I visited this place a handful of times so far and never a bad service. Somehow I never had to wait to get seated, unlike many other restaurants. The food is amazing. The pictures are from a family outing. We ordered a bit of everything. Great newish Japanese restaurant with cool vibe and awesome food. (I used to go to Kobe a lot but the wait there is always over an hour. Same time, this place seats you right away).
Overview
If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Salt Lake City, Ozora Izakaya Japanese Bar & Tapas should definitely be on your list. Located at 1078 E 2100 S, this cozy gem combines traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist, making it an exciting destination for food lovers. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both authentic and contemporary.
One of the standout features of Ozora Izakaya Japanese Bar & Tapas is its menu, which offers an impressive variety of tapas-style dishes. These bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing, so itβs ideal if youβre dining with friends or looking to explore a range of flavors in one sitting. From savory grilled skewers to perfectly seasoned sashimi, the menu covers all the bases. Whether youβre craving a rich and comforting bowl of ramen or a delicate serving of fresh nigiri, thereβs something to satisfy every palate.
The izakaya experience itself is what makes this restaurant truly special. The concept of an izakaya is all about enjoying small plates of food with a drink, and Ozora Izakaya Japanese Bar & Tapas nails it. The drink selection is extensive, featuring Japanese craft beers, sake, and a variety of cocktails that perfectly complement the flavors of the dishes. The vibe is casual but refined, making it a great spot for a laid-back dinner or a fun night out.
One dish you definitely donβt want to miss is the yakitori. These skewers are grilled to perfection, with tender, juicy chicken pieces paired with a slightly charred exterior and a savory glaze. Itβs simple yet full of flavor. If youβre a fan of seafood, the tuna tataki is another excellent choice. The tuna is lightly seared on the outside, maintaining its freshness on the inside, and is accompanied by a citrusy ponzu sauce that brightens up each bite.
What sets Ozora Izakaya Japanese Bar & Tapas apart from other Japanese eateries in Salt Lake City is their ability to blend traditional flavors with modern twists. Take, for example, their tempura rolls-crispy on the outside, yet light and airy, filled with flavors that take the dish to another level. Each item on the menu showcases a balance of flavors, textures, and presentation, making it clear that a lot of thought and care goes into each dish.
For those looking for something a little different, the tapas-style menu offers creative takes on Japanese cuisine. The gyoza, for example, isnβt just your average dumpling. These are stuffed with a mix of pork and vegetables and served with a house-made dipping sauce that perfectly balances savory and tangy flavors. The combination of familiar ingredients with inventive preparation techniques is what keeps diners coming back.
Aside from the food, the service at Ozora Izakaya Japanese Bar & Tapas is always top-notch. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to recommend dishes based on your preferences. Whether youβre a regular or a first-timer, youβll feel like a valued guest from the moment you walk in. Their attention to detail and passion for the food they serve enhances the overall experience, making it even more enjoyable.
Not only is the food exceptional, but the ambiance also plays a significant role in creating a memorable dining experience. The space is cozy yet stylish, with modern touches and traditional Japanese elements blended seamlessly. Itβs the perfect setting for a casual evening out or a celebratory gathering. The combination of great food, drinks, and atmosphere makes Ozora Izakaya Japanese Bar & Tapas one of the best places to experience authentic Japanese flavors in Salt Lake City.
Overall, Ozora Izakaya Japanese Bar & Tapas stands out as a must-try for anyone in the area. From the meticulously crafted tapas dishes to the extensive drink menu, every element of the restaurant comes together to offer an unforgettable dining experience. Whether youβre a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking for something new, this spot will surely impress.
Good to know
Service options
β Outdoor seating β Delivery β Takeaway β Dine-inHighlights
β Fast service β Great beer selection β Great cocktailsPopular for
β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible car park β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Healthy options β Late-night food β Small plates β Spirits β Vegetarian options β WineDining options
β Lunch β Dinner β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β ToiletAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β TrendyCrowd
β Groups β TouristsPlanning
β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β Credit cardsPhotos
Location
Reviews
Great little place, the food was high quality and delicious prices were actually pretty manageable. So fun with friends and service was quick. The highlights for us were the pork belly, the kaze roll, and the sashimi platter.
Great service, fun atmosphere and delicious fresh sushi. Impressive saki menu to top it off.
This is a fantastic Japanese restaurant that never disappoints. The sushi is always fresh and meticulously prepared. I particularly enjoyed the pork belly, asparagus bacon, and chicken thigh yakitori. Each dish was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The service is consistently excellent. Highly recommended for an authentic Japanese dining experience.
Probably the best pork gyoza weβve ever had. Sushi quality was great! Tapas/appetizers were amazing, and drinks were too notch! Highly recommend. Prices were very reasonable and service was some of the best we have had in a while.
We recently went to Ozora Izakaya and while the food was good, there were a couple of things that could be improved. Firstly, there was a bit of a wait to get seated and the service was a bit slow. But, the food made up for it - most we tried were really delicious, except for the Shiitake Mushroom and quail eggs skewers. Unfortunately, the Shiitake Mushroom skewer was a bit dry and the quail eggs didn't have much flavor. On the plus side, the portion sizes were decent and reasonably priced.
Amazing and delicious food. Beautiful ambience and friendly staff to help prepare and serve your food. Each dish is carefully prepared and beautifully presented. It tastes as good as it looks. Highly recommended place if you are in the mood for sushi or Japanese food. Parking at nearby garage and the restaurant validates the ticket.
Guys this place is better than Takashi, seriously. Same quality, cheaper! Try the Yakitori wagyu and try the chicken nanban. Same quality fish as Takashi. Better and fun sushi combos. Get it.