Izakaya term
Izakaya 居酒屋
An izakaya is a Japanese pub — somewhere between a tavern and a tapas bar — built for lingering over drinks and a steady stream of small shared plates. It's where Japan actually eats and unwinds after work, and often the most fun room in any Japanese restaurant.
Drink first, order as you go
The rhythm is casual: a drink to start (often with a small otoshi appetizer), then dishes ordered a few at a time over the evening — skewers, sashimi, fried things, pickles — to keep pace with the drinking.
The spread
Yakitori, gyoza, karaage (fried chicken), edamame, grilled fish and sake or highballs are izakaya staples. Nothing is precious; everything is meant to be shared.
Insider tip. Don't over-order at the start — izakaya dining is meant to unfold, ordering another round of small plates as you go.
Where to try Izakaya near you
Top-rated izakaya spots on Yes Ichiban with real, orderable online menus: