An Expat's Guide to Dining at Japanese Izakayas

Update-Date: Jun 3, 2025

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Izakaya

An Expat's Guide to Dining at Japanese Izakayas

Have you been to an izakaya before? It is a place of respite for office workers in Japan, as well as a popular destination among fans of Japanese culture and dramas. So what exactly is an izakaya? Do people only go there for a drink? Read on to find out more about izakaya etiquette and what to order!

Izakaya: Serving Customers Since the 8th Century

An izakaya is conveniently defined as somewhere that serves alcoholic drinks and food. One of its earliest record is found in a book written in the 8th century, documenting how a royalty broke the law after getting drunk at an izakaya (then known as a shushi, i.e. drinking house).

Winemaking and drinking used to be a privilege of nobility, whereas commoners could only have a sip during festivities. For this reason, it was not until the Edo period that izakayas became widely available. They would put up signs which read "dine-in service provided" at the entrance to differentiate themselves from ordinary liquor stores; as time went by, the term izakaya and the habit of eating and drinking there have come to be an integral part of Japanese culture.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the import of western wine and an admiration of everything from the west had led izakayas to lose favor among the populace, while bars and pubs thrived. During WWII, the Japanese government funded public izakayas that focused on sake and beer, eventually evolving into the form we know today.

30 years ago, izakaya goers were always male office workers looking to smoke, drink and have some snacks together after work. Nowadays, izakayas are a popular choice for social gatherings of friends or colleagues because of their relatively low price and diversified menu that appeals to everyone.

Must-Try Izakaya Foods Recommended by Expats

Don't know what to order and worried that you might end up with something not to your taste? Have no fear! The following izakaya dishes are recommended by expats in Japan - heed their advice and you are all set!

1. Rolled Omelet

Rolled omelet is fundamental in Japanese cuisine. Though the dish is simple, it is a testament to the chef's cooking skills. Moreover, the juicy and spongy egg goes along very well with alcoholic drinks. When in doubt, just remember this: ordering some good old rolled omelet could never go wrong!

2. Plum Crystal

Plum crystal, i.e. shark cartilage seasoned with plum paste, is highly favored by young people in Japan. The sour taste of plum and crispy texture of cartilage blend together to make a really appetizing food to go with the drinks. Izakayas would usually replace shark cartilage with chicken ones, and it could easily be prepared at home too.

3. Motsuni (Braised Pork Intestines)

Motsuni is a signature dish of izakayas in general. Unlike its relatives in Taiwan which solely consist of pork intestines, the Japanese version also includes konjac, carrot, turnip etc. The stew has a rich flavor without getting too oily, and pairs especially finely with a beer.

Izakaya Etiquette and Recommendations for Beginners

Having traveled all the way to Japan, it would be a waste not to spend a night at a local izakaya. Below are three noteworthy izakayas where you can enjoy great foods while taking in the atmosphere. Do try to observe the etiquette to avoid any unpleasantries!

1. The Unavoidable Appetizer that Comes at a Price

As soon as you took a seat and placed your order, the waiter would bring you an appetizer you have no memory of ordering. What's more, you would be charged an extra few hundred yen for it - the "otoshi". While it might seem like an unscrupulous act, it is in fact a unique tradition of Japanese izakayas.

Back when izakayas first appeared in the country, most of them didn't have a fixed menu. Customers would simply ask for something that goes with drinking, and the owner would serve whatever was prepared that day; such is the origin of otoshi. The otoshi of old could tell a lot about the character of an izakaya, though now it is almost equivalent to a table charge, and even the locals can be annoyed by the practice. In light of this, some izakaya chains would post "no otoshi" signs at their storefront or allow customers to turn down the offer.

2. Always Start the Night with a Beer

Japanese people are wildly fond of drinking, and nothing beats a beer to get you started. Many would go for a draft beer if they are unsure what to have, but of course you are free to order anything you like!

※Underage drinking is prohibited
※If you drink, don't drive

3. Non-Smokers Beware

Most izakayas allow smoking, with the exception of lunch hours. Although some would have a designated non-smoking area, the smoke would probably seep in regardless. For those averse to the smell, well-established izakaya chains might be a better choice as they are more likely to be entirely non-smoking or have partitions, so that the customers can enjoy their meal smoke-free.

Nishi Azabu Bancho

[Namero] is a local delicacy prepared by mixing finely minced fish or meat with other ingredients and just the right amount of seasoning. It literally means "let's lick", referring to the fact that the dish is so delicious people would be tempted to lick the plate clean. At [Nishi Azabu Bancho], the famous food is made with chicken breast. They use a special breed for their chicken, [Suigo Red Poultry], for their grills and premium cuisine; the chicken is bought whole and cut up in their own kitchen. The resulting skewers are tender and meaty, a taste you would not soon forget.

Nishi Azabu Bancho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays and Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:45 pm)
Closed: Sunday; open if conincided with National Holiday
Address: 1F, Hikita Bldg., 1-14-2, Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Suzunoya

In order to offer cuisine of the highest quality to customers, [Suzunoya] strives to procure the freshest ingredients. Repeat customers often ignore the menu and jump straight to ordering the [Owner's Special]. Their must-order item is the [Exceptionally Thick Charcoal Grilled Beef Tongue]; dry-aging allows it to attain such juiciness and softness that it might forever change your perception of beef tongue. Beef lovers, what are you waiting for?

Suzunoya

Open: [Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
[Monday - Thursday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, 3-5-3 Bldg., Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation

Sake and Wine Tasting NONBEE NEO

Aspiring to provide "the best all-you-can-drink course in the region", [Sake and Wine Tasting NONBEE NEO] boasts a comprehensive menu of sake and wine. Their food menu is also designed to complement alcoholic drinks, such as [Fresh Sashimi], [Fried Ham Steak with Blue Cheese], and [Salty Spicy Pizza]. Sake and wine aficionados, look no further!

Sake and Wine Tasting NONBEE NEO

Open: [Monday - Thursday] 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Friday, Day before National Holidays] 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Saturday] 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Sunday] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 3F, Dai 6 Kikusui Bldg., 3-10-22, Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi Map
More Details Reservation

Did you gain a basic understanding of izakaya and the culture surrounding it? If you happen to visit one, do relax and experience the unique Japanese izakaya culture to the fullest!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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