Kinda Izakaya

231

288

178

2 years ago

It was just okay?? The fried tofu was good, but the beef we ordered was chewy and overcooked. The pickles were also... Not pickled? Such a bummer! The restaurant seemed very accommodating, though, as some people who required assisted seating were accommodated. Will try again and hopefully will be able to update this review to five stars! read more

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Mark B.

3 years ago

Great food. Would recommend. Yummy sushi. We decided to try new things. In addition to the yellowtail the calamari and bacon wrapped mushrooms were delicious. I'll be back read more

Kinda Izakaya - Bacon wrapped mushrooms- yummy - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Calamari - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Fried chicken knuckles - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Yellowtail. Delicious. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Stephanie L.

139

3 years ago

My visit to Kinda Izakaya was absolutely amazing! The food was out of this world and filled with so much delicious flavors! I started off with the Salmon Sashimi, Chicken Thigh Yakatori, Agadashi Tofu and complementary pumpkin. They all were a great start to the meal to come. I also paired my meal with the Kimochi cocktail which was tart and tasty. The stars of the show were the Sake Roasted Pork Belly & the Beef Tongue with Egg Yolk! They were buttery, crispy and mouthwatering good. I ended my meal with the Pork Belly Ramen which was the perfect way to finish the night. The staff was very friendly and nice! The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy & chic. I love all of the elements of Japanese art in the decor. I cannot wait to come back again! I'm already thinking about the next time I'll be here. I will definitely recommend this spot to everyone I know! Thank you so much Kinda Izakaya for having me! read more

Kinda Izakaya - Sake Seared Pork Belly on the left, Salmon Sashimi (x2), Chicken Thigh Yakatori, Agadashi Tofu & Pumpkin. Drinks: Kimochi & Yuzu Lemonade - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Beef Tongue with egg yolk (top left) - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Ying S.

127

2 years ago

Went w/a friend and had 6 dishes for dinner on a Saturday night. It's quite disappointing. Sukiyaki bun - white bun which should be steamed and not microwaved - when you microwave bread they become hard when it gets cold and that's the case here. Clam dish is not fresh at all. Doesn't matter how you cover it up. Quality is just not there. read more

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James B.

104

153

2 years ago

I appreciate their late hours; this is usually why I stop in. Their sake pork belly is wonderful, hands down. Try it. Ramen is solid and ambience is nice, staff are helpful. Tables are a little close, so if the people next to you decide to talk loudly, you have to hear it all. Haven't tried the cotton candy yet. read more

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Alex H.

2 years ago

This place is pretty decent in terms of quality, however I wouldn't say it's worth the price. You'd get more bang for your buck buying a gold-plated taco truck. Regardless, I still enjoyed the raw octopus and salmon sashimi. The manga on the wall is a nice touch for decor. read more

Kinda Izakaya - raw octopus - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Salmon sashimi - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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William W.

352

2 years ago

Absolutely loved this place. Their house sake from Takara was good and cheap. The vibe is fun. Service is good. They will let you make your own cotton candy for free for dessert in a machine they have out front. I especially like the roasted pork belly, takoyaki, tempura, sukiyaki, and chicken karage. One of few really good options open Tuesday night read more

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Annie H.

132

489

3 years ago

They have delicious cocktails! I got the Japanese hogwarts and it was perfectly balanced and refreshing. Some of the tapas were good and some I wouldn't order again. Tuna tataki- I'd pass on this next time. It was over cooked and tough Salmon sashimi- pretty good Grilled squid- good, fairly tender Unagi don- this one was good I'd say for the price, there are other izakaya spots that are more worth it but it was conveniently near the campus read more

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jen t.

Elite 24

134

220

2 years ago

Little bit pricey but great quality. The staff was super nice and the food is super super yummy. They make food that is super to be great with alcohol but it is good by itself. The Ambiance is a little loud, and the seats are definitely not super comfy. I would say it's a great late night munch place though! read more

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Elaine W.

