IZAKA-YA Introduce
For residents and visitors in California seeking an authentic and diverse Japanese dining experience, IZAKA-YA in San Jose presents itself as a must-visit local establishment. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, this restaurant brings a taste of Japan's culinary landscape, from traditional sushi and sashimi to hearty ramen and casual Izakaya-style tapas. It is known for its wide-ranging menu that caters to both long-time aficionados of Japanese food and those looking to explore new flavors.
The name IZAKA-YA itself hints at the restaurant's identity, blending the traditional Japanese restaurant experience with the casual, small-plate sharing culture of an Izakaya. Beyond the popular sushi options, this location serves as a Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant, offering set meals, alongside specialties like Okonomiyaki and Ramen. This comprehensive offering ensures that whether you're craving a quick lunch bite, a filling dinner, or a social evening with small plates and drinks, IZAKA-YA has something to satisfy.
The culinary philosophy here emphasizes variety and authenticity. Diners in the California region appreciate the extensive menu, which includes an impressive array of Sushi Nigiri, such as *Uni* ($20.00), *Toro* ($20.00), *Honmaguro* ($8.75), and more affordable options like *Sake* (Salmon) ($6.75) and *Maguro* (Tuna) ($6.75). The selection of Sushi rolls is equally broad, featuring beloved classics like the *California roll* ($6.95), *Spicy tuna roll* ($6.95), and specialty items such as the *Dragon roll* ($18.95) and the *Hokkaido roll* ($14.95).
Beyond the raw fish offerings, the menu explores other pillars of Japanese comfort food. You can find several Donburi (rice bowl) options, including *Katsu don* ($14.00) and *Unagi don* ($23.00), as well as various Curry Rice dishes like the *Katsu Curry* ($14.95). The inclusion of multiple dining styles, from full Sashimi/Sushi assortments like the *Omakase Sushi* ($55.00) and *Sushi Boat A* ($59.95) to single dishes, makes it a flexible dining spot for any occasion.
IZAKA-YA is conveniently located in San Jose, a bustling hub in Northern California. The specific address is 1335 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for those working in or visiting the Silicon Valley area. For drivers, the restaurant provides practical parking solutions, offering both a free parking lot and free street parking, which is a significant amenity in the busy Bay Area.
Accessibility for all patrons is a priority, as the establishment is equipped with multiple features to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone. This includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, a designated wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating areas.
IZAKA-YA provides several service options designed for the modern California consumer, balancing convenience with a traditional dine-in experience:
- Dine-in: Customers can enjoy the cozy and casual atmosphere inside the restaurant.
- Takeout: A quick and efficient option for those who prefer to eat at home or on the go.
- Delivery: For maximum convenience, the restaurant offers delivery service.
- No-contact delivery: Reflecting current preferences, a no-contact option is available for delivery.
- Table service: Ensuring a comfortable and attended dining experience for seated guests.
- Accepts reservations: Given that the restaurant can be popular and often has a wait, reservations are accepted and generally recommended, particularly for dinner.
Several aspects of IZAKA-YA contribute to its popularity and make it stand out among Japanese restaurants in the California region:
- Extensive Menu Diversity: As a fusion of a Japanese restaurant, Izakaya, Syokudo, and more, the menu covers a remarkable range of options, from delicate *Sushi Nigiri* and filling *Bento Boxes* to savory *Okonomiyaki* and various *Tapas* (small plates).
- Fast Service: Known for its efficiency, fast service is a highlight, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or an expedited dinner.
- Late-Night Food Options: The restaurant offers late-night food, catering to the schedules of the busy Silicon Valley workforce and residents.
- Variety of Beverages: The offerings include a full selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine, perfectly complementing the Izakaya-style dishes.
- Appetizer Selection: An impressive list of *Seafood Appetizers* (e.g., *Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura*, *Geso Kara*) and *Meat Appetizers* (e.g., *Tori karaage*, *Gyoza*) and *Vegetable Appetizers* (e.g., *Garlic edamame*, *Agedashi tofu*) are available, ideal for sharing.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: High chairs are provided for families dining with children.
- Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual and cozy, contributing to a relaxed dining environment.
For inquiries, reservations, or to place an order, customers can contact IZAKA-YA using the following information:
Address: 1335 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
Phone: (408) 452-8751 or +1 408-452-8751
IZAKA-YA is an exceptional choice for Californians looking for comprehensive Japanese dining. What truly makes it worth choosing is its incredible menu depth. Whether you are craving a light, healthy option or a rich, savory meal, the restaurant accommodates. Diners can construct a meal of numerous small plates—a true Izakaya experience—choosing from items like *Tako Kuki Wasabi* ($8.95), *Tori karaage* ($9.25), and a selection of *Okonomiyaki* (e.g., *Buta Okonomiyaki* for $15.95). Alternatively, you can settle in for a more substantial meal like a *Deluxe Sashimi* platter ($35.95) or an *Eel roll* ($8.75).
