How do you order food and drinks at an izakaya in Japan?

A clear guide to sitting down, ordering a first drink, sharing dishes over the evening, understanding the table charge and paying the bill at an izakaya.

Published October 20, 2026 at 7:38 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Sit where staff direct you, accept the hand towel and the small starter, and order a first drink right away, often beer ("toriaezu nama"). Then order shared dishes in rounds as the evening goes, using the menu, a tablet or by calling staff. Pay at the end, usually at the register or after asking for the bill.

What an izakaya is and how an evening works

An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub where friends and colleagues share many small dishes and drinks over a couple of hours. Think of it as a mix between a bar and a restaurant: the menu runs from grilled skewers and fried chicken to salads, sashimi and rice dishes, and the mood is relaxed and lively. Izakaya are found near most train stations, in many price ranges.

Evenings follow a rhythm. Guests are seated, drinks arrive first, then a series of dishes appears over time rather than all at once. Nobody expects you to decide on the whole meal at the start. This staggered style suits groups, couples and solo travelers alike, and counter seats are common for one or two people.

Drinks go beyond beer. Typical lists include highballs (whisky and soda), sake, shochu (a distilled spirit), plum wine, fruit-flavored sours, tea and soft drinks. Prices differ widely between a chain-style izakaya and a small owner-run place, so glance at the menu or ask before you settle in.

Step by step: from the door to the first drink

Staff greet you with "irasshaimase" (welcome) and ask how many people are in your group. Hold up fingers to show the number. You may be shown to a table, a counter seat or a low table where you remove your shoes at the entrance. Follow the staff's lead, since seating can depend on the size of the group.

Soon an oshibori (a small wet towel) arrives for cleaning your hands. Use it for your hands only, as etiquette guides note, and not your face. Then order a first drink. Many Japanese groups say "toriaezu nama" (beer for now, to start), which means everyone orders draft beer together so the toast, "kanpai," can happen quickly. Soft drinks, tea and other alcohol are fine too.

Ordering food: menus, tablets and sharing

Izakaya menus often include photos, handwritten specials on the wall or an English menu, and many places now use a tablet at the table with pictures and language options. If no tablet is present, raise a hand and call out "sumimasen" (a polite attention-getter, like "excuse the interruption") or "onegaishimasu" (please) to get staff attention.

Dishes are meant for sharing, so order a few at a time and add more as the table empties. Common first choices are edamame (soybeans), a salad, grilled skewers called yakitori, and fried items. Tell staff about allergies, and ask for recommendations by saying "osusume wa nan desu ka?" (what do you recommend?). Rice, noodles or soup often come at the end of the evening.

Costs, the table charge and all-you-can-drink plans

Many izakaya serve a small appetizer without being asked. It is called otoshi or tsukidashi, and it works as a seating or table charge, not a free gift, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. It typically costs a few hundred yen per person. At some places you can decline by asking politely, but in many it is fixed, so expect it on the bill.

Tipping is not customary in Japan, so the price on the receipt is the amount to pay. Some izakaya offer nomihodai (all-you-can-drink for a set time) or course menus that bundle food and drinks. These can be good value for groups but often have a time limit and last-order call, so ask staff how they work before agreeing. Check the official or restaurant pages for current prices.

Who it suits and special cases

Izakaya suit adults, but many welcome families earlier in the evening. Some places expect each guest to order at least one dish, so check at the door if you plan to share a single plate. Vegetarians and travelers with allergies should speak up early; menus often rely on fish stock, pork and soy sauce, and staff may have limited English. Showing a translated card can help.

Solo travelers can sit at the counter, which is often the easiest way to order and chat with staff. Smoking rules vary, with many places now offering non-smoking seating. Check when booking if this matters. Groups of four or more are often wise to reserve for busy nights, as popular venues fill quickly.

Common mistakes

A frequent mistake is ordering too much at once. Dishes arrive in sequence and a table can fill up quickly. Another is expecting a single server to stay near you; staff typically wait until you call. Do not wave a hand wildly. A raised hand and a polite "sumimasen" is enough, and a call button on the table works the same way.

Visitors also sometimes refuse the otoshi, assuming it is a free snack, and are surprised when it appears on the bill. Finally, pouring your own drink first is a small faux pas in group settings: it is polite to pour for others and let them pour for you, holding the glass with both hands as they pour.

There is also the matter of pace. A relaxed izakaya meal can last two hours or more, and staff do not hurry guests away, though some venues set a seating time limit during busy hours. If a limit applies, staff usually mention it at the door or on the menu, and it is easy to plan around once you know.

Paying and planning your visit

When you are ready to leave, catch a staff member's eye and say "okaikei onegaishimasu" (the bill, please) or make an X with your fingers. Staff may bring a paper slip to the table, or you may be told to pay at the register near the exit. The Tokyo tourism office suggests simply asking whether you should pay at the table or the register.

Payment by card is accepted in many places but not all, so carry cash. Groups often split evenly or separately, and asking before ordering whether separate bills are possible saves time. This guide shares general information; rules and charges change, so confirm details with the venue or official tourism pages before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does toriaezu nama mean?

It means roughly "a draft beer for now" and is the usual way a group orders the first round so everyone can toast quickly. Visitors do not have to drink beer. Saying you would like a different drink or a soft drink is perfectly acceptable.

Can visitors split the bill at an izakaya?

Practices differ. Groups in Japan often split the total evenly, and some venues can prepare separate bills if asked at the start. Ask when seated or when ordering, and keep some cash in case a card is not accepted.

Is the otoshi optional?

At many izakaya it is fixed and appears on the bill automatically, as a table charge. Some places allow you to decline if you ask politely at the start. If you are unsure, ask the staff before the appetizer is served.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: What is nomihodai all you can drink in Japan?, What is yakitori and which parts of the chicken are served? and Pouring Drinks for Others in Japan.