296

309

138

2 years ago

Very solid izakaya in Berkeley and would recommend. Service is prompt and helpful. We got several dishes to share. There are a lot of options and they have stuff that I would see at real izakayas in Japan but aren't as common here, overall quite impressed with their menu selections. Hokke (4.5/5) - flavorful grilled fish, very yummy! Bacon wrapped enoki (5/5) - my favorite dish of the night, very flavorful and great paired with some togarashi. Chicken thigh with negi (5/5) - cant go wrong with this. Okonomoyaki (5/5) - super tasty and filling! Gizzard (4/5) - solid. Mentaiko fried rice (4.5/5) - i really liked this, good filler dish. Could use a little bit more mentaiko flavor (i love a good strong fishy taste lol) Chicken heart (3/5) - this one was a bit disappointing, kind of dry and tough. Chicken karaage (3/5) - average, wouldn't get this again. Tamagoyaki - i didn't have any of this but it was well received by others in the party. Drink options were really unique, I got the Kimochi and I will say it was a little less tasty than I expected but I would still recommend trying any of their cocktails! Being able to DIY your own cotton candy at the end with the machine they have outside was a really nice touch. Overall ambiance inside was great, really nice place to come with a small group of friends. Will definitely be returning! read more

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Mario V.

2 years ago

This place has quickly become my go-to japanese spot in the east bay. Great atmosphere with open kitchen for those that like to eat and watch. Large menu with everything from sashimi, to ramen/udon, to classic izakaya dishes. Personal favorite is the chicken KNEE - wow this dish is worth the visit alone. Paired with a nice tall beer...delicious!! read more

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Art O.

Elite 22

1226

3 years ago

This was a fun spot! I went with an old friend around 5:30pm on a Friday and there were people already standing around to get in. We were seated promptly and we had looked over the original menu. I hadn't seen some of the items they presented at other izakaya spots so that was refreshing. We got the Ike Gesso (fried squid legs), Chicken Karaage, Tuna Tataki, and quite a few skewers. Overall the food was tasty and we enjoyed the atmosphere with all the Japanese posters around. I like the festive atmosphere which is quite different from say the austere surroundings of Ippuku. The only reason it's four stars is that they got our order mixed up a bit so that delayed some of our food but not a huge deal. Our servers were super friendly and fairly attentive the whole time. I would definitely come back and try more stuff on the menu. read more

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Andy W.

238

195

2 years ago

Kinda cute place. Various Japanese beer and tourism posters adorn the walls, and Japanese pop music provides background ambiance. Tables are close but it is a small place, so it feels appropriate. There is a variety of food but skewers are the order of business. We had chicken thigh, bacon-wrapped enokis, sake-saturated pork belly, and grilled shrimp. Each order features two skewers. Food is tasty but portions are small. Edamame, was surprisingly disappointing because it lacked the requisite sea salt. Gyoza and shumai were good, but nothing out of the ordinary. Fun place, good vibes, good food. What more can you ask? Oh, sea salt for my soy beans. read more

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Mengshu Z.

Elite 24

176

882

2 years ago

Great izakaya in downtown Berkeley area. Great bar bites, and rivals neighboring Ippuku, given the latter's notorious wait time. Perfect place to find Japanese pub food to pair with a crisp Japanese rice lager. read more

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Kinda Izakaya - Takowasa - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Karaage - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Albert K.

3 years ago

Food is decent nothing blew me away. I ordered a decent amount of items to try. I arrived around 6 on a Friday night; The yelp app indicated the wait would be around 16-24 mins, but in reality the wait was closer to 50mins. While waiting we perused the menu and knew what we wanted. While waiting for our food we engaged with a elderly group of patrons who mentioned they had not gotten their sashimi dish, my wife and I thought maybe this was a fluke. We ordered our own sashimi dish, lo and behold we also had the same experience. All other dishes made their way to use quickly, but the sashimi did not appear until we questioned our waiter about the order. I would also not recommend the mackerel, it was lacking in flavor. I'm not sure if I would go out of my way to try Kinda Izakaya again because it was just Kinda Okay. read more

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Matthew C.

195

723

3 years ago

This place is good to hangout with friends. Japanese themed restaurant with few seating. I was here on a Friday night with to drink and hangout. It's like bar food portions and drinks that rates about a 8 on the scale for me. I wish they added more portions for the food because the food can be pricey. It was an alright experience. Props to the one waitress who handled all the tables and was able to be patient with everyone. read more

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Donnie B.

