Ima Izakaya

ima restaurant, ima detroit restaurant

For those in Michigan with a discerning taste for authentic and diverse Japanese cuisine, Ima Izakaya in Detroit's historic Corktown neighborhood stands as a true culinary beacon. More than just a typical Japanese restaurant, Ima Izakaya offers an immersive dining experience inspired by the convivial Japanese pub style, presenting a broad menu that caters to a wide array of preferences. If you're a local seeking a vibrant atmosphere, exceptional grilled skewers, comforting ramen, and fresh sushi, Ima Izakaya is a destination that promises to delight and inspire repeat visits.

Ima Izakaya has garnered significant attention and praise, even earning a coveted 2023 James Beard nomination for Best Restaurant in the Great Lakes region. This recognition is a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence and its unique offering within the Detroit dining scene. Customers consistently rave about the diverse menu, which includes standout dishes like the "robata grill sampler plate," where each skewer is "very delicious and had a perfect amount of grill on it." This traditional Japanese grilling technique brings out rich flavors in meats and vegetables, making it a must-try.

Beyond the grill, Ima Izakaya is also celebrated for its noodle dishes. While one reviewer noted the "spicy pork tonkotsu ramen" broth was "bland" for their taste, they appreciated the "texture of the noodles," and other reviews widely praise the ramen for its richness and flavor. The menu also features hand-roll sushi, offering unique twists like a "yuzu punch" in their hamachi scallion hand roll, showcasing their innovative approach. Even smaller plates like "octopus wasabi" are noted for their potential as excellent side dishes. Complementing the superb food is the inviting ambiance; the restaurant boasts a "gorgeous" interior and a "nice" enclosed patio, providing versatile settings for any occasion. The combination of acclaimed cuisine, a diverse menu, and an appealing atmosphere solidifies Ima Izakaya's reputation as a top-tier Japanese dining destination for Michigan locals.

Ima Izakaya is perfectly situated at 2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Corktown, Detroit's oldest neighborhood, making it highly accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding metropolitan areas in Michigan. Michigan Avenue is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation whether you're arriving from downtown, Midtown, or other parts of the region.

Accessibility is a key advantage for Ima Izakaya. While the restaurant itself does not have a dedicated parking lot, there is ample public street parking available all along Michigan Avenue, managed by pay stations. Additionally, many of the side streets off Michigan Avenue, such as Wabash Street (where the business is located), offer free parking. For added convenience, patrons can utilize the 'ParkDetroit' app to easily pay for parking on their mobile devices. This variety of parking options helps to ensure a stress-free arrival for guests traveling by car.

Furthermore, its location in a vibrant and historic neighborhood means it's well-connected by various modes of transport. Public transportation routes likely serve the area, and ride-sharing services can easily access the restaurant. Being a focal point in Corktown, Ima Izakaya is not only a destination in itself but also conveniently located for those exploring the neighborhood's other attractions, from local businesses to historical sites. The combination of a central, well-known address and practical parking solutions makes Ima Izakaya a convenient and appealing choice for a wide range of Michigan locals seeking an exceptional Japanese dining experience.

