Rome · Izakaya · counter
Sakaba Ie Koji
Sake bar / Japanese small platesJapanese-led kitchenSake barCounter diningPrati
Rome's debut sakaba (sake bar), opened by Japanese chef Koji Nakai in January 2026, pairs curated sake with izakaya-style small plates in a relaxed Prati counter setting.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Prati
- Since
- 2026
- Chef
- Koji Nakai
- Owner
- Koji Nakai / Roberto Salvati
Plate № 117
About
Sakaba Ie Koji — meaning 'Koji's sake bar' — is the third venture by Japanese chef Koji Nakai and his Italian partner Roberto Salvati, following Sakana Sushi and Tanuki Izakaya in Ostiense. The focus here shifts to sake: the word sakaba literally means 'sake bar,' and the menu of Japanese small plates is designed to complement an expert selection of Japanese spirits. Counter seating draws guests into a convivial, izakaya-like ritual of sharing, drinking and eating, uncommon in Rome outside of larger restaurants. The wine-press neighbourhood of Prati provides an excellent walk-in crowd for Rome's most authentic sake-led dining room.
Neighborhood & visiting
Sakaba Ie Koji sits in Prati, one of Rome'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
- Rome's only dedicated sakaba: sake paired with Japanese small plates by a Japanese chef
- Third project by chef Koji Nakai, Rome's most prolific authentic Japanese restaurateur
- Intimate counter format — watch the kitchen and interact with the team
- Opened January 2026 — one of Rome's newest and most exciting Japanese openings
Links
More authentic izakaya in Rome
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Other authentic cuisines in Rome
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Authentic izakaya in other cities
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Frequently asked
About Sakaba Ie Koji
- Is Sakaba Ie Koji an authentic sake bar / japanese small plates restaurant in Rome?
- Yes — Sakaba Ie Koji is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for sake bar / japanese small plates in Rome: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Sakaba Ie Koji located?
- Sakaba Ie Koji is located at Via Emilio Faà di Bruno 31, 00195 Roma, Italy, Rome, Italy in the Prati neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Sakaba Ie Koji?
- Sakaba Ie Koji does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Rome we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Sakaba Ie Koji?
- Sakaba Ie Koji sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for sake bar / japanese small plates of this format in Rome.
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