The early hours in the evening and the late hours of the night are dreamy times of the day that just calls for an izakaya experience. Serving up grilled skewers, refreshing drinks – whether it be sake, beer, or even cocktails – and an inviting atmosphere that welcomes all, the Japanese izakaya is a casual neighbourhood staple that brings the best of Tokyo’s late-night dining to the streets of Hong Kong. If you would like to loosen up and unwind with some good food and drinks to match, head along with your friends, colleagues, or loved ones to one of these Japanese izakayas in Central.
Fukuro
Fukuro is a spirited izakaya where Soho’s night owls can eat, drink, and treat themselves to a temporary escape for a night. Invite friends and visit this watering hole any day of the week from 6 PM until midnight, to have a pour from their selection of sake, shochu, awamori, highball, cocktails, and Japanese whisky.
Munch on their extensive food menu, featuring delights from seafood like Salmon Aburi, to rice meals such as Sashimi Don and Unagi Kamamesh Hot Pot Rice, there’s surely an item on the menu that will suit your palate. While you’re at it, go ahead and try their Monaka Ice Cream Sandwich as well for a sweet ending.
Visit their website for the complete menu and book a table via SevenRooms. For enquiries, call +852 2333 8841 or send an e-mail to info@fukuro.com.hk.
Location: 1-5 Elgin Street, Soho, Central
Kinjo’s Izakaya
If you’re craving authentic Japanese food, look no further than Kinjo’s Izakaya. This casual izakaya offers a range of sashimi and seafood dishes, noodles and rice meals, as well as chicken, pork, and beef skewers that won’t blow your budget.
If you want a dish that will whisk you away to tropical Okinawa, their Stir-fried Okinawa Bitter Melon with Pork (Goya Chanpuru) is a must-try. But if you’re not a fan of bitter melon, they also have other options, such as Stir-fried Okinawa Tofu with Vegetable and Pork, and Stir-fried Okinawa Gluten with Vegetable and Corned Beef.
For drinks, they have a selection of beer, highball, sour cocktails, awamori, and shochu. They also have a premium sake collection that you won’t find at local supermarkets!
Kinjo’s Izakaya is open daily (except Sundays) for lunch from 11:30 AM - 3 PM and dinner from 6 PM - 11 PM. For updates, follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts or call +852 2362 9992.
Location: 27 Elgin Street, Soho, Central
TokyoLima
Tucked away on Lyndhurst Terrace, TokyoLima is Hong Kong’s first Nikkei restaurant and bar that serves innovative Japanese and Peruvian fusion food. Stop by for lunch on weekdays to try their Ninji Maki and Chicken Tacu Tacu or have a feast with their Matsuri Brunch on weekends and public holidays for free-flowing G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne, Asahi Draft Beer, or Ozeki Sake along with your food. They also have a vegetarian brunch menu and a selection of mocktails, so everybody gets their share of great food, drinks, and of course, great company.
TokyoLima is open daily for lunch (12 PM - 2:30 PM) and dinner (6 PM until midnight), and for brunch from Friday to Sunday (12 PM to 3 PM). Visit their website to check all their menus and book your table here or call +852 2811 1152 for reservations.
Location: G/F, Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
RONIN Snack Bar
RONIN Snack Bar is an intimate yet chic izakaya at ground level that focuses on serving only the freshest ingredients on the market. Drop by every Tuesday to Saturday from 6 PM until midnight (last order at 11:30 PM) to get a bite of their Market Fish Karaage Yuzu Honey or their Cold Corn Dashi “Somen” as you take a sip of their curated beverage selection. There are cocktails, Japanese whisky, sake, and more to fill your night with bliss.
Visit their website or follow their Instagram for their updated menu. For reservations, guests can book up to 14 days in advance via Tock. For cancellations, rescheduling, or bookings for a party of five or more, send an e-mail to seats@roninhk.com or call +852 2547 5263. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location: Ground Floor, 8 On Wo Lane, Central
Roji
Nestled within the alleyways of Hong Kong’s most iconic nightlife district, Roji is an izakaya in Lan Kwai Fong that offers a portal to the vibe of Tokyo’s vibey nighttime food and drinks scene. Get your night started with their flavoured highballs, with choices from Strawberry Shochu, Fig, Jasmine Tea; White Grapes, Shochu, Mint; or Yuzu, Shiso, Green Tea. You can also try other options, such as their signature cocktails, Japanese gin and whiskey, sake (with options of balanced, dry, or sweet and fruity), wine (white or red), and champagne. As for the food, you can either order refreshing small plates like the Three Tomatoes Salad or their scrumptious mains like A4 Wagyu Beef.
Roji is open on Mondays to Wednesdays from 5 PM-1 AM and Thursdays to Saturdays from 5 PM-2 AM. Book a table via SevenRooms (for four guests or more). Walk-ins are welcome.
Location: 20A D'Aguilar Street, Central
Yurakucho
Yurakucho is the flagship restaurant and bar of Singular Concepts that opened earlier this year. Inspired by Tokyo’s shopping, dining, and entertainment area of the same name, this izakaya offers highballs, Japanese whisky, and a sake bar table lined up with a handpicked selection of chilled sakes, including their exclusive private label, the Sakunohana Junmai Daiginjo Kinmon Nishiki Yurakucho.
For food, you can try their Uni Inaniwa Udon and Wagyu Rice for something satisfying, or their skewers for that extra smoky oomph along with your drinks.
Check the menu here and book a table via Bistrochat. Yurakucho is open from Monday to Saturday. For updates, follow their Instagram to know the latest deals and bar takeovers.
Location: G/F, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central