Izakaya Restaurants in Madison, WI

“This is an excellent location and a great addition to the state street food scene. The atmosphere is immaculate—it's sort of a fantastical version of a Japanese Izakaya, with as many elements of Japanese culture as possible represented in the establishment's decor. The food is also excellent, and speaking as someone who is half Japanese, I've tasted things there I would normally only taste in Japan, which is impressive because the establishment is not Japanese owned. One small and rather particular note I have is about the rice: the side of rice I was served was quite typical of Chinese style rice; long grain rice cooked to be lighter and drier than the typical Japanese style. I would recommend cooking shorter grain white rice (sometimes labeled as sushi rice) and cooking it in the Japanese way so it comes out a little stickier. [EDIT: the last few times I've been the rice has been done in a more Japanese style and goes better with the food they serve]. Overall though, Izakaya Kuroyama is a great dinner place and late night spot perfect for a meal and/or drink after a late night shift or to close out a night out on the town. I hope it lasts for many years to come.“