[10 Stylish Izakayas in Ebisu] From Date-Worthy Spots to Budget-Friendly Gem

Ebisu, known as a stylish area, consistently ranks high in “Most Desirable Places to Live” surveys each year.

It is also a gourmet battleground, offering a variety of dining options, including trendy restaurants, stylish izakayas perfect for dates, and budget-friendly eateries.

In this article by TOKYO LOCAL, we’ve carefully selected and introduced 10 stylish izakayas in Ebisu.

To ensure you don’t make a mistake in choosing an izakaya in Ebisu, read this article to the end and find the best spot for your needs!

Kushiyaki Monjirou

Recommended for dates! A yakitori izakaya with a luxurious atmosphere and excellent cost performance

Located just steps from Ebisu Station, this yakitori restaurant takes pride in its “freshness” and “ingredients.”

They carefully skewer each piece of high-quality meat, including Oyama chicken, Kyoto duck, Wagyu beef, and domestic pork.

With its great cost performance, Kushiyaki Monjirou is a highly popular yakitori spot in Ebisu.

The interior features a stylish ambiance with dim, warm lighting, creating a relaxing effect.

This makes it an ideal spot for dates, despite being a yakitori restaurant.

Of course, the dishes other than yakitori are also exquisite.

For couples looking to enjoy yakitori in a sophisticated setting or for a slightly trendy drinking party, this is a perfect choice.

Sakaba Sinatra Ebisu

Everything tastes great… A Japanese izakaya with a standout “niku dofu” (meat and tofu dish)

Located near Ebisu Station, this popular Japanese izakaya is always bustling with customers.

Known for its reputation that “everything tastes amazing,” Sakaba Sinatra attract so many followers.

One must-try menu item here is their niku tofu.

The tofu, deeply infused with flavor, paired with sweet and savory, fall-apart tender meat, is a dish that pairs perfectly with drinks.

Other highlights include gyutan sashimi (beef tongue sashimi) and duck menchi katsu (duck minced meat cutlet).

Both are rare menu items worth trying.

Additionally, the wide variety of alcohol here makes it a great place to eat delicious food and enjoy a lively drinking experience in a stylish setting.

Uma Ebisu

Meticulous quality control! Safe and delicious horse meat izakaya

A specialty restaurant offering horse meat dishes paired with Japanese sake.

This popular spot provides meticulously quality-controlled horse meat at reasonable prices.

The must-try dish is the horse sashimi platter.

This essential menu item lets you enjoy various cuts of horse meat all at once.

The tender, sinew-free meat is easy to eat. Their horse meat yukhoe is also outstanding.

Additionally, dishes like horse meat sushi and grilled horse meat (grilled horse) are available, allowing even those who prefer cooked meat to enjoy the flavors of horse meat.

Unique options like horse meat prosciutto are also available, making this restaurant an excellent choice for trying a wide range of horse meat dishes.

Ojinjo

Reservation essential! The signature dish is the “Shinmei Chicken Juicy Grilled”

This ultra-popular izakaya in Ebisu is so sought-after that it’s said you can’t get in without a reservation.

The restaurant offers a cozy, homey atmosphere with lemon sours as a staple drink.

They have six types of lemon chu-hai (lemon-based drinks), so it’s fun to try each one.

The standout dish here is the “Shinmei Chicken Juicy Grilled.”

This dish features “Mihara Shinmei Chicken” from Mihara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, which is grilled to perfection. The meat is tender, and the juicy flavor bursts out with every bite.

Other popular menu items include ham and cheese spring rolls (a favorite among women) and Ojinjo’s potato salad filled with curry-flavored pickled radish.

Whether you’re dining alone or with friends or a partner, this izakaya will satisfy your cravings.

Shunju Yurari Ebisu

A feast for the eyes and taste buds. A perfect spot for a date with creative Japanese cuisine

This creative Japanese restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere, where both the taste and presentation of the dishes shine.

The interior is bathed in shimmering light, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a date.

The restaurant puts great emphasis on the presentation of the dishes, so you can enjoy the visual appeal as well.

This place is sure to win over anyone, especially women, so men should definitely keep it in mind for special occasions.

The standout dish here is iron pot rice made with top-quality ingredients from Japan.

The rice is made with Kumano rice from Ehime Prefecture, cooked in an iron pot, and it’s a must-try. It’s the perfect way to end a meal.

Another popular dish is the sea urchin claypot rice.

Though the prices are a bit on the higher side, this restaurant is perfect for dates or special occasions with someone important.

