M Izakaya Introduce
Nestled within the vibrant Fenton community in Cary, North Carolina, M Izakaya is a culinary destination that redefines the Japanese dining experience. From the celebrated M Restaurant Group, led by renowned Chef Michael Lee, M Izakaya is an upscale take on the traditional Japanese "izakaya," a type of informal pub where people gather to enjoy drinks and small, shareable plates. This restaurant concept brings a fresh, modern flair to timeless Japanese flavors, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and approachable. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a long day, share a memorable meal with friends, or enjoy a unique date night. The menu is thoughtfully designed to be a culinary journey, with dishes meant to be shared and savored over time, allowing for a truly relaxed and immersive dining experience. With a focus on quality over quantity, M Izakaya never compromises on the freshness and excellence of its ingredients, a principle that is a hallmark of all M Restaurant Group establishments.
M Izakaya is much more than a place to eat; it's a place to connect with food and with people. The innovative menu encourages conversation and shared discovery as you and your companions explore a variety of meticulously crafted dishes. From delicate first courses to robust third courses, the progression of flavors is designed to delight your palate at every turn. The restaurant's commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures that each dish is a testament to the artistry of Japanese cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to the world of Japanese tapas, the diverse and creative offerings at M Izakaya are sure to impress. We believe that dining should be an event, a moment to be savored, and we have created an environment that supports just that. The blend of a trendy, upscale atmosphere with a casual and friendly service style makes M Izakaya a true gem in the heart of Cary's burgeoning food scene.
Located at 4 Fenton Main St Suite 120B, Cary, NC 27511, M Izakaya offers a highly accessible and convenient location for residents and visitors of the Triangle area. The restaurant is situated in Fenton, a mixed-use development that is becoming a central hub for shopping, entertainment, and dining. This prime spot makes it easy to find and provides ample parking options. For those driving, the venue offers a free parking garage, free parking lot, and free street parking, ensuring a hassle-free arrival. The accessibility of the location is a significant benefit, allowing guests to easily make a reservation for dinner or stop by for a cocktail. The surrounding area is designed to be walkable, making it simple to enjoy a pre-dinner stroll or a post-meal walk through the lively Fenton district. M Izakaya also prides itself on being fully accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably and without concern.
The location's easy accessibility from major roads in the Cary and greater Triangle area makes it an ideal destination for a night out. Whether you're coming from Raleigh, Durham, or a neighboring town, the trip to Fenton is straightforward, and the abundance of parking means you can focus on the dining experience rather than the logistics of getting there. This central and welcoming location, combined with a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, makes M Izakaya a premier choice for those seeking an exceptional meal in a beautiful setting.
Services Offered:
- Dine-in service with counter, table, and bar seating options.
 - Takeout for those who wish to enjoy the M Izakaya experience at home.
 - Accepts reservations, which are highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
 - Outdoor seating is available, providing a pleasant al fresco dining option.
 - Bar onsite offering a variety of beverages, including a great selection of cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and wine.
 - Offers a diverse menu of Japanese small plates, sushi rolls, and multi-course meals.
 
Features / Highlights:
- Great cocktails, praised by customers for their quality and creativity.
 - An upscale and trendy atmosphere that is also casual and romantic, suitable for various occasions.
 - Wheelchair accessibility throughout the venue, including the entrance, parking, and restrooms.
 - Menu includes healthy options and a variety of vegetarian choices.
 - Known as a great choice for both dinner and solo dining.
 - Accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
 - Features a gender-neutral restroom for the comfort of all guests.
 
