Boracay's Newest Izakaya Resto is Loved by Tourists and Locals

Boracay’s food scene is hustling and bustling with variety, as more and more tourists flock to one of the world’s best beaches. From Indian to Italian, to Mexican to Thai, and of course, Japanese, the most-visited island in the country offers a wide array of cuisines to cater to the international market. But one particular Japanese restaurant stands out, as they are the first to introduce the Izakaya concept onto Boracay’s powder-white sands and gorgeous shores.

Izakaya is located at Station 3, away from the crowds

The brainchild of the power couple behind Boracay’s Nonie’s Group, Shria Rambiritch and Patrick Florencio, Island Izakaya is the newest Japanese Izakaya restaurant in Station 3. The Japanese word Izakaya (居酒屋) is made up of three kanji (Japanese characters) with the meaning, in order, “stay-drink-place.” A spot to grab a drink, settle in, and get comfortable. “This is something we definitely wanted to create in Boracay while ensuring we are truly honoring the Izakaya culture in Japan. We specifically worked with a Japanese chef and sought advice on how to make the restaurant feel as authentic as we could. There are a number of great Japanese restaurants on the island, however, there were no Izakayas—we wanted to not only focus on authentic Japanese food, but also a selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails including a dedicated Highball Menu/Sake, Shochu Japanese beer, and non-alcoholic drinks, too,” shared Shria.

Simple yet relaxed interiors with bamboo, wood, and steel materials

Don’t let the simple, unassuming, beach shack-inspired Izakaya restaurant fool you, their menu is loaded with sumptuous yakitori sticks, sobas, and unique concoctions of cocktails and bevies among many delicious others. Conceptualized and led by Japanese Chef and Entrepreneur Kenji-San, he masterfully curated Island Izakaya’s menu. His impressive credentials ensure foodies that they’re getting the best of the best, having been a previous Executive Chef for Ebisu's 'Live Fish Cuisine Uotake,' which became one of popular restaurants back in the early 00s, with a long waitlist for reservations. In 2014, he established Kenmokko, Inc. in Chigasaki city that focuses on the planning and production of world-class Japanese culinary knives.

Truly, their authentic Japanese menu didn’t disappoint. Here are my top recommendations:

Their open kitchen gives guests a taste of the action

The Tonkatsu Don (P350) is a panko-crumbed pork cutlet with a sweet and savory sauce, placed on top of a bed of steaming, hot rice, topped with egg. It’s very filling and delicious, and you definitely get more than what you pay for, given the island’s steep food prices. This dish is perfect for those on a budget, looking for a bang for their buck.

The Shitake Mushroom Yakitori (P90/stick) I was surprised that their grilled mushroom is not too wet! Most of the ones I’ve tried are too juicy for my taste. This one is packed with umami flavor, glazed with special sauce, and leaves a clean finish on the palate.

One of their best-sellers, the Bacon Wrapped Cheese Yakitori (P90/stick), is made with quality, authentic cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, wrapped in savory and juicy bacon. It’s a blend of flavors that appeals to all. Who could resist cheese and bacon?

My instant favorite is the Chicken Karaage (P220/plate), the classic Japanese style deep-fried chicken cutlets. It’s got the perfect balance of crispy-on-the-outside-juicy-on-the-inside gastronomic experience, with a side of creamy and savory Japanese mayo as its ultimate partner dipping sauce.

One of the best items on their menu: the Reba Yakitori

If you’re a liver lover like me, their Reba (chicken liver) Yakitori (P70/stick) is a definite must. I’ve always enjoyed eating chicken liver but this one is mind-blowingly good and quite unforgettable, too. It’s seasoned well with a light, sweet glaze, but their cooking technique makes it an explosion of creamy and smooth texture in the mouth. The flavor is rich yet clean, and is best paired with a good drink. I’d bet even non-liver eaters would surprisingly like this one, too.

Now for the 2nd kanji on Izakaya, let’s talk about drinks.

The Okinawa Piña Colada (P250) is a Japanese take on the cocktail classic. Concocted with Shochu (Japanese distilled liquor, similar to brandy and vodka), homemade pineapple cordial, fresh coconut milk, and pandan syrup, this drink is light, refreshing and on the sweet and tangy side of flavors. The torched pineapple sheet is a nice, chewy, fruit candy to munch on while enjoying the alcoholic drink.

If you’re a fan of Margarita, their Yuzu Margarita (P300) is the cocktail for you. It's tequila infused with Yuzu juice. Yuzu is a citrus fruit that is valued for its aromatic and flavorful juice and rind. The Margarita glass is rimmed with Togarashi, a popular Japanese spice mixture with 7 key ingredients, a combination of fresh and dried ones. The spice and depth of the Togarashi elevate the whole drink into a refreshing bittersweet and sour concoction, with a mild level of heat. Absolutely superb!

Another drink with a Shochu base, their Wabi-Sabi drink (P250) is a unique cocktail infused with green tea and homemade burnt rice syrup. Its light consistency makes it easy to enjoy and is poured into small, traditional Japanese tea cups, making it much more fun to do “kanpai” with your friends.

Oysters Aburi

And since you’re already in the island known for their delicious Aklan Oysters, I highly suggest you order a plate of their Oysters Aburi (P250/plate), baked in miso, topped with torched, melty cheese. Fresh, succulent, and bursting with ocean flavors, this dish is a must-have when consuming Island Izakaya’s signature drinks and other bevvy offerings.

Japanese-inspired gelato at P120 a scoop

For a sweet ending, order their delectable Wasabi gelato. It packs a punch with its sharp spiciness but mellows out into a sweet and creamy taste as it melts in the mouth. The coolness of the dessert adds a nice balance to the heat. I wish it had a more creamy-thick texture because it was labeled gelato, but it was more of an ice cream with a unique Japanese flavor. Nonetheless, I’d order it again. It was really good. Can’t take the heat? Then opt to have their black sesame, green tea, or vanilla flavors instead.

Island Izakaya’s easy going vibe has attracted both tourists and locals to drink and stay, as I’ve seen the place packed on a weeknight. With the high rate of restaurant turnovers in Boracay, Shria and Pat’s new venture is a testament that Island Izakaya is here to stay. They make it look easy, but they also grow through some challenges. “The main challenge—as with most of our concepts—is sourcing the ingredients. We have some special Japanese ingredients which can be hard to find at times, but this is something we are always working on improving,” Shria shared. Must be a good problem from the point-of-view of foodies, because we are promised with quality ingredients that provide the authenticity of the Japanese fare.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, casual ambiance with mouth-watering Japanese dishes and drinks that don’t burn your wallet with matching chill, piped-in music that will make you groove in your seat, Island Izakaya is the next food destination in Boracay for you. True to the Izakaya culture, this new kid on the island is sure to make you eat, drink, and stay… with much shiawase (happiness, satisfaction, and bliss).

Island Izakaya is located at Station 3, beside Boracay Mini Mart, across Paradise Garden. Contact them at +63 939 1001693 or follow them on Instagram @islandizakaya. Operating hours are from 4:00 PM til midnight, daily

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