It’s not a secret that Hongkongers love Japanese food. So, it’s also not surprising that the city is brimming with Japanese restaurants. Whether it’s omakase menus or the endless sushi counters, you’ll never run out of options in the city. The humble izakaya (a casual dining and drinking eatery similar to a pub or tavern) is among the favourites, particularly because it makes for a great post-work or weekend spot. Find out where the best izakaya restaurants are in Hong Kong from our list below.
Izakayas are a dime a dozen in Japan, from under the train tracks to rural small towns. Its history traces back to the early 770s but full-scale izakayas didn’t appear until around the Edo period. At first, they were just liquor stores selling alcohol but because customers started drinking, izakayas began offering snacks. Owners simply used sake barrels as stools which gradually developed into the casual eateries for eating and drinking that it is today.
Hong Kong has its fair share of izakayas to bring a similar dining experience to locals. Who wouldn’t love the bustling atmosphere while sharing small plates with friends and family? So, whether you are in for a casual dinner, a quick catch-up, a celebratory meal, or just drinking, an izakaya is the perfect place to dine out. Hong Kong’s options are amazing, ranging from Michelin-starred ones to the outposts of popular Japanese spots. So, see our top picks of izakayas in Hong Kong for your next meal.
Book these izakaya restaurants in Hong Kong for a great dining experience
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Yurakucho
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If you’re familiar with the Tokyo dining scene, specifically the izakayas, then chances are, you’re well aware of Yurakucho. The Japanese district is known for being a business hub but also for its famed izakayas that salarymen frequent after work, right under the train tracks. Tokyolites recognise the iconic dining establishments from the get-go. And like its namesake, Yurakucho is bringing that same gado-shita (under the railway track) experience to Hong Kong in its own way. At the same time, it also adds a local flavour to the mix with the addition of creative dishes. The live robatayaki open-kitchen grill and energising DJ tracks make for an even better dining experience.
What we love: Great Japanese-style bites and drinks on top of a lively dining atmosphere and DJ-spinning tracks.
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Fukuro
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Fukuro bills itself as an izakaya “for Soho’s night owls.” And perhaps this is quite obvious in how it pays homage to the exact same Tokyo watering holes that Japanese workers frequent in the evening. The buzzy eatery always has something up their sleeves, from the ever-changing music playlist to the eclectic menu. Order from the wide selection of small plates and sip into a range of sake and highballs, as well as cocktails, and Japanese whisky. And of course, sake. In fact, the izakaya has a special Sake Shake-up session where you can sample a selection of five different sakes (available daily from 3 to 5 pm).
What we love: The jovial atmosphere, curated music playlist, and wide range of drinks
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Uohara
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Here’s the thing about offshoots of famous eateries: they can either be a hit or miss. But Uohara is a sure hit. It’s the seafood izakaya’s first outpost outside of its native turf in Tokyo, Japan and is as popular as its local counterpart. The city has already two locations, one of which opened during the pandemic. That’s quite a feat. Uohara is easily the go-to for izakaya because of its expansive lunch set and a la carte menu. The Wagyu Beef Fried Rice is a classic crowd-pleaser. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to see a live cooking performance from the culinary team. When? All we know is… some nights.
What we love: Great menu, cosy atmosphere, and reasonable pricing
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Yardbird
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Of course, how could you ignore this Michelin-starred eatery? Yardbird’s hype is unreal. It’s always jam-packed and unsurprisingly, diners often need to reserve a table in advance. All that to have a taste of Yardbird’s 20-plus types of yakitori skewers, which are made from three-yellow chicken. All parts of it, even the beak and the tail are grilled over binchotan charcoal. Diners also endure the long waiting time for rare parts of the chicken that you can’t easily find elsewhere. While the price and small portion can throw people off, we can say that the hype is all worth it. Don’t miss their selection of Japanese whisky, or ask the bartender to whip you up something nice and classy.
