Hello dear
At Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya, we celebrate the artistry of Japanese cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nestled in Berkeley, our izakaya offers an impressive selection of fresh sashimi, unique small plates, and delightful cocktails. Highlights include our expertly crafted sashimi moriawase and the melt-in-your-mouth tuna collar, promising a memorable culinary experience. Our outdoor seating invites guests to savor the flavors amid a lively vibe, while attentive service ensures every visit feels special. Whether indulging in crispy chicken karaage or refreshing cold udon, we create a community where every dish tells a story, and every meal is a joyous experience.
About
Welcome to Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya, the heartbeat of contemporary Japanese cuisine in Berkeley, California. Nestled at 2451 Shattuck Ave., this izakaya is a tribute to traditional Japanese dining, infused with innovative culinary techniques and fresh local ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of Japanese flavors or a curious newcomer, this establishment promises a delightful gastronomic journey.
As you step into Fish & Bird, you'll notice an inviting atmosphere that encourages camaraderie and sharing. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes family-style, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family. Each dish resonates with the spirit of izakaya dining, where food is not just a meal but an experience enriched by conviviality.
For those seeking a drink to complement their meal, the cocktail menu offers a refreshing array of choices. Signature cocktails such as the Improved Whisky Highball and FB GT are crafted with precision, ensuring that each sip enhances the vibrant flavors of the food.
Customer reviews echo the praise for Fish & Bird; diners relish the high-quality ingredients and the well-executed dishes. One guest, Anthony Pape, marveled at the "huge" tuna collar, grilled to perfection with a balance of texture that made each bite a revelation. Similarly, V W shared their excitement for Chicken Karaage and the new late-night menu, highlighting the enjoyable atmosphere fostered by the staff.
In addition to its seasonal offerings, Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya is dedicated to showcasing the best of California's seafood, ensuring an ever-evolving menu that delights returning patrons. The echoes of satisfaction from diners and the warm ambiance of the place come together to create a dining experience that is both fulfilling and memorable.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink or a prolonged dining adventure, Fish & Bird welcomes you with open arms and an exquisite menu that shines a light on the richness of Japanese culinary tradition. Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience.
“ Just went for our sons birthday. 1st time eating here and we were not disappointed. They were short staffed and Cal just beat Stanford, Go Bears! Considering they were packed and only 4 servers they were able to handle it very well. We ordered the sea bean corn tempura, anchovie stuffed olives, both great bar snack food. Next was the sashimi which was very high quality seared tuna, toro, kanpachi, kanpachi belly sea trout. Our main was the tuna collar which was, as the menu states HUGE! Grilled nicely with rare well done sections. It was very fatty and delicious! Between 4 of us, 2 adults 2 children, we ate about 85. Dessert we had the basque cheesecake hojicha roasted tea ice cream. Needless to say we were stuffed and happy. Well be back and look forward to trying more. ”
“ I usually come here for yummy chicken karaage, kaki fry fried oysters and other staple dishes. Their warm house sake is also a great pairing. Stayed for the new late night menu this time and I am glad we waited. Shrimp chips with draft Asahi beer was heavenly! Wagyu burger was juicy and flavorful. Would love to bring more friends next time to try other dishes on the late night menu. On top of that you know the food is going to be wonderful when the staff were having a good time serving you and enjoying their off time staying around after their shift ended. Updated 9172024 Excellent fresh shrimps and albacore from west coast off California. The special sauce with olive oil was very tasty. Kaki fry fried oysters was great as usual. Always happy to be back to try the freshest dishes Fish and Bird offered for the seasonal catch. ”
“ What a great find in the Berkeley East Bay Area! Restaurant is spacious, and all food items we ordered from small dish, appertizier, main to dessert taste great. Particular highlight will be the Agedashi tofu homemade! and oden dishes. ”
“ Made reservation, and came here on a weekend during Berkeley restaurant week and had dinner, outdoor dining. All dishes are served family style. I really like the green beans fritters served with curry sansho salt. The sashimi was fresh and tasty. The salad and the smoked fish, a special dish that was not on the menu, was yummy. I will definitely go back and try other dishes. ”
“ This was my second time at Fish and Bird. I love it each time I come. Theres a lovely, calm atmosphere, the food is delightfully unique, a playground for the pallet. We always order the house tofu and the Fried oysters, and this time got the sushimi platter. It took a little while to get the platter but it was worth the wait. The fish was delectable, high quality and fresh. We closed our dinner with the cold udon and that was refreshing as well. ”
“ Food was incredible. Each plate was well thought out and executed. The soft tofu is not to be missed and the recently added black cod collars were a perfect balance of smokey, acid, and fish fats. ”
“ Great seafood, though it is rather expensive. The portion sizes are all small, so be prepared to order multiple dishes if you want a full meal. Everything was delicious, though, and our waiter was very helpful and friendly. ”
“ We arrived on a rainy chilly Friday night, with most other places in Berkeley packed with at least 30mins waits. Luckily, we squeezed into the bar counter here, and it was worth it. The vibe was warm and inviting, perfect setting for a cozy izakaya experience. The menu didnt disappoint. The wagyu beef was delicious, and Basque cheesecake was light yet creamy, and the fried chicken stole the show juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. To top it off, we were pleasantly surprised with complimentary drinks. All in all, a fantastic warm up before our trip to Japan ”