3 years ago

Celebrated my daughter's 17th birthday here and it was such a great find. Conveniently located next to my husband's office, the atmosphere was so cute and the food was exceptional. We got there as the restaurant opened and so glad we did because the place filled up quickly. Very friendly staff and once we ordered, the food and drinks came out rather quickly. Tried a bit of everything and enjoyed the small plates as to not over stuff ourselves. Food definitely paired well with a beer or cocktail. Highly recommend this place for a quick bite or any gathering where you want great food and a cool ambience. read more

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Elizabeth W.

2 years ago

I've walked past Kinda Izakaya a few times while going to Trader Joe's and I decided to give it a try -- and I am so glad I did! The interior of the restaurant was nice and cozy; sort of Studio Ghibli, Howl's Moving Castle ambiance! The staff was super quick in seating us and getting our orders. We ordered the octopus -- something that I've seen online but has never tried. I must say, I was a bit skeptical as to how fresh it would be. I was pleasantly surprised! It had a nice firm and chewy texture, and the lemon on top of the wasabi mashed any fishiness. The tofu was delicious! The exterior was super flavorful and the broth/sauce added a nice touch. The fish itself was a bit overcooked, so the texture itself was crumbly in a odd way, but there was a nice crisp to the skin! Overall, I would give this place a try. I will definitely come back for the beef tongue as I've heard my friends recommend it. read more

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Andi R.

Elite 9

190

2 years ago

All in. Can't wait to go back. The food and service were delightful. Not a bad dish or drink to be had. Berkeley has so few appealing late night spots, very excited for this addition. read more

Kinda Izakaya - udon carbonara - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - grilled squid - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - tuna tartare - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - pork belly - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Kailee M.

2 years ago

The decor and ambiance of this place is very cool. I ordered the Sukiyaki which was recommended by the wait staff and it was SO delicious! read more

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Kasey S.

2 years ago

Super Cute New Japanese street food spot in Berkeley. Easy to get to on University ave, it's a small place with both table and bar seating and the atmosphere is so cozy and inviting. Our server was really sweet and attentive. Went on a rainy Sunday night and didn't have much of a wait but wouldn't have been upset if we did as we enjoyed everything! Portions were just right for two to share. We tried a couple shochu and sake cocktails, the shishito peppers, pickles, sashimi salad, golden spoons and a bowl of sukiyaki. The highball was a little sweet for my taste but the hot ginger cocktail was delicious. Loved the potato noodles and variety of mushrooms in the soup. I can see this place becoming very popular! Looking forward to our next visit:) read more

Kinda Izakaya - Outside - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Bar seating at open kitchen - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Scallop uni golden spoons - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Lovely atmosphere - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Cute decor - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Sukiyaki - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Karen C.

Elite 24

2 years ago

Highly recommend checking out Kinda Izakaya for a fun, casual dinner with friends! The store is small but decorated to the max, showing lots of personality. I would recommend trying the sake roasted pork belly and the mentai cream carbonara udon! Dishes are reasonably priced and I am already craving to go back and try some more items on the menu! read more

Kinda Izakaya - Mentai Carbonara Udon - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Michael F.

2 years ago

This place has rapidly become one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the Bay. The hamachi sashimi here is pretty freaking good and the maki roll called the "Kinda Roll" is great maki sushi. The wasabi fries (not too spicy) and the curry karaage both go great with a large beer. The service here is quite good. The wallpaper in one of the bathrooms is worth checking out. The only drawback to this place is that once I arrived 30 mins before closing and they said they were already closed. read more

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Priscilla M.

1 year ago

Decor was nice and service was good but for $20 a bowl of ramen after tips and tax, it was the smallest serving I've ever had in the Bay Area. It was a few bites and you were done. Not worth it for that. Everything else was okay. read more

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Cathie W.

Elite 21

185

868

2 years ago

Loved this place ! Food was so good and the price was reasonable. We waited about 30-40 minutes for a table on a Friday night. This place was packed. We saw another Japanese restaurant just down the street and it was empty. We will come back next time we visit our Bear. read more

Kinda Izakaya - Chicken thigh and eggplant skewers - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Garlic fried rice with tofu. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Madhumita B.