The combination of being popular for dinner and solo dining, along with the provision of hard liquor and a bar onsite, positions IZAKA-YA as a versatile spot for both quiet meals and social gatherings. The real-customer review mentioning the "excellent authentic Japanese food" and the large, delicious menu speaks to the quality and breadth of the offerings. While the physical space might be cozy, as noted by customers, the food quality and service are clearly highly valued. For those in the San Jose area of California, IZAKA-YA provides a compelling, authentic, and diverse Japanese culinary destination.
The option of a *Sushi Sashimi Combination* ($23.95) provides an excellent introduction for those new to the cuisine, while premium options like *Uni* and *Toro* satisfy discerning palates. The availability of multiple Bento Boxes—Regular, Sushi, Sashimi, and Vegetable (all priced between $15.50 and $18.95)—makes it an outstanding lunch destination. Ultimately, IZAKA-YA delivers a slice of authentic, multifaceted Japanese cuisine right here in California, balancing traditional flavors with modern convenience.
IZAKA-YA Menu
Sushi Nigiri
- Anago $8.75
Sea eel
- Amaebi $9.95
Raw prawn
- Ika $6.75
Squid
- Ikura $8.75
Salmon roe
- Inari $4.75
Bean curd
- Unagi $8.75
Eel
- Uni $20.00
Sea urchin
- Ebi $6.75
Shrimp
- Kanikama $6.75
Crab cake
- Katsuo $6.75
Bonito
- Tsubu gai $6.75
Conch
- Sake $6.75
Salmon
- Saba $6.75
Mackerel
- Shiromaguro $6.75
Albacore
- Tako $6.75
Octopus
- Masago $6.75
Smelt roe
- Toro $20.00
Fatty tuna
- Hamachi $6.75
Yellowtail
- Hirame $6.75
Halibut
- Wakame $6.25
Seaweed salad
- Hotate $8.75
Scallop
- Aburi sake $6.95
Seared salmon
- Honmaguro $8.75
Bluefin tuna
- Maguro $6.75
Tuna
- Suzuki $6.75
Sea bass
Sushi rolls
- California roll $6.95
Rice outside roll with avocado, crab cake, mayonnaise and sesame seeds.
- Eel roll $8.75
Rice outside roll with avocado, eel, and sesame seeds. Homemade unagi sauce.
- Alaskan roll $6.95
Rice outside roll with avocado, salmon, and sesame seeds.
- Philly roll $7.25
Rice outside roll with avocado, salmon, cream cheese, and sesame seeds.
- Osaka roll $6.95
Rice outside roll with octopus tempura, green onion, and sesame seeds. Homemade unagi sauce.
- Healthy roll $5.95
Rice outside roll with avocado, dried gourd(kanpyo), and sesame seeds.
- Spicy tuna roll $6.95
Thick seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy sauce, and tuna.
- Spicy salmon roll $6.95
Spicy seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy sauce, and salmon.
- Spicy yellowtail roll $6.95
Spicy seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy sauce, and yellowtail.
- Spicy scallop roll $6.95
Spicy seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, spicy mayo sauce, and scallop.
- Ebi Tempura roll $6.95
Thick seaweed outside roll with smelt roe, mayonnaise, lettuce and shrimp tempura.
- Spider roll $9.95
Thick seaweed outside roll with radish sprouts, pickled burdock, onion, and deep fried softshell crab.
- Futomaki $7.25
Thick seaweed outside roll with cucumber, avocado, sweet fish flakes, dried gourd (kanpyo), and shrimp.
- Avocado roll $5.25
Rice outside roll with avocado.
- Plum paste roll $4.75
Thin seaweed outside roll with plum paste and shiso leaves. Ume shiso maki.
- Cucumber roll $4.75
Rice outside roll with cucumber.
- Salmon roll $6.50
Rice outside roll with salmon.
- Tuna roll $6.50
Rice outside roll with tuna.
- Negihama roll $6.50
Rice outside roll with yellowtail and green onion.
- Nori maki $6.50
Thin seaweed outside roll with dried gourd (kanpyo).
- Bamboo roll $13.95
Rice outside roll with smelt roe and eel, wrapped with avocado. Homemade eel sauce.
- Hokkaido roll $14.95
California roll wrapped with salmon.
- Dragon roll $18.95
Rice outside roll with smelt roe, lettuce, mayo, and shrimp tempura. Wrapped with eel and avocado. Homemade eel sauce.
- Naked dragon roll $13.95
Rice outside roll with smelt roe, lettuce, mayo, and shrimp tempura. Wrapped with avocado.
