If you're going to an izakaya (Japanese pub) in the Okazaki area, this is the place! 20 recommendations

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Kohaku Higashiokazaki Ten is an izakaya where you can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine. You can savor dishes made with premium ingredients such as Hida-gyu (Hida beef), a type of kuroge Wagyu, and kinmedai (golden eye snapper).

This restaurant has a Japanese style interior, and all seats are in Private rooms. The space makes it easy to relax without worrying about the people around you.

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The Hot Pot dish "Hida Gyu Matsuri-yaki," made with Hida gyu (Hida beef) and vegetables in a special soup. It comes packed with plenty of ingredients in a large pot, and the portion is very filling.

It has the light flavor of dashi broth, and it is said to taste irresistible when dipped in egg.

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"Hida-gyu (Hida beef) noren shabu-shabu" is an impressive dish with one large slice of meat draped like a noren shop curtain. You swish the meat through a soup made with katsuo dashi (bonito broth) before eating it.

The meat has just the right amount of fat, giving it a juicy taste.

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Higashiokazaki Robataya Donpachi is an izakaya where you can enjoy a wide selection of Japanese sake and food. This restaurant pays close attention to its ingredients and cooking methods, grilling seasonal vegetables from Aichi over charcoal.

The interior is comfortable and full of Japanese charm. It offers seating options for different occasions, including counter seats, Sunken kotatsu seating, and Private room seating.

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The otoshi (small appetizer) at this restaurant is grilled over charcoal on a shichirin (small charcoal brazier). People say it feels like a nice little luxury.

The ingredients served change from day to day, ranging from seafood like hotate (scallops) and ika (squid) to vegetables like young corn and shishito peppers. Some reviews especially praise the shishito peppers for being delicious.

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A classic izakaya menu item, the "Nama Nori Iri Fukkura Dashimaki Tamago" with its presentation in a jubako (tiered food box) makes a strong impression. This dish uses local Okazaki Ohan Premium Running Egg.

It is filled with juicy dashi and has a rich flavor. It is said to be soft and fluffy and very tasty.

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Yorozuya is an izakaya where you can enjoy carefully crafted dishes made with Special ingredients.

It has counter seats with the warmth of wood and spacious Sunken kotatsu seating. Private room seating is the main setup, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

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The visually stunning kinki (channel rockfish) simmered dish is served with a clear simmering broth poured over it.

The dashi broth is popular for its rich flavor and great taste. The kinki flesh is said to be plump and springy, with deep flavor.

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The "rea aji furai (rare horse mackerel fry)" is said to be outstanding, combining a texture almost like sashimi with the crisp crunch of a fried coating. Even though it is deep-fried, it has a light mouthfeel and is easy to eat.

They also get great reviews for dishes like "buri no hangoroshi" and "kanburi no tsukuri (winter yellowtail sashimi)," with word of mouth saying that everything on the menu is good.

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Ryu no Otoshigo Higashiokazaki Ten is an izakaya specializing in Satsuma Shochu, a type of Imo Shochu from Kagoshima.

From the counter seats, you can look out at fish tanks filled with live fish. The restaurant also has spacious tatami seating and Semi-private room options. You can enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting.

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This restaurant serves only authentic Satsuma Shochu (sweet potato shochu) from Kagoshima. At the counter-seat-only “Taisho Omakase Course,” the chef puts together a course of seasonal ingredients with dishes that pair well with shochu.

A wide range of dishes is said to be served, including “Jukusei Gyu Rosu (aged beef loin)” and “sashimi (raw fish) 5-kind assortment.”

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This restaurant has a reputation for serving good food no matter what you order.

The "ankimo (monkfish liver) ponzu" uses ponzu sauce made with mikan (mandarin oranges) from Kagoshima, making it a dish that shows real care. There were also reviews saying it paired very well with Japanese sake.

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Mushi to Ate Fufu Higashiokazaki Ten is an izakaya where you can mainly enjoy dim sum such as gyoza and xiaolongbao. This grown-up hideaway is a 2-minute walk from Higashiokazaki Station.

With table seating that is perfect for groups and counter seating for a quick drink, you can enjoy a meal here with ease.

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The xiaolongbao served at this restaurant is one of its popular menu items. The "Standard Xiaolongbao" has a pleasantly chewy wrapper and is said to be irresistibly hot and juicy.

With "Let's Xiaolongbao!", you can hand-wrap your own xiaolongbao after choosing the ingredients to suit your taste.

