Izakaya in the Kita-Senju area! 20 recommended places where you can enjoy drinks

Kai to Sakana to Robata no Banbi is a popular izakaya around the west exit of Kita-Senju Station, known for serving very fresh seafood.

The stylish hideaway atmosphere gets great reviews. If you want to watch the lively cooking action, the counter seats are recommended, while table seating is a good choice if you want to relax and enjoy conversation.

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Among the many seafood options, the restaurant’s top recommendation is the “Asadore Sengyo to Kai Sashimi Moriawase (assortment of sashimi made with freshly caught fish and shellfish)”.

This dish lets you enjoy fresh fish and shellfish landed that day in a simple way. People say everything is rich and tasty with plenty of fat. It is something you will want to enjoy with their wide selection of Japanese sake.

The “Wara Kaoru Smoke Carpaccio” is a highly entertaining dish in which fresh fish and shellfish are seared with straw right in front of you.

The smoked ingredients carry the aroma of wara (straw), and part of the appeal is getting to enjoy the look, aroma, and flavor all at once.

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Tachiataru, a standing bar izakaya (Japanese-style pub) just a 2-minute walk from the west exit of Kitasenju Station, is a great choice when you want to casually enjoy drinks and food in a small group.

The interior is calm and not overly flashy, making it just the right space to enjoy conversation and drinks. It can accommodate about 18 people.

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The menu centers on taishu ryori (casual Japanese fare), with creative dishes that add a clever twist. It has a strong reputation for being consistently good and tasty overall.

The photo shows one of the popular signature dishes since the restaurant first opened, “Meibutsu!! Tori Kawa no Nikomi (Signature!! Simmered Chicken Skin).” The chicken skin is slowly simmered until tender in a broth that is topped up every day, and it is said to be excellent.

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One thing drink lovers will appreciate is the very extensive alcohol menu.

With seasonal Japanese sake gathered from around Japan and a wide variety of sours, you are sure to find a favorite drink.

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Located about a 5-minute walk from Kita-Senju Station, Kita-Senju fuji is an izakaya (Japanese pub) known for its wide range of creative dishes, including chicken specialties. It has a casual and calm atmosphere that gets good reviews.

The restaurant has an open kitchen, so diners can watch the cooking not only from the counter seats but also from the table seats.

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The chicken dishes are especially extensive, and the signature item you will definitely want to order is the "Sumiyaki! Miyazaki jidori (Miyazaki local chicken) Bone-In Thigh Grill."

The grilled thigh is cooked over charcoal in an open kitchen, and reviews say the smoky aroma and the firm bite unique to Miyazaki jidori are irresistible.
There were also comments saying it is so tasty that drinks just keep flowing.

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When you want to enjoy a little bit of many different dishes, the creative Appetizers platter “Senju Fuji assortment” is a great choice, blending Japanese, Chinese, and Italian flavors.

This plate features six kinds of Appetizers made with a range of ingredients such as meat and seafood, and its bright presentation looks fantastic too.

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Located just a 1-minute walk from Kita-Senju Station, "Janso Ataru" is a popular izakaya where guests can have a great time in an exciting, out-of-the-ordinary space renovated from a former mahjong parlor.

It is known not just for the atmosphere but also for its good food, with three signature specialties and a wide variety of drinks on offer.

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One of the house specialties that goes perfectly with drinks is the [Janso To assortment of six kinds]. It is recommended for people who want to try a variety of dishes in small portions.

It uses plenty of seasonal ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables, and it is said to be so tasty that your drinks just keep going.

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The "Spice Lamb Yaki" is another specialty at this restaurant, made with fresh lamb imported from Australia and grilled with the restaurant's house-made spiced salt.

The tender lamb has no off notes and goes perfectly with the house-made salsa sauce and yogurt sauce. It is also perfect for cilantro lovers.

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Natsuya is a popular izakaya in Kitasenju that is perfect when you want to relax with a drink, and it is well known for its seafood dishes.

The dimly lit interior has the charm of a hideaway, creating an atmosphere that works well for many occasions, including meals with friends. It also has Private rooms that can accommodate groups of various sizes.

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The menu offers a wide selection centered on washoku (Japanese cuisine), and the sashimi in particular is popular for being fresh and delicious.

The "Natsuya Meibutsu Sashimi Assortment 10-point assortment," available to order from two servings, is a dish that brightens up the table. You can enjoy fresh seafood carefully selected from the market that day while it is in great condition.

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One thing you should definitely try when you visit is the Japanese sake. They have about 50 kinds of Japanese sake from around the country, and you can also do a tasting comparison.

They rotate the selection once every 10 days, so it’s nice that you can discover new drinks every time you visit. They also have a wide range of fruit liqueurs and soft drinks that are easy to enjoy even for people who do not drink much.

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Suage Sakaba Pari Pari is an izakaya where you can enjoy eye catching drinks with great visual impact and carefully made dishes.

Located in a quiet area about a 4-minute walk from Kitasenju Station, it is said to be a versatile place that works well for many different occasions.

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The "hina-dori (young chicken) no su-age (deep-fried without batter)," carefully prepared by hand in-house, is a signature dish that is hugely popular in reviews.

They marinate Domestic young chicken in a house-made sauce for 12 hours, then fry it twice, creating an irresistible finish that is crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

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They also serve fruit parlor sours packed with chunky cuts of fruit, and their eye-catching look gets great reviews.

There is a wide range of fruit options, including "pineapple" and "dragon fruit." The "tomato" comes with a whole tomato inside and is said to have a nicely balanced sweetness.

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The menu has a wide range of mackerel dishes as the star, and among the “Hachinohe Maeoki Saba” caught at Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture, they use only gin-saba (premium fatty mackerel), which is large and rich in fat.

The first thing you should order is the “Gin-saba 3-kind assortment.” You can enjoy three kinds at once, including the classic cured mackerel and marinated mackerel lightly seared on the surface.

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If you want to enjoy saba (mackerel) in a simple way, the "gin-saba (silver mackerel) kushiyaki (grilled skewer)" is recommended. It gets good reviews for being juicy and satisfying.

The crispy skin on the outside and the tender texture inside are part of its appeal, and the rich flavor of saba fills your mouth with every bite.

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Tohoku Sakaba Puedo Bar, about a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Kita-Senju Station, is an izakaya where you can enjoy dishes made with plenty of ingredients from Tohoku and a wide selection of Tohoku sake.

The interior has an unpretentious and comfortable feel. The 1st floor has counter seats and terrace seating, while the 5th floor is equipped with table seating for large groups.

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The menu centers on dishes made with fresh seafood, meat, and other ingredients from Tohoku, with a lineup of items that are hard to find in Tokyo.

"TOHOKU," an assortment of six appetizers made with ingredients from Tohoku, is said to be the first dish they want first time visitors to try.

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They also offer a wide variety of drinks that you can choose to match your food. All drinks are self service, which is great because you can enjoy them at your preferred strength and mixer.

They also have a good selection of Japanese sake and craft beer unique to Tohoku, with different labels to enjoy each season.

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Goen is an izakaya where you can casually enjoy carefully selected oysters, fish, and meat. One reason for its popularity is its easygoing atmosphere that makes it simple to drop in on a whim.

The interior is bright and warm with a wood accented design, making it a place where you can relax without feeling formal. In addition to table seating, there are also counter seats and Semi-private room seating.

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They offer a lineup of creative seafood dishes made with seasonal ingredients, which you can fully enjoy along with a wide selection of drinks.

They have many kinds of kaki (oysters) dishes, and it is nice that you can enjoy them in different styles such as grilled and gratin. The plump and creamy kaki are said to be so good you could eat as many as you want.

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Hot Pot dishes that you can enjoy only in the cold season are perfect for sharing with a lively group. Tsufunabe is a rich and luxurious Hot Pot where oysters, soft roe, and ankimo (monkfish liver) come together in a deeply satisfying mix.

Each ingredient stands out, and the soup is said to be irresistibly tasty. The Kaki Miso Hot Pot and Kaki Chige Hot Pot are also recommended.

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Sakanaya Iitoko Kitasenju Ten, about a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Kita-Senju Station, is a seafood izakaya where you can enjoy Special Japanese sake selected from all over Japan and Japanese food that pairs perfectly with drinks.

They offer table seating, zashiki (tatami seating), and counter seats, making it easy to use for all kinds of occasions. It is said to be a popular spot that is always lively with many customers.

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They source seafood every morning from Toyosu Shijo (Toyosu Market), so you can enjoy seasonal flavors that only fish sent straight from the market can offer.

A popular item in reviews is the “Iitoko Toyosu Deluxe Sashimi 6-item assortment.” It is just the right size for sharing with a group. They also offer a half-size version and a chunky cut type.

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In addition to sashimi, the restaurant also offers a full lineup of seafood dishes, including fried items and aburi (lightly seared) dishes.

The "Today’s Kama-yaki (grilled fish collar)" is a menu item that changes daily, featuring fish such as buri (yellowtail), salmon, and Sea Bream. On the day in question, the salt grilled buri-kama was packed with meat and very satisfying to eat.

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Sushi Kaki Kitasenju Sushi Ebisu is a popular sushi izakaya where you can casually enjoy authentic sushi with drinks.

The restaurant is in a convenient location just a 2-minute walk from Kitasenju Station, and inside you’ll find a space that blends the warmth of Japanese style with modern sophistication.

