Discover IZAKA-YA: Authentic Japanese Dining in San Jose

IZAKA-YA Introduce

For those in the San Jose area seeking an authentic Japanese culinary experience, IZAKA-YA stands out as a highly recommended destination. Situated conveniently at 1335 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112, IZAKA-YA has garnered a reputation for its delectable dishes and genuine flavors. While its name might suggest a typical 'izakaya' (Japanese gastropub), customer reviews highlight a broader offering that goes beyond standard pub fare, leaning more towards a comprehensive Japanese dining experience.

Operating in a platform category like "Doctor Near Me" might seem unusual for a restaurant, but it speaks to a broader understanding of user intent. When someone searches for "Doctor Near Me," they are often looking for essential services and information within their immediate vicinity. While IZAKA-YA doesn't provide medical services, its presence within such a localized search context indicates its prominence as a vital local establishment, a go-to for many within the community when they are out and about, potentially running errands or seeking other services. It signals that IZAKA-YA is a well-known and accessible option for dining in the area, much like a nearby pharmacy or grocery store would be. This contextual placement emphasizes its role as a key local amenity, making it a convenient and trusted choice for a meal after appointments or while running errands in the vicinity of "Doctor Near Me" searches.

The ambiance at IZAKA-YA is often described as intimate and cozy. Customer feedback consistently points to the restaurant's relatively small size. With an estimated seating capacity of only 20-30, IZAKA-YA offers a more personal dining experience, but this also means that planning is advised. Patrons frequently mention that waiting times can be significant, especially during peak hours like Friday evenings. To mitigate this, calling ahead for reservations is highly recommended, or arriving early, as one reviewer noted, to secure a table. This intimate setting, while occasionally requiring a wait, contributes to its charm, fostering a lively and authentic atmosphere that many diners appreciate. It’s important to note that due to the limited seating, IZAKA-YA may not be ideal for larger parties exceeding four people, making it more suitable for couples, small groups, or individuals seeking a quiet meal.

The service at IZAKA-YA receives consistent praise for its efficiency and attentiveness. Despite the often-busy environment, staff are noted for being friendly and prompt, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Reviewers frequently commend the good service, highlighting that orders are taken accurately and food arrives in a timely manner. This commitment to customer satisfaction contributes significantly to the overall positive impression of the restaurant.

One of the most striking features of IZAKA-YA is its expansive and diverse menu. Customers repeatedly emphasize the sheer number of options available, promising something for every palate. From classic sushi and sashimi to more unique and traditional Japanese dishes, the breadth of the menu is a significant draw. This extensive selection allows for multiple visits without feeling like you've exhausted the culinary possibilities. The focus on fresh ingredients is another hallmark. For example, the fish in their sushi boats is consistently described as fresh with good-sized slices, offering excellent value for money.

Among the standout dishes mentioned by customers, the oyster shooters are frequently highlighted for being flavorful and delicious. Another unique offering that sets IZAKA-YA apart, particularly in the South Bay, is their fresh-made pork belly okonomiyaki. Reviewers rave about its authentic taste and generous portion size, making it a satisfying dish for two people. This dedication to preparing dishes from scratch, especially regional specialties like okonomiyaki, underscores IZAKA-YA's commitment to authenticity and quality.

While specific promotional information is not readily available through the provided reviews, the consistent high praise and the emphasis on "good value" for dishes like the sushi boat B suggest that the restaurant provides an excellent culinary experience commensurate with its pricing. The ongoing demand, leading to wait times, further indicates a strong customer base and satisfaction, often a better indicator of value than transient promotions. Given the consistent positive feedback, IZAKA-YA's primary promotion seems to be the quality of its food and service, leading to strong word-of-mouth recommendations.

In summary, IZAKA-YA is a highly recommended authentic Japanese restaurant in San Jose, offering a rich and varied menu that goes beyond typical Japanese fare. Its intimate setting, while sometimes requiring a wait, provides a cozy atmosphere for diners. The fresh ingredients, especially in their highly-praised sushi and unique dishes like the pork belly okonomiyaki, are a major draw. With attentive service and a reputation for providing excellent value, IZAKA-YA is a must-visit for anyone in the area seeking a genuine taste of Japan. Its prominence in local searches, even within a category like "Doctor Near Me," solidifies its position as a go-to dining establishment in the community. You can reach them at (408) 452-8751 or +1 408-452-8751 to inquire about reservations or their extensive menu.

