My favorite place when I'm in Eugene. So happy you won't be going away for good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Onigiri
Julia D'Ippolito
This place is refreshing in so many ways. We absolutely loved everything here! Highly recommend giving it a try! All of the Onigiri are so good and just everything js so unique! Service was awesome and such a comfortable vibe. Everything you order comes as ready which makes for a slower more enjoyable and real dining experience. Didn’t even try the whiskies… all the fish is so fresh and food is so good! So so glad we made it here! Can’t wait to come again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Small Plates, Mackerel, Salmon Onigiri
Bri Maneely
Izakaya Meiji is one of the best restaurants in town. I'm devastated by the news of it's closing, but happy for the times I've gotten to experience it. My suggestion-- Go visit before you lose the opportunity to. Thank's for all the wonderful times, Meiji crew!Vegetarian options: The shitaake curry soup is amazing!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Miso Eggs
Dani Boiii
This place is overhyped, so go with lower expectations. It is one of Eugene's trendy locations so prepare to wait before getting seated. The food was good but loaded with salt; I expect seasoning, not just excessive salt when dropping over $100 for a dinner for two. Overall the food is slightly above mid, drinks are very good, and the venue is packed a little too tightly for my liking. Worth going to, but don't believe the hype.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Jacqueline Vorte
Fun Japanese whiskey bar. Exotic small plate menu. Shared a dozen or more dishes amongst friends. A really good place to eat and socialize.
This is a unique Japanese food experience with small plates in a tapas style..incredible dishes and great beer or bourbon with ginger if that is your style...!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Eggs, Small Plates
Reed Koyano
Eclectic at the very least, this is not bad, it works for this place. The parking is hard to find though right past the Meiji is a food truck parking lot that allows you to park there. One thing is that the people that work here are SUPER NICE! This is not traditional Japanese food though more along the lines of being fusion or the places take on Japanese food. This works for this place. They also have a good selection of drinks and at least a couple of 16 years old single malt Scotch's.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jen G. Pywell
Whenever we are in Eugene we visit this amazing restaurant. The atmosphere is so cozy. The cocktails are slick. The wait staff is so helpful and friendly. The food is impeccable. The raw tuna cocktail!!! We are never disappointed and always leave feeling so happy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anastasia Dementyeva
Super sweet spot with delicious drinks and snacks. Share plates for the table are perfect for a group to try a bunch of things, even if it's a few bites each. Only downfall was biting into something that almost broke my tooth, either a rice kernel or sesame seed. Still a bit hungry after leaving, but totally worth it!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free galore!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Small Plates, Salmon Onigiri, Hot Garlic Shrimp
Christine Wan
The food comes in small plates but reasonably priced, so that you get to experience a lot of niche dishes without overpaying. The beer is fantastic, but I wouldn’t recommend cocktail drinks there.
I'd like to give them a 4.5-4.8*The food portions look small, but they can be surprisingly filling.The atmosphere alone, makes this place so amazing. It's the only bar I like, because it doesn't actually feel like a bar. It somehow felt really familiar and relaxing, even though I've never been there.It's also right across from "slice" in case you or your friends happen to drink too much, and you're craving greasy "drunk food". (Not that it happened to me)I visited late at night, so I got to try a few items from their late-night menu. The food was interesting, it had some authentic Japanese dishes, but the way it was cooked felt like it was an American cook. The ingredients were high quality, but the cooking process lacked some of the careful attention to detail that Japanese cooks put into their food. The flavors were rich, but they weren't as refined, delicate, or vibrant as restaurants in Japan. It still had an American flavor, so it's interesting to see that. (Why I marked down a star)The food is still excellent though, and it was incredibly filling despite the small portions. Granted, I've only tried the curry udon, fried rock-fish bites, and salmon riceball so far.*** They serve fried rock-fish. Idk if it's real rock-fish because I've never tried it, but I mean it was tasty.*I didn't hate the curry udon, but it also wasn't my jam. I asked for a side of rice so I could finish it w/ the rice. (There weren't many noodles)The drink menu was really cool looking, with an imprinted "M" on the cover. It was "low-key" fancy, because the inside didn't try too hard, other than giving you a lot of well-organized variety. Very welcoming and easy to read, despite having a plethora of choices. (Probably over 100 possible drinks)They also had non-alcoholic cocktail options. That was really thoughtful of them.Overall an amazing and welcoming experience. I definitely want to return.Dietary restrictions: They have gluten free and vegan options marked on their menu
