10 Best Izakaya in Bangkok for After-Work Drinks and Gatherings

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10 Best Izakaya in Bangkok for After-Work Drinks and Gatherings

Settle into a Japanese-style spot with great food and drinks galore — perfect for unwinding after a long day.

You've probably heard the word "izakaya" plenty of times. An izakaya is a Japanese-style eating-and-drinking spot, a kind of after-work refuge where people sit down to eat, sip a drink and chat with friends or a partner in a relaxed setting. Bangkok is now home to a growing crop of new izakaya, each with its own style and charm — from cosy spots that feel straight out of local Japan to modern takes built for the new generation of hangouts.

Irasshaimase (welcome)! Today we're rounding up some of the city's most atmospheric izakaya, where the decor, warm lighting, soft music, and generous Japanese menu of skewers, sashimi, small bites and drinks all come together. Whether you're after a relaxing spot after a tiring day, a place to catch up with friends, or a cosy dinner destination, this list has a style for everyone.

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Nihon Saiseisakaba

First up is Nihon Saiseisakaba, a Japanese-run izakaya with around 20 branches back in Japan. It's famous for its grilled offal skewers — chefs train in Japan for two months to master offal cleaning and grilling techniques, so offal fans are in for a treat. Plenty of other options await if offal isn't your thing. The must-try "yaki" selection includes chicken liver, beef tongue and grilled throat, all cooked just right — and skewers start at just 10 baht. Don't miss the beef tsukune meatball, ordered at every table and best dipped in egg. The space is great for hanging out and is pet-friendly too.

Branches: BLOQyard on Sathorn and Sukhumvit 26. Open daily 11am–2pm and 5pm–midnight.

Sunyo Izakaya

Settle in at this Okinawan-style izakaya in the Lat Phrao area, where the atmosphere whisks you to Japan without the flight. The space is cute and cosy, with Japanese lanterns and photo-friendly spots like the "fish tank corner" everyone stops to snap.

Foodies shouldn't miss signature dishes like the rich, slurp-worthy Okinawan pork kimchi soup, or the Japanese rolls packed with fresh flavour. On Saturday nights there's live music, and it's pet-friendly too — bring friends, a date, or your furry companion.

Location: Sukhonthasawat Soi 32, Kaset–Nawamin. Open 5pm–midnight (closed Mondays).

Sunnyman

A homey izakaya whose owner-chef is genuinely Japanese, serving up meals that feel like dining in Japan at an accessible price. A highlight is the open kitchen, where you can watch the chef cook each dish fresh — adding to the friendly, local-izakaya vibe.

The menu sets it apart from typical izakaya. Must-tries include the rich nanban fried chicken and a range of smoked meats and fish. Don't miss the authentic Okayama-style okonomiyaki, and finish with the signature charcoal-grilled baguette ice cream. There's also a birthday promo that gives away free fried chicken based on your age.

Branches: Charoen Nakhon 45 and Narathiwat 22. Open daily; Mon–Fri 5–11pm, Sat–Sun 11.30am–11pm.

Shidai Kushiyaki

A small Sukhumvit izakaya that feels like eating at a friend's place — warm and welcoming. Signature dishes include soft mentaiko sweet egg, fresh hamachi, and oyster rice that keeps people coming back. Everything is cooked with care in authentic Japanese style, with charcoal aromas drifting from the kushiyaki grill.

The decor is simple but full of detail, like sitting inside a little house in Japan — ideal for a relaxed after-work dinner or a chill hangout with friends.

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 60 (Phra Khanong Tai, next to Huus Plate). Open 11.30am–10.30pm (closed Tuesdays).

Kenshin Izakaya

Ask about izakaya in Bangkok and many will name Kenshin Izakaya — a well-known chain with branches across the city, several right by the BTS for easy access.

Must-tries include rich, fragrant crab miso (kani miso) and vinegar-marinated mackerel served with wasabi. The menu spans hotpots, sashimi and other izakaya staples. A signature drink is the matcha sparkling chrysanthemum — unlike anything else. The restaurant also caters for banquets and company parties.

Branches: 5 outlets (Asok, Sukhumvit, Ari, Silom, MBK). Open daily 11am–midnight.

Obanzai Kitaro

An izakaya devoted to obanzai, Kyoto-style home cooking, standing out with a rotating menu of small homemade dishes cooked fresh daily from seasonal ingredients — delicate, easy to eat and served in a warm, cosy setting that feels like a small local restaurant in Japan.

The restaurant went viral for its oden, simmered by the Japanese owner "Mika-san" into a fragrant, well-rounded broth true to the original. Besides oden, other dishes shine too, especially the wok-fragrant mentaiko fried rice. Every plate is homestyle food made with care and attention.

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 41 (Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana). Open daily 5pm–midnight.

Hokkaido Genshiyaki

A Hokkaido-style izakaya in the Silom area, notable for top-quality ingredients flown in from Hokkaido and the traditional genshiyaki (原始燒) technique — slow-grilling over gentle heat so seafood and fish cook through evenly, tender and juicy, with the charcoal aroma drawing out the ingredients' full flavour.

The must-order signature is grilled hokke (Atka mackerel), crisp-skinned with tender flesh. Though it's a Japanese restaurant, a surprising favourite is the bacon cream pasta — rich and well-balanced without being heavy. The warm, friendly setting is perfect for a casual after-work meal or hangout.

Branches: Silom Soi Thaniya and Sukhumvit 26. Open daily 11.30am–2pm and 5–10pm.

TORI Izakaya

A small izakaya in Phra Khanong with a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. The counter-bar setup gives it a light omakase feel. True to its name "Tori" (chicken), the chicken dishes shine — from big, juicy karaage with a thin crispy batter to skewers like chicken thigh and heart, heavy on the charcoal aroma.

There's more worth ordering, including Japanese rice risotto with ribeye steak and giant takoyaki. All in all, it's an izakaya with tasty food, photo-worthy presentation, great vibes and friendly prices. Looking for a chill spot around Sukhumvit or Phra Khanong? Bookmark this one.

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 42/1 (Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei). Open 12–3pm and 6–10.30pm (closed Tuesdays).

Aburi Ishida

A yakitori favourite among izakaya lovers, famed for its grilled chicken skewers. It's been around a while yet still packs the house — best to book ahead, as tables fill up fast.

Regulars order the grilled chicken skewers — skin, thigh and heart — plus creamy chicken liver pâté served with bread. The grilled rice ball in chicken broth is another must-try, its fragrant, soothing soup pure comfort.

Beyond the grill, the pastas and other dishes also impress beyond expectation — a spot that nails both atmosphere and flavour, and keeps people coming back.

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 51 (Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana). Open 5.30–11pm (closed Tuesdays).

Kimi Nomu

The must-order is the "Nomu Pot," a Japanese clay-pot rice served piping hot — lift the lid and the aroma hits you, topped generously with snow crab, snow crab and salmon roe. Mix everything together before digging in. Another favourite is the Asari Udon Vongole with Karasumi, swapping pasta for udon for a satisfyingly chewy, well-rounded bite that never feels heavy.

Location: Somkid Soi (Lumphini, Pathum Wan). Open 11am–2pm and 5pm–midnight (closed Mondays).