Junkichi Robata Izakaya debuts on Broadway, with robot service

Junkichi Robata Izakaya debuts on Broadway, with robot servicePhoto: Junkichi Robata Izakaya/Yelp
Hoodline
Published on May 10, 2018

A new izakaya and sushi bar, offering seafood and more, has opened for business in the neighborhood. Located at 224 Broadway E. (between Olive Way and Thomas Street) in Capitol Hill, the fresh arrival is called Junkichi Robata Izakaya.

The new restaurant offers modern robatayaki eats, where "fresh meat, fish and vegetables are charcoal-grilled right in front of the customers and served piping hot out of the fire, as it has been done in Japan for centuries," per a press release. 

On the menu, look for the amberjack carpaccio with micro greens, yuzu pepper and edible flowers; grilled sashimi grade scallops wrapped with aged prosciutto; and wagyu beef rib-eye. (Take a look at the full menu here.)

Junkichi also offers service with an assist from Sota, a small AI robot that is placed on tables to help customers and servers communicate. Previously, Sota was seen at Santouka Ramen restaurant in University Village, run by Junkichi's parent company. 

With a 4.5-star rating out of 25 reviews on Yelp so far, the new izakaya has already made a good impression.

Edward S. said, "Junkichi Robata Izakaya is a great new Japanese restaurant in Capitol Hill.  Its unique feature is that the food is cooked with a charcoal grill. Make sure you have a reservation — even the seats at the bar require it."

And Chen-hsi W. wrote, "The food was phenomenal and the service was excellent. They serve authentic Japanese izakaya style food with [a] complex flavor profile."

Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Junkichi Robata Izakaya is open from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–11 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.