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Onigiri
Adam Walker
Across the board high quality. The food is carefully curated and prepared for a journey through your taste buds. The menu rotates to account for the freshest ingredients. The dining room is a little tight but it still has a romantic feel to it. A must visit if you want great Japanese food in Eugene, OR!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
G K
Absolutely incredible. Couldn't be more impressed and satisfied. Every item served (and we almost ate the whole menu with our party) was amazing. Multiple "best I've ever had" instances. I feel like I've just experienced a new level of food that I've been missing out on.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeremiah Lieberman
TLDR: You will love your night at Meiji!I have been to Izakaya Meiji many times through the years, and I can say with confidence that it is a staple of the community. With a virtually unmatched atmosphere, stepping through the door is like entering into a parallel universe. Tall ceilings, dim lighting, and gorgeous woodwork. You feel as if you’re in a Japanese cowboy simulation. Beer served in big frothy mugs, and food that while overpriced, more than gets the job done. Furthermore, they have a great staff full of chic professionals, and with the exception of the occasional detached college student, are extremely friendly and helpful. Their Cowboy Karaoke is legendary, hosted by the inimitable DJ Baby Smooth.Overall, I highly recommend Izakaya Meiji for a fun place to drink, eat, and hang out with friends. I recommend the late-night ramen with a mug of Asahi!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Small Plates
Will Grieve (IV)
Fantastic food and atmosphere. It’s often busy, and parking isn’t fantastic, but it’s very much worth the effort. Like I can’t think of another place that offers quality rice balls. The quality of the drinks is also fantastic. Most restaurants you’re paying for the convenience of not having to make it yourself, but here these are truly some drinks you can’t get anywhere else.
My favorite place when I'm in Eugene. So happy you won't be going away for good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Onigiri
This place is refreshing in so many ways. We absolutely loved everything here! Highly recommend giving it a try! All of the Onigiri are so good and just everything js so unique! Service was awesome and such a comfortable vibe. Everything you order comes as ready which makes for a slower more enjoyable and real dining experience. Didn’t even try the whiskies… all the fish is so fresh and food is so good! So so glad we made it here! Can’t wait to come again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Small Plates, Mackerel, Salmon Onigiri
Izakaya Meiji is one of the best restaurants in town. I'm devastated by the news of it's closing, but happy for the times I've gotten to experience it. My suggestion-- Go visit before you lose the opportunity to. Thank's for all the wonderful times, Meiji crew!Vegetarian options: The shitaake curry soup is amazing!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Miso Eggs
This place is overhyped, so go with lower expectations. It is one of Eugene's trendy locations so prepare to wait before getting seated. The food was good but loaded with salt; I expect seasoning, not just excessive salt when dropping over $100 for a dinner for two. Overall the food is slightly above mid, drinks are very good, and the venue is packed a little too tightly for my liking. Worth going to, but don't believe the hype.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Fun Japanese whiskey bar. Exotic small plate menu. Shared a dozen or more dishes amongst friends. A really good place to eat and socialize.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Thigh Skewer, Escargot, Miso Soup, Carpaccio Salad, Hanger Steak, Croquettes, Calamari, Tsukune, Miso Eggs, Wakame Salad, Tonkatsu, Salmon Onigiri, Tonkotsu Ramen, Hot Garlic Shrimp, Tofu Skewer, Creme Brulee, Chicken Skewers
This is a unique Japanese food experience with small plates in a tapas style..incredible dishes and great beer or bourbon with ginger if that is your style...!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Eggs, Small Plates
