matcha salt - Salmon sashimi: succulent with fresh wasabi - Wagyu Shime Special: insane price for insane flavor--a generous portion of veggies and wagyu in a big ol' iron bowl of bubblin' broth

    Ate Christmas dinner here with my mom as our celebration tradition is usually a Japanese…read morerestaurant. The ambience was intimate and cozy yet elegant, and the staff was very attentive and kind. I loved the decorations, the plates and silverware, and the food was just as intentional in flavor and selection. For appetizers we had: Anchovy Stuffed Olives Tempura - Tempura Spanish alives stuffed with anchovies $9 Kombu Tsukudani - Premium Hokkaldo kelp, say sauce, bonito, shiso, sesame seeds, enjoy with sake or rice $6 For our meal we had: Saba Bouzushi - House-cured saba mackerel bouzushi - stick-shaped sushi, also called battera, served with shiso, sesame, scallions, topped with Hokkaido shiraita kombu, ten pieces $29 Gindara Yuanyaki - Local black cod marinated in soy sauce and shikuwasa Okinawan citrus juice served grilled $34 Steelhead Trout Nabe - Norwegian ocean trout raised sustainably in the clear, cold ford where the seawater meets fresh meltwater from the glaciers in the mountains. Enjoy the rich flavored, melt-in-your-mouth fish, hotpot with dashi broth, mushrooms, napa cabbage, burdock, clear noodles, tofu, mizuna, scallions, yuzu kosho $39 We've been to many izakaya spots and this place had some of the most unique flavors I've tasted. The Saba Bouzushi stood out to me because it reminded of Filipino paksiw but as a roll! The Gindara was buttery and soft and had a yummy smoky flavor. The Nabe was perfect for a rainy evening - hearty, fresh, and so well balanced in flavor (I loved the yuzu kosho the had us add for a citrusy, peppery flavor)

    Photos
    Uni chawanmushi -- savory custard with shrimp and vegetables topped with sea urchin
    Uni chawanmushi -- savory custard with shrimp and vegetables topped with sea urchin
    Duck tataki -- seared duck served medium rare.
    Duck tataki -- seared duck served medium rare.
    Fried night smelt with nanban sauce

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    Fried night smelt with nanban sauce
    Iyasare

    Iyasare

    4.0
    (992 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    What an incredible dining experience we had from delightful food to great service from Jackie. It…read morewas a very professional and enthusiastic attendant. The restaurant is nice. It's in a great neighborhood plenty of parking in the rear try to make reservations. We sat inside in a booth and the food was remarkable. From the bacon wrapped mochi to the perfectly made noodles with so much flavoring. I loved the kakiage tempura with black prawns (wow) The unagi donburi. Wow!! Everything was incredible and the Pink smoke mezcal drink was. A winner They also have an incredible sake selection.

    Date of Visit: 7/9/2026…read more Visited the Japanese restaurant Iyasare located in Berkeley with my friend in early July. We sat outside in the patio, and it was warm enough with no fireplace next to our table around noon time. Iyasare was awarded with Michelin recommendation and has various Japanese foods including appetizer, tempura, rolls, etc. Iyasare Bees Knees $18 I got the cocktail made with Barr hill gin, elderflower liqueur, honey ginger syrup, and a piece of dried lemon on top for decoration. Lavender Mint $10 My friend got the lavender mint tea in a pot. Dragon Roll $23 We ordered a roll with shrimp tempura, cucumber inside and on the outside, there were unagi, avocado, tobiko, unagi sauce, and kaiware. The mixture of the fish and the sauce were amazing. Iyasare Mentaiko Pasta with Uni $44 And definitely must try is the mentaiko pasta with fresh Hokkaido uni. The spaghetti was mixed with spicy cod roe, ikura, shiso, and kaiware. On top we added the Hokkaido uni which was fresh and creamy. Iyasare Shrimp Kakiage Tempura $34 We also got the kakiage tempura with burdock root, onion, sweet potato, shiitake, enoki, carrot, shungiku, and black tiger shrimps. There was a bowl of bonito soy dipping broth on the side. Sendai Miso Soup $8 The warm miso soup has tofu, wakame, negi, and mushroom.

