3 japanese izakaya places in Berkeley we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Berkeley | Japanese Izakaya across every city.
Ippuku is Berkeley's izakaya benchmark, a 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand downtown grilling binchotan yakitori from heritage chicken beside house-ground soba and a deep shochu list. Kiraku plays the insider role nearby, tucked behind a Telegraph address in unit B, with seasonal small plates and nightly specials.
Ippuku ★ 4.5
downtown · 2130 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026. Binchotan yakitori with heritage chicken, house-ground soba and a shochu list. Counter seating near Downtown Berkeley BART.
Kiraku ★ 4.2
downtown · 2566 B Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Hidden izakaya behind a Telegraph address (unit B at the back). Seasonal small plates, yakitori, nightly specials. No website. Minimum $15 per person.
Kiraku
downtown · 2566 B Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Japanese izakaya behind an unmarked B entrance off Telegraph. Seasonal small plates and yakitori with daily specials. No website or social media. $15 minimum.