A Japanese izakaya is built around one idea: small bites with something cold to drink between them. Once you see a full spread, the whole format clicks. foodwithnicole order is a good walk-through. Yakitori, chicken, comes off charcoal — smoky, a little caramelized, and with meatballs coated in a glaze that’s sweet and savory in equal measure. The pressed saba sushi gets flame-torched tableside, crisp on top and cool underneath. Karaage is usually fried chicken but here it’s octopus — chewy in a satisfying way, with tartar sauce keeping it from feeling heavy. Cucumbers and creamy oysters in between act as a reset. Even the cocktail followed the logic of the food — a martini with pickled ginger brine instead of olive. Same ginger you’d eat alongside sushi. It works #universalyums #japan #japanesefood #yakitori