Izakaya Issa

what a gem is this spot. it’s a traditional izakaya and everything is so well made and carefully prepared. we tried the takoyaki & the karaage kare, both dishes were delicious, especially the takoyaki which was our favorite. the kare was unique and rich in flavors, the chicken was crispy yet it wasn’t oily or tough to eat. i would 100% go back there. the atmosphere vibe is also fun as the employees are interactive and kind.

Exceptional experience and wonderful service. Very friendly staff members who explained the menu and provided additional complimentary dishes to sample. An authentic Japanese experience and will definitely return again.

Hands down best izakaya (heck, best overall restaurant) in the whole Liberdade neighborhood. And I don't mean this lightly. There's beauty in simplicity and this restaurant proves it. Every dish we ordered packed a unique punch which left us speechless, and are well worth the price. The Karaage was perfect. Not greasy at all, very crunchy and juicy, the ginger didn't steal the show nor was it absent from the flavour. It just made the chicken shine even more. Tyampon (which I had) had a really rich and complex flavour, I had to contemplate life with each bite because it was just that good. The service was also great, everybody was really friendly and answered all of our questions with patience. Depending on how big your group is and what time you arrive, you may have to wait in line for a bit before you enter. You have the option to either sit at a table or at the counter. I suggest the counter since it's easier to order and you can chat with the lovely people that work there (plus, if you sit at the right end you will always be smelling the wonderful foods from the kitchen nearby). All in all, you can't go wrong here, I'm sure you won't regret it!

It's a pretty chill place once your inside, and staff look after you. I would say that the line outside and waiting for a table can be long and also gets messy. Make sure when the owner, who is super kind, comes out and asks for your name, pay attention. Someone can take your place. Other than that, it's a good izakaya! Arrigato.

I rarely give good reviews. But as I sit here now, a simple American in liberdade, I must say this is the most authentic experience I’ve had in Sampa to date. Phenomenal Japanese fried chicken, curry, and tamago. Great vibes, lots of Japanese whiskeys. Highly recommend if you need a break from Itaim for something more authentico.