Izumi Japanese Kitchen — Restaurant in Dhaka Metropolitan

Next spring, vinyl-themed cocktail lounge Takashima Records (4041 Chouteau Avenue) will debut in the Grove — and now, you can look forward to tasty eats to match the delicious drinks and vinyl bops.

Located inside the Chroma complex near the corner of Chouteau and Manchester avenues, Takashima Records is the brainchild of Parlor owners Sean Baltzell and Casey Colgan. For the bar and lounge's food program, the business partners are collaborating with St. Louis-area restaurateur Kurt Bellon on a concept called Izumi. Bellon is currently a member of the Global Foods Group, which owns the King & I, Chao Baan, Oishi Sushi and United Provisions, and is general manager at Chao Baan.

Inspired by the Japanese style of dining known as izakaya — small dishes for sharing and snacking at a tavern — Izumi will "celebrate Japanese culture through food with a pair of menus that immerse St. Louis in the izakaya experience," according to a release. The concept's name, which translates to "fountain" or "spring," was chosen as Bellon has family heritage in the Japanese city of the same name.

“I feel like there is a desert when it comes to authentic Japanese foods,” Bellon said in the release. “I want people to know that our culture offers more than sushi and ramen to the dining landscape. The Izumi concept is a reflection of heritage and a celebration of the many backgrounds that come together here."

Izumi will serve both dinner and late-night menus designed as an "upscale interpretation of traditional Japanese plates, presented in ways the St. Louis food connoisseur has yet to see." The menu, which will change with the seasons, will feature dishes such as fresh sashimi, sashimi bowls, poke bowls and onigiri, a house specialty, with ume boshi, tuna mayo, ikura, shiokombu, kanimayo, grilled salmon and more.

“The Izumi kitchen is meant to be a tasty oasis where visitors are inspired to try new things,” Bellon said.

When the kitchen transitions to late-night hours, the menu will shift to a konbini-style concept (in Japan, konbinis are convenience stores or minimarts that serve far better and fresher food than what we're familiar with in the States). At Izumi, the konbini menu will showcase "lesser known Japanese comfort foods and flavorful small-plate discoveries."

Baltzell, who was first inspired to open Takashima Records after an extended trip to Japan, says he believes that Izumi will perfectly complement the focus and vibe of the upcoming bar and lounge.

“Introducing the Izumi kitchen with Kurt [Bellon] and the Global Foods Group at Takashima Records just adds another layer to an environment we think will feed your sense of discovery,” Baltzell said. “We’re creating a place where you can just leave your phone at the door, sit with your friends and enjoy a unique mix of travel-inspired flavors from food and drink to music, art and cross-cultural...

Izumi Japanese Kitchen Restaurant is a delightful culinary gem that transports diners to the heart of Japan with its authentic flavors and charming ambiance. Having had the pleasure of dining there recently, I can confidently say it offers an exceptional Japanese dining experience.

The restaurant's decor is tastefully minimalist, creating a serene atmosphere that complements the cuisine perfectly. The menu boasts an impressive array of traditional Japanese dishes, from sushi and sashimi to tempura and teppanyaki. Each dish is meticulously prepared with fresh ingredients and a keen eye for detail, resulting in an explosion of flavors that's both satisfying and visually appealing.

The service at Izumi Japanese Kitchen is attentive and knowledgeable, with the staff happy to provide recommendations and explanations of the dishes. The chef's dedication to authenticity is evident in every bite, making this restaurant a top choice for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.

Pros:

Authentic Japanese Cuisine: Izumi Japanese Kitchen excels in delivering authentic Japanese flavors, ensuring a true culinary journey through Japan's diverse cuisine.

Fresh Ingredients: The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, particularly in their sushi and sashimi dishes.

Elegant Ambiance: The minimalist decor and serene ambiance create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful dining experience.

Attentive Service: The knowledgeable and attentive staff are eager to assist with menu choices and provide insights into Japanese cuisine, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Presentation: Each dish is beautifully presented, reflecting the precision and care that goes into the culinary craftsmanship.

Cons:

Pricey: Izumi Japanese Kitchen comes with a higher price tag. It may not be the best choice for those on a...

Izumi Japanese Kitchen in Gulshan, Dhaka is one of the finest places to experience authentic Japanese cuisine in Bangladesh. From the moment you step in, the ambience transports you straight to Japan with a beautifully designed Sakura tree, lotus ponds, fish-filled water features, and a gentle waterfall that create a peaceful and elegant atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing meal, a date night, or even a quiet lunch after a busy day.

The seafood here is the true highlight fresh, flavorful, and prepared to perfection. You must try their salmon dishes, shrimp tempura, and the sushi and sashimi platters, which showcase the best of Japanese craftsmanship and taste. Other must-try dishes include the dragon roll, fish platter, udon and soba noodles, maki, kabayaki, sukiyaki, and nabemono, each offering a unique flavor and presentation that reflect the authentic taste of Japan.

The service is excellent, with courteous staff who are attentive without being intrusive. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and experience. The restaurant accepts cash and card payments, and VAT bills are provided.

Overall, Izumi Japanese Kitchen offers an unforgettable dining experience a beautiful fusion of authentic Japanese flavors, serene ambience, and top-notch service right in the...