    Photos
    Water being poured..
    Water being poured..
    Kakiage Tempura
    Kakiage Tempura
    Shisho smash - bourbon yuzu & shiso

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    Shisho smash - bourbon yuzu & shiso
    Kirala

    Kirala

    3.9
    (1.9k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Still all these decades later, Kirala meets the mark. We sat at the sake bar in the back with two…read morekids and it worked well. Service by Taka was great - attentive and quick. Only lag was when we ordered 2 nigiri at the end and it took a really long time but I think the sushi chefs lost the order or something. Delicious sukiyaki, chicken skewers, cold tofu, salmon rolls, hamachi sashimi, Ikura and uni, tuna and Ikura nigiri, and hamachi Kama (not sure why they charge $21 and then $7 for a large when it is two small dollars that came out though). Decent wine selection - Chardonnay was good. Restaurant itself is fairly loud, especially with a baby that kept crying. But it might have been crying because it was loud. Owners should consider the Constellation System by Meyer Sound to make the dining experience more enjoyable for patrons. As this is a longtime bastion of Japanese food in the Bay, they should really invest in the sound portion of their restaurant. Prices have gone up since the last time I was here but it's not totally unreasonable. Good quality food and service. Love this place.

    Kirala isn't just another Japanese spot for us--it's a reminder of how far we've come. My wife used…read moreto only treat herself to Kirala when she was younger--on special occasions when a bonus check came in. Now, we get to dine here as a family, and that nostalgic treat feels all the more satisfying. Food (4 stars) + Ribeye teriyaki was a hit--tender, cooked to perfection, and the kids loved it! + Lamb chop was a standout--one piece, but perfectly grilled, juicy, and tender. I could eat 2 of these with a bowl of rice and it would be a hearty meal! + Chicken karaage was solid--crispy, good portion, and a nice appetizer. It's basically a Japanese version of chicken strips that is way better than nuggets. + Salmon sashimi for the kids never disappoints. ~ Chirashi bowl was fresh and filling, though standard compared to other spots. There was a lot of rice which if we knew that we probably would've skipped the extra bowl I ordered to eat with my lamb chops. For the somewhat premium pricing, I wish they provided fresh chopped wasabi. ~ Stuffed mushroom skewer was just okay--tasty but nothing special. I guess for mushrooms it does taste kinda like a chicken meatball which could be a good thing. Service/Ambiance (4 stars) + Attentive and thoughtful service, especially accommodating a broken foot. They let my family wait at the bar instead of standing. + Ambiance is that classic Japanese vibe, busy but comfortable. Maybe not high-end, but definitely a place that feels special--especially now that we can afford it!

    Photos
    Kirala
    Kirala
    Kirala

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    Mensho

    Mensho

    4.5
    (661 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Mensho is a very popular restaurant. This was my first time visiting, and I had a great experience…read more The food was delicious! The standout dishes for me were the Calamari, Karaage, and Daikon Salad. The Calamari was perfectly fried, and the seasoning was well-balanced. The Karaage was also perfectly fried, and the sauce was flavorful. The Daikon Salad was light and refreshing. I would like to thank our server, Noah, for his helpfulness in choosing our dishes and for the prompt service. I highly recommend it!

    Unfortunately no photos as we devoured the food! However here is my review otherwise:…read more 1. Location- easily accesible in off Piedmont Ave, found parking alongside an adjacent neighborhood street that was free. I went around 430pm on a weekday. 2. Staff/Vibe- very friendly and throughout the service so many stopped by to check-in. Waters were constantly topped off and food was delivered very promptly. The restaurant itself is very intimate and tabletop dividers are largely used to shared tables. It was a really nice approach. I wasn't a major fan of the chairs for the tall tables. I was hoping for some more ergonomically friendly. Food- SIGNATURE RAMEN- 5/5. So good. The broth was so good I think I drank it all before eating any ramen and toppings. It was a wonderfully hearty ramen with a balance of fresh and simple ingredients. This was perfect and allowed the delicious broth to really be the star. LAMB RAMEN. 5/5. If you like south indian curries then this is a must. The dense cumin taste, fresh onions and lamb made this ramen feel very familiar. The flavours were so wonderfully constructed on this. VEGAN KAARAGE MUSHROOM. Made to be reminiscent of fried chicken, these were very pleasant and paired with our broth. I would order this again. I am interested in knowing the preparation method for this as the inside was piping hot while the outside was just warm- almost like it was reheated. I would like these to be crispier with a bit more light seasoning. Overall looking forward to the next visit!

