New York · Izakaya · a la carte
Yopparai
IzakayaIzakayaSakeLower East SideJapanese-owned
A 30-seat upscale sake izakaya on Clinton Street — owner Gaku Shibata from Tokyo brings long-term Japanese chefs and a curated sake-pairing menu to the Lower East Side.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Lower East Side
- Since
- 2012
- Owner
- Gaku Shibata
Plate № 1670
About
Yopparai opened in 2012 at 49 Clinton Street, owned and operated by Gaku Shibata (born in Tokyo) and his partner Christy Shibata. The restaurant seats 30 in a refined setting, with Japanese chefs who have been with the restaurant long-term. The sake program is exceptional — curated for pairing with the food — and the menu is updated seasonally. The Infatuation rates it 7.8/10.
Neighborhood & visiting
Yopparai sits in Lower East Side, one of New York'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
- Japanese owner Gaku Shibata from Tokyo — authentic izakaya vision
- Long-term Japanese kitchen staff — consistency and depth
- Curated sake program with food pairing focus
- 30-seat intimate setting — reservations recommended
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Frequently asked
About Yopparai
- Is Yopparai an authentic izakaya restaurant in New York?
- Yes — Yopparai is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for izakaya in New York: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Yopparai located?
- Yopparai is located at 49 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, New York, USA in the Lower East Side neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Yopparai?
- Yopparai accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Yopparai?
- Yopparai sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in New York.
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