Contact Information:
Address: 4 Fenton Main St Suite 120B, Cary, NC 27511, USA
Phone: (919) 729-5662
What is worth choosing:
When you choose M Izakaya, you are choosing an experience that goes beyond the plate. It's the culmination of expert culinary craftsmanship, a welcoming atmosphere, and a dedication to service that sets it apart. The menu, thoughtfully curated by Chef Michael Lee, offers a fresh perspective on Japanese cuisine, focusing on small plates that are perfect for sharing. This format allows you to sample a wide range of flavors and textures, from the popular Spicy Pork Belly to the exquisitely prepared Hamachi Kama. The 'course' structure of the menu, as noted by patrons, provides a natural flow to your meal, creating a dining journey that is both exciting and satisfying.
The quality of the ingredients is a cornerstone of M Izakaya's philosophy. The restaurant is renowned for its commitment to using only very special seasonal seafood, often received directly from Japan, Korea, and the US. This attention to detail results in a final product that is fresh, flavorful, and truly authentic. The sushi rolls, such as the Screaming "O" and Seared Salmon Special, are not just food—they are pieces of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The great cocktails are another highlight, perfectly complementing the rich and diverse food menu. Whether you prefer a classic drink or a unique creation, the bar has something to offer every palate.
The ambiance of M Izakaya is another compelling reason to visit. Described as casual, romantic, and trendy, it strikes a perfect balance that makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from a laid-back dinner with friends to a special celebration. The attentive and professional staff contribute significantly to this welcoming environment, ensuring that your dining experience is seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. Patrons have noted the friendly and efficient service, which makes a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of the meal. The restaurant's popularity for both solo dining and group dinners speaks to its versatility and ability to cater to different needs. For anyone in the North Carolina area seeking an upscale yet approachable Japanese dining experience, M Izakaya is a top-tier choice that promises a memorable and delicious meal.
M Izakaya Menu
First Courses
- Crispy Chicken Skin (GF) $5.00
Snack size, fried in chicken fat, seasoned with larb spice.
 - Little Gem Salad (GF, V) $11.00
Red miso dressing, sesame croutons, and smoked tofu grated like cheese.
 - Corn Ribs (GF, V) $8.00
Togarashi cheddar, Tajin, butter.
 - Spicy Pork Belly $15.00
Thin sliced and chilled pork, seasonal veggies, Szechuan chili oil, fried to order shrimp chips. Add extra shrimp chips $1
 - *Salmon Trout Tataki (GF) $17.00
Seared Scottish trout, Ponzu sauce, Togarashi, Aonori flakes, Rice puffs, Aji Amarillo.
 - Side of Rice $2.00
 - Miso Soup $5.00
 - Tortellini Dumplings $23.00
Scallop Mousse, shrimp, Dashi butter, cilantro oil, and black truffle
 
Second Courses
- Hamachi Kama $17.00
Nashville hot style, house blend spices.
 - Loaded Tots (V option) $11.00
Okonomiyaki style crispy fried potatoes, kewpie, sweet soy, furikake, smoked bonito flakes.
 - Char Siu $29.00
Charcoal grilled Spanish Iberico pork jowl, (3) steamed buns, Chinese leeks, hoisin sauce, yuzu sambal .*Additional steamed bun $1 each
 - Pearl Meatballs (GF) $13.00
Ground pork, sticky rice, cream, scallions, garlic, ginger, and jasmine tea soy sauce.
 - Garlic Soy KFC Wings $18.00
Korean style fried chicken, garlic soy, pickled daikon.
 - Pork & Shrimp Shumai $15.00
Pork & Shrimp mousse, Shanghai dumpling skin, and garlic chili vinaigrette
 
Third Courses
- X.O. Fried Rice $22.00
Kani crab, Benton’s bacon, Fresno chili, onions, garlic, egg, and scallions.
 - Miso Sea Bass $37.00
Saikyo miso marinated mero sea bass, kimchi asparagus, smoked tableside.
 - Duck with 'Duck Sauce' (GF) $27.00
Pan seared Orvia French duck breast, leg confit, sweet potato kohlrabi hash, scallions, apricot duck sauce and Thai basil.
 - Grilled Octopus $36.00
Spanish Octopus, pomme chestnut puree, roasted soy bean and cumin powder.
 - Ishiyaki BBQ $63.00
A5 Japanese Wagyu, Pink crispy spice, smoked salt, Nam Jim Jeaw, cooked tableside on Japanese riverstone.
 