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As you would expect from a sushi izakaya, the restaurant offers a full lineup of fresh seafood along with a wide selection of colorful and creative à la carte dishes.

The photo shows the limited quantity specialty, "Meibutsu Ebi Kani Gassen (house specialty shrimp and crab battle)." Shrimp, quail eggs, and other ingredients are arranged in a crab shell, and you enjoy them over the hosomaki (thin sushi roll) served as the base. It is the kind of dish that makes you want more Japanese sake.

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After enjoying drinks and a few à la carte dishes, many people seem to finish with nigiri-zushi (hand-formed sushi). Staying true to long-standing tradition, they serve authentic nigiri-zushi made with kurosu (black vinegar).

The nigiri is said to be finished to a high standard, with real care put into both the shari (sushi rice) and the toppings.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Kitasenju Station, Sumibi Yasai Makikushi to Shumai Hakata Uzumaki Kitasenju Ten is a popular izakaya making its first move into Tokyo from its Honten in Fukuoka’s Hakata area.

It has a good reputation not only for the food, but also for the atmosphere inside, and is said to be a very easy place to use for all kinds of occasions. It also has fully private rooms and Semi-private room seating where you can relax and unwind.

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One of this restaurant's signature menu items is yasai-maki kushi (vegetable wrapped skewers), which the chefs prepare by hand every day. It is a perfect dish to go with a casual drink.

Each skewer shows the head chef's playful touch, and among them, the "Meibutsu Lettuce Maki Kushi" is especially popular for the irresistible crisp texture of the lettuce.

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Their kodawari no tori shumai (carefully crafted chicken shumai) is also a must order item. It is a dish developed over time and comes served with a house made sauce.

They offer a full lineup of original shumai, including shiso mentaiko tori shumai and Shisen yodare-dori tori shumai.

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Motenashiya Kitasenju Honten is a popular izakaya that is perfect when you want to casually enjoy drinks in a lively atmosphere in Kitasenju. It is also easy to get to, just a 2-minute walk from Kitasenju Station.

Another draw is that every seat is in a fully private room, so you can enjoy your meal and conversation without worrying about those around you. The Private rooms can accommodate from 2 people up to 128 people.

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The menu offers a wide range of dishes, from standard izakaya fare to more unique options.

One recommended dish is the yakitori made with Daisen Jidori, a branded chicken, and slowly grilled over charcoal. People say the smoky aroma you only get from charcoal grilling and the juices that spread in your mouth are hard to resist.

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They offer several All you can eat and drink courses available for 2 people or more, and the especially popular plan lets you relax and enjoy yourself for 3 hours.

Of course, you can enjoy as much yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) as you like, along with popular items such as their house-made juicy gyoza dumplings and Daisen Jidori Kara-age. They also offer All you can drink with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.

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Senju Menchi Kan is an izakaya in the drinking alley by the west exit of Kitasenju Station, popular for its Homemade menchi-katsu (Japanese minced meat cutlets).

The retro interior, reminiscent of bygone days, has a homey atmosphere where you can relax with ease. The 1st floor has standing bar space, and the 2nd floor is equipped with table seating for larger groups.

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The restaurant's signature homemade menchi-katsu (deep-fried minced meat cutlet) is fried one by one after you order, so you can enjoy it piping hot.

It uses a unique blend of Special Domestic beef and pork, and it is said to be great even as a snack with drinks. There is also a wide range of flavor variations.

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Another signature menu item is the 4-piece "Tokusei Shumai (Special Shumai)." This rich dish is hand-wrapped in-house with plenty of coarsely ground meat.

When you take a bite, flavorful meat juices burst out, and the taste is said to be addictive once you try it.

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Sakana-sama Kitasenju Honten is an izakaya in the busy district a 5-minute walk from the west exit of Kitasenju Station, where you can enjoy natural local fish from the Sea of Japan along with a wide selection of shochu and Japanese sake.

The spacious, open interior has a clean feel. They also offer fully private rooms in zashiki (traditional tatami seating) style, as well as Semi-private room box tables.

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The menu centers on seafood, and the sashimi is especially popular for the simple way it lets you enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients.

The most popular item, the sashimi assortment, comes in a choice of 5 or 7 kinds. It is a plate arranged with the chef’s recommendations from natural local fish and shellfish mainly from Hokuriku, landed On-the-Day.

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The fresh oysters, beautifully arranged on the plate, are sourced from all over Japan depending on the season, selecting those in the best condition.

This is a dish you will want to pair with the seasonal Japanese sake, with more than 10 kinds available at all times. The oysters are available in limited quantities, so ordering early is recommended.

