Kinda Izakaya

1941A University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States
+1 510-647-9226
$$$ Izakaya restaurant
(91 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

If you're searching for an authentic izakaya experience in Berkeley, Kinda Izakaya is a must-visit destination that holds the promise of tantalizing flavors and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Located conveniently at 1941A University Ave, this gem captures the essence of Japanese casual dining, combining a relaxed vibe with a menu that beckons to be explored.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a cozy ambiance adorned with quirky Japanese anime decor, creating a fun and relaxed environment perfect for gathering with friends or unwinding after a busy day. With its lively communal seating and welcoming service, Kinda Izakaya feels both intimate and vibrant, allowing for memorable shared dining experiences.

Kinda Izakaya offers a diverse array of dishes that showcase the best of Japanese cuisine, making it an excellent choice for sharing and sampling. Start your culinary journey with their renowned gyozas, praised as the best in East Bay, each bite bursting with savory goodness. Savor the delightful grilled skewers, including tender yakitori that embodies that irresistible smoky char, a true crowd-pleaser for meat lovers. If you’re in the mood for something crispy, try the sweet potato fries—they’ve received rave reviews for their perfect balance of crunch and flavor.

For those seeking heartier fare, the tonkotsu ramen provides a comforting bowl of rich broth and succulent noodles, ideal for late-night cravings. The mentaiko is another standout dish, delighting customers with its bold and spicy flavor that dances on the palate. And don’t miss out on a taste of their flavorful sukiyaki, which has garnered praise for its comforting warmth, especially during those late-night visits.

What truly sets Kinda Izakaya apart is not just the food, but the exceptional service that accompanies it. Guests like Melina Tupa have noted the friendly and attentive staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a fantastic dining experience—evidenced when they graciously replaced a dish without charge. This level of care and hospitality transforms a simple meal into a memorable occasion.

Drinks are also an essential aspect of this izakaya experience. While Kinda Izakaya does not feature a full bar, they offer a thoughtful selection of cocktails that pair wonderfully with the meal, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience. Reservations on weekends are recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on this culinary delight.

Whether you’re a seasoned izakaya aficionado or new to this style of dining, Kinda Izakaya promises a feast for the senses—delicious food, a cozy atmosphere, and a team dedicated to making your experience unforgettable. So gather your friends, dive into the menu, and prepare for an adventure in flavor at this Berkeley hotspot. Your taste buds will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Does not have assistive hearing loop
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

5:30 AM - 11:30 PM

Saturday

5:30 AM - 11:30 PM

Sunday

5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

91 Reviews
Melina Tupa

07 Sep 2025

Loved the place! The food was really tasty and great for sharing. They have the best gyozas I had in the East Bay. The skewers were also really tasty and the sweet potato fries too. We didn’t quite like the Crispy Chicken knee (which the table next to us recommended, so it might have been a matter of taste) but we told the waitress and she exchanged it for us at no charge. Staff is super friendly btw! Probably a place to go with friends more so than a date since it’s a bit noisy. But it’s a super fun place and the decor is awesome. Make sure to make a phone reservation to avoid waiting outside.

George Louie

06 Sep 2025

Great little spot with awesome grilled meats you can’t get at many restaurants. The grilled squid was tender, flavorful- cooked to perfection. Tried some yakitori as well, both beef tongue offerings were delicious. I will be back for more!

Bond

28 Aug 2025

The food is super delicious, many options, quality, price 10/10. The waiter is incredibly helpful and attentive- you can tell he enjoy his work. reservations on weekends recommended. there’s a variety of cocktails. Not a full bar but good cocktails served

AKIRRIA

27 Aug 2025

me and my friend decided to spend one of our late night dinners at this place and it was awesome!! The overall experience was great and the workers were so sweet!! I got the salmon and it was truly perfect! Shout out to the workers again thank you for letting us stay so late you guys are amazing. 100% suggest for yummy late night grub!

Nutchapol Nick Phaungjit

06 Aug 2025

I’ve popped into this izakaya a few times, and they never miss! Finally sitting down to write a review because the food here hits all the right notes. Every dish is so well thought out and bursting with flavor. The mentaiko? Hands down my favorite and absolute perfection. And the yakitori? Perfectly grilled with that irresistible smoky char. They’ve nailed the flavor game, and I can’t wait to come back for more!

Alexandria Cesar Piano

25 Jul 2025

This place is a gem. I was craving for ramen after work, and this was the place that opened late. I was not disappointed Had ordered 2 orders of the Gomae, super delicious!!! Next the Tofu avocado was so bomb!! Next time I will get two of those with a side of rice. Ordered some kimchi and it was good as well, very tasty. Finally, for the Ramen I had the Tonkatsu and I was not disappointed at all. Most Ramens I had were salty but not here. The Ramen is very tasty. Loved the bathroom! The Manga wall was so cool. I will definitely come again. Thank you so much 'Kinda Izakaya'

Colin Stuart

08 Jul 2025

Nice ambiance, more Izakaya-y than most Izakaya restaurants in the US. More than your usual sushi fare. Walls covered in Japanese anime and kitch posters. There's a big communal table that was full of Japanese students when we dined.

Enmeth Gutierrez

09 Jun 2025

I was craving something warm to eat close to midnight and I found this place. I was with my Japanese roommate, and he himself said this place did give off an Izakaya vibe. Most of the food items offered here I've tried elsewhere, so I ended up getting the sukiyaki, which was to my liking. We did feel a little out of place, as the servers seemed primarily focused on a larger group, who they appeared to be friends with. So we felt a little forgotten throughout most of our time there, also considering that it was not that busy as we did leave a little before they closed.

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