Fourth Courses
- Strawberry Sorbet (GF, V) $12.00
NC strawberry sorbet, dark chocolate crumb, dehydrated strawberries.
 - Matcha Basque Cheesecake (GF) $10.00
Matcha powder, crustless.
 - Quenelle of Chocolate (GF) $5.00
Spoonful of intense chocolate on a bed of hazelnut and sprinkled with coarse salt. Single portion only.
 
Sushi Rolls
- Screaming "O" $23.00
Spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, seared tuna, special "O" sauce, chives, masago
 - Crunchy Diablo $18.00
Spicy crab, avocado, pickled jalapeno, cream cheese, panko fried, spicy mayo, soy glaze, scallions, toasted sesame.
 - Kara Hamachi $23.00
Kani crab, cucumber, avocado, yellowtail, jalapeno salsa
 - Seared Salmon Special $21.00
Spicy crab, shrimp tempura, seared salmon, roasted onion aioli, onion salad
 
M Izakaya Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
 - Onsite services
 - Takeout
 - Dine-in
 
Highlights
- Great cocktails
 
Popular for
- Dinner
 - Solo dining
 
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
 - Wheelchair accessible parking lot
 - Wheelchair accessible restroom
 - Wheelchair accessible seating
 
Offerings
- Alcohol
 - Beer
 - Cocktails
 - Food at bar
 - Hard liquor
 - Healthy options
 - Small plates
 - Vegetarian options
 - Wine
 
Dining options
- Dinner
 - Counter service
 - Dessert
 - Seating
 - Table service
 
Amenities
- Bar onsite
 - Gender-neutral restroom
 - Restroom
 
Atmosphere
- Casual
 - Romantic
 - Trendy
 - Upscale
 
Crowd
- Tourists
 
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
 - Accepts reservations
 
Payments
- Credit cards
 - Debit cards
 - NFC mobile payments
 
Parking
- Free parking garage
 - Free parking lot
 - Free street parking
 - Parking
 
M Izakaya Photos










M Izakaya Location
M Izakaya
4 Fenton Main St Suite 120B, Cary, NC 27511, USA
M Izakaya Reviews
From M Test Kitchen to M Izakaya! Some of our old favorites with a bunch of new dishes. Great time, 2-3 dishes across the 1-3 course menu per person, basically 1 dish per course per person. I would say less needed from the 3rd course menu (I.e., Duck, A5 dishes). Meal takes a while but yoga time well spent! Enjoy it.
June 28 · Chad RychlewskiFirst time at M Test Kitchen and I was thoroughly impressed! The ambiance was inviting, the menu offered a great variety, and the third course stood out as my favorite. The sake selection was a pleasant surprise too.
May 18 · Divya KandikattiVisiting from OOT, Googled for sushi and found this gem. The proximity to RDU airport shows in the exceptional quality of the fish.*Did not eat here to review. Ended up taking pics when I realized how good it was, missed first few plates.The consistent quality of the bite-construction, the delivery and the bar-seating food-prep viewing solidly put M Izakaya on the our small Favorites list that spans the globe. Rarely does a restaurant capture the taste buds from start to finish, and M Izakaya offers that. Sitting at the bar allowed us to see the well-oiled machine of the staff dedicated to the quality. Highly recommend var-seats for those seeking quality sushi.
July 01 · A. MankaThe food here was absolutely incredible. Highly recommend the bao and the sea bass was probably the best cooked fish I have eaten in my life. Including photos of the salmon tataki, fried chicken skin, boa, hamachi kama, fried rice, sea bass, and quenelle
June 23 · Will PriestI love all the M restaurants and was excited to try the isakaya menu. The food didn’t disappoint. Recommend the wagyu you cook on the little stove as it was excellent. Also loved the sushi rolls, XO fried rice, the grilled octopus and the cocktails. As usual the food was prepared with care and well seasoned.
July 28 · Ali Franzen
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