Yakigai (grilled shellfish) Akoya

For shellfish lovers, this is an irresistible spot. “Domestic wine × shellfish dishes” make for a refined evening

This cozy restaurant allows you to enjoy delicious shellfish dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

There aren’t many restaurants focusing on shellfish, so this hidden gem is perfect for shellfish enthusiasts.

Additionally, the restaurant always stocks around 30 types of local sake.

In addition to sake, the restaurant features a curated selection of domestic wines chosen to pair well with shellfish dishes.

It’s a highlight of the experience. When ordering alcohol, you can choose your preferred sake cup from a variety of shapes, which is an exciting part of the experience.

When visiting this restaurant, it’s recommended to order the “Shellfish Omakase Course.”

They will serve a variety of shellfish prepared by steaming, grilling, or serving them live.

While there are many izakayas and small eateries in Ebisu, why not try a meal focused on shellfish here?

Okonomiyaki Imari Tokyo Main Shop

Only counter seating. Enjoy a refined experience of okonomiyaki in Ebisu tonight

A compact and stylish okonomiyaki restaurant with only 10 counter seats.

The staff will cook the okonomiyaki right in front of you, so even if you’re not great at cooking it yourself, you can relax and enjoy the experience.

You can order your preferred menu items, but it’s also recommended to order the “Imari’s Full Throw” course.

This luxurious menu features the chef’s best recommendations of the day and is offered at a reasonable price.

Of course, you can let them know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, and they will avoid those ingredients.

It’s fun to drink and wait as your recommended dishes are prepared right in front of you. This makes for an enjoyable dining experience.

Not only is the food delicious, but the restaurant also offers an entertaining experience, making it perfect for a casual date.

dining&bar KITSUNE

The Ebisu life. The perfect adult dining bar for dates, meetings, and group gatherings

An elegant and stylish dining bar that is famous as a filming location for dramas, movies, and music videos.

The seats are mostly semi-private, making it an excellent choice for dates or business meetings.

The atmosphere is fantastic, and the food is reasonably priced, which is an added bonus.

They also offer courses for special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas, making it an ideal spot for important celebrations.

The dishes here are all generally tasty, but it’s more about enjoying the food in the wonderful atmosphere than focusing on any specific dish.

For anyone looking to create a charming ambiance, this is the place to go.

Bijindori

For a calm, relaxed drink, “mizutaki” (boiled chicken) is recommended

This specialized mizutaki restaurant offers authentic mizutaki in Tokyo.

The interior has a calm atmosphere, and most of the customers are also quiet and relaxed, providing a peaceful dining environment without much noise.

The mizutaki here is made by simmering 60 chicken carcasses in a large pot over low heat for 9 hours, allowing the flavor to concentrate and create a rich broth.

The “Mizutaki Course” is highly recommended, especially in the cold winter months.

The chicken used in this restaurant is “Kinso-dori” from Chiba Prefecture, a premium brand of chicken.

Other popular dishes include the “Fried Chicken Wings” (tebasaki).

Also, the restaurant offers a “Takeout Special Oyako-don” (chicken and egg bowl) that is highly recommended.

With a great atmosphere and reasonable prices, this restaurant offers excellent value for money.

Sowado

Difficult to reserve, but absolutely worth the wait for creative Japanese cuisine using Kyushu ingredients

A popular Japanese izakaya in Shibuya, “Sakai Shokai,” was opened in 2020 by Chef Hideaki Sakai, known for his work with restaurants that use Kyushu ingredients.

Here, you can enjoy creative Japanese dishes made from ingredients sourced from Fukuoka and Kyushu.

The chef’s establishments are always popular and hard to book, but it’s worth the wait to dine at this restaurant.

A must-try is their signature dish, “Unzen Ham Katsu.”

The crispy coating reveals juicy ham inside.

Additionally, the “Kuroiwa Dori Tsukune” (grilled chicken meatballs) is also a popular item.

The outside is crispy, while the inside remains soft and fluffy. Dip it in egg yolk for a perfect taste.

The rice is served in an earthenware pot, and they will open the lid for you at the table.

It’s also great that they’ll make onigiri (rice balls) with any leftover rice.

Other dishes, such as “Genshi-yaki” (primitive-style grilled dishes), are visually stunning and ensure you won’t get bored during your meal.

Though the prices are a bit higher, the atmosphere is perfect for a special date or an anniversary celebration.

Summary

We have introduced 10 truly wonderful izakayas in Ebisu. Each one offers unique and delicious dining experiences.

Did you find a place you’re interested in?

If you visit Ebisu, be sure to check out these excellent spots!