Washoku Guide
Cities/Milan/Izakaya/Sakeya
Milan · Izakaya · a la carte

Sakeya

JapaneseSake BarObanzaiJapanese-Italian FusionPorta GenovaNavigliGambero Rosso Sake AwardMichelin ListedSake Pairing

Sakeya is Milan's definitive sake destination — a Japanese-owned house with 150-plus premium labels, a kitchen guided by Japanese chef Masaki Inoguchi drawing from Kyoto's Obanzai tradition, and the backing of Japan's prefectural authorities. Winner of Gambero Rosso's special Sake award 2025 and listed in the Michelin Guide Italy.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Navigli / Porta Genova
Chef
Masaki Inoguchi
Owner
Maiko Takashima / Lorenzo Ferraboschi
Sakeya — authentic japanese restaurant in Milan, Navigli / Porta Genova
Plate № 21
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About
Founded by Japanese entrepreneur Maiko Takashima in partnership with Italian sommelier Lorenzo Ferraboschi, Sakeya occupies a speakeasy-style space near Porta Genova. Chef Masaki Inoguchi — known to regulars as Masa — fuses the seasonal simplicity of Kyoto's Obanzai tradition with European flavours, creating dishes expressly designed to pair with sake rather than wine. The bar stocks over 150 labels curated with Japanese and Italian sake sommeliers on hand to guide selections. The restaurant has received patronage from multiple Japanese prefectures and was awarded Gambero Rosso's special Sake recognition in 2025.
Neighborhood & visiting

Sakeya sits in Navigli / Porta Genova, one of Milan's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • The most authoritative sake cellar in Italy — over 150 labels with expert pairing guidance from both Japanese and Italian sake sommeliers.
  • Gambero Rosso Sake Award 2025 and official support from Japanese prefectural authorities give this restaurant institutional standing.
  • Chef Inoguchi's Obanzai-inspired cuisine is designed to be eaten with sake, not wine — a rare, education-forward approach to Japanese food in Milan.

Dinner only, Tue–Sat. The space includes a retail shop for bottled sake to take home. Private room available for events.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Tripadvisor →Michelin →

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Frequently asked

About Sakeya

Is Sakeya an authentic japanese restaurant in Milan?
Yes — Sakeya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Milan: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Sakeya located?
Sakeya is located at Via Cesare da Sesto 1, 20123 Milano MI, Milan, Italy in the Navigli / Porta Genova neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Sakeya?
Sakeya accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Sakeya?
Sakeya sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Milan.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Milan →Izakaya in Milan →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →