🇧🇷 Imai Izakaya

🍣 Imai Izakaya: Tokyo Vibes in São Paulo's Bustling Izakaya Scene This hidden gem is the spot for authentic Japanese small plates, but brace yourself—booking here is an art form! 🎭 Only their omakase experiences accept reservations, so if you’re aiming for a walk-in, show up sharp at 18:30. By 19:00, the queue snakes down the block—trust me, I’ve been part of that hungry horde! 🌟 The Must-Tries That Make the Wait Worthwhile Bluefin Tuna Sashimi: Mind. Blown. 🐟💥 The fatty otoro slices are so buttery, they melt on your tongue like oceanic cream—zero fishiness, just pure, rich umami. Pro tip: ask for a squeeze of yuzu to cut through the oiliness! Assorted Skewers: Grilled to perfection! The chicken thigh with negi (green onion) is juicy and charred, while the shishito peppers are blistered and sprinkled with sea salt—simple, but addicting. 🍢 Miso-Marinated Black Cod: Flaky, sweet, and swimming in a sticky miso glaze. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and moan. 😮‍💨 🚩 The One Dish to Skip The beef tongue skewers sound amazing—25 for a generous plate! But here’s the catch: they’re tough. 👅💔 Over-grilled and chewy, even the tangy teriyaki sauce can’t save them. Stick to the seafood skewers instead. 📝 Pro Tips for Your Visit Reservation Hack: If omakase isn’t your thing, arrive at 18:25 sharp to snag a spot at the counter before the rush. Order Like a Local: Pair your dishes with a cold draft sake—they have a rotating list of small-batch brews that complement the food perfectly. 🍶 Portion Alert: Dishes are tapas-sized, so order 3–4 per person. Trust me, you’ll want to try everything! Despite the chaos, Imai delivers authentic izakaya vibes—loud chatter, clinking glasses, and plates piled high with fresh goodness. Just come hungry, come early, and leave your diet at the door! 🍻 #JapaneseIzakaya #SaoPauloFoodie #BluefinTunaLove #FoodieHacks #SouthAmericaEats