Whether you’re facing a traditional izakaya with no English menu or struggling with a Japanese-only ordering system, this guide will help you navigate the experience with confidence. We’ve included common dish names with their pronunciations, typical prices, and strategic ordering tips to ensure you can enjoy this quintessential Japanese dining experience regardless of language barriers.
What is an Izakaya?
An izakaya is Japan’s answer to the gastro-pub, where the focus is on shared food, drinks, and lively conversation. While some modern establishments offer English menus or touch-panel ordering systems, many traditional izakayas don’t – but don’t let that stop you from experiencing this essential part of Japanese culture. Unlike bars or pubs, izakayas are designed for group dining, typically hosting parties of three or more people. With over 70,000 establishments across Japan (compared to 20,000 yakiniku restaurants), izakayas are the cornerstone of Japan’s casual dining scene.
Average visit duration: 2 hours
Typical cost per person: ¥2,000-3,000
Essential Dishes with Ordering Guide
Starting Dishes
Edamame (枝豆 – えだまめ)
Young soybeans boiled and sprinkled with salt
Usually served immediately after ordering
Perfect starter while browsing the menu
Yakitori/Yakiton (焼き鳥/焼きとん)
Grilled chicken (yakitori) or pork (yakiton) skewers
Recommended: Order the “Moriawase” (variety plate)
About ¥100 per skewer
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Popular Main Dishes
Karaage (から揚げ)
Japanese-style fried chicken
Price range: ¥300-500
A consistent top-three izakaya favorite
Sashimi Moriawase (刺身盛り合わせ)
Assorted fresh raw fish
Available in 3-kind (san-ten) or 5-kind (go-ten) sets or just Sashimi Moriawase
Price range: ¥1,000-1,500
Perfect pairing with sake
Tempura
Battered and fried seafood or vegetables
Popular variations:
- Ebi (shrimp) tempura
- Yasai (vegetable) tempura
- Shiromi sakana (white fish) tempura
Price range: ¥600-1000
Healthy Options
Yu Dofu (湯豆腐)
Hot pot with soft tofu and kombu broth Individual serving size Low-fat, high-protein option
Served with condiments and soy sauce
Price range: ¥300-500
Daikon Salad (大根サラダ）
Fresh radish salad
Light and refreshing
Uniquely Japanese
Price range: ¥200-400
Finishing Dishes (Shime)
These dishes are traditionally ordered at the end of your meal:
- Yaki Soba (焼きそば) – Stir-fried noodles
- Yaki Udon (焼うどん) – Stir-fried thick noodles
- Yaki Onigiri (焼きおにぎり) – Grilled rice balls
Drink Progression Guide
First Round: Beer (ビール)
Available as draft (nama) or bottled
Pro tip: Bottled beer is the same quality but usually cheaper
Second Round: Sours (サワー)
Shochu-based cocktails with soda and fruit juice
Popular variations:
- Ume Sour (梅サワー) – Plum flavor
- Grapefruit Sour (グレープフルーツサワー)
- Lemon Sour (レモンサワー)
- Oolong Hi (ウーロンハイ) – Oolong tea + shochu
Traditional Option: Sake (日本酒)
Alcohol content: 13-15% Served in a tokkuri (ceramic flask)
Can be enjoyed hot (atsukan) or cold
Ask for “Ichiban Ninki Osake” for the house recommendation
Standard serving: 150-180ml per tokkuri
Practical Tips
Ordering
Many modern izakayas have English-friendly touch-panel ordering systems
Traditional establishments take orders through staff
Order drinks and a few dishes first, then order more as needed
Seating Options
Table seats (テーブル席)
Tatami floor seating (座敷)
Counter seats (カウンター)
Hot Pot (Nabe) Strategy
If ordering nabe:
- Start with 1-3 small dishes
- Order nabe as main dish
- Finish with noodles in remaining broth
Popular nabe variations:
- Kimuchi Nabe (キムチ鍋) – Most popular
- Chige Nabe (チゲ鍋)
- Horumon Nabe (ホルモン鍋) – Offal hot pot
- Kaisen Nabe (海鮮鍋) – Seafood hot pot
Budget-Friendly Options
Some chain izakayas, like Torikizoku, offer all dishes at ¥298, making them extremely popular with young people and office workers.
Note: All prices are approximate and may vary by location and establishment.
Essential Japanese Phrases for Izakaya Success
Getting Started
“Sumimasen” (すみません) – Excuse me/Sorry to bother you “__ nin desu” (__人です) –
Table for __ people Example: “San-nin desu” (3人です) – Table for three “
Kore kudasai” (これください) – I’d like this (while pointing)
Ordering
Toriaezu beer” (とりあえずビール) – Beer to start with
“Moriawase kudasai” (盛り合わせください) – I’d like the assorted plate “
Osusume wa?” (おすすめは？) – What do you recommend? “
Motto” (もっと) – More please
Problem Solving
Eigo no menu arimasu ka?” (英語のメニューありますか?) – Do you have an English menu?
“Wasabi nuki de” (わさび抜きで) – Without wasabi
“Chotto matte kudasai” (ちょっと待ってください) – Please wait a moment “
Gomennasai wakarimasen” (ごめんなさい分かりません) – Sorry, I don’t understand
Useful Gestures
- Making an X with your fingers – “No” or “Cancel that order”
- Crossing your fingers in a T shape – “Bill please”
- Pointing to your water glass while tilting it – “More water please”
- Raising your hand with your palm facing down – “Excuse me/Server please”
Pro tip: Most servers will understand basic hand gestures and pointing at menu items or pictures. Don’t be afraid to use body language when words fail!
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