Ima Izakaya

The space is warming and inviting with a gorgeous stained glass entrance. The unique layout adds to the charm! Our server Sam was great at making recommendations and answering questions for my sister who isn't very adventurous with food. There is something for everyone. I especially enjoyed the hand rolls and sharing apps with the table. The neighborhood is walkable and easy to find parking. 10/10

Food was 4/5, service was a 2/5.As appetizers, we got calamari and potstickers. Probably some of the best calamari I've ever had around Detroit (for a really good price too). I got the Pork Belly Donburi and it was fantastic. My boyfriend got the Teppan Whisky Steak and I couldn't say the same for that. He asked for medium rare and got what was definitely a little more undercooked than rare. Unfortunately, we never even got a chance to send it back because the waitress only came back after we were done with our food. It took about 30 minutes AFTER we were done eating for our waitress to come back and give us our receipt. The people right next to us also had to wait around the same amount of time to get their receipt as well. I get that it gets busy during dinner time, but it seemed like our waitress had completely forgotten about us after the restaurant started slowing down and half the customers were there from when we initially came in.

Nate and I were lucky enough to visit an izakaya in Tokyo last May and we absolutely loved it! These casual bars serve skewers of grilled deliciousness and plenty of drinks. Ima Izakaya brought us back to that experience in the best way. There was a bit of a wait but we were soon seated in the enclosed patio (which was super warm even though it was the end of December) and we got to work reviewing the menu (even though I obviously looked at it multiple times before we got there, #iykyk). We decided on the skewer platter, which came with one of each of their skewers, fish jerky, and some dipping sauces. We also got a couple hand rolls (spicy tuna and yellowtail).The food was so delicious! I loved all the skewers but I think the mushroom and asparagus was my favorite. I will say that the fish jerky wasn't my favorite, but the recommendation of dipping it in the aioli did make it more palatable for me. I loved the hand rolls - the tuna was definitely my favorite, but both were very well done and so tasty.Service was great and I had so much fun being transported back to Tokyo (well, as close as I've gotten since we got back to the US). I even got a Suntory whisky highball, which are everywhere in Tokyo. I would definitely go back for their happy hour especially (with $5 drinks and small plates). At about $100 for two drinks and our snacks, it was a bit pricey but worth it.

I stopped by for happy hour with my cousins with no reservation. There was nothing in the main dining room so we sat in the back section. It appeared to be a space that was added on to the original building. It was cute, comfy, cozy space and I was just happy we didn't have to sit at the bar. From the happy hour menu I ordered the chili garlic shrimp, dry aged rib eye, karage fried chicken bites, and the umami thick fries. Each item was $5. My favorites were the fried chicken & the fries. The fries were surprisingly good. It was thick cut potatoes topped with crispy leeks, umami seasoning, yuzu-guava ketchup, & furikake mayo. There were just so many flavors tickling my palette. For my mocktails, I had the purple monsoon & blueberry ginger fizz. Each drink was The purple monsoon was my favorite between the two. The combination of jasmine tea syrup, lime, ube coconut cream, & pineapple really hit the spot. I definitely felt like I should be drinking it on the beach. I can't wait to come back & try some items on the regular menu.

I came here yesterday with my friends for a little lunch. The hostess and waitress were both very kind!The restaurant is so pretty. I've been here when it's dark and during the daytime now and it's still so pretty.I ordered a different handroll this time -- I got the spicy tuna, I think the salmon was better. We skipped the fries this time but missed those haha!I got the Tonkotsu Ramen again, my friend got the spicy version and I wish I would have tried that one. Regardless, it's super creamy, very rich, and the pork had like a sweet glaze on it that was very good! I think I had a better experience this time based on food, service, and overall vibe. This place is easy to add to a regular rotation.

i've come here several times and I am never disappointed. The service, is always great. the staff like their jobs there and it shows. The food is always fantastic. Cocktails are also all beautiful and delicious. There is presentation in all things delivered there. I has the spicy tuna with wonton crisps which was fantastic, refreshing with a small kick. I was also curious how lamb steamed buns would be and WOW what an innovative and flavor bomb. I got a porcini udon which was good but the chicken katsu....so so soooo good. The curry and crunch of the katsu were one of the best i've had. i'll be back over and over again per usual.

Friends suggested and booked a table on the patio for 5:30p on a Wednesday ahead of a show at Fisher Theater. The patio is nicely closed up and well heated. I was surprised how comfortable it was in there. Joe greeted us immediately and took our drink order. We had about 25 mins before the end of Happy Hour. Drinks were delivered and time to order food. I ordered from the HH menu - skewers, wasabi-octopus, and a spicy tuna hand roll. I wouldn't do the octopus again, I didn't realize it was raw. Good flavor though. I didn't dig the texture. The spicy tuna hand roll was weak but filling. No veggies just a bit of tuna on rice. My friends loved their bowls. Nice hunk of short rib, on top of creamy, thick noodles. Along with fried garlic, kimchi, lime and veggies. The pho was huge with delicate rice noodles full of fresh jalapeño, sprouts, pork belly and lime. Service was great. We were looking for him and he wasn't hounding us. Perfect amount of attention and he didn't skip the details. Brought me a drink I wanted without further prompting. Great visit. I would recommend to others. This block is trying to come alive. Hopefully the parking situation gets better. I think there is a neighboring lot for the local businesses but it is not clear if it costs or is open or what one has to do to park there and not have someone try to tow your vehicle. Street parking is choice but that too is unclear. What is with the frickin lines?! Can we park there or not? Didn't get towed and paid my parking. Guess it was ok though very frustrating.

This was a surprise this week for lunch. Tried a great newer gem Downtown Detroit near the new Ford Michigan Central station. A friend recommended we try the Pork Tonkotsu Ramen. This was such a flavor bomb starting with a broth that was silky smooth with a subtle garlic oil and the soft egg that brought the whole fish together. The star was the wedge of smoked pork that was crispy and melt in your mouth fantastic. The spice was perfect, starting as a subtle warmth that seemed to increase in intensity as I finished. Such a great meal and worth the visit.

Ima, I'm a huge fan! Started with their mezcal cocktail, "Highs & Lows" which I really enjoyed. It was smokey of course, but the toasted coconut flavor combined with the citrus made it one of the best mezcal margs I've ever had! I ordered the pork tonkatsu ramen and a meatball skewer. I didn't love the meatball personally, but the ramen was 5/5. The pork belly was PERFECT, the broth was immaculate, and everything tasted so fresh and delicious. It was not too salty, and was the perfect cozy meal for a cold October evening. Our server was very attentive and kind as well.

So so happy I came here. I was in town for work and trying to kill some time between work and another engagement I had that evening. That awkward time turned out to be happy hour here! What fortuitous timing.I tried everything I could on the happy hour menu, food wise, going off some recommendations from the awesome and helpful server. Everything was a hit. Each item was so uniquely flavored and well/balanced. The deal was too good to pass up, and I got a mini tasting-menu quality meal with the diversity there was. The atmosphere is kind of dark and moody, but still really cool. I cannot wait to be back in the area, hopefully on another work trip, to come back and work my way through the menu again!