Credit: https://shopee.com.my/blog/best-izakaya-kl-pj/
The phenomenon of bar culture is deeply embedded within various segments of society across multiple nations. Spain is known for its tapas, Irish pubs are a prominent feature of Ireland, and beer halls are highly favored by the Germans. In Japanese culture, it is common to decompress after a demanding workday by indulging in high-balls and yakitori at a lively izakaya. The izakaya phenomenon has been disseminated to various countries, including the thriving food and beverage industry in Klang Valley. By adhering to the blueprint, the izakayas located in KL and PJ have the potential to transport you to Tokyo, without incurring the expensive cost of airfare.
1. Sushi Daiku
Credit: https://www.eatdrinkkl.com/posts/spotlight/sushi-daiku-omakase-desa-parkcity
The appetizer selection is intriguing, the room is inviting, and I can’t wait to bring more of my loved ones here in the future. The chef, as usual, was very helpful and enthusiastic in elaborating on the dishes being served. A must-do if you’re in the neighborhood!
Address: D-G-9, PLAZA ARKADIA, JALAN INTISARI PERDANA, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11.30am-10.30pm daily
2. Tansen Izakaya
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/tansenizakaya/
Offering residents a taste of what it’s like to eat at a traditional Japanese izakaya. You won’t find more genuine Sashimi, fresh seafood salads, a variety of grilled seafoods, or Mentaiko fried rice anywhere else but in Japan. There is a wide selection of Japanese alcoholic beverages available. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Highly suggested for individuals who are suffering from severe homesickness due to the global pandemic and miss Japanese cuisine.
Address: No. 36, Jalan SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Opening Hours: 1pm-3pm and 5pm-11pm daily
3. Tono Izakaya
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/tonoizakaya/
Izakaya with excellent service and not too many patrons. The menu is varied and features fresh, attractively presented meals. Try the sendo and corn salad, they’re delicious!
Address: 30, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 11.30am-3pm and 5pm-10.30pm daily
4.Fujiwara Yakitori Bar
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/fujiwarayakitori/
Food and drinks are reasonably priced. This is a great spot to have a beer or two and some BBQ skewers with your pals. The restaurant doesn’t open until 3:00, making it unsuitable for a hearty midday meal. Parking on the street is free, but you do so at your own risk because the lot is full. Sharing a ride is strongly encouraged. The ambiance is pleasant, and the service is quick and helpful.
Address: 24, Jalan Kampung Pasir, Kampung Pasir, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 3pm-11pm daily
5. Robotaya Izakaya One Utama
Credit: https://www.1utama.com.my/mall-shop/robataya-g202-g203/
Robataya Izakaya is renowned for its authentically Japanese charcoal grilled fare prepared on robata (fire-side grilling) utilizing premium binchotan charcoal. The best pieces of meat cooked over blazing hot charcoal, as well as the freshest fish and vegetables brought in directly from Japan and Tokyo’s Fish Market, ensure Robataya’s continued popularity. Favorites include the Iberico Spare Ribs Teriyaki/Nabe and the melt-in-your-mouth Buta Kyushu Yaki. Also highly recommended is the Saba Ichiya Boshi, a whole mackerel preserved in salt water for 24 hours before being cooked over the hot grill.
Address: G202 & G203 1 Utama Shopping Centre 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama One Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm daily
6. Yaki Soul Izakaya
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Excellent yakitori joint, with a hip, partially open-air, street-level layout. The house sake is a reliable choice, and the skewers here are to die for. Highly suggested
Address: 1, Jln Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am daily
7. Senya Solaris
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/senya.solaris.dutamas/
Everything on the menu is better than normal, and it’s not too expensive or dirty inside.
Address: D5-G3-5, No 1, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11.30am-10pm daily
8. Moromi Bar Damansara Heights
Credit: https://www.theyumlist.net/2022/05/moromi-kl-private-sakaya-bar-bukit-damansara.html
Located above Umameat on the first floor of Plaza Damansara, the cosy Moromi offers the best of both worlds. There is a Japanese izakaya section with tall tables. The other half is relaxed and homey, just like a living room, and it’s my favorite part. Moromi offers soft sofas and soothing music so that you can spend hours drinking and partying with your friends despite the fact that everyone else is trying to outdo you with their lavish offerings.
Address: 22 (Level, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 6pm-12am daily except closed on Sundays & Mondays
9.Ryori The Great Beer Bar
Credit: https://www.theyumlist.net/2019/10/ryori-the-great-beer-bar-pj.html
Ryori, the new yakitori kitchen inside The Great Beer Bar (GBB), has been open for a little over a month. There are over 220 different types of craft beer representing 15 different countries, so those who enjoy Japanese grilled skewers and beer are in for a treat. You may relax with a cold one, some hearty pub grub, and some quality time with your pals here.
Address: 86, Jalan SS 21/62, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 2pm-12am daily
10. JJJ Ya
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JJJYASANRIKU
The atmosphere is similar to that of an izakaya, but the menu has options that will please everyone in your party, even the pickiest eaters. The excellent service, unique meal options, and consistency of quality make this a must-visit. The grilled meats were delicious, and the ramen broth was robust and full of flavor. What you pay for is far outweighed by the value you receive.
Address: 14A, Faber Plaza, 14A, Jalan Desa Jaya, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 5pm-10pm daily