Information checked: August 26, 2026. You do not need fluent Japanese to enjoy an izakaya. A few precise phrases, a visible menu and a willingness to confirm charges are more useful than memorising a long script. This guide follows the real sequence from entering to paying, while explaining otoshi, shared dishes, last order, allergies and the fact that drinking alcohol is optional.
Entering and asking for a seat
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 予約していません。 | Yoyaku shite imasen. | We do not have a reservation. |
| 二人です。 | Futari desu. | Two people. |
| 一人です。 | Hitori desu. | One person. |
| 今、入れますか。 | Ima, hairemasu ka? | Can we come in now? |
| 禁煙席はありますか。 | Kin’en-seki wa arimasu ka? | Do you have non-smoking seats? |
| 英語のメニューはありますか。 | Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka? | Do you have an English menu? |
Show the number with your fingers if pronunciation fails. A restaurant may be full even when empty seats are visible because they are reserved, the kitchen is closing or staffing is limited. Accept a refusal calmly and do not enter past the doorway without being seated.
Otoshi, table charge and time limits
An otoshi is a small dish brought automatically at many izakaya and usually functions as part of the table charge; it is not necessarily a free welcome gift or a scam. Policies vary, so check before sitting if the cost or ingredients matter.
| お通しはありますか。 | Is there an otoshi? |
| 席料はいくらですか。 | How much is the table charge? |
| この席は何分制ですか。 | How long may we use this table? |
| 一人一杯の注文が必要ですか。 | Does each person need to order one drink? |
Some venues require one drink per person, but that drink can often be non-alcoholic. A two-hour seating limit does not mean two hours of unlimited drinks. Confirm separately whether a nomihōdai plan exists, its final-order time and which drinks are included.
Ordering a drink—or declining alcohol
| 生ビールを一つお願いします。 | One draft beer, please. |
| ウーロン茶を一つお願いします。 | One oolong tea, please. |
| ノンアルコールはありますか。 | Do you have non-alcoholic drinks? |
| お酒は飲みません。 | I do not drink alcohol. |
| もう結構です。 | No more, thank you. |
| お水をください。 | Water, please. |
You never need to drink alcohol to be polite. In Japan, people under 20 may not drink alcohol. Never drive after drinking, and do not pressure another guest to join a toast with alcohol; tea or a soft drink works perfectly well.
Pointing, quantities and recommendations
| これを一つお願いします。 | One of this, please. |
| これは何ですか。 | What is this? |
| おすすめは何ですか。 | What do you recommend? |
| 辛いですか。 | Is it spicy? |
| これは何人前ですか。 | How many people is this portion for? |
| 少なめにできますか。 | Can you make it smaller? |
| 注文は以上です。 | That is all for now. |
Point to the exact line or photo while saying the phrase. Order two or three dishes first, then add more: izakaya food is commonly shared and arrives when ready rather than as synchronised courses. “One” may mean one plate, one skewer or one serving, so confirm ippon (one skewer) versus hitotsu (one item).
Allergies, vegetarian food and substitutions
| 食物アレルギーがあります。 | I have a food allergy. |
| これは＿＿が入っていますか。 | Does this contain ___? |
| だしに魚を使っていますか。 | Does the stock contain fish? |
| 豚肉を使っていますか。 | Does this use pork? |
| 同じ油で揚げていますか。 | Is it fried in the same oil? |
| 除くだけでなく、使わないでください。 | Please do not use it, rather than only removing visible pieces. |
For a serious allergy, do not rely on memorised pronunciation alone. Show the Consumer Affairs Agency communication sheet and a written card naming the allergen. Izakaya kitchens commonly share grills, fryers, knives, sauces and dashi. “Vegetable” may still contain bonito stock; “no pork pieces” does not establish halal preparation. If staff cannot confirm, choose something else.
Sharing plates, refills and last order
| 取り皿をください。 | Small sharing plates, please. |
| お箸をもう一膳ください。 | One more pair of chopsticks, please. |
| 同じものをもう一つお願いします。 | One more of the same, please. |
| ラストオーダーは何時ですか。 | What time is last order? |
| これはラストオーダーですか。 | Is this the final order? |
Use the provided small plates and serving utensils rather than eating directly from a communal dish with used chopsticks. Last order comes before closing and may be earlier for food than drinks. It is an invitation to make a final order, not a demand that you order again.
Checking the bill and paying
| お会計をお願いします。 | The bill, please. |
| これは何の料金ですか。 | What is this charge for? |
| カードは使えますか。 | Can I use a card? |
| 別々に払えますか。 | Can we pay separately? |
| 領収書をください。 | A receipt, please. |
| ごちそうさまでした。 | Thank you for the meal. |
Many restaurants expect payment at the front register rather than at the table. Separate bills may be refused, especially during busy periods; settle within the group and make one payment if necessary. Tipping is not customary. Check the itemised bill politely before paying, including otoshi and late-night charges.
Alcohol safety, manners and FAQ
- Keep noise appropriate to the room; izakaya are lively, not licence to disturb neighbouring tables.
- Ask before photographing staff or other guests.
- Keep large luggage out of aisles and away from emergency routes.
- Do not cancel a reservation without notice; small restaurants prepare staffing and ingredients.
- If someone is unresponsive, vomiting repeatedly or breathing abnormally after drinking, seek emergency help rather than letting them “sleep it off.”
Must everyone order alcohol?
No. A one-drink rule can normally be met with a soft drink, but confirm the venue policy.
Can I refuse otoshi?
Policies differ. Ask before sitting; after it is served, the charge may remain even if you do not eat it.
How do I call staff?
Use the call button if present, or say “すみません” (sumimasen) clearly once.
Should I memorise every phrase?
No. Save this page, point to the Japanese sentence and confirm with the menu or calculator display.
Official references: JNTO: Izakaya Dining Guide / JNTO: charges, reservations and dining etiquette / National Tax Agency: drinking age / Consumer Affairs Agency: allergy communication sheet