    Photos
    Waiting area
    Waiting area
    Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken
    Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken
    Hokkaido Uni Mini Rice Bowl

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    Hokkaido Uni Mini Rice Bowl
    The Public Izakaya

    The Public Izakaya

    4.2
    (743 reviews)
    9.8 mi
    $$

    Love this spot for all the things! High quality food and a nice vibe, two of my favorite attributes…read moreof a five star restaurant. Everything I have had here has been delicious. Current favs: 1) beef bulgogi- super generous portion and great flavor. Make sure to soak up all that sauce! 2) karage & gyoza: I love both these items for a starter and hate choosing. This combo gives a little bit of each and I appreciate it. Sauce has a little kick and is delightful. 3) wagyu and pineapple skewers- just.say.yes! 4) beans with wok you sauce. More please! The Kyoto matcha beer has a great flavor and is a nice treat. Have you been? If not, slide on down to The Public Izakaya and put your name on the sign in sheet. Wait patiently and enjoy a fantastic meal!

    * Who: friend, partner, & I * What: late night dinner…read more* When: Saturday * Why: Pride weekend & needed to refuel after the night * Space/Decor: decent sized & more rectangular. Decor was cute & helped with the vibe w/o being too much. This would be a cute date spot or grabbing food to go. * Service: was OK/decent. My 1/2 challenge was the wait was really long & they didn't really communicate on actual wait time. The 2/2 challenge was at the end they also took a long time to check on us & give us the check. * Food: I don't mean to be a broken record but it was also OK haha. Like the tempura was crispy-ish. The sausage didn't really have a flavor. My partner did say the udon hit the spot ‍ * Final Thoughts: cute & busy Izakaya that can work for a romantic date or meet-up with friends, with a standard menu & to be expected flavor. I'd recommend & would return, though if it was between here or exploring a different spot, I'd go with explore. * Final Grade: B+ or 8.5/10

    Photos
    Halloween celebration
    Halloween celebration
    Blistered Shishito
    Blistered Shishito
    Chicken thigh skewers, chicken skin skewers

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    Chicken thigh skewers, chicken skin skewers
    Musashi

    Musashi

    4.1
    (497 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    had no idea what wappa meshi was before coming here and now i think about it regularly. its like a…read moresteam cooked rice dish served in this little wooden bowl and it sounds simple but the flavor is really something, everything just tastes more intentional than it looks. chirashi bowl is also beautiful, fish was fresh and generously portioned for $18 which in sf feels like a gift at this point. spot has this quiet traditional energy, not trying to be trendy just doing japanese food the right way and trusting that speaks for itself. been around forever and you can tell, theres a comfort to it that newer places dont always have. lunch sets are a good deal if u can make it during the day. service is no nonsense but not unfriendly, efficient is the right word. 496 reviews at 4.1 over a long time means its consistently solid not just having a moment. the kind of place that becomes a regular without u even planning it

    Treated a friend for his 31st birthday here. We really enjoyed the yakitori here, and got:…read more -Chicken hearts -Squid -Shrimp -Scallop Along with all the delicious skewers, we also enjoyed: -Sashimi happy hour special -Yuzu lemon with green tea -Soba noodles with fish cake -Sake for my friend We came on a weekday night, and were instantly seated when we walked in. It's a cute spot that's comparable to what one would find in Japan with a clean, woodsy aesthetic.

    Photos
    Sushi counter
    Sushi counter
    Left: Soboro Wappa; Right: Salmon and Ikura Donburi
    Left: Soboro Wappa; Right: Salmon and Ikura Donburi
    Weekly Special: Una Meshi

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    Weekly Special: Una Meshi

    Ippuku - bars - Updated August 2026

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