Izakana-ya Okuman
South Brisbane
Izakana-ya Okuman is a lively little bar eatery and slice of real Japan found nestled next to Birds Nest Yakitori on busy Melbourne St in South Brisbane.
Upon being greeted by exuberant chants from chefs and kimono-clad waitresses, diners have the option of sitting up at the counter bar in the midst of the action, a traditional dining room out back or standard pale wood tables and chairs which are scattered throughout the rest of the venue.
All ordering is done by i-pad on the tables (with waitress on hand to assist the technologically challenged) and lunch and dinner have their own separate menus, with daily specials.
The food at Izakana-ya is a winner – a range of great value traditional dishes (the majority under $20) served on stunning handmade Japanese pottery.
For lunch there’s Bento Boxes (teriyaki or karaage chicken, ginger fried pork, sashimi or tempura) or Ramen with the option of delectable handmade gyoza on the side. Also on offer are rice/noodle dishes including Yai-Chazuke, Seafood yakisoba or Inaniwa Udon.
Come dinnertime the options change to include Sashimi of the Day (3,5 or 7 varieties), Sushi of the Day (5 or 8 varieties) or Tempura (including vegetable or soft shell crab). Other mains include Steamed Oysters, Fresh Fish Nitsuke, Chicken Nanban, Niku-Jaga Omelette and Suki-Yaki Beef.
To accompany are an expansive list of side dishes such as Dengaku Eggplant, Renkon Manjyu, Dashi-Maki, Akadashi, Wasabi Octopus, Tofu Salad or Chawan-Mushi.
Izakana-ya Okuman is licensed but allows BYO wine at $3.50 pp. As well as Japanese beer (asahi, Sapporo and Kirin) there’s Kirin Cider and a couple of Oz light beers (James Boag and XXXX). There’s a limited choice of boutique red and white wines, all $10 per glass and $50 per bottle.
The neat selection of Sake includes hot or cold Shouchikubai , Dassai (Junmai Daiginjo sampai or the upper class Junmai Daiginjo 23) and Shocu (fruit liquor) is also available – think Lemon or Orange Chu-hai or Choya Umesyu/Yume Wine.
A full list of the best Japanese restaurants in Brisbane HERE
