5 to Try: Izakaya Houses
Updated: June 25, 2008
Izakaya houses, also known as ale-houses in Japan, are springing up all over the city, introducing San Francisco to Japan's comfort food cuisine--pork, fish and veggies, braised, pickled, and fried--and the copious sake and beer drinking that often goes with it.
5 to Try
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O Izakaya Lounge
Read Reviews1625 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)
Located in the Hotel Kabuki, this Japanese-baseball-themed spot serves izakaya dishes like braised Berkshire pork belly along with specialty sakes in a pub-like space lined with flatscreens playing sumo and Japanese baseball.
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Oyaji Restaurant
Read Reviews3123 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121 (map)
Artfully presented Japanese small plates and sushi are the highlights at this quirky, convivial Outer Richmond haunt.
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Umami
Read Reviews2909 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)
This izakaya-style dining destination for locally sourced food sprinkled with flavors from throughout Asia doubles as a Marina singles scene.
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Nihon
Read Reviews1779 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)
More than 120 varieties of whiskey and izakaya small plates lure in the uber-stylish set.
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Sozai Restaurant & Sake Lounge
Read Reviews1500 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)
Known as the city?s authentic izakaya house, Sozai?s raucous drinking scene and excellent Japanese cuisine make it a destination for group-dining twentysomethings.