- Rainbow roll $14.95
California roll wrapped with 7 different types of fish.
- Negitoro roll $9.95
Thin seaweed outside roll with fatty tuna and green onion.
Bento Box
- Regular Bento Box $15.50
Bento box with shrimp and vegetable tempura, salad, miso soup, and rice. Minimum 1 choice of side, maximum 3. (Additional charge for 2 and 3 choices)
- Sushi Bento Box $18.95
Bento box with shrimp and vegetable tempura, salad, miso soup, and rice. Choose up to 2 sides. (Additional charge)
- Sashimi Bento Box $18.95
Bento box with shrimp and vegetable tempura, salad, miso soup, and rice. Choose from any of the 3 sashimi types. Choose up to 2 sides. (Additional charge)
- Vegetable Bento Box $15.50
Bento box with vegetable tempura, salad, rice, a vegetable roll of the day, and a piece of potato croquette. Vegetarian.
Curry Rice
- Curry rice $12.95
Japanese style curry with rice.
- Katsu Curry $14.95
Japanese curry rice with pork cutlet topping.
- Chicken Katsu Curry $14.95
Japanese curry rice with chicken cutlet topping.
- Ebi Fry Curry $15.95
Japanese curry rice with breaded fried shrimp topping (3pc).
Sashimi/Sushi assortments
- Regular Sushi $24.95
Assortment of tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, white fish, salmon, eel, and smelt roe nigiri. 3 pieces of California roll. Some may be replaced due to availability.
- Deluxe Sushi $32.95
Assortment of tuna, fatty tuna, yellowtail, raw prawn, white fish, salmon, eel, and salmon roe nigiri. 3 pieces of California roll. Some may be replaced due to availability.
- Omakase Sushi $55.00
10 pieces of chef's choice nigiri sushi.
- Sushi Appetizer $11.95
4 piece nigiri assortment with 3 pieces of California roll.
- Regular Sashimi $25.95
Assortment of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, white fish, octopus, bonito, and shrimp sashimi.
- Deluxe Sashimi $35.95
Assortment of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, white fish, octopus, bonito, and shrimp sashimi.
- Tuna Sashimi $21.95
10 pieces of tuna sashimi.
- Salmon Sashimi $21.95
10 pieces of salmon sashimi.
- Yellowtail Sashimi $21.95
10 pieces of salmon sashimi.
- Sashimi Trio $25.95
Combination of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail sashimi, 4 pieces each.
- Regular Chirashi $23.95
Sashimi assortment on top of a bowl of sushi rice. (Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, octopus, white fish, shrimp, smelt roe, eel)
- Deluxe Chirashi $34.95
Slightly larger sashimi assortment with a bowl of sushi rice. (Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, octopus, white fish, shrimp, smelt roe, eel, salmon roe)
- Tekka don $21.95
Tuna on top of a bowl of sushi rice.
- Tairyo meshi $39.95
Bowl of sushi rice covered with sea urchin, tuna, smelt roe, and salmon roe.
- Sushi Boat A $59.95
A large assortment of sushi that serves two. 18 pieces of nigiri, California roll and tuna roll.
- Sushi Boat B $69.95
A large assortment of sushi and sashimi that serves two. 16 pieces of nigiri, 11 pieces of sashimi, California roll and tuna roll.
- Salmon Tuna Combo $23.95
3 pieces of salmon and tuna nigiri with a California roll.
- Salmon Yellowtail Combo $23.95
3 pieces of salmon and yellowtail nigiri with a California roll.
- Tuna Yellowtail Combo $23.95
3 pieces of tuna and yellowtail nigiri with a California roll.
- Sushi Sashimi Combination $23.95
Combination of 7 pieces of sashimi, 4 pieces of nigiri, and 3 pieces of California roll.
- Bluefin tuna set $20.00
A 3 piece nigiri set, one piece each of bluefin tuna akami, chu-toro, and o-toro.
- Salmon set $10.00
A 3 piece nigiri set, one piece each of regular sa
Donburi
- Katsu don $14.00
Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) with egg on rice.
- Tempura don $14.00
Ten don. Shrimp and vegetable tempura on rice.
- Oyako don $14.00
Chicken and egg on rice.
- Unagi don $23.00
Eel with homemade sauce on rice.
- Gyutan don $14.00
Beef tongue, cabbage, green onion on rice with garlic yakiniku sauce.
Seafood Appetizers
- Tako Kuki Wasabi $8.95
Chopped octopus with kizami wasabi (chopped wasabi).
- Negimayo Takoyaki $6.75
Octopus pancake dumplings with mayo, okonomi sauce, green onion, and bonito flakes.
- Salmon Kama $13.95
Grilled salmon collar.
- Shrimp & Vegetable TEmpura $14.95
Shrimp and vetable tempura assortment.
