The Pantsless Chef.: Restaurant Review: Izakaya Den

Down the stairs to the basement of what you once thought was the home to a up market clothing boutique, a turn to the left and through the new glass door you hear a subtle sounds of the chitter chatter of a bar. Down the stairs and around the corner the almost seemingly endless room you see before you is just an illusion, but the hidden mod-jap bar you just stumbled into is definitely real.

Welcome to Izakaya Den, one of the newest Izakaya’s in the craze that is slowly creeping up on the Melbourne bar scene. This hidden treasure is apparently an arm of Verge a two hated restaurants on the edge of the CBD.

This modern Izakaya has is just that modern! From the wait staff who wear all black and red shoes to the day’s specials which are projected on to the wall. This place has unbelievably good ambiance whether it’s for a 1st date or just after work drinks. The service is also good with staff who are not to intrusive but are there when you need them.

The food is fresh and clean with some modern twists on classics and just some things that are different such as the grilled ½ king fish head, which is quite the spectacle.

This is definitely a must visit, even if you go just for a drink, after all it is a bar as well with a very impressive list of imported sake and beer.