IZAKA-YA Menu

Sushi Nigiri
Anago US$8.75
Sea eel
Amaebi US$9.95
Raw prawn
Ika US$6.75
Squid
Ikura US$8.75
Salmon roe
Inari US$4.75
Bean curd
Unagi US$8.75
Eel
Uni US$20.00
Sea urchin
Ebi US$6.75
Shrimp
Kanikama US$6.75
Crab cake
Katsuo US$6.75
Bonito
Tsubu gai US$6.75
Conch
Sake US$6.75
Salmon
Saba US$6.75
Mackerel
Shiromaguro US$6.75
Albacore
Tako US$6.75
Octopus
Masago US$6.75
Smelt roe
Toro US$20.00
Fatty tuna
Hamachi US$6.75
Yellowtail
Hirame US$6.75
Halibut
Wakame US$6.25
Seaweed salad
Hotate US$8.75
Scallop
Aburi sake US$6.95
Seared salmon
Honmaguro US$8.75
Bluefin tuna
Maguro US$6.75
Tuna
Suzuki US$6.75
Sea bass

Sushi rolls
California roll US$6.95
Rice outside roll with avocado, crab cake, mayonnaise and sesame seeds.
Eel roll US$8.75
Rice outside roll with avocado, eel, and sesame seeds. Homemade unagi sauce.
Alaskan roll US$6.95
Rice outside roll with avocado, salmon, and sesame seeds.
Philly roll US$7.25
Rice outside roll with avocado, salmon, cream cheese, and sesame seeds.
Osaka roll US$6.95
Rice outside roll with octopus tempura, green onion, and sesame seeds. Homemade unagi sauce.
Healthy roll US$5.95
Rice outside roll with avocado, dried gourd(kanpyo), and sesame seeds.
Spicy tuna roll US$6.95
Thick seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy sauce, and tuna.
Spicy salmon roll US$6.95
Spicy seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy sauce, and salmon.
Spicy yellowtail roll US$6.95
Spicy seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy sauce, and yellowtail.
Spicy scallop roll US$6.95
Spicy seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy mayo sauce, and scallop.
Ebi Tempura roll US$6.95
Thick seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, mayonnaise, lettuce and shrimp tempura.
Spider roll US$9.95
Thick seaweed outside roll with radish sprouts, pickled burdock, onion, and deep fried softshell crab.
Futomaki US$7.25
Thick seaweed outside roll with cucumber, avocado, sweet fish flakes, dried gourd (kanpyo), and shrimp.
Avocado roll US$5.25
Rice outside roll with avocado.
Plum paste roll US$4.75
Thin seaweed outside roll with plum paste and shiso leaves. Ume shiso maki.
Cucumber roll US$4.75
Rice outside roll with cucumber.
Salmon roll US$6.50
Rice outside roll with salmon.
Tuna roll US$6.50
Rice outside roll with tuna.
Negihama roll US$6.50
Rice outside roll with yellowtail and green onion.
Nori maki US$6.50
Thin seaweed outside roll with dried gourd (kanpyo).
Bamboo roll US$13.95
Rice outside roll with smelt roe and eel, wrapped with avocado. Homemade eel sauce.
Hokkaido roll US$14.95
California roll wrapped with salmon.
Dragon roll US$18.95
Rice outside roll with smelt roe, lettuce, mayo, and shrimp tempura. Wrapped with eel and avocado. Homemade eel sauce.
Naked dragon roll US$13.95
Rice outside roll with smelt roe, lettuce, mayo, and shrimp tempura. Wrapped with avocado.
Rainbow roll US$14.95
California roll wrapped with 7 different types of fish.
Negitoro roll US$9.95
Thin seaweed outside roll with fatty tuna and green onion.

Bento Box
Regular Bento Box US$15.50
Bento box with shrimp and vegetable tempura, salad, miso soup, and rice. Minimum 1 choice of side, maximum 3. (Additional charge for 2 and 3 choices)
Sushi Bento Box US$18.95
Bento box with shrimp and vegetable tempura, salad, miso soup, and rice. Choose up to 2 sides. (Additional charge)
Sashimi Bento Box US$18.95
Bento box with shrimp and vegetable tempura, salad, miso soup, and rice. Choose from any of the 3 sashimi types. Choose up to 2 sides. (Additional charge)
Vegetable Bento Box US$15.50
Bento box with vegetable tempura, salad, rice, a vegetable roll of the day, and a piece of potato croquette. Vegetarian.