- Shrimp Tempura $14.95
7 pieces of deep fried battered shrimp.
- Geso Kara $9.25
Deep fried squid legs.
- Kaki Fry $12.95
Deep fried breaded oysters.
- Shishamo $7.25
Grilled smelt fish with roe.
- Kabayaki $19.95
Grilled eel with eel sauce.
- Saba shio $9.95
Grilled mackerel.
- Sake Toro $15.95
Grilled salmon belly.
- Calamari $9.25
Fried squid with tartar sauce.
- Ika Maru $9.25
Grilled whole squid.
Meat Appetizer
- Fried chicken wings (6pc) $13.95
- Tori karaage (6pc) $9.25
Bite size fried chicken thighs.
- Tori karaage nanban (6pc) $9.95
Tori karaage with sanbaizu (sweet vinegar) and tartar sauce.
- Torikawa piripiri $6.95
Chicken skin stir fried with spicy miso.
- Kamo garlic $18.95
Sautéed duck steak with garlic & butter sauce.
- Gyoza $5.95
5 pieces of pan fried potstickers.
- Ju-ju Pork $15.95
Stir fried vegetables and pork belly with yakiniku sauce.
- Puripuri sausage $7.95
5 pieces of pan fried japanese sausage with ketchup and mustard mayo sauce.
- Niku tofu $15.95
Sukiyaki style hot pot with pork and tofu.
Vegetable Appetizers
- Edamame $4.95
Boiled immature soybeans.
- Garlic edamame $5.85
Edamame with spicy garlic sauce.
- Agedashi tofu $8.25
Fried tofu with bonito flakes, green onion, grated daikon radish and ginger. Bonito sauce.
- Asparagus mayo $5.95
Boiled asparagus served with mayonnaise.
- Asparagus tempura $5.95
Deep fried asparagus tempura.
- Potato croquette $5.95
2 pieces of potato croquette.
- Ju-ju Yasai $9.95
Stir fried vegetables with garlic sauce.
- Butter corn $5.95
Stir fried corn with butter.
- Tsukemono $6.95
Assortment of various japanese pickles.
- Tofu steak $9.95
Fried tofu with teriyaki sauce.
- Hiyayakko $5.95
Cold tofu with bonito flakes and green onion.
Okonomiyaki
- Tako Okonomiyaki $13.95
Standard okonomiyaki with octopus. (Japanese pancake with flour based batter. Cabbage, beni shoga, okonomi sauce, mustard mayo sauce, aonori and bonito flakes.)
- Buta Okonomiyaki $15.95
Okonomiyaki with pork belly. (Japanese pancake with flour based batter. Cabbage, beni shoga, okonomi sauce, mustard mayo sauce, aonori and bonito flakes.)
IZAKA-YA Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
IZAKA-YA Photos










IZAKA-YA Location
IZAKA-YA
1335 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
IZAKA-YA Reviews
bento boxatmosphereokonomiyakiwallpartyboatgrilledteriyakispicythe menu
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This place surpassed my expectations. I was waiting for my car to be repaired and wondered into Izaka-Ya and it was astonishing to find excellent food grilled at table by a Bennihana type chef. Beyond the beef the shrimp were extra large coated with pronounced and unique flavor. I was seated with another family who regularly eat there.
October 14 · Mark O. BadgerExcellent authentic Japanese food! The menu is very big, with so many different kinds of dishes. We ordered quite a lot, everything was delicious! Service was good. The restaurant is very small though so spacing was tight.
May 14 · Sueh-Lin ChengFinally got to try this place. Every time we came here it was a very long wait. We came early on a Friday and waited maybe 15 minutes. There aren't many tables so plan to wait or call ahead to reserve a table. This place isn't good for larger parties over 4 since there is literally only about 20-30 seats available. Otherwise the food was great. We got the oyster shooters and they were flavorful and delicious. We got the pork belly okonomiyaki and it tasted good. It was a good size for two people. This is probably the only place in the South Bay that makes it fresh. We also got the sushi boat B because it was good for the value. All the fish tasted fresh and had good sized slices. We will be coming back since their menu was massive with so many options. Highly recommend if you're in the area.
April 25 · Robert FangOur most favorite Japanese place for 10+ years!!! If you miss Japan and want to feel "home", this is the place to go. Great food and drinks, very attentive and friendly staff. Difficult to choose a favorite plate, all is so yummy. Highly recommended! (気をつけてください)
June 19 · Walter “Wally” PietschI’ve been going here for years and absolutely love it. The grill options are all fantastic, the vibe is funky and hole in the wall-ish, it definitely sells the diamond in the rough dining experience I look for in a local pub. 10/10 would go every day if I was rich and lived closer :) (Hamachi Kama is my go-to order every time)
June 05 · Chris Lindgren
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