Yamamori Izakaya Japas & Sake brings the Japanese izakaya tradition to South Great George’s Street, with a menu built around small plates designed for sharing and a drinks list that puts sake firmly in the spotlight. Part of the Yamamori group, the restaurant describes its approach as an informal, relaxed take on the Japanese izakaya, where food and drink are intended to be enjoyed together.
The Yamamori Izakaya menu spans sushi, sashimi and hot japas, with plenty of choice for sharing. Weekend set lunch menus offer five japas for two, while the wider menu includes dishes such as slow-cooked duck pancakes, Irish Wagyu beef served on a hot stone with wasabi and Maldon salt, pork and vegetable gyoza, chicken nanban, aubergine tempura and ebi mayo. The sashimi selection includes bluefin tuna, otoro, yellowtail and salmon, alongside chef-selected sashimi platters.
Drinks are an important part of the experience, with an extensive selection of sake alongside cocktails and other options. The restaurant also hosts sake and food pairing events, reinforcing its focus on Japanese drinking culture.
The atmosphere is distinctly lively rather than formal. Inside, Japanese-inspired décor, warm lighting and a central sushi counter give the restaurant plenty of character, while music and DJs add to its bar-like energy. The downstairs Izakaya Basement operates as a late-night venue, with DJs and private-event hire available, making the wider space particularly suited to groups and celebrations.
Open for dinner during the week and from lunchtime at weekends, Yamamori Izakaya is well suited to casual dinners, date nights and groups looking to share a succession of dishes over drinks. There’s also a weekend lunch menu, and vegan and gluten-free options are available.