Ima Izakaya in Detroit provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer an authentic, diverse, and enjoyable Japanese dining experience to its Michigan patrons.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant offers a beautiful and inviting indoor dining room, described as "gorgeous," and features a charming "enclosed patio" that functions as an outdoor dining space in summer and a heated atrium in winter. This versatile seating caters to various preferences for ambiance. Reservations are taken online through Tock and can also be made over the phone, especially for larger groups (10+ guests may require booking through a manager and a deposit).
• Extensive Food Menu: Ima Izakaya offers a wide array of Japanese dishes including:
  • Robata Grill: A highlight, featuring perfectly grilled skewers of various meats (e.g., pork belly, chicken, lamb, beef short rib) and vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, asparagus).
  • Ramen & Udon Soups: A core offering with various broths (Tonkotsu, Spicy Tori, Yuzu Miso, Seafood Kimchi, Ginger Tori, Forest Udon) and protein options (smoked pork belly, soft egg, scallop, shrimp, clams, crawfish, calamari).
  • Sushi & Sashimi: Including hand rolls (like Hamachi Scallion) and potentially other raw bar offerings, crafted at their dedicated sushi bar.
  • Appetizers & Small Plates (Izakaya Style): A diverse selection for sharing, such as lamb dumplings, shrimp and scallion dumplings, Karaage chicken/tofu bites, shishito peppers, spicy tuna dip, chilled cucumber, and edamame.
  • Rice Bowls (Donburi): Featuring options like Pork Belly Don, Golden Curry Don, Spicy Tuna Don, Salmon Don, and Fried Egg Boombap.
  • Entrees: Including items like Chilean Sea Bass, Teriyaki Salmon, Whiskey Ribeye Steak, and various Katsu (chicken, lamb, tofu) curries.
• Full Bar & Drinks: The restaurant boasts a 14-seat bar with "ten beer taps, a craft cocktail and mocktail menu, and a curated list of nearly 30 Japanese whiskys," providing a wide selection of beverages to complement the meal.
• Takeout/Pickup: Customers can place carryout orders over the phone or order online through the restaurant's website for convenient pickup.
• Delivery Services: Ima Izakaya partners with major third-party food delivery platforms such as DoorDash, GrubHub, and UberEats, offering convenient delivery options to homes and businesses within their service area.
• Private & Large Party Events: They accommodate large party reservations and private events on their patio/atrium, with options for preset or semi-preset menus and minimum spending requirements for exclusive use.
• Vegan & Vegetarian Options: A significant highlight, with numerous clearly marked vegan and vegetarian choices across appetizers (e.g., Veggie Dumplings, Karaage Tofu Bites, Spicy Bok Choi), ramen/udon (Forest Udon, Yuzu Miso Ramen), and rice bowls (Eggplant Don, Golden Curry Bowl).

These comprehensive services highlight Ima Izakaya's dedication to providing a versatile, high-quality, and inclusive Japanese dining experience for the Michigan community.

Ima Izakaya in Detroit is distinguished by several outstanding features and highlights that have cemented its reputation as a must-visit Japanese restaurant for locals in Michigan:

• James Beard Nomination: A significant accolade, Ima Izakaya was a 2023 James Beard nominee for Best Restaurant in the Great Lakes region, a testament to its culinary excellence and innovation.
• Exceptional Robata Grill: The "robata grill sampler plate" is a standout, with customers praising the "delicious" skewers that have a "perfect amount of grill," showcasing the mastery of this traditional Japanese grilling technique.
• Diverse and Authentic Japanese Menu: The menu offers a comprehensive array of dishes, including a wide range of ramen and udon soups (with various broths and protein options), fresh hand-roll sushi, a robust selection of Izakaya-style appetizers (like "lamb dumplings" that are "so delicious" they get devoured quickly), and flavorful rice bowls and entrees.
• Stunning Ambiance & Decor: The restaurant features a "gorgeous" interior, including a colorful, floor-to-ceiling stained glass vestibule, sleek communal tables, and an "Asian architectural feel." The "enclosed patio" serves as a beautiful and comfortable heated atrium in colder months, offering a versatile and inviting dining environment.
• Impressive Bar Program: Ima Izakaya boasts a 14-seat bar with "ten beer taps, a craft cocktail and mocktail menu, and a curated list of nearly 30 Japanese whiskys," making it a destination for sophisticated drinks as well as food.
• Outstanding Customer Service: Although not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, the atmosphere suggests a high level of attentive and friendly service, aligning with expectations for a James Beard-nominated establishment.
• Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly: A notable highlight is the extensive selection of clearly marked vegan and vegetarian options across all menu categories, including delicious plant-based ramen broths (like Forest Udon), tofu-based appetizers, and vegetable-focused rice bowls.
• Strategic Corktown Location: Situated in Detroit's oldest neighborhood, it benefits from a vibrant community and is easily accessible, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
• Consistent High Quality: While one review mentioned a bland ramen broth, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with customers expressing a strong desire to return "on the regular" and calling it "Amazing!"

