Yanaga Kappo Izakaya
By: Zachary Blumberg
Chef Kevin Yanaga’s Yanaga Kappo Izakaya provides a contemporary, nontraditional twist on the Japanese dive bar expertise in Philadelphia. Situated on the nook of Fairmount Avenue and North third Avenue within the vibrant Northern Liberties neighborhood, this high-energy restaurant opened earlier this 12 months. Its identify displays the fusion of two Japanese culinary kinds: Kappo, that means “to chop and prepare dinner,” the place small dishes are ready in entrance of shoppers, and Izakaya, an informal bar model identified for drinks and snacks.
Seafood is the star of the menu, largely sourced from Samuels. Whereas Japanese flavors dominate, Chef Yanaga incorporates distinctive touches. The favored shrimp nachos, made with tempura-fried Oishii shrimp, pickles, wonton chips, and guacamole, present a daring fusion twist. The Gohanmono (rice dishes) and Menmono (noodle dishes) embrace standouts just like the salmon and tuna poke bowls, each that includes umami cucumbers, guacamole, nori, seaweed salad, bubu arare, and sesame. Sushi lovers can take pleasure in a crab roll served with drawn butter for dipping. Preserve a watch out for the upcoming chef-curated dinner in Yanaga’s secret Omakase room, the place the “Sushi Whisperer” himself will shock diners with an unique, multi-course expertise.
Initially a BYOB, Yanaga Kappo Izakaya now boasts a powerful drink menu. Friends can take pleasure in cleverly-named cocktails like “The place Did You Study Easy methods to Spin, No-Face?”, a wide array of sake, shochu, wine, beer, and mocktails. The restaurant options each common and late-night blissful hours, providing nice offers on drinks and snacks.
The playful environment, enhanced by anime-inspired décor and art work, makes Yanaga Kappo Izakaya a energetic and vibrant vacation spot. Whether or not you’re drawn by the artistic meals, the energetic setting—full with anime and sports activities on the TVs—or the intensive drink menu, Chef Yanaga has created an area you’ll need to revisit repeatedly.
