Ichiza Original
Japanese restaurant · The Asian District ·
Japanese izakaya serving late-night small plates & honey toast
Japanese izakaya serving late-night small plates & honey toast
"This late-night izakaya hot spot begins with a feast for the eyes: Concise descriptions of hamachi sashimi, bowls of udon noodles swimming in broth, and tangy fried chicken are scrawled onto pieces of paper in both Japanese and English and pasted above tables, around the bar, and behind the host stand. The specialties are listed along with reference photos and prices — usually around $3 to $7 — and span tender slices of raw fish from the restaurant’s sushi bar to heavier plates of smoky grilled squid, fluffy crab fried rice, and deep-fried agedashi tofu that go just right with a night of drinking. The move here is to order several dishes to share — evidenced by seating options that include a large communal table at the front and tatami floor-level seating at the rear for private groups. Save room for honey toast, an eye-catching loaf of toasted, buttered white bread with ice cream, fruit, and drizzles of thick honey." - Janna Karel
"Opening a second location as a private dining room intended for business dinners and special occasions, this izakaya-style restaurant will replicate the Chinatown menu it’s known for, featuring a vast, frequently changing roster of dishes and a standout honey toast dessert." - Janna Karel
"This late-night Chinatown dining destination serves croquettes, skewers, deep-fried octopus, tuna sashimi, and more until 2:30 a.m. Diners will also find tempura bowls, fried rice, udon, and daily specials, plus Japanese beer and cocktails." - Krista Diamond
"Traditional Japanese small plates make the menu of the original izakaya in Chinatown. Shrimp and chive dumpling cakes, shumai, and kimchi gyoza make the small plates, while bowls of adobo, mapo tofu, and noodle soup are meant to be shared. Ichiza is open for takeout and delivery at from 6 p.m. to midnight. Visit Uber Eats, Postmates, or DoorDash." - Susan Stapleton
"I find Ichiza a no-frills Chinatown destination with a handwritten menu on the walls where you can get udon noodle soup with mushrooms, stir-fried pork udon, and pair it with cold beer or sake; the restaurant stays open until 2:30 a.m. for late-night noodle cravings." - Krista Diamond