Best Izakayas in São Paulo - The ultimate guide to the real Japanese bars

Gustavo Galli
14 de nov.
4 min de leitura

Atualizado: 18 de nov.

According to Google, Izakaya is a Japanese pub or informal tavern that serves a good variety of drinks and small dishes. In my opinion, besides being a style of restaurant, an Izakaya is a feeling. A good Izakaya is one where you feel comfortable spending hours without being in a rush to leave. I don't know if it's part of Japanese etiquette, but the pressure to turn over tables and ensure the restaurant has 'flow' doesn't happen here. In the US, for example, it's super common for the waiter to bring you the check even if you didn't ask for it. For me, there's nothing worse than that when I go to a restaurant. It feels like they're kicking you out, right? Well, this definitely doesn't happen in an Izakaya!

São Paulo is the city with the most Japanese descendants in the world outside of Japan, and this translates into hundreds of Japanese cuisine restaurants in the city. But, there is nothing like the experience of an Izakaya! Every time I think about going out with friends to catch up, I think of it. For me, there's no better place to have long talks with good food and drinks. With that in mind, I’ve put together my top 7 Izakayas in the city. I hope you enjoy it!

Izakaya Kaburá (Rua Galvão Bueno, 346 - Liberdade)

In the heart of Liberdade, the most Japanese neighborhood of the city, Kaburá has a super cozy atmosphere, with a small counter and a few tables. The highlight of the menu is the grilled anchovy, which is served whole. The most incredible thing about this dish is that the fish is cleaned without being cut, using the Japanese 'Ikejime' technique. Additionally, they serve sashimi, robatas, and several other wonderful appetizers. Don't forget to book via WhatsApp before you go, as they are quite strict about this (+55 11 94230-4715).

Average Spend: $30 per person.

Izakaya Kintaro (Rua Thomas Gonzaga, 57 - Liberdade)

Kintaro is a chapter apart for me. One, because this was the first Izakaya I ever visited, more than 10 years ago, and two, because I feel like I'm visiting a close relative's home. I say this because all the recipes are family ones, and even though the matriarch is no longer serving, her son Wagner (Yoshi is his Japanese name) is never too tired to chat and share stories about the bar and its visitors. Kintaro has even been visited by the famous Antony Bourdain! The highlight here is the eggplant with miso, but I also really like the marinated sardines and the mussels. But feel free to order anything; everything is just too good!

Average Spend: $25 per person.

Omoide Sakaba (Rua Luís Góis, 1574 - Mirandópolis)

Since it’s a bit further from the central neighborhoods, Omoide is not frequently mentioned in the lists of São Paulo's best Izakayas, but it is definitely worth the trip to have a unique experience. In my opinion, this is the Japanese bar that most resembles a Brazilian one. That’s because you can sit outside the restaurant to have a cold beer, sitting on very simple, no-frills tables and chairs. On warmer days, there's nothing better, right? The food, in general, is very good, but my recommendation is the Takoyaki — deep-fried octopus balls — which are made on the sidewalk next to the outdoor tables. Don't forget to make a reservation before you go, because the place is always packed.

Average Spend: $30per person.

Kidoairaku (Rua Thomaz Gonzaga, 22 - Liberdade)

One of São Paulo's oldest and most famous Izakayas, Kidoairaku was founded in 1988 in a tiny little house in the middle of Liberdade. Today they have moved to one of the neighborhood's coolest streets and have much more space to welcome visitors. I confess that I haven't been there more than five times, but the eggplant with miso and the sashimi are really worth it. A nice point is that because it's a bit larger than the other Izakayas, you don't need to make a reservation before going.

Average Spend: $30 per person.

Quito Quito (Alameda Campinas, 1179 - Jardim Paulista)

If you are staying in the Avenida Paulista area, Quito Quito is your best option. Located in Jardins, one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods, the restaurant is a "modern Izakaya", combining extremely fresh ingredients and a rotating menu based on what is best that season. The coolest part is that there is no physical menu, but a massive blackboard where they write down the day's offerings. The menu is extensive, but I recommend the oysters, the tomato salad, and any raw fish dish. They are all sensational! Here too, it's better to book before you go to avoid surprises

Average Spend: $30 per person.

Izakaya Donchan (Alameda Lorena, 562 - Jardim Paulista)

If you're looking to enjoy the nightlife in São Paulo, how about going to a Karaoke bar? Donchan is the only Izakaya with Karaoke that I know of! Obviously, if you don't want to sing, that's absolutely fine, but prepare to hear all kinds of music sung by, shall we say, questionable vocalists. haha :) Opened by Taka, one of the Kintaro's brother, Donchan is very different from all the other Izakayas on this list because, besides having delicious food, it has a more chaotic energy that really fits São Paulo. The best dish for me is the pork belly, which are so succulent they just melt in your mouth.

Average Spend: $30 per person.

Hirá Ramen Izakaya (Rua Fradique Coutinho, 1240 - Pinheiros)

Despite having 'Ramen' in the name, I've never actually eaten Ramen at Hirá! haha :) This is one of those restaurants you need to plan a little to visit because they don't accept reservations and are packed almost every day. Located in the middle of Pinheiros, one of São Paulo's coolest neighborhoods, Hirá serves a bit of everything in a super cool and pleasant atmosphere. Everything is good, but make sure to order the tuna 'Mini Tekka Don' and the 'Hirá Buns,' which is a small bun with pork belly and milk aioli.

Average Spend: US$30 per person.

I hope you enjoy one of these amazing places. I must confess that I am now hungry just writing about it!