Ijo Izakaya

Hey there, California food enthusiasts, especially those of you who appreciate the rich and diverse flavors of Japanese cuisine! Are you searching for a reliable, consistently delicious spot that feels like your personal "go-to" for authentic and comforting Japanese dishes? Look no further than **Ijo Izakaya**, a beloved restaurant nestled on Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley that has won over locals with its tasty food and friendly atmosphere.

In the vibrant and eclectic culinary landscape of California, finding a Japanese restaurant that truly hits the spot for everyday cravings can be a delightful discovery. Ijo Izakaya has established itself as such a place, offering a menu that appeals to both seasoned lovers of Japanese food and those new to its wonders. We understand that for many of you in California, a great dining experience is about more than just the meal; it's about the feeling of satisfaction, the warmth of the service, and the ability to consistently deliver on taste. Ijo Izakaya aims to provide all this, whether you're enjoying a comforting bowl of ramen or exploring their unique udon creations. This comprehensive article will delve into what makes Ijo Izakaya a local favorite, covering its convenient location, the diverse services it provides, its standout features and highlights, any exciting promotions, and ultimately, why it’s perfectly suited for the discerning palates of Bay Area residents.

**Ijo Izakaya** is conveniently located at **1463 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709, USA**. This address places it right in the heart of North Berkeley's vibrant "Gourmet Ghetto" area on Shattuck Avenue, a renowned stretch known for its array of eateries and shops. This prime location makes it easily accessible for residents of Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, and other surrounding East Bay communities.

Accessibility to Ijo Izakaya is generally good. For those traveling by car, street parking is often available along Shattuck Avenue and in nearby side streets, though it can sometimes be a bit challenging during peak hours, typical of popular Berkeley neighborhoods. For public transportation users, numerous AC Transit bus lines run directly along Shattuck Avenue, offering convenient connections throughout Berkeley and to BART stations. The Downtown Berkeley BART station is also a manageable walk or a short bus ride away, providing wider access for those coming from further afield in the Bay Area, including San Francisco and Oakland. Its central location ensures it's a practical and appealing choice for a casual meal or a planned outing in a dynamic Berkeley neighborhood.

• Dine-In Service: Ijo Izakaya offers a casual and inviting atmosphere for customers to enjoy their meal. While not fancy, it provides a fine dining experience, suitable for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
• Takeout and Delivery: For maximum convenience, Ijo Izakaya provides extensive takeout and delivery services. Customers can order online through platforms such as Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub, and DoorDash, allowing for enjoyment of their food at home or work.
• Diverse Japanese Menu: The restaurant boasts a wide array of Japanese dishes, extending beyond standard offerings. This includes various ramen types (like Tonkotsu, Shoyu, Miso, Chicken, Seafood, Vegetable, Beef, Kimchi), unique udon dishes (such as Kimchee Cream Udon and Mentaiko Cream Udon), and a selection of classic Izakaya-style small plates.
• Appetizers and Sides: A comprehensive selection of appetizers is available, including popular items like Gyozas (pan-fried pork and chicken dumplings), Seaweed Salad, Chicken Karaage (Japanese style fried chicken), Shrimp Tempura, Takoyaki, Fried Oysters, Agedashi Tofu, and more.
• Sushi and Sashimi Options: While more focused on Izakaya dishes and hot entrees, Ijo Izakaya also offers a range of sushi and sashimi, including various rolls (California, Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Lion King, Dynamite, Fire Dragon) and donburi (Tekka Don, Chirashi Don, Sake Don, Hamachi Don, Unagi Don), providing a well-rounded Japanese experience.
• Entrees and Bento Boxes: Full entrees like Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Chicken Katsu, Ton Katsu, Miso Cod, and various Tempura sets are available. They also offer bento boxes such as Chicken Teriyaki + California Roll Bento Box and Salmon Teriyaki & California Roll Bento Box.
• Noodle Soups and Rice Bowls: In addition to ramen and udon, the menu includes traditional Japanese noodle soups (like Nabeyaki Udon, Oden, Sukiyaki, Yosenabe) and rice bowls (Katsu Don, Gyu Don, Curry Don).
• Catering Services: Ijo Izakaya also provides catering, with requests for a catering menu sent to ijoizakaya@gmail.com. They can also schedule private events for parties over 20 and under 50 people on Tuesdays with at least one week's notice.

