Izakaya
A casual pub-style restaurant where you order many small dishes to share.
An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub-style restaurant where friends share many small dishes with drinks. You order a few plates at a time, and the table fills up as the evening goes on.
What is an izakaya in plain words?
Think of it as a relaxed place to eat and drink after work. The menu is long, the dishes are small and shared, and many people start with a drink. Menus often include grilled skewers, fried items, salads and rice or noodle dishes to finish.
Why does it matter for a Malaysian traveller?
Two things need checking: alcohol and pork. Izakaya serve alcohol, and mirin and cooking sake appear in everyday Japanese dishes, with Muslim-friendly options concentrated in major cities 1. Pork is also common.
If you eat halal, ask about ingredients dish by dish, or choose another style of restaurant. Families with young children should ask about smoking and seating before they go.
Where to go next
Read our Muslim-friendly dining guide for a method, and food allergy and dietary cards to explain your needs in Japanese. For families, see dining with kids. To plan ahead, read do I need restaurant reservations.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Muslim travellers guideaccessed 2026-10-20
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