Japanese Sake Restaurants(21)
COURSE MENUIbushigin Kazuya
Choose from an expansive 120 bottle sake collection with varieties from every prefecture of Japan at this Kyoto izakaya in the lively Nakagyo district. Savor each cup of sake alongside an assortment of their specialty smoked dishes.
COURSE MENUGinza Hakobune Daiginjyo SHIZUKU
The reputation of this Ginza venue primarily rests on its impressive 500-plus sake library, enhanced by the allure of a private dining experience and teamed with Hokuriku-Shinetsu-inspired seasonal kaiseki that stands on its own merits.
COURSE MENUSUSHI RYUDUKI
An intimate 12-seat omakase bar where champagne reigns with sushi — park yourself at the hinoki cypress counter for a multicourse meal featuring day-fresh fish from the market.
COURSE MENUShabushabu Tonton Shinsaibashi
Experience the delightful taste of Miyazaki beef and Kishu Umebuta premium pork, cooked in the shabu-shabu hotpot style. Enjoy a lively and delicious izakaya dining experience in Shinsaibashi.
COURSE MENUMarudori Ruisuke
Marudori Ruisuke is named for its signature dish, a whole Daisen chicken deep-fried after 11 hours of marinating in the house’s special sauce. Friendly staff and a lively atmosphere draw a large crowd of regulars.
SEAT RESERVATIONWasshoi Dokoro Waku Betsu Atsurae
A traditional restaurant in an urban hotspot, Wasshoi Dokoro Waku Betsu Atsurae remains true to the legacy of Japanese cuisine while experimenting with ingredients and flavors to invigorate modern appetites.
COURSE MENUOsakana Sohonke Tsukijima
Flame-kissed fish, straw-glled bonito and a fantastic selection of local sake are the three things Osakana Sohonke Tsukijima swears by to keep the evening vibrant and unforgettable.
SEAT RESERVATIONBenikurage
The husband-and-wife duo behind this izakaya visited breweries across Japan to find the perfect sake curration — food is geared around its compatibility, and soft drink, wine or whiskey is offered.
SEAT RESERVATIONHachidori
Impressive lineup of sake from small breweries, paired with dishes featuring Shonai-grown vegetables, makes this couple-run izakaya a darling locale in Osaka.
SEAT RESERVATIONEitaroya
In this kappo izakaya, savor Kyoto-style drinking snacks and traditional sake under the convivial service of the owner.
SEAT RESERVATIONWashoku Haru
The creative license applied to traditional Japanese cuisine elevates this Kyoto gastropub’s a la carte menu to Michelin status.
SEAT RESERVATIONShunsai Chuka Bar Mitsukan
Just about the coolest way to taste Nara-made Sichuan fares in a bright-lit bar with a Chinese resto fit-out, there’s a reason why this award-winning izakaya earns its Michelin status.
SEAT RESERVATIONGinza Nominokoji Yamagishi
Operated by a venerable Kyoto kappo venue, this upscale Izakaya in Ginza serves a Michelin-selected menu in an elegant setting late into the night.
SEAT RESERVATIONKabukizaura Masashi
A nondescript grey facade behind the KabukizaTheater in Ginza conceals a vibrant tapestry of traditional Japanese dishes and carefully selected sake.
SEAT RESERVATIONMuromachi Kaji
Muromachi Kaji has a winning way with Kyoto-style kaiseki, which pairs well with its impressive selection of sake
SEAT RESERVATIONNihonshu Hotaru
A sake microbrewery and gastropub where you can sample a rare kind of house sake, and a huge range of other bottles.
SEAT RESERVATIONMASU‐KAME
A local izakaya in Shinagawa with some outstanding all-you-can eat and free flow drink deals — eat and drink til you drop!
SEAT RESERVATIONSasagin
This izakaya near Yoyogi Park is the perfect place to learn about Japan’s delicious native alcohols, with fantastic prices all round.
SEAT RESERVATIONShinsuke
A great range of sake and delicious small dishes make this Ueno izakaya one of the best places in the area to sample Japanese pub grub.
SEAT RESERVATIONSumiyakisosaitoriya Hitomi
This two-story yakitori spot has been recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand hotspot for its great charcoal-grilled skewers and charming service led by Chef Hitomi.
SEAT RESERVATIONTorikichi Uokichi
Wallet-friendly, high-quality izakaya dining showing off the best Kyushu has to offer, from land and sea. Enjoy living it up with local sake, local horse meat, and 5-hour stewed chicken, all served in private rooms.
Discover Delightful Japanese Sake Restaurants
Japanese sake, an exquisite rice wine bearing deep cultural significance, has become a distinguished highlight in restaurants around the world. For those eager to explore the intricate flavors of this traditional beverage, finding the right restaurant is paramount. Whether you are an experienced sake enthusiast or a curious taster embarking on a new culinary adventure, our selection of Japanese sake restaurants offers an enchanting experience where quality and authenticity are always at the forefront.
Why Choose a Specialized Sake Restaurant?
The beauty of visiting a specialized sake restaurant lies in the immersive experience it provides. Such establishments often boast extensive sake menus that feature a wide array of choices ranging from sweet to dry and everything in between. Accompanied by expert guidance from knowledgeable staff, patrons can savor carefully curated sake flights paired with delectable Japanese cuisine. This pairing of flavors not only enhances the sensory experience but also provides a cultural journey through the tastes and traditions of Japan. These restaurants often focus on ambiance, ensuring a harmonious setting that enriches the overall sake drinking experience.
What to Expect at a Japanese Sake Restaurant
When visiting a Japanese sake restaurant, expect to be greeted by an extensive menu that caters to both beginners and aficionados. You may find different sake types such as Junmai, Ginjo, and Daiginjo which vary in their rice polishing ratios and flavor profiles. Knowledgeable sommeliers or in-house experts will often guide you through tasting notes and suggest pairings to complement your drink. The menu will likely extend beyond sake, offering a fine selection of authentic Japanese dishes like sushi, sashimi, and yakitori which perfectly complement the nuanced flavors of sake. Overall, a visit to a Japanese sake restaurant promises to be a memorable gastronomic journey, where each sip transports you to the heart of Japanese culinary traditions.