Traditional Izakaya "Umibatake" Goes Vegan in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

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Where Japanese Izakaya Culture Meets Plant-Based Dining

In the heart of Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods, the long-established izakaya Umibatake has taken a meaningful step toward more inclusive dining by launching a dedicated vegan menu.

Vegan Sushi Course

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and classic Japanese pub cuisine, Umibatake’s new initiative reflects the growing diversity of diners in Japan. With different dietary preferences, religious backgrounds, and lifestyles becoming increasingly common, the restaurant aims to create a space where people from various cultures can gather around the same table and enjoy the same moment—without compromise.

A Vegan Menu Designed for Both Individuals and Groups

Umibatake’s vegan offerings are available as both à la carte dishes and full courses, making them suitable for solo diners, families, and group gatherings alike. This flexibility is especially valuable in an izakaya setting, where sharing food and spending time together are central to the experience.

Vegan Course Menus (Reservation Required)

The vegan course menus highlight Japanese seasonality and comfort foods, thoughtfully prepared without animal ingredients. Options include:

• Seasonal Vegetable Sushi Course (7,900 yen)
• Seasonal Vegetable Shabu-Shabu with Aromatic Dashi (6,500 yen)
• Nagashi Somen (Flowing Noodles) (6,500 yen)
• Seasonal Vegetable Tempura Rice Bowl (5,900 yen)
• Nabe-Style Yaki Udon (5,600 yen)

To appeal to international guests, Umibatake also offers vegan-friendly versions of popular Japanese dishes such as ramen (tonkotsu-style, soy sauce, and tantanmen) and Osaka-style takoyaki—a rare find in vegan form.
All course menus require advance reservation by the day before.

▶ Vegan Menu Details
https://umibatake.com/ikebukuro-menu/

Vegan À La Carte Dishes in True Izakaya Style

For more casual dining, Umibatake’s vegan à la carte menu focuses on classic izakaya fare. Light dishes such as pickled cucumber, chilled tomatoes, mozuku seaweed vinegar, and nukazuke pickles are available alongside more filling options like assorted seasonal vegetable tempura, agedashi tofu, and charcoal-grilled vegetable skewers.

This lineup allows diners to enjoy vegan food in a relaxed, authentic izakaya atmosphere—something still relatively rare in Tokyo.

 

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産地直送 お魚とお野菜 海畑(@umibatake)がシェアした投稿

A Rare Vegan-Friendly Izakaya Experience in Tokyo

While vegan restaurants are gradually increasing across Tokyo, traditional izakayas offering dedicated vegan menus remain limited. Umibatake stands out as a valuable option for those who want to experience Japanese pub culture without giving up their dietary principles.

If you’re looking to enjoy vegan cuisine in a distinctly Japanese setting—casual, welcoming, and rooted in seasonality—Umibatake in Ikebukuro is well worth a visit.

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