After a somewhat secretive soft opening Izakaya officially opened its doors Saturday, August 1. The latest Midtown establishment opens in the former Farrago's spot on West Gray from the venerable Azuma Group (Kata Robata, Soma). It's modeled after a traditional Japanese gastro-pub with surprising menu twists and artisanal crafted cocktails.
THE FOOD AND DRINK
The menu, under the direction Kata Robata's Manabu Horiuchi and former Cove chef Jean-Philippe Gaston, is not sushi-centric. Standouts include a tender octopus and seafood ceviche, tofu grilled cheese sandwich and skewered bacon wrapped mochi balls. Menu items are meant to be shared, so don't order lightly. The drink menu is crafted by Tin Roof Drink Community, while Antonio Gianola of Houston Wine Merchant curates the wine, beer and sake. Desserts aren't yet final, but expect creative treats like a take on Elvis' last supper. Take a look at Izakaya's present menu below:
THE SPACE
Design group Schooley Design (Soma, Benjy's on Washington) have created a trend project with heavy wood tones and painted concrete floors. It's a mix of industrial, luxe artisan-wood tabletops, mid-century style furniture with Japanese pop-items and toys placed thorough the space. There are two dining rooms with a central bar. The main dining room is bright with a wall of windows letting in sun from the east and an open flow to the bar. The back room facing the interior courtyard is where your next instagram worthy shots are likely to happen — the walls are covered in prismatic murals by a local tattoo artist Catfish Perez.
THE VIBE
Located on one of the busier intersections of Midtown, and with artisanal cocktails, a playful menu, and on-point design Izakaya is set to be a hot spot in the neighborhood.
