Enka Japanese Izakaya

Karaage

Japanese fried chicken with a thin, craggy crust that stays crispy through a full table's worth of conversation — the benchmark dish to order at any izakaya visit

Yakitori Skewers

Charcoal-grilled chicken skewers with tare glaze — order multiple varieties across the menu rather than just one

Takoyaki

Octopus-stuffed dough balls finished with bonito flakes and okonomiyaki sauce — a reliable izakaya staple when executed well

Gyoza

Pan-fried dumplings with a crisp underside — pair with the house ponzu if available

Agedashi Tofu

Silken tofu in a light dashi broth with a barely-there fried exterior — a good litmus test for kitchen care

Japanese Highball

Whisky and soda served with the proper dilution and ice — the canonical izakaya pairing for fried and grilled plates