3 years ago

Great food scallop sashimi and veggie tempura were bomb! Good ambience although a little loud. Tables are set too close to each other. Service is fast, however, there were some items missing from our order even after confirming with the server. Definitely recommend! read more

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James M.

2 years ago

I had a fantastic dinner here with my friend Alice a few weeks ago and I was in love with the service and the food. I thought that most of the plates were really representative of the ones that I've had in Japan and really thought that the flavors were spot on. Additionally, the drinks are delicious! read more

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Nancy S.

137

1 year ago

Great ambiance. Quick service . Food good. That's it. No stand out. Not great. Just fine. Drinks probably what most come for. We had two- fancy looking and good. read more

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Pisit P.

2 years ago

New Japanese street food in town great place to hang out with friends Very friendly staff Food is amazing well done read more

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Daniel G.

188

201

3 years ago

Came here for what started as a date night, but ended up getting joined by 4 others. I was amazing that we were accommodated rather quickly and had great service throughout the meal. The highlights for sure are the drinks! Super smooth, and if you're not careful, you'll drink these too quickly, because they're so delicious! The food was tasty. Nothing incredible. Nothing bad. Just simple and good. Ramens we're pleasant. Skewers we're savory. I'll definitely be going back for the drinks. read more

Business owner information

Kinda I.

We wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks for your feedback. Your…

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Pakarang S.

2 years ago

My friend and I visited on July 22. We didn't expect it to be busy, and we waited for 20 minutes to be seated. The service was friendly, and the food came out very quickly. We loved the wallpaper , and their bathroom was super cool. The garlic pork belly was very filling. read more

Kinda Izakaya - Bathroom - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Garlic pork belly - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Farrah C.

167

2 years ago

Love the food here! So many options to choose from and love the sharing concept. I recommend the roasted pork belly, okonomiyaki, agedashi tofu, tuna tataki. This gem in Berkeley brings me all the Japanese feels and even has super cute cocktails. It's a fun vibe and it's great spot to hang with friends or for date night read more

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Monic R.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

298

464

953

3 years ago

Delicious! Best Izakaya we've had. Very flavorful, not a single dish was bad. I did love the yuzu soda, H liked the lychee cocktail. The bacon wrapped mushroom was very tasty, enjoyed the miso pork belly, the seaweed salad and chicken heart skewers, and the potato noodle soup very much! Vibe was great, music playing but not too loud! read more

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Business owner information

Kinda I.

We’re thrilled that you enjoyed our food! Your satisfaction means a…

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Jillian G.

3 years ago

Kinda Izakaya is perfect if you want a nice dinner with a fun ambiance. The food was overall good, but the pork belly was the best by far. The takoyaki and chicken thigh skewers were pretty standard, and the udon was also okay, but they did give us a lot of tempura which was a nice surprise! I would recommend this place for a fun night out with a great atmosphere (good for date night) but to me, the food was mostly average for the price. read more

Kinda Izakaya - chicken thigh skewers, takoyaki - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - tempura udon - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - atmosphere - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Mohit J.

2 years ago

This Japanese street food restaurant in Berkeley is awesome. The decor is very Asian, the service was super quick and the food is delicious! I had the tuna tataki and a yuzu mojito. Yum! read more

Kinda Izakaya - Tuna tataki and yuzu mojito. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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M C.

103

3 years ago

Had a long day and needed to grab a late meal. Had the tamago, the squid, the Japanese pickles, and the beef tongue. Friends had the ramen. Everything was good, although the ramen needs a bit more work (but it's getting there!). The soju was good, too. Service was generally good. Loved the ambiance: the posters on the wall, the masks, the little things made the place pretty cool. Will be back. read more

Kinda Izakaya - Soju (lychee) - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - The beef tongue - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Tamago, squid - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - The walls - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - The wall - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - The ambiance - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - Japanese pickles - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

Kinda Izakaya - The posters! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Lu P.

162

2 years ago

Yummy food, fresh, and awesome ambience. I enjoyed all dishes, especially raw fish dishes. I look forward to coming back to taste more dishes. read more

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Page 3 of 5

1941A University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
Downtown Berkeley
Directions
(341) 237-2558
Call Now
Visit Website
https://kindaizakaya6.godaddysites.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Kinda Izakaya open?

