Houston · Izakaya · a la carte
Izakaya Wa (Memorial)
Japanese izakayaJapanese-ownedSakeYakitoriMemorial
Izakaya Wa is Houston's first and only Japanese-owned and operated izakaya, founded by Japanese chef Akira Asano and partner Hajime Kubokawa, serving authentic skewers, sashimi, and sake in a casual setting.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Memorial
- Since
- 2018
- Chef
- Akira Asano
- Owner
- Akira Asano / Hajime Kubokawa
Plate № 52
About
Proudly billing itself as Houston's only Japanese-owned and operated izakaya, Izakaya Wa was founded by chef-owner Akira Asano and Hajime Kubokawa, both Japanese. The Memorial location on 12665 Memorial Dr brings the warmth and conviviality of a Tokyo side-street gastropub to Houston's west side, with a menu spanning yakitori skewers, fresh sashimi, takoyaki, and an extensive sake and Japanese whisky list. The kitchen's commitment to authentic Japanese preparation — from house-made sauces to carefully sourced ingredients — distinguishes it from mainstream Japanese-American eateries. With both a Memorial and a River Oaks location, Izakaya Wa has become a trusted gathering place for Houston's Japanese expat community and adventurous local diners alike.
Neighborhood & visiting
Izakaya Wa (Memorial) sits in Memorial, one of Houston's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Houston's first and only confirmed Japanese-owned izakaya, by Japanese chef Akira Asano
- Authentic yakitori, sashimi, and small plates in a true Tokyo gastropub atmosphere
- Extensive sake and Japanese whisky selection curated by Japanese owners
- Popular with Houston's Japanese expat community — a reliable authenticity benchmark
Confirmed authentic: Japanese-owned and operated per official website. Two Houston locations.
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Frequently asked
About Izakaya Wa (Memorial)
- Is Izakaya Wa (Memorial) an authentic japanese izakaya restaurant in Houston?
- Yes — Izakaya Wa (Memorial) is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya in Houston: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Izakaya Wa (Memorial) located?
- Izakaya Wa (Memorial) is located at 12665 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024, Houston, USA in the Memorial neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Izakaya Wa (Memorial)?
- Izakaya Wa (Memorial) does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Houston we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Izakaya Wa (Memorial)?
- Izakaya Wa (Memorial) sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya of this format in Houston.
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