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The "Premium Course" comes with 3 hours of All you can drink. The lineup centers on dim sum, with dishes like "bang bang chicken salad" and "lu rou fan (Taiwanese braised pork rice)" that pair well with drinks.

People say everything on the menu is delicious, but the "oba shumai (shiso dumplings)" is said to be especially great.

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Waon is an izakaya where you can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine that makes the most of fresh ingredients from Mikawa (eastern Aichi).

The bright interior creates a homey space where you can relax and enjoy your meal and conversation. In addition to table seating, the restaurant also offers Private room zashiki (tatami seating) seats.

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For the “sashimi assortment,” you can choose from a 2-item assortment up to a 5-item assortment. You can pick the toppings yourself, so you can enjoy an assortment tailored to your taste.

All of them are said to be fresh and tasty.

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Many people say the To finish menu items at this restaurant are very good.

The grilled rice ball ochazuke (tea over rice) is said to be a nice size for finishing a meal, and it tastes great too. The mentaiko zosui (pollock roe rice porridge) has a flavor unique to this restaurant that people just can't get enough of.

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Yofu Izakaya Torio is a place where you can enjoy four different styles depending on the time of day. At night, you can enjoy drinks and food in an izakaya setting.

The interior has a classic feel. The wood toned decor creates a relaxed setting, and you can spend time comfortably at the table seats. Private room are also available, making it easy to use for different occasions.

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The "mozzarella cheese pizza" is carefully baked in a kiln. The thin crust is said to be crisp and crunchy, and very tasty.

The pizza menu also offers a wide variety of options, including "blue cheese pizza" and "pancetta pizza."

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This restaurant also has a bar side, and it offers a full lineup of snack dishes that pair perfectly with drinks.

The "Kunsei no Moriawase (smoked assortment)" includes three selected items from the smoked menu, such as "nuts" and "pork belly cartilage." It is said to have just the right volume to keep the drinks flowing.

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New Pork Kohachi is a hidden izakaya tucked a little way down a back alley in Higashiokazaki. They use Isamu Pork from a pig farm in Miyoshi City, Aichi, and take pride in their ingredients.

The 1st floor has a row of counter seats, and the 2nd floor has Private room seating. It is said to have a nice atmosphere.

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The restaurant’s top recommendation is the “tonkotsu oden (oden simmered in pork bone broth).” They say the ingredients soak up the rich broth made from Isamu Pork pork bones while still letting you enjoy the natural taste of each one.

You can enjoy a wide variety of items, including the “meltingly tender pork belly cartilage” and the classic “daikon radish.”

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This restaurant has a full lineup of dishes that pair well with alcohol.

The "Kara-age eggplant" is said to stand out for its spicy seasoning, which goes great with drinks. They also serve tasty izakaya staples like name-take (simmered enoki mushrooms) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

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"Sousaku Shuka Waizu" is an izakaya where you can enjoy creative dishes that are not tied to any one genre.

The inside has a homey atmosphere where you can relax and take your time. There are counter seats and ozashiki (tatami seating), so it works for different occasions.

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Depending on what comes in, you can enjoy a different menu every day. You can check the daily dishes on the blackboard menu.

The photo shows the "nigisu (Japanese whiting) tempura assortment." You can also try unusual ingredients such as "umukuji tempura" made with Okinawan beni-imo (purple sweet potato).

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This restaurant offers a lineup of classic izakaya dishes, including grilled items, fried dishes, and sashimi.

The super fresh "sashi-mori (sashimi assortment)" is one of the restaurant's top recommended menu items. It mainly uses seafood caught in Mikawa-wan (Mikawa Bay).

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Tenzushi Higashi Okazaki Ten is located inside SWING MALL at Higashi Okazaki Station. This izakaya serves authentic sushi and seafood. Its convenient location is one of its main draws, making it easy to meet up.

In addition to counter and table seating, it also has Private room.

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The sushi gets high marks in reviews for its fresh neta (toppings) and carefully prepared shari (sushi rice).

Each piece is said to be formed to just the right size, making it easy to eat. They offer a wide variety of neta, and you can order from just 1 piece.

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At this restaurant, you can enjoy drinks and a meal from lunchtime.

The lunch-only kaisendon (seafood Rice bowl) uses seasonal toppings, and the contents change depending on the season. The set miso soup can also be changed to udon for an extra charge.

