Which Berkeley Izakaya?

[T3t]

Trying to grab dinner with a friend on Thursday evening. Deciding between Fish & Bird and Ippuku, open to others if there are any better options that I missed in my search. Pretty much only care about food quality; not likely to be drinking and don’t especially care about price differences here. (Not actually sure I can get a reservation at Ippuku; they only take them by phone and I haven’t tried yet given that I’m undecided where to go. But )

Appreciate anyone’s thoughts, especially if you’ve been to both

(I am tempted by Fish & Bird’s hojicha ice cream, if it’s anything like Shunji’s, because that one was incredible and a round 2 would be pretty motivating.)

[robert]

Ippuku’s food is impeccable but it’s hard to get a reservation and waits without one can be long. Went the other week and it was as good as ever.

I went to Fish & Bird only once, before lockdown. Looking forward to going back.

Fish & Bird restaurant brings modern Japanese flavors to Berkeley

Went last night. Sign on the door said it’s their soft opening and apologized in advance for any problems, but everything went smoothly. Reservations essential. The server said they were booked up by 5:30 and weren’t taking walk-ins. [tofu] House-made soft tofu ($7) was delicate and subtle. My friend who loves fresh tofu was crazy about it. [salad] I loved the chrysanthemum and shirasu salad ($9). I’ve never had such young, crisp, juicy chrystanthemom. One of the owners said they get them …

[T3t]

Sounds like I ought to prioritize Ippuku if I can get a reservation, but I wouldn’t be disappointed by either?

[robert]

Dunno but if the ice cream hasn’t changed that’s a plus for F&B.

April 2022 Rundown

Just heard about Pomet last night and almost went but ended up at Ippuku instead. Finally got there early enough that they hadn’t run out of the raw dishes (you have to ask for the separate menu). The one with egg yolk and nori was fantastic. The ceviche-like “pickled” was very good. Other favorite dish of the night was squid ink rice. No photos policy so no photos. [ippuku]