Washoku Guide
Cities/Philadelphia/Izakaya/Yanaga Kappo Izakaya
Philadelphia · Izakaya · a la carte

Yanaga Kappo Izakaya

Kappo izakaya / omakase counterNorthern Liberties637 Philly Sushi ClubKappoSakeWhiskyHappy hour

Yanaga Kappo Izakaya is Northern Liberties' dynamic Japanese dive bar run by chef Kevin Yanaga, who was raised in Kawasaki, Japan and trained at Zama, Double Knot, and izakayas in Japan. Hidden behind a bookshelf is the intimate 637 Philly Sushi Club omakase counter.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Northern Liberties
Since
2024
Chef
Kevin Yanaga
Yanaga Kappo Izakaya — authentic kappo izakaya / omakase counter restaurant in Philadelphia, Northern Liberties
Plate № 54
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About
Known as the 'Philly Sushi Whisperer,' chef Kevin Yanaga was born in California but raised in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, where he began his professional cooking career in local izakayas. After serving as head sushi chef at Zama and lead sushi chef at Double Knot, Yanaga opened this Northern Liberties izakaya in April 2024. The main bar is a lively Japanese dive experience with all-day happy hour on Mondays, inventive small plates, sake, and whisky. Concealed behind a bookshelf, the 637 Philly Sushi Club is an 8-seat omakase theater offering 20+ course sushi journeys on Wednesday through Sunday. Craig LaBan of the Philadelphia Inquirer noted Yanaga in his October 2025 review of the city's Japanese dining scene.
Neighborhood & visiting

Yanaga Kappo Izakaya sits in Northern Liberties, one of Philadelphia'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
  • Raised in Kawasaki, Japan — authentic Japanese upbringing and izakaya training before coming to Philadelphia
  • Two concepts in one: lively izakaya for walk-ins and a secret 8-seat omakase counter hidden behind a bookshelf
  • 637 Philly Sushi Club offers 20+ course omakase on OpenTable — one of Philly's most distinctive dining experiences
  • All-day happy hour on Mondays, sake and Japanese whisky curation, and inventive small plates for every budget

637 Philly Sushi Club omakase reservations bookable on OpenTable under '637 Philly Sushi Club'. Izakaya is at 635-637 N 3rd St; some listings show 635 vs 637.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Yanaga Kappo Izakaya

Is Yanaga Kappo Izakaya an authentic kappo izakaya / omakase counter restaurant in Philadelphia?
Yes — Yanaga Kappo Izakaya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for kappo izakaya / omakase counter in Philadelphia: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Yanaga Kappo Izakaya located?
Yanaga Kappo Izakaya is located at 637 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, Philadelphia, USA in the Northern Liberties neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Yanaga Kappo Izakaya?
Yanaga Kappo Izakaya accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Yanaga Kappo Izakaya?
Yanaga Kappo Izakaya sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for kappo izakaya / omakase counter of this format in Philadelphia.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Philadelphia →Izakaya in Philadelphia →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →