Izakaya by Tamura

Fitzroy's moody Japanese izakaya pouring sake, ramen, and standout yakitori into the small hours.

Dark, intimate izakaya atmosphere across two floors. think Osaka laneway bar transplanted to Smith Street. Funky curated music, fabric drapes between tables, and intricately designed furniture create an immersive Japanese pub feel. The downstairs bar is standing-room casual; upstairs offers a more extended dining menu.

Rotating weekly specials (2-for-1 skewers on Mondays); Saturday karaoke nights; house-brewed Tamulager rice malt beer; yuzu highball cocktails; vegan ramen option that draws repeat visits; sister venue to Tamura Sake Bar.

Japanese reviewers and frequent Japan visitors consistently praise the authenticity of the yakitori and izakaya format. One Japanese-national reviewer noted the food surpasses Tokyo restaurant standards. The chef background and sake selection align with genuine izakaya tradition.

Divided opinion. fans say high quality for the price, while critics flag small portions for $24-$30 ramen and $9 sparkling water charges. Best value comes from ordering yakitori and drinks rather than relying solely on ramen bowls.

Summary drafted with AI from public reviews.