Vegan Izakaya Nowhere

A good izakaya is the backbone of a night out in Japan. Wherever you’re going — fireworks, festivals, or just hanging out with friends, you’ll need a stop for drinks and food.

But some of the nighttime classics like yakitori and karaage are difficult for vegetarians and vegans to enjoy, turning nights out into a snack scramble. Unless you’re in Asakusa, that is, where Vegan Izakaya Nowhere has your back. Run by Richard Koyama-Daniels and his wife Yuki, it’s making sure everyone can enjoy that izakaya atmosphere. They’re committed to making the space a proper izakaya, where nobody has to worry about the menu.

Food

Vegan Izakaya Nowhere offers what Richard Koyama-Daniels considers to be quintessential Japanese comfort food. There’s a strong emphasis on authenticity, with late-night izakaya classics like vegan karaage and edamame beans. However, Yuki’s playful twists on the basics give the menu some spice — literally.

The edamame is seasoned with an addicting mix of Sichuan pepper and Japanese seven spice, creating a fiery yet numbing dish that’ll disappear in seconds. Yuki tells us that she’s seen customers get through 5 or 6 bowls in a night. Meanwhile, the karaage has the satisfying crunch of its meaty brethren, and is served with a sweet peppered mayo.

There are also plenty of healthy options on the menu. You can try gyoza sauced with tangy yuzu flavors, or the Pirikara Negi Hiyayakko. This dish mixes the sharpness of Japanese leek with the heat and earthiness of a chili-sesame dressing, creating a delicious, guilt-free indulgence. And don’t forget their salads either, because the wasabi, toumyo (snow peas) and onion salad is a harmony of spicy, pungent, and fresh on the tongue. The snow peas here are especially tasty, as Yuki and Richard grow their own for the salad.

After all that spice, if you need something sweet to round out the meal, their warabimochi is just the thing. Fresh, homemade mochi is rolled in soybean powder to create a pillowy, toasty bite. It’s the perfect dessert with an icy cold beer.

Drinks

Like the food, the drinks menu is simple but chosen with care. Richard and Yuki stock vegan alcohol, and there’s everything from cool pints of draft beer, to highballs and sours. If you’re not much of a drinker, there are also a few soft drinks on offer, including matcha and oolong teas. Alcoholic drinks are around ¥800, with non-alcoholic ones closer to ¥600.

Price range

Since Vegan Izakaya Nowhere has such a compact menu loaded with appetizers, it’s easy enough to get through 3 or 4 per person. Each plate is between ¥600 to ¥800, so expect to pay around ¥2,200 for your food. Add in a few drinks, and you’re looking at about ¥4,000 per person for the whole night.

Ambience

You won’t miss the izakaya from the outside — just keep your eyes peeled for the enormous orange lantern, which is lit up in the evenings. Head on in past a small, furry friend for the cozy interior.

Richard and Yuki used to run hallogallo, a vegan bar in Nakano. Music and atmosphere were their priorities, and they’ve brought that same enthusiasm to the izakaya. The duo loves city pop, and the chic decor and music brings that to light.

The inside of the izakaya has tradition meeting trendy. Spread out across two floors, the first floor counter is covered in a row of lanterns. The area is simply furnished with tables and stools. Full of people, it’s exactly like being in the middle of any popular izakaya. Relax as the music, cheerful conversation, and the sounds of tableware echo around the room.

On the second floor, the seating is more private, with larger table settings. The walls are covered in Japanese memorabilia and art, but the layout gives the area a more traditional restaurant feel. This would be the perfect spot for families to enjoy a more peaceful night out, with Richard and Yuki’s wonderful hospitality.

Making a reservation at Vegan Izakaya Nowhere

They can seat a maximum of 23 people, so for busy nights it’s worth calling ahead. Groups of more than four people should also call ahead.

You can make a reservation at Vegan Izakaya Nowhere either by contacting them on Instagram, by phone, or through their website.

Our review of Vegan Izakaya Nowhere:

As a vegetarian, one challenge for restaurants that serve entirely vegan menus is staying faithful to the essence of a cuisine. Vegan Izakaya Nowhere does an excellent job of creating food that has the soul of late-night izakaya nibbles, while staying entirely vegan. Richard and Yuki were incredibly welcoming hosts, which made a delicious meal even more homely.

Vegan Izakaya Nowhere is good for:

Anyone who wants an authentic izakaya experience in Tokyo. While aimed at vegans, this cozy izakaya is somewhere you can slip away from the rush of Tokyo life, and just enjoy an evening of food, friends, and feasting.

by Shyam Bhardwa