After a busy and stressful week, my husband and I needed a night to unwind. We found just the spot in Gifu—a cozy izakaya that mixes the warmth of Japanese pub culture with the flavors of Italy. The moment we sat down, with the chatter of other tables around us and the smell of grilled food in the air, we knew it was going to be one of those meals where every bite feels comforting yet surprising.
Most izakayas in Japan focus on classics like yakitori, karaage, or sashimi. But this one offered something different: a menu full of Italian-inspired dishes sitting side by side with Japanese favorites. It’s the kind of place where you can order grilled gizzards one moment and a thin-crust Margherita pizza the next. That playful mix is what makes dining in Japan so special—it’s tradition with a twist.
📍 Location on Google Maps:
Ohusakaba Lion
🥢 Our Table Full of Surprises
- Grilled Chicken Gizzards with Scallions and Lemon
Herb-seasoned and full of flavor, with green onion and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up. Chewy in the best way, and absolutely delicious.
- Margherita Pizza
Thin-crust, simple, and perfectly balanced. The light char from the oven and the fresh basil made it unforgettable without being heavy.
- Honey Cheese Pizza
My favorite of the night. The sweet honey against the salty cheese was so addicting that I kept reaching for another slice before I even realized it.
- Pepperoncino Pasta (Sicilian-Style)
A little spicy, garlicky, and full of flavor. The menu said it was Sicily-style—though I’ve never been to Sicily to compare, it was absolutely delicious and comforting in its own way.
- Salmon Carpaccio
Delicate slices of salmon with olive oil and herbs, refreshing and light.
- Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms
Perfectly fried so they were light and easy to eat. Honestly, before I knew it, the plate was empty—it was that good.
Drinks, of course, flowed easily. My husband enjoyed both beer and wine throughout the night, while I went for something lighter and sweeter.
A Little About Izakaya Culture
For anyone unfamiliar, an izakaya (居酒屋) is a Japanese-style pub. It’s where friends, coworkers, and families go after work to relax, drink, and share food.
A few things I love about izakayas:
- Sharing is the rule – Unlike Western restaurants where you might order one plate per person, izakayas are about ordering many small plates and enjoying them together. It feels casual, fun, and social.
- Otoshi (お通し) – At most izakayas, you’ll be served a small appetizer when you sit down. It’s part of the table charge and a little “welcome snack” from the kitchen.
- Atmosphere – Loud, cheerful, and relaxed. You don’t have to worry about being formal—it’s about enjoying the moment.
- Endless Variety – You’ll find everything from sashimi to fried chicken to fusion dishes like the ones we tried here. Each izakaya has its own style, which makes discovering new ones so exciting.
This particular izakaya felt both familiar and new: the laughter, clinking glasses, and smell of grilled food gave me that cozy “Japan” feeling, while the pizzas and pasta brought in a fun surprise.
Tips for Enjoying Izakayas in Japan
- 💴 Expect an otoshi (small appetizer with table charge).
- 🍶 Don’t just stick to beer and sake—wine or fruity drinks go well in fusion-style izakayas.
- 🥢 Share everything—half the fun is tasting a bit of everything together.
- ⏰ Go early on weekends—places like this can fill up quickly.
- 🙏 Don’t rush—izakayas are about lingering, chatting, and enjoying.
What stood out wasn’t just the food, but the atmosphere. It still had the heart of an izakaya—casual, welcoming, full of laughter—but with dishes that took us on a little flavor journey to Italy. For me, it was the perfect reminder of why I love exploring food in Japan: it’s familiar yet always full of surprises.
Nights like this remind me why izakayas are such a core part of Japanese life. They aren’t just about eating—they’re about slowing down, reconnecting, and sharing joy, one plate at a time.
📌 Quick Guide: Italian-Inspired Izakaya in Gifu
- 📍 Location: Ohusakaba Lion
- 💴 Budget: Around ¥3,000–¥4,500 per person (depending on drinks)
- 🍴 Must-Try Dishes: Honey cheese pizza, grilled chicken gizzards with lemon, fried enoki mushrooms, pepperoncino pasta
- 🍷 Drinks: Beer, wine, sake, cocktails, and fruity options
- ✨ Atmosphere: Cozy, lively, and casual—a mix of izakaya warmth with Italian flair
- 👥 Best For: Date nights, casual dinners with friends, or anyone who loves food with a twist
- ⏰ Tip: Go early on weekends to avoid long waits, and bring an appetite—you’ll want to try a little of everything
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