Kinda Izakaya opens at 5:30 PM on Monday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Kinda Izakaya close?

Kinda Izakaya closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Thursday and Sunday.Kinda Izakaya is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.Kinda Izakaya closes at 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Thu, Sun 5:30 PM - 10:00 PMTue-Wed ClosedFri-Sat 5:30 PM - 11:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Kinda Izakaya take credit cards?

Yes, Kinda Izakaya takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kinda Izakaya have a drive thru?

No, Kinda Izakaya does not have a drive thru.

Does Kinda Izakaya have a happy hour?

Yes, Kinda Izakaya has a happy hour.

Does Kinda Izakaya serve alcohol?

Yes, Kinda Izakaya serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Kinda Izakaya allow dogs?

Yes, Kinda Izakaya allows dogs.

Does Kinda Izakaya have TVs?

No, Kinda Izakaya does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kinda Izakaya have bike parking?

No, Kinda Izakaya does not have bike parking.

Does Kinda Izakaya have outdoor seating?

No, Kinda Izakaya does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Kinda Izakaya have parking?

Yes, Kinda Izakaya has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Kinda Izakaya wheelchair accessible?

No, Kinda Izakaya is not wheelchair accessible.

Does Kinda Izakaya have free WiFi?

No, Kinda Izakaya does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Kinda Izakaya is a Japanese-style casual bar or pub ,which mainly serves alcoholic beverages and variety of nibble such as Yakitori, Sashimi, small bite.

Ask the Community - Kinda Izakaya

When is the happy hour?

Is it always noisy there?

When you go there in the afternoon when they just opened there will be few people there. Later it will be more crowded and noisy there.

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Do you open at 5 or 5:30 ? Your website says one and Yelp says the other.

Hi we open at 5:30 pm :)

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I can't find any reference to Reservations?

For 6+ persons, otherwise just walk in

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Came here for dinner with my sister and brother-in-law at their recommendation, and I can…read moredefinitely see why they keep coming back. The restaurant was packed and seating is pretty limited, so I'd highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The atmosphere is lively and energetic with casual Japanese eatery vibes, and service was friendly throughout the meal. Everything felt creative, rich in flavor, and very texture-focused. Here are the highlights: * Ankimo Mousse (monkfish liver) with sweet potato chips - Made with truffle paste, capers, and chives. Absolutely delicious. The mousse was rich and savory but surprisingly fluffy in texture -- honestly a savory girl's dream. The sweet potato chips added just enough sweetness and a snap to balance the richness of the liver. 9/10 * Bluefin Tuna & Tsubugai Sashimi Nuta - Bluefin tuna, sea snail, broccolini, and fresh wakame tossed in a sweet Kyoto yuzu miso vinaigrette. Kind of like a sashimi-seaweed salad. I really liked the vinaigrette and especially the texture of the sea snail. I'm not sure all the ingredients fully came together cohesively, but it was still enjoyable overall. 7.5/10 * Yuba (house-made tofu skin with ikura and uni) - Served as single bites on spoons. SO good. You can really taste the difference between house-made tofu skin and store-bought. It's much more delicate, creamy, and tender, with a mild soybean flavor that balanced the richness of the uni and salmon roe beautifully. The textures in this bite were incredible. 9.5/10 * Iberico Pork Jowl Skewer with miso marinade - I honestly prefer pork jowl over pork belly. The fat and meat are more integrated instead of layered, so every bite is tender, juicy, and flavorful with just the right amount of chew. So good. 9/10 * Clam & Cilantro Ramen - I've never had a ramen broth quite like this. It was slightly creamy and deeply flavored from the clams, and the cilantro added a lot of depth and freshness. The noodles had a great texture too -- chewy and bouncy. Everything worked together perfectly. 9/10 * Uni Carbonara Pasta - Pasta with parmesan, uni, and ikura. They do not skimp on the uni or roe here. Super creamy and rich with bursts of saltiness from the ikura. The texture was great, but I honestly wished it had just a tiny bit more salt to really make all the flavors pop. It was almost there for me. 7.5/10 * Desserts - We tried two desserts, including the sweet potato brûlée. Both were delicious. One had a silky panna cotta-like texture, while the sweet potato brûlée was creamy, lightly sweet, and had the perfect crackly sugar top. 9/10 Overall, such a fun meal with a lot of unique dishes and flavor combinations. There are still so many things on the menu I want to try next time. I'll definitely be back.

