0 Followers
Izakaya Sozai
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Izakaya Sozai
8.3
Beloved Inner Sunset izakaya whose sleeper hit is a rich, silky tonkotsu ramen served alongside skewers and small plates. Locals lean on it for a later kitchen than most nearby spots, especially on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Chashu add-on
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Creamy tonkotsu with true izakaya energy and weekend-late hours.
Who should go: Ramen fans wanting a lively, later dinner
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 8:30pm for later service
What to order: Tonkotsu, spicy miso, extra chashu
Insider tip: Bar seats flip faster than tables when it’s slammed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on Irving and 9th Ave fill quickly; side streets open up after 8pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit in with the cozy izakaya crowd.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but intimate; you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes for tables; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: N/A—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some small plates like agedashi tofu and salads work, but ramen broths are pork-based.
Vegan options: Minimal—no dedicated vegan ramen; may adapt sides with notice.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—ramen noodles contain wheat; skewers or rice dishes are safer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, bar seating, and shared plates make it intimate yet casual for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don’t take formal reservations; arrive before 8pm or grab a bar seat for the quickest turnaround.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for small children—tight space, late hours, and adult crowd; better for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen cravings in a cozy, date-friendly setting—richer broth and more atmosphere than fast-casual ramen shops nearby.
Skip if: You want quick service or vegetarian ramen—there are faster or more plant-forward options in the area.
Izakaya Sozai
8.1
Beloved izakaya that also serves a serious tonkotsu bowl alongside small plates and sake. It’s a sit-down experience where ramen pairs with shareables, making it a popular date-night and small-group choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Braised Pork Belly, Chicken Karaage
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Restaurant-quality izakaya plates with a legit tonkotsu ramen.
Who should go: Couples or groups that share plates
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm or early reservations
What to order: Tonkotsu, Pork Belly, Karaage
Insider tip: Seats at the bar move faster—add a sake flight with ramen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Irving and 9th; spots fill quickly after 6pm but nearby residential blocks can open up after 8pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate – buzzy energy typical of izakayas, but conversation at a two-top is comfortable.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is limited; early weekday dinners before 6:30pm usually have short waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited – a few small plates (e.g., tofu or veggie sides) but no vegetarian ramen base.
Vegan options: Minimal – most dishes use dashi or animal fats; best to call ahead for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial – grilled items and sashimi can be adapted, but ramen noodles contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy lighting, lively but not loud vibe, and sake flights make it a great choice for a relaxed but elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights before 6:30pm or at the bar, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the space is compact and the menu leans adult-focused—but older teens could enjoy the ramen and fried items.
Best For
Better for: Best for couples or small groups wanting a full izakaya experience with excellent ramen quality to match.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a quick ramen-only meal; the pace and pricing suit a seated dining night rather than a fast stop.