Curry Rice
Curry rice US$12.95
Japanese style curry with rice.
Katsu Curry US$14.95
Japanese curry rice with pork cutlet topping.
Chicken Katsu Curry US$14.95
Japanese curry rice with chicken cutlet topping.
Ebi Fry Curry US$15.95
Japanese curry rice with breaded fried shrimp topping (3pc).

Sashimi/Sushi assortments
Regular Sushi US$24.95
Assortment of tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, white fish, salmon, eel, and smelt roe nigiri. 3 pieces of California roll. Some may be replaced due to availability.
Deluxe Sushi US$32.95
Assortment of tuna, fatty tuna, yellowtail, raw prawn, white fish, salmon, eel, and salmon roe nigiri. 3 pieces of California roll. Some may be replaced due to availability.
Omakase Sushi US$55.00
10 pieces of chef's choice nigiri sushi.
Sushi Appetizer US$11.95
4 piece nigiri assortment with 3 pieces of California roll.
Regular Sashimi US$25.95
Assortment of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, white fish, octopus, bonito, and shrimp sashimi.
Deluxe Sashimi US$35.95
Assortment of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, white fish, octopus, bonito, and shrimp sashimi.
Tuna Sashimi US$21.95
10 pieces of tuna sashimi.
Salmon Sashimi US$21.95
10 pieces of salmon sashimi.
Yellowtail Sashimi US$21.95
10 pieces of salmon sashimi.
Sashimi Trio US$25.95
Combination of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail sashimi, 4 pieces each.
Regular Chirashi US$23.95
Sashimi assortment on top of a bowl of sushi rice. (Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, octopus, white fish, shrimp, smelt roe, eel)
Deluxe Chirashi US$34.95
Slightly larger sashimi assortment with a bowl of sushi rice. (Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, octopus, white fish, shrimp, smelt roe, eel, salmon roe)
Tekka don US$21.95
Tuna on top of a bowl of sushi rice.
Tairyo meshi US$39.95
Bowl of sushi rice covered with sea urchin, tuna, smelt roe, and salmon roe.
Sushi Boat A US$59.95
A large assortment of sushi that serves two. 18 pieces of nigiri, California roll and tuna roll.
Sushi Boat B US$69.95
A large assortment of sushi and sashimi that serves two. 16 pieces of nigiri, 11 pieces of sashimi, California roll and tuna roll.
Salmon Tuna Combo US$23.95
3 pieces of salmon and tuna nigiri with a California roll.
Salmon Yellowtail Combo US$23.95
3 pieces of salmon and yellowtail nigiri with a California roll.
Tuna Yellowtail Combo US$23.95
3 pieces of tuna and yellowtail nigiri with a California roll.
Sushi Sashimi Combination US$23.95
Combination of 7 pieces of sashimi, 4 pieces of nigiri, and 3 pieces of California roll.
Bluefin tuna set US$20.00
A 3 piece nigiri set, one piece each of bluefin tuna akami, chu-toro, and o-toro.
Salmon set US$10.00
A 3 piece nigiri set, one piece each of regular sa

Donburi
Katsu don US$14.00
Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) with egg on rice.
Tempura don US$14.00
Ten don. Shrimp and vegetable tempura on rice.
Oyako don US$14.00
Chicken and egg on rice.
Unagi don US$23.00
Eel with homemade sauce on rice.
Gyutan don US$14.00
Beef tongue, cabbage, green onion on rice with garlic yakiniku sauce.

Seafood Appetizers
Tako Kuki Wasabi US$8.95
Chopped octopus with kizami wasabi (chopped wasabi).
Negimayo Takoyaki US$6.75
Octopus pancake dumplings with mayo, okonomi sauce, green onion, and bonito flakes.
Salmon Kama US$13.95
Grilled salmon collar.
Shrimp & Vegetable TEmpura US$14.95
Shrimp and vetable tempura assortment.
Shrimp Tempura US$14.95
7 pieces of deep fried battered shrimp.
Geso Kara US$9.25
Deep fried squid legs.
Kaki Fry US$12.95
Deep fried breaded oysters.
Shishamo US$7.25
Grilled smelt fish with roe.
Kabayaki US$19.95
Grilled eel with eel sauce.
Saba shio US$9.95
Grilled mackerel.
Sake Toro US$15.95
Grilled salmon belly.
Calamari US$9.25
Fried squid with tartar sauce.
Ika Maru US$9.25
Grilled whole squid.

