Authentic Izakaya
in San Francisco.

A perennial SF Chronicle Top 100 restaurant since 2013, Iyasare is Berkeley's most acclaimed contemporary Japanese kitchen, where Sendai-born chef Shotaro Kamio translates the rustic comfort flavors of Japan's Tohoku region into seasonal small plates and izakaya-style sharing dishes.

Izakaya Rintaro is one of San Francisco's most celebrated Japanese restaurants — a Michelin Bib Gourmand Mission District izakaya where Kyoto-born chef Sylvan Mishima Brackett brings rigorous Japanese craft to California's finest seasonal produce.

Opened in July 2011, Kiraku is Berkeley's most celebrated authentic izakaya, where Japan-trained chef-owner Daiki Saito delivers a genuine Japanese pub experience with seasonal small plates, imported Asahi draft beer, and a traditional sake bottle-keep system.

Leichi is a refined Japanese izakaya in Santa Clara helmed by Tokyo-raised chef-owner Nobu Kashima, celebrated for handmade buckwheat soba, pressed box sushi, A5 wagyu on stone grill, and a deep selection of traditional small plates.

Okane is the Michelin Bib Gourmand sister izakaya to the acclaimed Omakase next door, offering shareable Japanese comfort food and top-grade sushi at accessible prices.

PABU Izakaya blends old-world Japanese charm with Financial District sophistication, offering world-class sashimi, a robata grill, and an omakase program co-founded by Tokyo-born chef Ken Tominaga.

A beloved Japanese izakaya in Sunnyvale, Tanto has served the Bay Area for over 25 years with an authentic menu of 80+ small plates, sashimi, and grilled items drawn from a concept passed down from Japan.

Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas has operated in the heart of Cupertino since October 2005, built around Japanese chef-owner Masa Takei's creative marriage of traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary tapas-style sharing plates. After 18+ years, it remains one of Silicon Valley's most beloved neighborhood Japanese restaurants.

Izakaya Sozai is one of San Francisco's most authentic neighborhood izakayas — a Japanese-owned Inner Sunset institution where chef Ritsu Osuka has served yakitori, tonkotsu ramen, and seasonal small plates since 2010.

Rokko Fine Japanese Cuisine has been a downtown Sunnyvale staple since 2008, operated by Japanese restaurateur Yasumitsu Yamamoto's group. The expansive menu of Japanese tapas spans fresh sashimi, deluxe meshi rice bowls, tempura, kakuni, and a full okonomiyaki selection through its co-located Fugetsu concept.

Shabuway has served authentic Japanese shabu-shabu in San Mateo since 2004, founded by Japanese restaurateurs Eiichi Mochizuki and Koji Kikura. Guests cook premium meats and seasonal vegetables in a light, flavorful broth and finish with noodles in the enriched pot.

Dogpatch's original Japanese restaurant since 1987, owned by Mitsuru 'Mits' Akashi, offering a welcoming menu of teriyaki, katsu, sushi, and noodle soups that has nourished generations of east-side SF residents.