Izakaya Shodai

Erich Nachbar

A fantastic addition to the Oakland food scene. Jeffrey went above and beyond as a host and made us feel genuinely welcome. The food was outstanding across the board. The Suntory beer on tap was a refreshing change from the usual Sapporo and Asahi. Standouts were the Cajun albacore and the hamachi ceviche—absolutely incredible—but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Joanne Yuen

Update: Came back again and the udon tasted even better than the first time! Got to try the wings this time which were superb, they also changed their potato salad to a perfectly breaded potato croquette. Uni was on the menu, so we got some nigiri’s as well as topped it on our udon! Their clam risotto was also super unique and had a ton of texture. Another big surprise was the crab cake sushi roll which was a deep fried sushi roll stuffed with real crab meat, and they do not skimp on the crab! Overall another amazing experience again and I cannot wait for the full menu. —— They say good things are worth waiting for and I waited all year for izakaya shodai to open, and it did not disappoint! Gorgeous modern interior inside with plentiful seating. Soft opening so menu is more condensed but gives a good idea of what to expect from this establishment. I tried the mentaiko udon, beef tongue skewer, tuna tataki, and was also given the curry fries on the house. Fav was the beef tongue, proper cut with a perfect smokiness to it since it was grilled over charcoal, just salt and pepper is the way to go! Mentaiko udon did not skimp on the mentaiko, most places just add a creamy sauce to cover up the fact that they don’t have enough mentaiko, whereas shodai is generous with it. Noodles had a perfect bounciness to it, only slight miss is it was a tad oily, but otherwise delicious and came with a side of potato salad. Tataki was seared to perfection with great sauce and flavoring. The curry fries were also good, I think it might be better if the curry was on the side for dipping so the fries can retain its crispiness; but it was refreshing to see a dark curry dish whereas most places usually serve light curry. Cannot wait to come back and see what else is to come. Had a chance to speak with the managing partner Andy, and there are definitely some additions to the menu that I will for sure want to be the first to try (hello uni dishes!)

Brad Hubbard

The food was delicious and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Sit at the bar, have a chat with the chef when he comes out to say hi! Do not miss the curry (fries or udon) or the chicken karrage! Everything was great but those stood out. If you get the curry fries some will be stolen by whoever you're sitting with. Be prepared.

Victoria Yelensky

This place is a must-visit in Oakland!! The food is out of this world amazing!! We just got back from 3 weeks in Japan, the nigiri and sashimi were on a par with the best we had in Japan. The chicken thigh skewer was hot, tender, juicy and had a fantastic smoky flavor - straight from the grill, as it was! The owner is super friendly (served us complementary drinks and some appetizers to celebrate their soft opening). If you are looking for high quality Japanese cuisine in Oakland you must try Izakaya Shodai!

Joshua Nederhood

Kind staff and an innovative menu with top quality ingredients. We got the ume scallop starter (surprisingly smoky), uni udon (indulgent), and Red Dragon roll (excellently savory).

Noah Patawaran

I’ve been waiting for this place to open forever and I’m so glad they did! They are soft opening this week so the menu is slimmed down but everything I ordered was killer. Prices were fair for the quality and everything was plated so beautifully. I wish yall nothing but the best!

K.C.

the scallop ume bites were absolutely delicious! 100% would get again. They play a lot of kpop here if you like that~ chill place to grab a bite, though I wish some of the options were a bit more affordable

Fantastic place with cosy atmosphere. Food was a true delight and very fresh. The staff is very friendly and attentive!

So excited this place is finally open! Everything we tried was so flavorful and not always what I expected (in the best way). We had the cabbage salad, curry fries, sashimi, and crab roll. Can’t wait to try the rest of their menu! Great prices too

Was staying at an Airbnb nearby and just happened to stop in. What a pleasant surprise! The food was excellent in both taste and presentation. Jeffrey is great too.

beautiful lil spot with every bit of oakland inside. amazing food at very reasonable prices, fun drinks, and completely unpretentious. lovely experience

Very professional and cheerful team. The sashimi is fresh and elegantly presented. Great new restaurant in Oakland.

I’m so excited this place opened right around the block from me!! I adore ngiri and this spot DELIVERS. Only been there once but I WILL be back again soon.

IZEKAYA SHODAI offers bentos at Berkeley Bowl West on Monday - Wednesday. The Lu ruo fan is very good.

Freshest sushi I’ve ever had!

Newest and hottest Izakaya in Oakland! Highly recommend!!

Amazing food and staff!

Classy place for Japanese food

The food was absolutely incredible! It had a unique and delightful flavor profile. Each dish was cooked to perfection and was not too heavy on the stomach.

Just found my new go to spot when I’m in the east bay. Came here for a quick little bite before going to a concert at the Fox Theater. Jeffrey behind the bar was so sweet and welcoming and truly went above and beyond that I ended staying longer than I thought I would. Felt like a regular even though it was my first time there. And obviously the rolls and nigiri were super fresh and on point. Can’t wait to come back with all of my friends and fam.

Holy crap, I don't have to go to Berkeley for a good Izakaya anymore? Ok good is an understatement this place is stellar. Super friendly fast service. Absolutely delicious food. None of the skewers were over cooked. They all had a nice charred taste without being overwhelming. Even their rolls had super unique flavors. Solid cocktail selection with a broad sake selection. Would definitely recommend this spot. They've only been open a month and a half but operations are humming smoothly. Not too crowded, super laid back vibe.

Izakaya Shodai is on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, don't remember if that's considered Uptown or KONO. It's fairly new and they didn't disappoint. Some friends and I came in from the rain on a Saturday night. The head bartender Jeffrey was super friendly and gave us some suggestions for the menu. Highlights: There were three of us and I really enjoyed the... - Pork Belly Skewers - Kuro Fries with Curry (it was a dark Japanese curry, not too spicy) - Chicken Thigh Skewers - Chicken Karaagae - Potato Croquets We ended up ordering a second round of the pork belly and chicken thigh skewered and the Kuro Fries with Curry, that curry sauce was flavorful and very spicy. The place had a nice decor and had some tables filled when we were there, and the food we ordered came out in a several timeframe. Their bar/liquor license is currently set for beer, wine and sake (including sake based cocktails), but Jeffrey said they're working towards a full liquor license and will be serving Japanese Whiskies, I'm game for that. This is a good addition to the neighborhood and The Town.

This is a cool spot. Reminds me of the modern izakayas in Japan: music at a perfect volume, sleek colors, fast service, and a huge alcohol menu. Definitely leans more upscale which is great given the gap in Oakland's offerings. This fills a nice niche and I've already been twice. Get the udon or the albacore!

Been waiting for them to open ever since they put their sign up! Definitely gonna be a regular! I tried their ceviche, nigiri, beef tongue skewer, and mentaiko udon. The beef skewer and mentaiko udon were phenomenal. The skewer was perfectly cooked, crispy exterior but not overcooked on the inside, best thing i had there. Mentaiko udon had insane amount of umami per bite. Only constructive feedback would be the ceviche was quite strong in taste in profile as an appetizer.

Amazing new restaurant in the neighborhood that was much needed! The drink menu is unique and creative. The nigiri and skewers were soft and buttery. The uni creamy udon was the BEST dish.

We had a great experience here and will definitely be coming back!! The food was fresh, well done balanced, and clearly made with care. We ordered a mix of sushi and hot dishes, and everything came out beautifully presented and full of flavor. The fish tasted very fresh, and the rice was perfectly seasoned, not too sweet, not too vinegary. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, making it a nice spot for both a casual dinner and a special occasion. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, and our server was happy to explain menu items and offer recommendations. Overall, this place strikes a great balance between quality, authenticity, and a relaxed dining experience. Highly recommend if you’re looking for solid Japanese food and friendly service.

Much needed izakaya dinner spot for Uptown. I visited during the soft opening and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food and service, but even more impressive was their willingness to accept feedback and have a conversation about the food. Though the menu has changed a bit, I’m impressed at each dish’s execution and presentation. Highly recommend

This Japanese restaurant really exceeded my expectations. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the high standard of food they serve. Everything tasted fresh, well-prepared, and thoughtfully presented, the kind of quality you’d usually expect from a much more expensive place. What truly stood out was the service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable without ever being intrusive. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers. If you’re looking for excellent Japanese food with great value for money and outstanding service, this place is absolutely worth a visit.

Ben Epstein

This is a cool spot. Reminds me of the modern izakayas in Japan: music at a perfect volume, sleek colors, fast service, and a huge alcohol menu. Definitely leans more upscale which is great given the gap in Oakland's offerings. This fills a nice niche and I've already been twice. Get the udon or the albacore!

Hui Xu

This Japanese restaurant really exceeded my expectations. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the high standard of food they serve. Everything tasted fresh, well-prepared, and thoughtfully presented, the kind of quality you’d usually expect from a much more expensive place. What truly stood out was the service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable without ever being intrusive. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers. If you’re looking for excellent Japanese food with great value for money and outstanding service, this place is absolutely worth a visit.

Jenz

We had a great experience here and will definitely be coming back!! The food was fresh, well done balanced, and clearly made with care. We ordered a mix of sushi and hot dishes, and everything came out beautifully presented and full of flavor. The fish tasted very fresh, and the rice was perfectly seasoned, not too sweet, not too vinegary. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, making it a nice spot for both a casual dinner and a special occasion. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, and our server was happy to explain menu items and offer recommendations. Overall, this place strikes a great balance between quality, authenticity, and a relaxed dining experience. Highly recommend if you’re looking for solid Japanese food and friendly service.

Michio Fukuda

Much needed izakaya dinner spot for Uptown. I visited during the soft opening and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food and service, but even more impressive was their willingness to accept feedback and have a conversation about the food. Though the menu has changed a bit, I’m impressed at each dish’s execution and presentation. Highly recommend

Brad Sorenson

Was staying at an Airbnb nearby and just happened to stop in. What a pleasant surprise! The food was excellent in both taste and presentation. Jeffrey is great too.

Ken Hughes

Very professional and cheerful team. The sashimi is fresh and elegantly presented. Great new restaurant in Oakland.

Mike Lok

Izakaya Shodai is on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, don't remember if that's considered Uptown or KONO. It's fairly new and they didn't disappoint. Some friends and I came in from the rain on a Saturday night. The head bartender Jeffrey was super friendly and gave us some suggestions for the menu. Highlights: There were three of us and I really enjoyed the... - Pork Belly Skewers - Kuro Fries with Curry (it was a dark Japanese curry, not too spicy) - Chicken Thigh Skewers - Chicken Karaagae - Potato Croquets We ended up ordering a second round of the pork belly and chicken thigh skewered and the Kuro Fries with Curry, that curry sauce was flavorful and very spicy. The place had a nice decor and had some tables filled when we were there, and the food we ordered came out in a several timeframe. Their bar/liquor license is currently set for beer, wine and sake (including sake based cocktails), but Jeffrey said they're working towards a full liquor license and will be serving Japanese Whiskies, I'm game for that. This is a good addition to the neighborhood and The Town.

Jennifer Albee

Amazing new restaurant in the neighborhood that was much needed! The drink menu is unique and creative. The nigiri and skewers were soft and buttery. The uni creamy udon was the BEST dish.

Joy Lieuallen

So excited this place is finally open! Everything we tried was so flavorful and not always what I expected (in the best way). We had the cabbage salad, curry fries, sashimi, and crab roll. Can’t wait to try the rest of their menu! Great prices too

Dengke Wang

Been waiting for them to open ever since they put their sign up! Definitely gonna be a regular! I tried their ceviche, nigiri, beef tongue skewer, and mentaiko udon. The beef skewer and mentaiko udon were phenomenal. The skewer was perfectly cooked, crispy exterior but not overcooked on the inside, best thing i had there. Mentaiko udon had insane amount of umami per bite. Only constructive feedback would be the ceviche was quite strong in taste in profile as an appetizer.

Under new management, so this review will likely need an update after a little while to see how things pan out. The night we went was a "soft open" so it felt like they weren't quite ready for the rush of people they had that night but the food was good and, considering they weren't "ready" they did well. They should consider labeling the items on the menu that are gluten free so that people know what's ok with their food allergies/restrictions, but otherwise it was good. Will definitely go back.

Still in "soft opening" mode, so room for inevitable and continuing improvement, but quite good nonetheless. They seem to have taken the suggestion from other reviews to heart, and the (very umami) curry sauce is now mostly next to the fries for dipping. Excellent sakes and plum wine. The chef's choice sashimi was remarkable; the unagi nigiri less so. Potato croquets were surprisingly good, and the grilled mackerel outstanding. Service was friendly, attentive, and informative. Will definitely return to try the hamachi ceviche and namban black cod.

I really wanted to like this place because I’m a big fan of what they’re trying to do - bring high quality Japanese izakaya food to downtown Oakland. The vibes were on point. Great menu. But the food was disappointing, in particular the Black Cod appetizer was quite abysmal. I’d hoped for a gindara teriyaki-style melt-in-your-mouth buttery rich cod, but instead the dish was a cold, deep fried piece of fish that had obviously been fried hours if not days earlier and kept in the refrigerator for a fast assembly during service. As a result the fish was dry, overfried, cardboard-like, had little flavor, and didn’t taste anything like Japanese gindara. I think they should reduce their menu size and focus on doing a few dishes well rather than underdeliver. The other dishes were good - the skewers were flavorful, the mountain yam salad was refreshing, and the sushi was good especially considering the price.

Keith Flippin

Still in "soft opening" mode, so room for inevitable and continuing improvement, but quite good nonetheless. They seem to have taken the suggestion from other reviews to heart, and the (very umami) curry sauce is now mostly next to the fries for dipping. Excellent sakes and plum wine. The chef's choice sashimi was remarkable; the unagi nigiri less so. Potato croquets were surprisingly good, and the grilled mackerel outstanding. Service was friendly, attentive, and informative. Will definitely return to try the hamachi ceviche and namban black cod.

Eric Gavidia

Under new management, so this review will likely need an update after a little while to see how things pan out. The night we went was a "soft open" so it felt like they weren't quite ready for the rush of people they had that night but the food was good and, considering they weren't "ready" they did well. They should consider labeling the items on the menu that are gluten free so that people know what's ok with their food allergies/restrictions, but otherwise it was good. Will definitely go back.

I’m honestly very surprised by the positive reviews, because our experience was the complete opposite. The food was not fresh and extremely disappointing. We ordered the fried chicken, curry fries, curry rice, and croquettes none of it was good. The fries tasted like basic frozen fries, the croquettes had no real flavor or interest, and the curry was bland and underwhelming. The fried chicken also didn’t feel freshly made everything tasted like it had been reheated and served lukewarm. On top of that, the staff was disorganized, and more concerning: we clearly mentioned a shellfish allergy, yet we were still served curry containing shellfish. That’s not just careless, it’s unsafe. Overall, this was a big contradiction compared to the reviews we had read beforehand. Based on our experience, I would not recommend eating here. Save yourself the disappointment