01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Sliding open the door to Ikedaya, situated right next to the My Basket market in Ota Ward’s Kamiikedai, brings an immediate drift of charcoal smoke and simmered broth. Opening in the early evening, this welcoming izakaya suits both a solo diner unwinding at the counter after work and groups settling into a table for an unhurried round of drinks.
Stewed dishes are the house specialty and a natural starting point. Two distinct styles are on offer: tender stewed beef tendon steeped in deep, savory miso, and stewed beef offal prepared in a lighter, salt-seasoned dashi broth that highlights the sweetness of the fat. The 2 varieties let diners choose according to mood or drink pairing—draft beer and Hoppy complement the hearty tendon stew, while sake and shochu sit comfortably alongside the cleaner profile of the offal.
The meat selections go well beyond stews. A notable house favorite is the rebateki, liver that diners sear to their preferred doneness on a heated stone. Heartier plates feature Hayashi SPF pork, seen in both charcoal-grilled pork skewers and ginger-fried pork belly. Skewers can be ordered starting from 1 stick, covering cuts such as liver, joshiro (rectum), chicken thigh, and tsukune, seasoned with tare, salt, or scallion salt sauce. For something lighter between skewers, toriwasa garnished with condiments or sliced pork shabu-shabu with citrusy ponzu make refreshing interludes.
The drink lineup complements the menu with standard chuhai and highballs alongside options like Ise matcha high, shiso-flavored Baise sour, and craft gin lemon sour. To round out the meal, hot beef tendon gukbap and onigiri—stuffed with a choice of umeboshi, salmon, spicy mentaiko, or special house miso—ensure a satisfying finish before heading out.
The dining room is entirely non-smoking, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable, and advance reservations are accepted. Whether dropping in for a solitary drink after the workday or gathering with close companions over shared plates, it remains an unpretentious, reliable stop in the neighborhood.