• Consistently Delicious and Nicely-Prepared Food: This is a recurring theme in customer reviews, with patrons consistently finding the food "delicious and nicely-prepared." This reliability is a major draw.
• "Best Ramen Ever" for Some: A significant highlight is the ramen, with one review stating it was "the best he’s ever had" due to its preference for a non-super heavy and rich broth, indicating a nuanced approach to ramen preparation.
• Unique and Inventive Dishes: The "Kimchee Cream Udon" is a standout example of a dish not commonly found elsewhere, appreciated even by those familiar with Korean cuisine. This creativity adds an exciting dimension to the menu.
• Friendly and Prompt Service: Customers consistently praise the "friendly and prompt" service, which significantly contributes to a pleasant and welcoming dining experience.
• Casual and Comfortable Ambiance: While not described as "fancy" or needing "sprucing up" by some, the overall atmosphere is noted as casual and comfortable, making it a relaxing spot for a meal.
• Authentic Feel for Japanese Food Lovers: One reviewer, having lived in Japan for 7 years, considers it their "go-to casual Japanese restaurant," affirming its authenticity and quality for those with deep knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Core Dishes: Beyond ramen and udon, the broad selection of appetizers (gyozas, seaweed salad, karaage), various sushi rolls, sashimi, and bento boxes ensures there's something for everyone, making it suitable for varied preferences.
• Value for a Casual Japanese Meal: The restaurant offers a high-quality Japanese dining experience in a casual setting, providing excellent value for money.

Based on the available public information, **Ijo Izakaya** focuses on providing consistent quality and a broad menu, rather than regular, publicly advertised discounts or traditional "promotions" in the conventional sense. However, there are aspects that offer value to its customers:

• Catering Services and Private Event Options: For larger groups, Ijo Izakaya explicitly offers catering services, and the option to schedule private events on Tuesdays for parties between 20 and 50 people. While these are not "discounts," they provide a specialized service for community gatherings, offering convenience and a tailored experience for local groups. Requests for catering menus and private event bookings can be made by emailing ijoizakaya@gmail.com at least one week in advance.
• Broad Menu with Varied Price Points: The extensive menu covers a wide range of Japanese dishes, from appetizers and ramen to sushi and full entrees, at different price points. This allows diners to choose options that fit their budget while still enjoying the quality Ijo Izakaya is known for. For example, a Katsu Don for $12.95 or a Tonkotsu Ramen for $14.95 are generally considered reasonable prices for their respective categories in the Bay Area.
• Convenience of Multiple Delivery Platforms: While delivery fees apply, being available on major platforms like Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub, and DoorDash offers the "special" convenience of enjoying their diverse menu from home or office, often with platform-specific incentives or first-time user discounts.

For the most current information on any potential new offerings, seasonal specials, or detailed catering options, it is always recommended for locals to directly contact Ijo Izakaya or check their listings on the aforementioned online delivery platforms.

For those in California looking to experience the consistently delicious and varied Japanese cuisine at **Ijo Izakaya**, here is their essential contact information:

• Address: 1463 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
• Phone: (510) 679-5200
• Mobile Phone: +1 510-679-5200

Feel free to use these details to inquire about their menu, confirm their current operating hours (typically split shifts for lunch and dinner from Monday and Wednesday-Sunday), or to place an order for takeout or delivery. The friendly team at Ijo Izakaya is ready to assist you.

For residents across California, particularly within the vibrant Berkeley and East Bay communities, **Ijo Izakaya** stands out as a highly suitable and cherished destination for authentic and comforting Japanese cuisine. It strikes an excellent balance between quality, variety, and a welcoming atmosphere that resonates deeply with local preferences.

Its central location on Berkeley's Shattuck Avenue makes it incredibly convenient and accessible, whether you're strolling through the neighborhood, commuting, or simply looking for a great meal nearby. This ease of access encourages locals to make it their regular spot for satisfying their Japanese food cravings.

The most compelling reason for Ijo Izakaya's suitability is its **consistently delicious and nicely-prepared food, coupled with its diverse menu**. Reviews highlight everything from ramen that some consider "the best he's ever had" to unique dishes like Kimchee Cream Udon, showcasing a kitchen that delivers on both traditional favorites and creative innovations. This breadth of offerings, from appetizers like gyozas and seaweed salad to a wide range of sushi, sashimi, entrees, and hot pots, means there's always something fresh and exciting to try, catering to varied tastes and dietary needs.

Furthermore, the **friendly and prompt service** creates a genuinely pleasant dining experience, reinforcing its status as a "go-to casual Japanese restaurant." It’s a place where you feel comfortable and well-cared for, which is a significant factor in fostering local loyalty. While it might not be a "fancy place," its casual and cozy ambiance contributes to a relaxed meal, making it perfect for everyday dining or a low-key gathering with friends and family. For those who appreciate authentic flavors and reliable quality in a welcoming setting, Ijo Izakaya provides an excellent and highly recommended option right in their Californian backyard.

Ijo Izakaya

1463 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709, USA