What we love: Lively atmosphere, no-fuss menu, great drinks
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Suit Modern Izakaya Sake Bar
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Sake lovers are in for a treat at Suit. The cosy izakaya-style restaurant offers rare bottles on a seasonal menu, making sure you’ll always get to try something new. Plus, you’ll also get to sample traditional izakaya favourites with a modern twist. The result is more or less fusion dishes that marry local Japanese culinary traditions with global flavours. It feels like a gastronomic journey to Tokyo… with added stops elsewhere. Truly one for the books. Of course, diners can expect to try original dishes that will tickle the discerning Hong Kong palate.
What we love: Rotating sake menu, creative dishes, and cosy vibe
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Yakitoriya Hon
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After moving from its original Tsim Sha Tsui location to Sai Ying Pun, Yakitoriya Hon’s newest space is just better. But you’ll still get the similar treatment and food they’re known for: Japanese skewers and delicacies made using binochotan charcoal. Truly, bigger and better. Yakitoriya Hon brings the lively and casual vibe of Japan’s quintessential neighbourhood eateries to Hong Kong’s shores. It’s where you can savour a meal, and unwind with friends over great drinks in a lively environment. As soon as you sit down, you’ll get a piping hot cup of chicken soup that’s been simmered for hours. The star of the show is the chargrilled chicken menu which features a variety of Japanese chicken cuts—over 10 standard options to choose from. Each bite comes with a subtle smoky flavour, leaving you wanting more so order some side dishes.
What we love: Great dining and drinks menu and an impressive interior design
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Zuma
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Zuma is notorious for its pricey offering but then again, it’s located in an upscale neighbourhood and a luxury mall. Plus, a garden terrace and a dramatic spiral staircase? Traditional Japanese izakaya dining with a twist? To be honest, they do tick all the boxes for rightfully charging at a price. The menu is a showstopping display of different dishes from three kitchens: main, sushi counter, and robata grill. It’s sophisticated, elegant, and delicious all at the same time. Zuma also has a special ‘Izakaya Night’ menu that includes 90 minutes of free-flow drinks so you get to try the very best of izakaya dining.
What we love: High-quality dishes and a range of different menus available. Always has something new to try.
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The Aubrey
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Hear us out. The Aubrey might not be the typical image of an izakaya to most diners but that’s exactly what we love about it. It’s taken izakaya to the next level. Its spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars is proof of this. You also know you’re in for some really great drinks at the Mandarin Oriental establishment. Staying true to their rendition of izakaya, expect caviar and expensive types of beef for a truly elevated dining experience. Still, if you’re looking for something familiar, izakaya staples such as grilled skewers and kaarage (Japanese fried chicken) are still on the menu. A trip to The Aubrey is never complete without a drink or two and they made it their work to always offer something new with their omakase cocktail experience. Add the stunning view of the harbour as well as even impressive interior, what’s not to love?
What we love: Creative dishes, amazing drinks, view of the harbour
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Hige Izakaya
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The elephant in the room once anyone makes their way (if they even do!) to Hige: It looks exactly like they’re in Japan. That’s some real work put into making this izakaya just like the ones you’ll find in Japanese rural neighbourhoods. Complete with tatami booths and shogi tiles, it’s quite an impressive sight. That feeling is extended to the fact that the eatery is also very well-hidden just above Caine Road. Once you make it though, the menu is the comfort food you’ll looking for. The signature kushiyaki (meat skewers) is a must but anything from the grilled dishes, deep-fried items, hotpot, or sashimi are all worth a try.
What we love: Amazing food, drinks, and service. Discreet location and authentic izakaya experience
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What does izakaya mean in Japanese?
Izakaya refers to Japanese-style bars and casual eateries. The term consists of compound words ‘iru’ (to stay) and ’sakaya’ (sake shop).
-What food is served in izakaya?
A traditional izakaya serves small plates of food such as snacks and alcoholic drinks.
-What is the difference between yakitori and izakaya?
Yakitori is a Japanese type of skewered chicken while izakaya refers to a Japanese-style bar and eatery.
-What is the difference between a bar and an izakaya?
The difference between a bar is an izakaya is that an izakaya serves Japanese food and drinks but it is also a bar.
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Written by
Jianne Soriano
Senior Digital Writer (Growth) - Dining, Culture & Travel
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. After working in Tokyo, this Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is back to tell stories about her home(s). When she’s not writing, you can find her looking for the best hojicha spots, binge-watching her comfort movies, or travelling solo.
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