I've been to Kiraku twice before this visit, and I felt like the food quality was stronger prior…read more The food comes in a timely manner, staff is mindful to not fill your table as it's a small space. The standouts were the corn tempura, the sushi and the beef okonomiyaki. The skewers were good but not great; I felt the pork belly was a tad salty, and some of the pieces of the beef were slightly overcooked + chewy. The black cod was flaky but I wish it was marinated a bit more with the miso for stronger flavor. I wish I did not order the spring roll or the foil wrapped salmon. The spring roll was soggy bc the filling inside was so damp and lacked seasoning & flavor. The salmon was very dry, but the mushrooms were flavorful and juicy. Definitely recommend reservations or be ready to wait at least 45 minutes. The inside is quite small, tables as well, so be ready to sit pretty close to your neighboring patrons. Very lively atmosphere that can get loud, but could also be fun!

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0.3 mi•Downtown Berkeley

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Walk-in at Ippuku in Berkeley came with a pretty long wait, and there is no online waitlist which…read moremakes 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.

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0.6 mi•Downtown Berkeley

•$$$

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)

1.6 mi•Fourth Street, West Berkeley

Inside

Takeout Basque Cheesecake ($15) - good but the slice is very small. Doesn't have a strong cream cheese flavor.

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Chicken Karaage

Iyasare

4.0(986 reviews)

•$$$

Started with a drink and the iyasare kakiage tempura which has burdock root, onion, sweet potato,…read moreshiitake, enoki, carrot, shungiku, and bonito soy dipping sauce. Highly recommend the iyasare kakiage tempura, wish it had some less sweet potatoes and more of the other ingredients, but overall it was savory and very sweet from the sweet potatoes. I enjoyed the kara-age curry rice which is a japanese style fried chicken thighs in a tokyo style curry sauce, a small salad, and koshihikari rice. They gave sooooo much kara-age chicken and it was quite filling. Good dish to share with others. Lastly, we had to try the iyasare mentaiko pasta which is a spicy cod ros, spaghetti, ikura, shiso, and kaiware. It's quite heavy and creamy, but definitely worth trying if you like the ingredients!

Saw this on the Michelin Guide so wanted to give it a try. On the edge of Berkeley, the location…read moreand ambience makes it a nice spot for a date. The food itself was solid, with the best dishes being the Chef's Recommended tuna tartare and branzino. The rolls were fine, nothing out of the ordinary. While the dishes were enjoyable, the price was on the more expensive side. For the quality of the food ultimately it's difficult to say that it's entirely worth it. For a dinner for two, you're looking northward of $150 and while that's fairly common in the Bay, you can find better restaurants at that price point.

0.6 mi•North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto

Water being poured..

Kakiage Tempura

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Shisho smash - bourbon yuzu & shiso

Ijo Izakaya

4.1(193 reviews)

Came here for a weekday dinner with a longtime Cal college friend. We decided we wanted to go a bit…read morefurther than the downtown area that had too many students milling around and had too much of a student vibe. We're working professionals now, and we wanted to eat like it, lol! It's a small place, which made it feel intimate, and the waitress was SO NICE to us. We got udon, though I'd say the appetizers were more memorable. We got a sampler of skewers, and the bacon-wrapped mochi were definitely a hit. Cute little Japanese place in Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley!

I came in on a Sunday afternoon for lunch with some friends and we were greeted by the friendly…read moreladies in the front. We were all craving sushi but this place did not satisfy our needs. I enjoyed the caterpillar roll but the raw fish on our nigiri combo wasn't the most fresh & left my stomach feeling queasy after I left the restaurant. The rice could have also been softer but it wasn't a dealbreaker. The miso soup was also a bit bland & didn't have tofu. Various tables inside with cozy ambiance on a rainy day along with a single stall bathroom. Not sure if I will be back again.

