Ippuku

2130 Center St, Berkeley
(510) 655-1969

Recent Reviews

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Max Stanton

EDIT: I felt its necessary to make the amendment that, although walking in without a reservation was a thing previously, we've now had multiple visits where we've stood at the counter for 2 hours never to be seated.

You can still eat the whole menu there, but its generally very crowded.

Getting reservations seems to be catered towards friends, or some type of mysterious system, as we no longer have been able to get a reservation even weeks in advance. The food is still the same.

Original Review: I can’t believe that I haven’t left a review for Ippuku; this is as close as you can get to a Tokyo alley izakaya, from the sasami raw chicken special menu (to do for), to the epic yakitori, to the massive shochu selection.

By far one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in the Bay Area, we’ve been here a good 30 times over the years and it has never once changed at all, thankfully!!! Never want it to change, it does everything so well.

Hokkaido squid, chicken oyster, chicken tartare, agadashi tofu, crab croquettes, these are some favorites.

Make a reservation if you can, but otherwise we often walk in and are seated within an hour. Fun to hang out at the bar and wait.

Jordan C

Like walking through a curtain and being magically transported to a back street of Tokyo. Really, there’s some serious illusion magic going on here. The ambiance and the food literally transport you. Be brave and let the chefs pick the chicken pieces for you (the neck is the best!) and throw in a side of savory squid ink fried rice. Incredible and welcoming staff makes this place so perfect.

Eli Kehler

closed early

Phuong Luong

This place has been in my to-go list forever but it fell short for me. I got to try a few things including the skewers, squid fried rice, wings, porridge, and only standout was the wings. Love the vibe tho!

Jay Corrales

Favorite restaurant experience in Berkeley, hands down.

Ignacio Aviles

Authentic, amazing quality

Brandon Valle

Lovely Japanese style Izakaya spot! Vast and tasty selection of appetizers and skewers. The amount of sakes was heaven for me. They have more than just sake and skewers but I was sold there. I'll be sure to review more as I keep coming back. I recommend making a reservation as they're always popping. (For good reason). Give them a shot.

Olivia

This is truly my favorite Japanese restaurant in town! It’s a bit far from where I live, but every visit is worth it. There’s usually a wait, but the food is so good that I never mind.

They have a hidden raw chicken menu, and it’s one of my favorite things to order. Every dish is delicious. The staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and perfect for a date night.

Five stars from me. Everything is just so good. Highly recommend.

Michelle Morrison

I love the fact that the women's restroom has the superior Japanese toilet while the uncivilized men's bathroom does not 😂

amuthant

Enjoyed the food. Getting reservations sometime difficult. Reached there early for a good parking

Wen Yu Li

Really the best teriyaki I’ve tried so far in the Bay Area, can’t go wrong with almost anything

T M

What a cute place! When it comes to yakitori, 95% are different parts of chicken, so don't expect much else. I thought squid ink fried rice was pretty good, and it usually tasted like the ocean, but it isn't. Surprisingly, my hair didn't smell like charcoal when I got home, which is a plus. Didn't dislike anything I ate, but nothing stood out. It's not too noisy, however, pricey.

kevin pyo

Came for some late night grub and had an excellent time. Great service and delicious food. Will for sure come again next time I visit.

Alethea D

Really interesting place!

R H

Food was okay, but as other reviews said, it’s very dark inside, especially as we sat in the little booth across the bar area. Overall an authentic izakaya experience. Would recommend small groups to dine there.

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