We went when they opened (at 5:30) on a Saturday. While many people reserved, there were a few walk-ins (like us). If you are going to arrive any later than 5:30 on a weekend, I woud recomment reservations.So for the appetizer, we orered the Iyasure Kaklage Tempura. It seemed mostly of sweet potato, but it as fine with a nice presenation.Our family went with ramen. I went with the vegetable shoyu ramen and the rest had the chashu miso ramen. The vegatable was good but I wish they had a vegan version. It is always disappointing when you are in the bay area and the menu doesn't offer a vegan option. The chashu was salty for my wife and my kids thought it was "too many vegetables" in it. It would be nice if they offered to serve the vegetables on the side for children. Other than that, the serving size is rather large so go hungry or be prepared to throw a lot of food away or take it home with you.We ordered a roll but it never came (though we were charged for it). The service was good though as the waiters were always quick to fill the water and the drinks came quickly. Costs will run you about $30-$40/person + drinks so it may be spendy for some. Not sure if we will return and if we do, we'll likely try the rolls as they looked good as the waiters were brinking it out. My kids said they will not eat ramen in a place that doesn't offer tonkatsu.
There’s not a lot of buzz on iyasare - but it has become one of our absolute favorites in Berkeley with consistently yummy foods!!!! Our favs are the California rolls (with real crab pieces!), kakiage tempura with shrimp and bonito broth, bacon grilled mochi, and any of their salads and sushi are always wonderful. Seats can get pretty booked - so make sure you reserve ahead. And their crews are so attentive as well.
i ate here 2-3 times a week. I asked to return an inexpensive dish for the first time in months. They refused. There is an end to the arrogant abuse diners can be put to while supporting robustly expensive restaurants. Apparently, the restaurant is asking Trip Advisor to take down my review, as it disappeared. This is a "take it or leave it space", regardless of diner loyalty or support. i would go to kinder restaurants, like Ippuku, Soba Mochi, Fish and Bird.
Amazing…well worth it. Staff so helpful, food was awesome
Love ambience! The service was wonderful.
Our food staff was amazing as was the food. The loss of the star is due to during the end of our dinner as our plates are still on our table being told the kitchen is closing in 10 minutes at 7:45 PM. We were shocked at a restaurant 2/3 full with people still dining would be pushing people out the door. We wrapped up that birthday celebration quickly !
ATMOSPHERE:The restaurant is located in middle of 4th street shopping promenade in Berkeley, and it was absolutely beautiful at night (shortly after the new year) where all of the trees along the street were decorated really nicely with lights. We were seated outside on the patio, with a heat lamp to keep us warm, admiring all the christmas lights along the promenade.FOOD:Sendai hot chicken (5 out of 5): My favorite. The chicken is fried to a crisp, and wow it is quite spicy, so beware. But the soy glaze dipping sauce helped to balance out the spice.Kara-age curry don (4 out of 5): In retrospect, this was a bit redundant with the sendai hot chicken, as this came with a similar fried chicken which was crispy fried and delicious. Comes with a standard Japanese curry which I've had many times before, but the fried chicken was great.Okonomiyaki pancake Ginza style (3.5 out of 5): Most likely just my own taste buds, but it was a little too seafood for me. But if you're really into seafood, this might be a treat.Yasai yaki (3.5 out of 5): A little plain for me. It also came with bonito flakes, which I felt was a bit out of place. If you're vegetarian, you may want to ask them to omit that.
Great service, thanks Donna!
ATMOSPHERE:The restaurant is located in middle of 4th street shopping promenade in Berkeley, and it was absolutely beautiful at night (shortly after the new year) where all of the trees along the street were decorated really nicely with lights. We were seated outside on the patio, with a heat lamp to keep us warm, admiring all the christmas lights along the promenade.FOOD:Sendai hot chicken (5 out of 5): My favorite. The chicken is fried to a crisp, and wow it is quite spicy, so beware. But the soy glaze dipping sauce helped to balance out the spice.Kara-age curry don (4 out of 5): In retrospect, this was a bit redundant with the sendai hot chicken, as this came with a similar fried chicken which was crispy fried and delicious. Comes with a standard Japanese curry which I've had many times before, but the fried chicken was great.Okonomiyaki pancake Ginza style (3.5 out of 5): Most likely just my own taste buds, but it was a little too seafood for me. But if you're really into seafood, this might be a treat.Yasai yaki (3.5 out of 5): A little plain for me. It also came with bonito flakes, which I felt was a bit out of place. If you're vegetarian, you may want to ask them to omit that.
Shared a seafood dish. So-so at best. The miso soup was way too salty.