Washoku Guide
Cities/Vancouver/Izakaya/Hapa Izakaya
Vancouver · Izakaya · casual

Hapa Izakaya

Japanese izakayaTokyo-style tapasYaletownPioneer Vancouver izakaya

Hapa Izakaya has defined Vancouver's izakaya scene since 2003, founded by Justin Ault after immersive training in Tokyo izakayas. The Japanese-led kitchen—most recently under chef Wataru Kakiuchi—delivers creative Tokyo-style small plates in Yaletown's stylish dining room, with the signature irasshaimase greeting on arrival.

Price
¥¥
Area
Yaletown
Since
2003
Chef
Wataru Kakiuchi
Owner
Justin Ault
Hapa Izakaya — authentic japanese izakaya restaurant in Vancouver, Yaletown
Plate № 57
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About
When Justin and Lea Ault opened Hapa Izakaya on Robson Street in 2003, they introduced Vancouver to the authentic Japanese izakaya experience, having personally trained in some of Tokyo's best izakayas. The concept—creative Japanese small plates, sake-forward drinking culture, and an animated dining room—was groundbreaking for Canada. The kitchen has always been led by Japanese-trained chefs, maintaining the culinary standards that earned Hapa its reputation as one of North America's best izakayas. The current Yaletown location at 1193 Hamilton Street carries forward this legacy, open daily from 5pm with the famous Hapa Hour menu offering reduced-price plates from 5–6pm.
Neighborhood & visiting

Hapa Izakaya sits in Yaletown, one of Vancouver'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
  • Pioneer of Vancouver's izakaya movement since 2003, trained in authentic Tokyo izakaya culture
  • Japanese-led kitchen consistently producing creative Tokyo-style small plates
  • Signature Hapa Hour (5-6pm daily) with reduced prices on fan-favourite dishes
  • Lively Yaletown setting with the authentic irasshaimase welcome and izakaya energy

Owner Justin Ault is non-Japanese (trained in Tokyo izakayas); qualifies via Japanese-led kitchen. Chef Wataru Kakiuchi was confirmed as head chef; restaurant temporarily closed in June 2024 out of respect following his passing, then reopened.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Hapa Izakaya

Is Hapa Izakaya an authentic japanese izakaya restaurant in Vancouver?
Yes — Hapa Izakaya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya in Vancouver: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Hapa Izakaya located?
Hapa Izakaya is located at 1193 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada, Vancouver, Canada in the Yaletown neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Hapa Izakaya?
Hapa 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 Hapa Izakaya?
Hapa Izakaya sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya of this format in Vancouver.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Vancouver →Izakaya in Vancouver →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →