How to Eat in an Izakaya: A Guide to Japanese Dining

What is an izakaya?

An izakaya is a traditional style of Japanese restaurant where food and drinks are enjoyed together in a relaxed, social setting.

The word is often translated simply as a Japanese pub, but that doesn't quite capture the experience. Izakayas can range from informal neighbourhood restaurants to sophisticated modern dining rooms, with menus covering everything from grilled dishes and tempura to sashimi, sushi and seasonal specialities.

Unlike a typical restaurant where you might order a starter, main course and dessert, izakaya dining is designed around ordering a selection of dishes and sharing them around the table.

It's this relaxed, communal approach that makes an izakaya such an enjoyable way to experience Japanese food.

Don't order everything at once

One of the best ways to enjoy an izakaya is to take your time.

Rather than deciding on your entire meal at the beginning, start with a few dishes and see where the meal takes you. You can order more as you go.

A typical meal might begin with something light, perhaps sashimi or a small appetiser, followed by grilled dishes, tempura or something from the robata. You can then add sushi, noodles, rice or other dishes towards the end.

This creates a natural progression and means you don't end up with a table overcrowded with food.

Think small plates, not courses

Izakaya menus are generally designed around sharing.

Instead of everyone ordering their own main course, choose several dishes for the table. This gives everyone the opportunity to try different flavours, textures and cooking styles.

For two people, you might start with three or four dishes and add more depending on your appetite. Larger groups can order more broadly and explore even more of the menu.

The beauty is that there isn't necessarily a right combination.

Try something raw, something grilled, something fried and something seasonal, then build from there.

Start with a drink

Drinks are an important part of izakaya culture.

A cold beer is a classic choice, but sake, Japanese whisky, shochu, wine and cocktails can all work beautifully with izakaya food.

You don't necessarily need to match one drink to one dish. Instead, choose something you enjoy and allow the food and drinks to evolve together throughout the meal.

If you're unsure what to order, ask the team for a recommendation. A good Japanese restaurant should be able to suggest drinks that complement the dishes you've chosen.

Order something seasonal

Japanese cuisine places a huge emphasis on seasonality, and an izakaya is a great place to experience it.

Menus often change throughout the year depending on what ingredients are at their best.

Look out for seasonal fish, vegetables and limited dishes that may only appear for a short time.

These dishes can often be some of the most interesting things on the menu, particularly if you're already familiar with Japanese food and want to try something different.

Explore different cooking styles

One of the great advantages of izakaya dining is the variety.

Don't limit yourself to one style of dish. A good order might include a mixture of:

• Sashimi

• Sushi

• Grilled fish

• Yakitori or grilled meat

• Tempura

• Vegetable dishes

• Tofu

• Pickles

• Rice or noodles

The contrast between dishes is part of the experience.

Something rich and grilled can be followed by something fresh and delicate, while a crisp tempura dish might sit alongside a simple seasonal vegetable dish.

Sharing is part of the experience

Izakaya dining is naturally social.

Dishes are usually placed in the centre of the table so everyone can help themselves. If you're dining with friends or colleagues, this makes it easy to try things you might not normally order.

It's also perfectly acceptable to ask for additional plates or serving utensils if needed.

And don't worry about ordering exactly the same amount for everyone. The idea is to share, try different things and order more as you go.

What about sushi?

Although izakaya menus can include sushi, sushi doesn't necessarily have to be the centre of the meal.

At Chisou, our menus combine sushi and sashimi with a wider selection of Japanese dishes, allowing guests to build a meal that suits them.

You might begin with sashimi, move on to a few cooked dishes and finish with sushi. Alternatively, you could make sushi part of a larger selection of dishes shared across the table.

There is no single correct way to do it.

Is there a particular order to follow?

Not strictly.

However, if you want to create a meal that gradually develops, a simple approach is to start with lighter flavours before moving towards richer dishes.

For example:

1. Start light
Sashimi, tofu, pickles or seasonal appetisers.

2. Move to the grill
Fish, meat or vegetables cooked over a grill.

3. Add something fried
Tempura or another crispy dish.

4. Explore something richer
Specialities, sauces or more substantial dishes.

5. Finish with sushi, rice or noodles
Something satisfying to round off the meal.

Think of this as a guide rather than a rule. Izakaya dining is deliberately flexible.

Izakaya etiquette: keep it simple

Japanese dining etiquette can sometimes seem complicated, but you don't need to worry about getting everything perfect.

A few simple principles will make your experience more comfortable:

• Wait until everyone has their drinks before beginning a toast.

• Share dishes rather than taking more than your portion.

• Use serving chopsticks where they are provided.

• Avoid passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks.

• Don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.

• Keep your voice at a considerate level.

• Take your time and enjoy the meal.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions. Restaurants are there to help you enjoy the food.

The best thing about izakaya dining? There are no rules about what you have to order

Perhaps the biggest appeal of an izakaya is its flexibility.

You can come for a quick drink and a couple of dishes, settle in for a long dinner with friends, or explore the menu one dish at a time.

You can stick to familiar favourites or let the kitchen introduce you to something new.

It's dining designed to be relaxed, social and enjoyable.

Experience izakaya dining at Chisou

At Chisou, we bring together traditional Japanese cooking, sushi and izakaya-style dishes in a relaxed setting across our London restaurants.

Whether you're joining us for a casual meal, a dinner with friends or an evening of Japanese food and sake, our menus are designed to be explored and shared.

So next time you visit, don't worry about choosing the perfect three-course meal.

Order a few dishes. Pour a drink. Share the table. And see where the evening takes you.