Ozakaya has been all over my Instagram feed, especially for its Ozakaya Donburi sets, which remind…read moreme of the viral kaisen-don experiences in Japan where you finish your rice bowl with a flavorful broth. After finally trying it, I can confidently say this place lives up to the hype! If you love Japanese rice bowls featuring high-quality ingredients and an interactive dining experience, this spot deserves a visit.
We ordered the Wagyu Hitsumabushi set, featuring A5 wagyu served over rice with egg yolk, wasabi, scallions, rice crackers, and bonito broth. The wagyu was incredibly tender and practically melted in your mouth. The rich, buttery beef paired beautifully with the creamy egg yolk, while the wasabi and scallions added a fresh, sharp kick to cut through the richness. The rice crackers were a great touch, bringing some much-needed crunch and texture to every bite. And of course, finishing the bowl with the bonito broth gives you a completely different experience, transforming the dish into a comforting, savory bowl of goodness. I loved that you could enjoy the rice bowl in different ways rather than having every bite taste the same.
We also ordered the Kaishin Don, topped with Hokkaido uni, minced tuna, ikura, and chives over rice. This was another winner! The combination of creamy uni, savory minced tuna, and those little bursts of briny ikura made every bite incredibly satisfying. It almost felt like making your own hand rolls, except everything was conveniently served over a bowl of rice. The different textures and flavors complemented one another so well, and I could happily eat this again.
What I particularly appreciate about Ozakaya is that these aren't just pretty bowls made for Instagram. The ingredients, thoughtful combinations, and different ways to enjoy each set make the experience genuinely worthwhile.
If you've been eyeing Ozakaya on social media, consider this your sign to go! Both the Wagyu Hitsumabushi and Kaishin Don are worth trying, especially if you're a fan of Japanese rice bowls and premium seafood. Ozakaya definitely delivered on the hype for me!