These features collectively establish Ima Izakaya as a leading Japanese restaurant in Detroit, providing a comprehensive, high-quality, and memorable dining experience for the Michigan community.

Ima Izakaya, known for its quality and appeal, offers certain promotions and special incentives that locals in Michigan should be aware of to enhance their dining experience.

• Happy Hour: Ima Izakaya features a popular "Happy Hour" available Monday-Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM. During this time, they offer $5 Happy Hour specials on select food items and drinks. This is a fantastic opportunity for locals to enjoy some of their acclaimed dishes and beverages at a more accessible price point.
• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed, their menu on some platforms indicates "Lunch Specials Available until 4pm Wednesday-Sunday," suggesting specific deals or combos tailored for lunchtime diners.
• Mailing List / Newsletter: Customers are encouraged to "Join our mailing list!" to stay informed about events, new menu items, and potentially exclusive promotions directly from the restaurant.
• Special Events: As a James Beard-nominated establishment, Ima Izakaya may host or participate in special culinary events. Keeping an eye on their website or social media channels (not provided, but implied for such a business) would be the best way to learn about any unique, limited-time offerings.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current promotions, including the full Happy Hour menu and any upcoming special events, Michigan residents are encouraged to visit Ima Izakaya's official website (www.imaizakaya.com) or call them directly at (313) 306-9485.

For those in Michigan eager to experience the award-nominated Japanese cuisine and vibrant atmosphere of Ima Izakaya, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, USA
• Phone: (313) 306-9485

This information provides direct access to Ima Izakaya. You can use the phone number to make reservations (highly recommended, especially for peak hours or larger groups), inquire about their diverse menu, confirm current operating hours, or ask about specific dishes and promotions like their Happy Hour. The address ensures easy navigation to their prime location in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. Having this direct line of communication helps ensure a smooth and convenient experience for all patrons seeking quality Japanese dining in the city.

Ima Izakaya in Detroit is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for locals across Michigan, particularly those within the city and surrounding areas, who are seeking a sophisticated yet approachable Japanese dining experience. Its multiple accolades and consistent positive customer feedback underscore its standing as a culinary gem in the region.

Firstly, the restaurant’s James Beard nomination speaks volumes about its commitment to culinary excellence and innovation. For Michigan residents who appreciate high-quality food, this recognition alone makes Ima Izakaya a must-visit. The diverse menu, which includes highly praised robata grill skewers, a variety of well-crafted ramen and udon soups, and unique hand-roll sushi, ensures there's something to satisfy every palate. This culinary breadth means locals can return repeatedly and always find something new and exciting to try, from comforting noodles to exquisite grilled delights.

Beyond the food, Ima Izakaya offers an ambiance that is both gorgeous and inviting. The "beautifully designed" interior and the comfortable "enclosed patio" provide a versatile setting, perfect for an intimate lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or even a casual happy hour. This appealing environment, combined with the comprehensive bar program featuring Japanese whiskys and craft cocktails, creates a complete and enjoyable social experience that encourages lingering and camaraderie, central to the Izakaya concept.

Furthermore, Ima Izakaya demonstrates a strong commitment to catering to diverse needs, most notably with its extensive vegan and vegetarian options. This inclusivity ensures that a wider segment of the Michigan community can fully enjoy their offerings, a significant advantage in today's dining landscape. The practical aspects, such as its central Corktown location and readily available street parking, add to its convenience, making it an easy choice for locals planning a visit.

In conclusion, Ima Izakaya is not just a Japanese restaurant; it's a dynamic culinary destination that offers a rich blend of authentic flavors, a stunning atmosphere, and exceptional service. For Michigan locals seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience that promises both culinary adventure and a welcoming environment, Ima Izakaya in Detroit is an absolute essential. Its reputation and offerings clearly position it as a beloved institution in the local food scene.

Ima Izakaya

2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, USA