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Sakaba Osarudo is an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) right near Okazaki Station where you can enjoy creative dishes centered on washoku (Japanese cuisine).

Inside, the stylish space blends wood grain and concrete. There are counter and table seats, making it easy to stop by whether you are drinking solo or visiting with a group.

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The “Kiseki no Aji Fry (Miracle Horse Mackerel Fry)” is made with aji (horse mackerel) fresh enough to be eaten as sashimi.

It is said to be a dish you can enjoy for its crispy fried coating and light, airy texture. Mix the green chili pepper served on the side into the tartar sauce and add it as a topping for a great bite. It is popular for its more grown-up flavor.

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The "Yude Tan" lets you fully enjoy melt-in-your-mouth Beef Tongue and is one of the restaurant’s signature menu items. Many reviews say it tastes great.

Another popular item is the garlic gyoza called "Nomeru Gyoza," which is so good you will want to keep eating more of them.

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"Italianian Izakaya Gargotta" focuses on meat, wine, and highballs.

It has fully private room and Semi-private room seating, so you can enjoy your meal while keeping your privacy. With its hideaway-style atmosphere, this is a place where you can casually enjoy Italian food.

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The "Cheese Celeb" is a pizza made with four kinds of cheese, including gorgonzola and mascarpone. It is a signature dish you can only find at this restaurant, and it is highly praised for being exceptionally good.

On the pizza menu, you can also enjoy the classic "Margherita" and "Mascarpone and Prosciutto."

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The "watari-gani (blue crab) pasta" is a pasta dish packed with rich flavor. It comes with chunky pieces of watari-gani, making it impressive at first glance.

They also serve "watari-gani risotto," which is said to be a carefully made dish cooked to order after you place it.

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Izakaya Kagoya is an izakaya where you can enjoy locally sourced dishes and fine drinks.

From the counter seats, you can watch the staff grill and prepare the food, which adds a lively feel. There are also table seats and Private room seating, making it easy to use for different occasions.

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There are three kinds of original shumai (steamed dumplings). They are the standard “buta shumai (pork shumai),” “tori shumai (chicken shumai)” made with seseri (chicken neck meat), and “shumai black” made with squid ink.

All of them are juicy and packed with flavor, and they are said to be excellent.

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The most popular course is the "Kagoya Course." It lets you enjoy a range of dishes including shumai (steamed dumplings), seasonal charcoal grilled items, and fried dishes.

Among them, the tempura "asparagus" and the charcoal grilled "beef" are said to be crisp and juicy.

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Taishu Sakaba Amerika is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located just steps from Higashi-Okazaki Station.

You can enjoy a lively meal at the open table seating, zashiki (tatami seating), or terrace seating. Private room are also available, so there is also a space where you can relax without worrying about the people around you. They also say you can fully enjoy the high quality food and service.

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A popular item at the restaurant is the “hitokuchi yaki-gyoza (bite-size pan-fried dumplings).” They are seasoned in Hakata-style, based on the concept of pairing well with alcohol. They are said to be seasoned well enough to enjoy even without any dipping sauce.

People eat them with yuzu kosho (yuzu pepper paste), rayu (chili oil), or Homemade yuzu ponzu sauce.

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The "Potato America assortment" is a dish with real visual impact. Fries are piled high in a beer mug, making it quite eye-catching.

The fries come out freshly fried and nice and fluffy. They go great with ketchup, too. It is perfect as a snack to go with drinks.

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"Dainagoya Sakaba Bozu Higashiokazaki Ten" is an izakaya where you can enjoy a wide selection of Japanese sake and Nagoya cuisine.

The restaurant has table seating and fully private rooms. Both have a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. There are also Private rooms spacious enough for Banquet, so guests can enjoy dining whether in a small group or a large one.

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"Nagoya Cochin Hatcho Miso Nabe (Nagoya Cochin chicken Hatcho miso Hot Pot)" is a hot pot dish that brings together the rich flavor of Nagoya Cochin (Nagoya native chicken) from Nagoya and the deep richness of Hatcho miso. The thick miso-based soup is packed with seasonal vegetables and chicken.

This menu item is available not only as A la carte, but also in the "Nabe Course."

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At this restaurant, you can enjoy a wide range of local Nagoya dishes.

The menu includes hard-to-find dishes such as oden simmered in miso, a style loved in the Tokai region, as well as miso kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and Nagoya Cochin (Nagoya chicken) sumibiyaki (charcoal-grilled).