Meat Appetizer
Fried chicken wings (6pc) US$13.95
Tori karaage (6pc) US$9.25
Bite size fried chicken thighs.
Tori karaage nanban (6pc) US$9.95
Tori karaage with sanbaizu (sweet vinegar) and tartar sauce.
Torikawa piripiri US$6.95
Chicken skin stir fried with spicy miso.
Kamo garlic US$18.95
Sautéed duck steak with garlic & butter sauce.
Gyoza US$5.95
5 pieces of pan fried potstickers.
Ju-ju Pork US$15.95
Stir fried vegetables and pork belly with yakiniku sauce.
Puripuri sausage US$7.95
5 pieces of pan fried japanese sausage with ketchup and mustard mayo sauce.
Niku tofu US$15.95
Sukiyaki style hot pot with pork and tofu.

Vegetable Appetizers
Edamame US$4.95
Boiled immature soybeans.
Garlic edamame US$5.85
Edamame with spicy garlic sauce.
Agedashi tofu US$8.25
Fried tofu with bonito flakes, green onion, grated daikon radish and ginger. Bonito sauce.
Asparagus mayo US$5.95
Boiled asparagus served with mayonnaise.
Asparagus tempura US$5.95
Deep fried asparagus tempura.
Potato croquette US$5.95
2 pieces of potato croquette.
Ju-ju Yasai US$9.95
Stir fried vegetables with garlic sauce.
Butter corn US$5.95
Stir fried corn with butter.
Tsukemono US$6.95
Assortment of various japanese pickles.
Tofu steak US$9.95
Fried tofu with teriyaki sauce.
Hiyayakko US$5.95
Cold tofu with bonito flakes and green onion.

Okonomiyaki
Tako Okonomiyaki US$13.95
Standard okonomiyaki with octopus. (Japanese pancake with flour based batter. Cabbage, beni shoga, okonomi sauce, mustard mayo sauce, aonori and bonito flakes.)
Buta Okonomiyaki US$15.95
Okonomiyaki with pork belly. (Japanese pancake with flour based batter. Cabbage, beni shoga, okonomi sauce, mustard mayo sauce, aonori and bonito flakes.)

IZAKA-YA Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine

Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy

Crowd
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

IZAKA-YA Photos

IZAKA-YA Location

IZAKA-YA

California Santa Clara County San Jose North San Jose North First Street

1335 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

IZAKA-YA Reviews

Finally got to try this place. Every time we came here it was a very long wait. We came early on a Friday and waited maybe 15 minutes. There aren't many tables so plan to wait or call ahead to reserve a table. This place isn't good for larger parties over 4 since there is literally only about 20-30 seats available. Otherwise the food was great. We got the oyster shooters and they were flavorful and delicious. We got the pork belly okonomiyaki and it tasted good. It was a good size for two people. This is probably the only place in the South Bay that makes it fresh. We also got the sushi boat B because it was good for the value. All the fish tasted fresh and had good sized slices. We will be coming back since their menu was massive with so many options. Highly recommend if you're in the area.
April 26 · Robert Fang
Excellent authentic Japanese food! The menu is very big, with so many different kinds of dishes. We ordered quite a lot, everything was delicious! Service was good. The restaurant is very small though so spacing was tight.
May 14 · Sueh-Lin Cheng
A gem! I love the variety they offer, including some dishes that you wouldn't see at most other Japanese places in the area. The combos are great, large, and reasonably priced for the area. Seating is tight inside but it makes it feel intimate and reminds me of Japan. Service is attentive and quick. Definitely plan to come back more often!
February 26 · Natalie O
Nice, cozy place with an extensive menu. We stopped here after 9pm and were treated very well. Food was perfectly prepared.
April 03 · J L Herchenroeder
A step back in time to a traditional Japanese restaurant. I wanted to find a place that had a great Katsu curry. I found it! Full of flavors and just the right amount!! Would Definitely come back!!
March 21 · Sachin K