Here Are the Hottest New Restaurants in the East Bay, January 2024

"This new Berkeley izakaya features an assortment of Japanese food, including fried bites of ebi katsu, sashimi, skewers, udon and ramen, and donburi bowls. And, befitting of an izakaya, expect an array of drinks, including Japanese beers Asahi, Sapporo, and Hitachino, as well as shochu- and sake-based cocktails. Harry Potter fans may take to the Japanese Hogwarts drink, featuring sake, yuzu, and ginger, while others may take to the Tamako Sour, which features sake, yuzu juice, shiso syrup, and bitters, shaken up with egg whites to give it that classic, foamy sour top." - Dianne de Guzman