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Best Izakayas in Berkeley

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3 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya restaurant
4.2
Awesome(23)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Berkeley
Dive into the heart of Berkeley at Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya, a gem that's not just a restaurant but a celebration of seafood. This Michelin-recommended haven is praised for its "super fresh" seafood dishes like the fried oysters and miso cod, which one diner raved is "like the fishermen bring the fish directly off the boats." With accolades from the San Francisco Chronicle and Eater SF, it's no surprise that guests are consistently impressed, describing their dining experience as one filled with "excellent service" and "perfectly prepared" meals. Whether you're sampling the sashimi or indulging in the sous vide egg, Fish & Bird delivers an authentic Japanese culinary adventure with every dish artistically presented and bursting with flavors. A visit here is a must for seafood lovers seeking an exceptional meal in a cozy yet sophisticated setting.
A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1383)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco, Pabu Izakaya is a gem for aficionados of authentic Izakaya cuisine. Founded by the acclaimed Chefs Michael Mina and the late Ken Tominaga, and now helmed by Chef Keita Tominaga, Pabu delights diners with a modern twist on traditional Izakaya-style dining. The restaurant is renowned for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats from the robata," with seafood flown in daily from Japan's prestigious Toyosu Market and a "signature selection of A5 Japanese Wagyu" that is simply unmatched. Customers rave about their experiences, describing the sushi and sashimi as "some of the best we’ve ever had in SF" and praising the "phenomenal" pear bourbon drink. With its vibrant ambiance and impeccable service, Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers a dining experience that is both "impressive" and "consistently enjoyable," making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
A photo of 5A5 restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2316)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 1 time today
5A5 Steak Lounge is reopening as 5A5 Izakaya. Showcasing Chef Cat Wang’s Asian-inspired Izakaya bitesAfter graduating from James Beard Award-winning restaurant 'Animal' in Los Angeles, Cat won an episode on Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen hosted by Alton Brown. Catch her on Season 15, Episode 3! She travelled throughout Asia, staging at some of 'Asia's 50 Best,' including Nahm, L'Effervescence, and Gaa. In 2017, Cat moved to San Francisco to work at Michelin-starred Kin Khao and later, Akiko's Restaurant. The heart of Cat's food program is to showcase exciting flavors from her worldly travels and to marry them in nuanced, playful ways. Her new izakaya menu features premium A5 Japanese wagyu, fresh local seafood as well as the highest quality seafood flown overnight from the famed Toyosu Market, and the best of California's produce.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • TinaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great dining experience for a large group. All the leaded and unleaded cocktails were delicious as was all the food. We ended up ordering double of all the small plates because they were so delicious. The cod and the spaghetti were decadent and perfection. We didn’t have time to stay for dessert so we will have to check them out next time. Thanks!
    More info
    Pabu Izakaya San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.4
  • Denise
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    We live Fush & Bird! In all of the East Bay it is probably the most authentic Japanese food that one can find. The sashimi is very fresh. The temporary light and the tofu is phenomenal. I always look forward to returning to this wonderful restaurant!
    More info
    Fish & Bird Sousaku IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Izakaya• Berkeley
    4.2
  • S
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 31, 2024
    Entertaining some guests from out of town, they remarked how this was the best meal they had in sf. Wagyu skewers, beef noodle soup, hamachi (best value!), and the a5 dumpling was our favorite.
    More info
    5A5Price: Expensive• Izakaya• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.3

Discover best Izakaya restaurants in Berkeley

Discover the vibrant Izakaya scene in Berkeley, a culinary gem within the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay. This unique dining style, popular in Japan for its casual yet richly flavorful small plates and social dining atmosphere, is beautifully represented here. Each Izakaya in Berkeley offers a diverse menu, from traditional dishes like yakitori and sashimi to inventive takes that incorporate local, sustainable ingredients. The dining experience is not just about food but also about enjoying the ambiance and the company, making it perfect for social gatherings. Berkeley's Izakayas are celebrated for their commitment to authenticity and quality, often featuring intimate settings and meticulous service that enhance the dining experience. The city itself enriches this experience with its eclectic food scene and appreciation for diverse culinary traditions. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Berkeley's Izakayas provide an unforgettable exploration of Japanese gastropub culture.

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