Nine Izakayas in Hong Kong for Bites and Drinks on Heady and Chill Nights

Izakayas. They are everywhere in Japan and have pervaded the Hong Kong gastronomic scene with their no-nonsense approach to delicious food, thirst-quenching drinks, and good vibes. Made up of three kanji that translates to "stay-drink-place," izakayas are often the go-to of people after work to unwind with friends (or alone) up until the wee hours, where they gobble small plate after small plate and drink after drink, interrupted only by good conversation.

For nights when you just want to chill or go on an exciting food haunt with friends, these nine izakayas around Hong Kong should be up your alley.

Fukuro

This izakaya can be your escapism from reality for days when the algorithm of city life becomes too much to bear. Located in trendy SoHo, Fukuro promises an array of mouthwatering small plates and a wide range of drinks, from sake and highballs to cocktails and Japanese whisky. It also offers a curated omakase dinner from Sunday to Thursday for groups of four and up, which you can book on its website. Fukuro is open daily from 6 PM to 12 AM.

Location: 1-5 Elgin Street, SoHo

Uoharu

Uoharu in Central is the seafood izakaya's first location outside of Tokyo, Japan. Having opened its debut spot in 2018 and a second location in Pacific Place during the pandemic in 2021, Uoharu can easily be regarded as one of the go-to izakayas in Hong Kong thanks to its sensible ala carte, lunch set, and delivery set menus and selection of local and Japanese whisky, gins, and cocktails. You can reserve a table at Uoharu from this website.

Locations: 7/F, M88 Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street; Shop 001, Level LG1, Pacific Place, 88, Queensway, Admiralty

Hige Izakaya

Hige Izakaya marries the traditional with the contemporary in its menu by employing creativity while staying true to Japan's cooking techniques. It boasts of only using the finest quality ingredients available, with fresh seafood flown in one to two times a week from Japan for ultimate freshness. This cosy after-work late-night spot specialises in kushiyaki or meat skewers, as well as whisky and beer. It's open from Monday to Saturday from 5 PM to 11 PM.

Location: Shop A, G/F, Woodland House, 9A-9C Castle Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island

Amazake

This izakaya and Japanese cocktail bar in Lan Kwai Fong is "inspired by the crazy nightlife and ferocious drinking culture of Japan," so if you're up for an unforgettable night, this spot is for you. Try out its Amazake Bento Box (HK$280), which comprises sushi, sashimi, grilled or stewed bites, tempura, and rice, for something filling. Don’t forget to grab a drink or two from its beverage menu, which includes, among others, signature cocktails, sake, and classic selections.

Location: Shop A, G/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central

The Aubrey

Locals and tourists alike can find a home at The Aubrey, regarded as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Nestled on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, this Japanese izakaya has all-day drinks and culinary delights in store for its patrons, along with a drawing room and curio lounge. Some of its menu highlights include the Two Bishops, a concoction of aged rum, rye whisky, citrus, matcha, and milk, and Archer's Rokh, comprising Genmaicha gin, awamori, honey, citrus, and lavender.

Location: 25/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong at 5 Connaught Road, Central

Roji

Roji along D'Aguilar Street replicates the vibe of Tokyo's hidden alleyway night food scene. Open from Monday to Wednesday from 5 PM to 1 AM and Thursday to Saturday from 5 PM to 2 AM, this Tokyo-hailing izakaya offers appetizers, starters, hot plates, and mains, one of which we recommend is the A4 Wagyu Beef (HK$298), which comes with shiso ponzu and market vegetables. For drinks, enjoy a good range of sake, white wine, red wine, beer, and Champagne. For groups of four or more, reserve a table on Roji's website.

Location: 20A D'Aguilar Street, Central

Kyozasa

Expect authentic Japanese cuisine at Kyozasa with its fresh seafood and home-cooked menu, as well as local sake and shochu that are difficult to find in Japan. Plant-based peeps can also delight in its menu for vegetarians. Must-tries include the Yellowtail Sashimi Bowl (HK$80), the Japanese Big Chicken Fillet Cutlet (HK$98), and the Grilled Idiot Fish (HK$380), among many others.

Location: 1/F, Bo Fung Bldg, 34 Haiphong Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

BENTORI

Pandemic-born BENTORI is the trendiest new kid on the yakitori and bar block. Open every Monday to Saturday from 12 PM to 10 PM, BENTORI boasts of a wide array of bentos for those who want their fill, including Gyudon (HK$65), Pork Katsudon (HK$80), and the Kushiyaki Set (Beef; HK$140), among others, which come with miso soup and salad. For a la carte mains, choose among the scrumptious Mentaiko Udon (HK$158) and the Unagi Fried Rice (HK$178). Have your treats delivered to your doorstep via Deliveroo. BENTORI also offers services for private parties and catering.!

Location: 10 Tit Hong Lane, Central & Western District

Musubi Hiro

This izakaya-style gastropub along Cochrane Street is inspired by the retro Tokusatsu, a Japanese genre of live-action series from the 1960s known for its giant monsters that battle superheroes and robots. The pandemic-born Musubi Hiro specialises in musubi, a Japanese snack in the form of a block of rice, nori seaweed, and a variety of other ingredients and protein. Whether you're a vegetarian, pescatarian, or a meat-eater, you're bound to find something you'll love on Musubi Hiro's menu, from Truffle Egg Potato Salad (HK$68) and Hiro Karaage Chicken (HK$78) to Wagyu and Truffle Musubi (HK$158) and OMG Sea Urchin Musubi (HK$288), among others. For drinks, choose among sake, beer, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. It is open daily from 12 AM to 12 PM.

Location: G/F, 37 Cochrane St, Central