Looking to try the best izakayas in town? For those who are unfamiliar, an izakaya is a Japanese bar that offers bites with its booze.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top izakayas in Charlotte, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to achieve your dreams.
1. Yamazaru
Topping the list is Yamazaru. Located at 2173 Hawkins St., Suite A in South End, it is the highest-rated izakaya in Charlotte, boasting 4.5 stars out of 199 reviews on Yelp. Starters include deep-fried calamari with sweet chili sauce; panko-fried crab cake with cream sauce; and miso-marinated black cod, simply grilled. Diners can also expect an array of salads, udon soups, yaki soba, rice bowls and sushi.
Pair your meal with a specialty cocktail or martini like the Blue Dragon with Bacardi Silver coconut rum, cranberry and pineapple juices and a splash of blue Curaçao.
2. Yama Izakaya
Next up is Yama Izakaya, situated at 1324 Central Ave. in Plaza Midwood. With four stars out of 227 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar and izakaya, which offers ramen and more, has proven to be a local favorite. It's from the same team as Yama Asian Fusion, Baku and Yama.
The restaurant offers small bites like fried chicken wings with sea salt and chile pepper, kakuni buns with smoked pork belly, pan-fried dumplings and ceviche tacos. Yakitori, ramen and sushi are also on offer.
Drinks include wine, beer, Japanese whisky, cocktails or a selection off the extensive sake list.
3. Yume
Wilmore's Yume, located at 1508 S. Mint St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the sushi bar and izakaya four stars out of 24 reviews. Start your meal with pan-fried pork or vegetarian dumplings, deep-fried agedashi tofu or edamame dusted with salt and miso. Main courses include several types of ramen, nigiri and sushi and sashimi rolls.
The full bar offers options like the Blueberry Crusher, Cucumber Refresher and the Yuki Nigori lychee sake.