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Salmon and Saba nigiri

Kirala

3.9(1.9k reviews)

0.9 mi•South Berkeley

Delicious food and attentive service. This is definitely a treat meal - it is a pricey option. Get…read moreon the yelp waitlist ahead of time! Very fresh and delicious sashimi - great flavor and texture. I had a special uni and ikura roll ($10 ea!) that were perfect. No fishiness, just silky smooth texture. Grilled saba is flavorful and juicy Chawanmushi was super smooth with a delicate seafood flavor - delicious.

Saturday night dinner for a group of 3. The place opens around 5. There are no reservations, so you…read morehave to wait in line. The wait wasn't too long though. We ordered a few different items - tempura, sushi dinner, shisito peppers, miso eggplant and croquettes. Most were decent, eggplant was meh. Service was prompt. Prices are reasonable. Note that they do tack an extra 4% fee on credit card payments.

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Tane Vegan Izakaya

4.5(443 reviews)

0.2 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Wow wow wow! I didn't think it could be done but this place has perfect vegan Japanese food! It's…read morehard to get in so make sure to make a reservation. Pacifica Roll (10/5 stars) - the best thing we ate, perfect creation of flavors that don't overwhelm each other, it's perfectly savory Poke Salad (5/5) - does it tastes like fish? No. But it's a great combination of textures, you have the chewy king oyster mushrooms and soft fried tofu, the crunch of the veggies and the cashew dressing is addicting Da Bao (5/5) - I didn't like the vegan spam alone (I personally like this other brand more) but here they paired it well with veggies and plum wine sauce that makes it work. The vegan spam here is too smokey for my tastes but together it's good. Roasted Garlic Miso Ramen (2/5) - Honestly, it was the only not good thing we had. The broth was neither garlicky or miso-y. It was very mushroomy. It was all one could taste. The spam did not fit with the ramen and was very jarring to taste in the ramen. Yuzu Matcha (5/5) - It's sour but not too sour. Like it wakes you up witout making your face pucker. Absolutely cannot wait to come back!

First of all, I eat meat. And I love sushi. So I was like..,uh vegan sushi? But tbh it was good…read moreasf! I ordered the Ewa roll and Point Reyes and they were both really Flavorful and filling! I was like..there's no fish in this?! Word?! Idk how they did it but it tasted like seafood. It's a quiet little place without a lot of seating, so consider making a reservation!

3.3 mi•Piedmont Ave, North Oakland

Photo 4: Interior

Left roll - Point Reyes (GF) Right roll - The Wedge (GF) deep fried

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Spicy tofu roll

Mensho

4.5(639 reviews)

The food was so good! The ramen broth, amazing. We continue to come back for more!…read more My husband loves the garlic Ramen and I always get the signature. Raman never fails. It's amazing.

So glad I found this hidden gem in Piedmont. I came with two friends on a Friday night around 7pm,…read moreand as expected for a small spot, there was a long wait. We were seated about an hour later, but once we got in, the service was quick and efficient. We ordered a mix of items to share: * Enoki chips - absolutely addicting. Perfectly crispy with a great crunch, and the umami spice on the side took them to another level. * Chicken karaage - tasty overall, but the glaze was poured over everything. I would've preferred it on the side to keep the texture crisp. * Kani hand roll - super fresh and flavorful; didn't even need soy sauce. * Ikura & hotate hand roll - generous portion and very fresh, again no soy needed. * Garlic Knockout ramen - lives up to the name. Rich, deeply garlicky broth that was bold and delicious. * Signature smoked toripaitan ramen - flavorful without being overly heavy (which I prefer). The chashu was tender and the noodles tasted fresh. I was blown away by the food, I haven't had ramen this good in a long time. The restaurant clearly runs efficiently, turning tables quickly despite the wait. I'll definitely be back

Waiting area

Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken

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Hokkaido Uni Mini Rice Bowl

The Public Izakaya

4.2(724 reviews)

9.7 mi•Lower Nob Hill

This review is long overdue, but only because I had to seriously consider whether I wanted to gate…read morekeep this place (kidding! Mostly). My friend and I happened to walk in right at 5 p.m., landing perfectly at Happy Hour (truly, divine timing). But honestly, it's probably the best time to come. We were seated quickly, and so begins our alcoholic adventure. I can't speak much to the fish, but everything we ordered was a hit. First: get the lychee beer. I'm not even big on alcohol, but I somehow ended up three or four rounds in... heh. Anyways, the yakitori (we got pork belly and chicken thigh) were juicy and packed with flavor, and the karaage was crispy, tender, and perfect with the sauce. We actually ordered multiple rounds of everything and left feeling very full and very festive. Overall, Public Izakaya is a gem tucked behind an unassuming storefront. The ambiance, the food, and yes, the beer, makes it an easy go-to whenever I'm back in the city. Consider me a convert!