Eclectic at the very least, this is not bad, it works for this place. The parking is hard to find though right past the Meiji is a food truck parking lot that allows you to park there. One thing is that the people that work here are SUPER NICE! This is not traditional Japanese food though more along the lines of being fusion or the places take on Japanese food. This works for this place. They also have a good selection of drinks and at least a couple of 16 years old single malt Scotch's.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Whenever we are in Eugene we visit this amazing restaurant. The atmosphere is so cozy. The cocktails are slick. The wait staff is so helpful and friendly. The food is impeccable. The raw tuna cocktail!!! We are never disappointed and always leave feeling so happy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super sweet spot with delicious drinks and snacks. Share plates for the table are perfect for a group to try a bunch of things, even if it's a few bites each. Only downfall was biting into something that almost broke my tooth, either a rice kernel or sesame seed. Still a bit hungry after leaving, but totally worth it!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free galore!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Small Plates, Salmon Onigiri, Hot Garlic Shrimp
The food comes in small plates but reasonably priced, so that you get to experience a lot of niche dishes without overpaying. The beer is fantastic, but I wouldn’t recommend cocktail drinks there.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I'd like to give them a 4.5-4.8*The food portions look small, but they can be surprisingly filling.The atmosphere alone, makes this place so amazing. It's the only bar I like, because it doesn't actually feel like a bar. It somehow felt really familiar and relaxing, even though I've never been there.It's also right across from "slice" in case you or your friends happen to drink too much, and you're craving greasy "drunk food". (Not that it happened to me)I visited late at night, so I got to try a few items from their late-night menu. The food was interesting, it had some authentic Japanese dishes, but the way it was cooked felt like it was an American cook. The ingredients were high quality, but the cooking process lacked some of the careful attention to detail that Japanese cooks put into their food. The flavors were rich, but they weren't as refined, delicate, or vibrant as restaurants in Japan. It still had an American flavor, so it's interesting to see that. (Why I marked down a star)The food is still excellent though, and it was incredibly filling despite the small portions. Granted, I've only tried the curry udon, fried rock-fish bites, and salmon riceball so far.*** They serve fried rock-fish. Idk if it's real rock-fish because I've never tried it, but I mean it was tasty.*I didn't hate the curry udon, but it also wasn't my jam. I asked for a side of rice so I could finish it w/ the rice. (There weren't many noodles)The drink menu was really cool looking, with an imprinted "M" on the cover. It was "low-key" fancy, because the inside didn't try too hard, other than giving you a lot of well-organized variety. Very welcoming and easy to read, despite having a plethora of choices. (Probably over 100 possible drinks)They also had non-alcoholic cocktail options. That was really thoughtful of them.Overall an amazing and welcoming experience. I definitely want to return.Dietary restrictions: They have gluten free and vegan options marked on their menu
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Onigiri
Across the board high quality. The food is carefully curated and prepared for a journey through your taste buds. The menu rotates to account for the freshest ingredients. The dining room is a little tight but it still has a romantic feel to it. A must visit if you want great Japanese food in Eugene, OR!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely incredible. Couldn't be more impressed and satisfied. Every item served (and we almost ate the whole menu with our party) was amazing. Multiple "best I've ever had" instances. I feel like I've just experienced a new level of food that I've been missing out on.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TLDR: You will love your night at Meiji!I have been to Izakaya Meiji many times through the years, and I can say with confidence that it is a staple of the community. With a virtually unmatched atmosphere, stepping through the door is like entering into a parallel universe. Tall ceilings, dim lighting, and gorgeous woodwork. You feel as if you’re in a Japanese cowboy simulation. Beer served in big frothy mugs, and food that while overpriced, more than gets the job done. Furthermore, they have a great staff full of chic professionals, and with the exception of the occasional detached college student, are extremely friendly and helpful. Their Cowboy Karaoke is legendary, hosted by the inimitable DJ Baby Smooth.Overall, I highly recommend Izakaya Meiji for a fun place to drink, eat, and hang out with friends. I recommend the late-night ramen with a mug of Asahi!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Small Plates
Fantastic food and atmosphere. It’s often busy, and parking isn’t fantastic, but it’s very much worth the effort. Like I can’t think of another place that offers quality rice balls. The quality of the drinks is also fantastic. Most restaurants you’re paying for the convenience of not having to make it yourself, but here these are truly some drinks you can’t get anywhere else.