Initially slated to open this fall, it looks like Omakase by Yanaga will open sometime after the new year. The 12-seat tasting room will create an exclusive dining experience inside of Chef Kevin Yanaga‘s Izakaya by Yanaga in Fishtown. Izakaya by Yanaga, a collaboration between Yanaga and Glu Hospitality, opened at 1832 Frankford Ave. late this summer.
Izakaya is a place where friends meet for cocktails over delicious modern bites inspired by traditional Japanese-fare. It’s casual but sophisticated atmosphere invites interaction between diners who are encouraged to share hot and cold plates from a menu of small and large modern dishes. Small plates include items like their Salmon Rice Crisp, with crispy rice spicy salmon tartare, and habanero pickles. Izakaya also serves ramen, robata skewers, sides like bok choy, umami cuke, sushi, and sashimi. Curated cocktails, beer, wine, sake, high balls, and shochu make up the drink menu. Izakaya is open Wednesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Omakase by Yanaga is still being built, and current details about the project weren’t available. However, Philly Voice reported back in September that Omakase will be accessible through double doors in the middle of the restaurant where diners will enjoy direct access to Yanaga and his chef’s tasting menu of upscale fare not found elsewhere in the city. Exclusive cocktails, sake, and Japanese scotch will also be enjoyed at Omakase.
“I wanted to offer a restaurant experience that is currently lacking in the Fishtown, Kensington and Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia,” Yanaga told Philly Voice. “I wanted to create a new restaurant that is friendly and approachable, yet has a second side with elevated food and drink selections not typically seen in our area.”
Yanaga, known as the Sushi Whisperer, has over a decade of experience making rolls in some of Philly’s best sushi joints like Double Knot, Pod, Morimoto, and Zama. Izakaya by Yanaga is his first restaurant as executive chef and Glu Hospitality partner. Glu Hospitality has brought innovative experiences to Philly with restaurants and event spaces like Figo Ristorante & Bar, Anejo Philadelphia, and Leda and the Swan.