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Kyushu Ninjo Sakaba Uosei Kitasenju Higashiguchi Ten is a Kyushu seafood izakaya located on the 2nd and 4th floors of a building, just a 1-minute walk from the East Exit of Kitasenju Station.

The interior is an open and comfortable space with a lively atmosphere where guests can enjoy drinks and food, and Private room seating is also available.

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They offer a wide range of seafood dishes that you can enjoy in many different styles. The fresh fish delivered On-the-Day swim in the fish tank inside the restaurant, and they are said to be prepared and served while still very fresh.

They also serve many local dishes from around the Kyushu area, including goma-saba (mackerel with sesame sauce), chicken nanban, and hitokuchi gyoza (bite-sized dumplings).

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What you will want to enjoy along with the Kyushu-style à la carte dishes is Kyushu alcohol. Special Japanese sake and Imo Shochu are popular.

They also have a full lineup of sours made with local Kyushu fruits, such as Miyazaki mango sour and Fukuoka Amaou (strawberry) sour, so even those with a sweet tooth can enjoy them to the fullest.

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Hana no Mai Kitasenju Ten is just a 1-minute walk from Kitasenju Station, and offers a wide range of seafood dishes along with plenty of izakaya-style a la carte items that go well with alcohol.

The interior has a calm Japanese-style atmosphere, with counter seats, table seating, and Private room available. It looks easy to use whether you are dining alone or in a group.

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A fish tank is installed inside the restaurant, which is a nice touch because you can enjoy freshly prepared live fish at its freshest.

The popular menu item "sashimi assortment" pairs perfectly with Japanese sake and shochu. It tastes great not only with soy sauce, but also with Himalayan rock salt.

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They also offer course menus that come with All you can drink options, including a wide range of drinks such as highballs, sours, and cocktails.

They also have a varied lineup of non-alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, so people who do not like alcohol can feel at ease.

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Okinawa Shoten Shimura is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy Okinawa ryori (Okinawan cuisine) made with ingredients shipped directly from Okinawa, along with a wide variety of Okinawan drinks.

Inside the old folk house style building, Okinawan folk songs play, and the local atmosphere can be felt in many details, from the decor to the drinking glasses.

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The drink menu is packed with options that let you soak up the Okinawa mood, and if you enjoy alcohol, you will definitely want to try authentic local craft beer and Ryukyu Awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor).

They also have Okinawa style sours and non-alcoholic drinks such as mango and guava, so even people who do not drink much or cannot drink alcohol can fully enjoy themselves.

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The food menu also offers many specialties unique to Okinawa. Umi-budo (sea grapes) with its popping texture and the classic favorite goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) are must try dishes.

If you like sweets, famous Okinawan desserts such as Blue Seal Ice Cream and sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) are recommended.

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Yakitori-ya Sumire Kitasenju Ten is an izakaya about a 3-minute walk from Kitasenju Station, where you can enjoy yakitori and other dishes and drinks made with Daisen-dori (Tottori brand chicken).

The restaurant has a stylish wood toned interior and a cozy feel that makes it easy to visit whether you are on your own or with a group.

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The yakitori made with carefully selected Daisen-dori (Daisen chicken) is said to let you taste the rich, concentrated flavor that comes from chicken raised with great care.

One especially popular item is the "Osama Reba (King Liver)." So you can fully enjoy the taste of Daisen-dori, they use a whole chicken’s worth of liver on a single skewer.

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If you want to enjoy drinks to the fullest, the good value All you can drink menu comes recommended. It seems many people also enjoy All you can drink together with a course meal.

They offer a wide range of drinks, including draft beer, sour cocktails, and shochu (Japanese distilled spirit). They also have a good selection of sweeter drinks, such as wine soda and umeshu (plum wine).

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Mingei Chaya Sarutan is an izakaya (Japanese pub) with a long 54-year history, located a 4-minute walk from the west exit of Kitasenju Station. You can casually enjoy a range of high-quality fugu (pufferfish) dishes here.

The interior has a calm kominka (old Japanese house)-style atmosphere, and in addition to counter and table seating, it also has zashiki (tatami seating) where you can relax.

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You can enjoy a wide range of fugu (pufferfish) dishes all year round, made with fugu sourced from Choshi, Chiba Prefecture, including the beautiful-looking "fugu sogimi (thin-sliced pufferfish)" and juicy "fugu no Kara-age".

To go with the food, they recommend "fugu no hirezake," made with Kanzake and fragrant, lightly grilled Tenderloin of fugu.

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The beef stew at this old school yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food) restaurant, passed down from the previous owner, is also one of its signature dishes. It is served with bread.

The combination of tender beef belly simmered slowly for 4 to 5 hours and a rich sauce is said to be irresistible. It is described as a dish that warms both body and soul.