Kinda Izakaya
1941A University Ave, Berkeley
(510) 647-9226
Recent Reviews
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We didnt make it past the reservation list, two fridays ago I came in with a party of 5 and the servers said to put our names down and walked away which we did and didnt mind considering all the tables were filled up and for context we were also the first name on the waitlist. We waited 10-15 minutes before we walked back in to ask for a wait time since we didnt get one after putting our name on the paper just to see our name crossed out on the waitlist. We asked the server why our name was crossed out to get a reply of “we know you’re here” we again asked why with no clear answer then we asked how long would the wait time be and the server said “I dont know” and walked away. That was our entire experience. We understand if the servers felt overwhelmed full tables 2 chefs 2 servers for all the tables and in that izakaya setting where orders would fly out fast and stacked up can be overwhelming. But getting blown off like that is just crazy.
Need to let go? Relax? Animate? Subjugate those anxious waves of uncertainty?
Kinda Izakaya is more, it's the kind.
Just don't get too loud, it's most impolite in this kinda place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is one of our favorite places, though the quality/taste of the food is variable. In other words, you need to know what to order because they do some things better than others, which isn't too surprising given the many choices in their menu. My recommendation is to get the mentaiko carbonara, IMHO the best thing they serve.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great place, good price, everyone seems working hard for a good experience for as many people as they can handle.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve popped into this izakaya a few times, and they never miss! Finally sitting down to write a review because the food here hits all the right notes. Every dish is so well thought out and bursting with flavor.
The mentaiko? Hands down my favorite and absolute perfection. And the yakitori? Perfectly grilled with that irresistible smoky char. They’ve nailed the flavor game, and I can’t wait to come back for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing hidden gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a cute place - and the food was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was delicious. Had the Berkeley roll, takoyaki, and chicken thigh. Wouldn’t mind trying everything on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You could almost describe this place as a “tapas” style Japanese restaurant. Most dishes are small and $6-14. Great for picking a large selection of items off the menu and sharing family style. Great for getting to taste a variety of food.
The price to portion size ratio could be better, but the experience makes up for it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I don't typically take time to leave reviews, but this place was actually incredible. I am from Arkansas and staying at an airbnb almost 5 minutes away, and just stumbled upon the closest restaurant that was still open at 10pm. Walking in, you are greeted with the largest smiles, fun music, and chill atmosphere. Having been to Japan, and seeing the Okonomiyaki on the menu, I HADDDD to get it... and oh my gosh. It was SO GOOD. My husband and I couldn't get over how authentic it felt and how hard it is to find okonomyaki back home in Arkansas. I'm SO GLAD we stumbled upon this place and I will be sharing with everyone I know 100%!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice ambiance, more Izakaya-y than most Izakaya restaurants in the US. More than your usual sushi fare.
Walls covered in Japanese anime and kitch posters. There's a big communal table that was full of Japanese students when we dined.
Fake japanese place with mediocre food and incompetent staff
Loved their pork curry!
Amazing place with an even more amazing food. It’s worth the price for sure 🤩🙌🏼
me and my friend decided to spend one of our late night dinners at this place and it was awesome!! The overall experience was great and the workers were so sweet!! I got the salmon and it was truly perfect! Shout out to the workers again thank you for letting us stay so late you guys are amazing. 100% suggest for yummy late night grub!😋
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