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Okazaki Gekijo is a Japanese izakaya filled with traditional Japanese charm.

The interior has the warmth of wood. The seating is mainly in fully private rooms, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about the people around you. It is also known for its comfort and attentive service.

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The "Honba Kyushu Chicken Nanban" is said to pair perfectly with drinks. It has a crispy texture, while the inside is juicy.

The tartar sauce on top is also well liked for its great balance of tang and richness.

The “Temari Niku Sushi 8-shu Iri” is said to be popular for its cute appearance. It is a set of meat sushi served on bite-size round shari (sushi rice), each with different seasonings and toppings.

Along with sushi-style toppings like wasabi and ikura (salmon roe), it also comes with unique toppings such as garlic chips, making it a fun dish to enjoy.

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Ikesu Robata Genki Blue Fish Specialty 38 is a seafood izakaya right near Higashi-Okazaki Station. You can enjoy dishes made with Bungo saba (brand mackerel from Oita Prefecture) and blue-backed fish swimming in the fish tank.

The interior has a warm feel under soft amber lighting. It has a tasteful wa-modern atmosphere.

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At this restaurant, you can enjoy Bungo saba (mackerel from Bungo) prepared in a range of ways, including sashimi, aburi (lightly seared), and kaori-age (fragrant deep-fried style). You can choose up to 3 kinds to suit your taste.

The sashimi is said to have an outstanding flavor that is simply irresistible.

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"Surumeika no Wata-yaki," a dish of surumeika (Japanese flying squid) grilled together with its wata (innards), is said to taste just as good as you would expect.

You can also enjoy it with the "JPY3,850 Course" or the "Fish Tank Course." It seems like a great match for drinks.

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At Sumibiyaki to Sake Karubo, you can enjoy rare drinks along with carefully prepared sumibiyaki (charcoal grilling) and standout dishes.

The interior is stylish and calm. It is perfect when you want to take your time and enjoy the food and drinks. From the counter seats, you can look out over the open kitchen and enjoy the live feel of the charcoal grilling.

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The sumibiyaki tori (charcoal grilled yakitori) uses Okumikawa-dori (Okumikawa chicken), and you can enjoy cuts such as gizzard and seseri (neck meat). A few unusual skewers are part of the appeal too, including the “Foie Gras-like Liver” and the “Ko-hitsuji Chuck Eye Roll Negima”.

Among them, the tebasaki (chicken wing) is said to show just how slowly and carefully it is grilled.

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This place is also well reviewed for its selection of rare craft beers.

You can also enjoy beers from overseas, such as Guillotine from Belgium and Red Stripe from Jamaica.

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Kukai Higashiokazaki Ekimae Ten is an izakaya where you can mainly enjoy fresh seafood dishes, sushi, and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). It is in a great location, just a 1-minute walk from Higashiokazaki Station.

The restaurant has fully private rooms for all seats, so you can enjoy your meal while keeping your privacy.

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For the sashimi assortment, you can choose anywhere from 3 kinds to 9 kinds. If you want a quick meal, you can order the "3-kind assortment," for example.

The 9-kind "Otsukuri Assortment Kuuumi Assortment" lines up fresh seafood toppings made with seasonal fish and shellfish sourced through various channels. It stands out for its luxurious presentation.

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The several prepared (Each) course menus feature a lineup of dishes packed with seafood.

Starting with sashimi, you can enjoy rich menu items such as the "Kaisen Kuukai Salad" and "Ikura Roll," and they are all well reviewed for being delicious.

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Hamayaki Kaisen Izakaya Daisho Suisan Okazaki Ekimae Ten is an izakaya where you can enjoy fresh seafood shipped directly from fishing ports across Japan.

The restaurant is particular about freshness, using scallops and awabi (abalone) kept in the fish tank inside the restaurant. Located on the east side of Okazaki Station, it also offers easy access.

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Seafood can be grilled as hamayaki (seaside-style charcoal grilling) on the tabletop stove right in front of you. You can grill it yourself, which makes the meal even more fun.

It is also nice that you can choose from a wide variety of options, including “ika no maruyaki (whole grilled squid)” and “fugu ichiyaboshi (overnight-dried pufferfish).”

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One standout for visual impact is the “Bukkake-zushi Kobore-mori (overflowing scattered sushi assortment).” Under the seafood piled on so high it nearly spills over, there is rolled sushi. Some reviews said they want to order it every time they visit.

They also have a simple “fresh sashimi assortment.”