Came into town last night to catch a show at the Masonic Auditorium & we were looking for a bite to…read moreeat & some drinks before the show. Since there isn't much to do around the immediate top of Nob Hill, we came back down to explore the neighborhood around Union Square & found Public Izakaya as our dinner spot. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you enter the doors, you enter a world that is classically Tokyo/Shinjuku. Decor is everywhere, on the walls, the ceiling, with toys, figurines, art, plants, anime, lanterns, books, and other sort of interesting, authentically Japanese trinkets. The interior space is very appealing and everywhere you look, you'll see something that catches your eye & imagination. They put a lot of work into decorating this space! It's big & small at the same time. Tables are a plenty, but space is tight. It's really hard to get around in here, you'll have to squeeze between people, tables, chairs, and just walking to the bathroom or your table, you'll have to zig-zag and squeeze past many obstacles. But, it's worth it, and classically Japanese Izakaya, and judging from the packed restaurant on a Friday night, everyone came here to socialize, eat, drink, and hangout & have fun. Music was also very pop-py Japanese, so it really set the right mood for an energetic & fun experience. The service was great. Lots of wait staff roaming around the restaurant ready to take orders & answer questions. Prices are fairly affordable, and offers you a chance to try many small dishes, or splurge on larger entrees. Since we were going to a concert that would go well into the night, we wanted to keep or food intake light, and alcohol intake heavy! The cocktails are good, diverse, creative, authentic, and tasty, but rather small for $15. There is no bartender, the drinks come out to you from the kitchen, but service was fast & efficient. We tried a Lemon Sour, Lychee Mojito, and Ume Shiso. Each were well crafted & presented, but pretty tiny and with very little alcohol, but lots of flavor. We ordered the Mushroom Hot plate, Agadashi Tofu, and salt & pepper broccoli. Food was tasty, portions small, and everything was pretty salty & oily. It's an Izakaya, so I did expect small plates to share in between sips of drinks, but I think the food kind of missed the mark. I ended up feeling a little sick from the salt & oil in the food, but the alcohol kept me going. I think we will come back to try some fresher seafood & Sushi next time, and skip the heavy fried appetizers. Might also stick to wine, beer, or sake, as the cocktails were pretty pricey & small & weak in alcohol. But, it's a really fun, upbeat spot. Lots of eye candy to look at as you are hanging out, eating, drinking, and having fun. The decor & atmosphere is so fun, creative, detailed, and pop-culture Japanese. I really felt like I was transported to an Izakaya in Tokyo for the hour that we were there. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, and I'd like to go back to explore the menu as well as artwork & displays around the restaurant. We had 3 drinks and 3 appetizers, and our bill was around $100. We left satisfied with our Japanese Izakaya experience here, only disappointed by the size & weakness of the alcoholic cocktails, the saltiness & greasiness of the fried foods, and I even felt a little bit fat trying to squeeze into the aisles & tables of the restaurant as a 6' 150" thin asian man, lol. Oh well, I guess Tokyo is dense and Japanese spaces are supposed to be small, tight, and narrow. That mostly added to the authentic Japanese Izakaya experience. PS, it's pretty loud & crowded & busy here, so don't expect to have a calm, quiet, and peaceful conversation here, you'll have to shout above the music, chatter, and noise of the urban jungle here, which actually adds to the classic Izakaya experience. It was a lot of fun, but not a lot alcohol. 3 cocktails and I didn't even catch a buzz!

Halloween celebration

Blistered Shishito

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Salmon, tuna, and hamachi roll

Musashi

4.1(496 reviews)

0.6 mi•Downtown Berkeley

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.

Just a head's up ... per their website, their final dinner service will be on Saturday, November…read more15, 2025. Some of the items on their dinner menu like the wappa meshi sets are not in their lunch menu (they serve ramen at lunch time). Head over for dinner while there is still time!