Izakana-Ya Okuman

The Japanese word okuman translates to "many people" and Aiko Imasaki’s aptly named Izakana-Ya Okuman strives to make many people happy with food that reminds her of home.

We’re not just talking sushi platters or agedashi tofu (though they’re available here), but regional specialities that are harder to find in Brisbane. Get acquainted with the cabbage and pork omelette known as tonpei yaki or chicken nanban, a Western-inspired Kyushu specialty of fried chicken with tartare sauce.

The warm and cheerful environment features polished timber furnishings that are both homely and decorative. It’s the perfect background for artistically arranged bento boxes and fresh sashimi cuts served on handmade pottery. An iPad ordering system is affixed to each seat, letting diners swipe and tap their way through the menu.

A list of wines are available by the glass in addition to a standard beer selection, but you’re also welcome to bring your own wine at $3.50 a pop. Alternatively, go nuts on Izakana-Ya Okuman’s extensive list of sakes, shochus and chuhai (fruit-flavoured shochu cans).