IZAKAYA

A new restaurant has emerged on Žilina’s gastro scene under the guidance of experienced Chef Zdenko Kramarčík, offering bold Asian flavours. IZAKAYA is located in the wider city centre, close to the railway station. Upon arrival, you are immediately struck by the beautifully designed interior with an open kitchen, where you can watch the dishes being prepared while you wait. Service is of a high standard, with knowledgeable staff ready to explain the menu and recommend suitable drinks to accompany each course, which we greatly appreciated. We tried the kimchi mango prawns, served with an excellently seasoned sauce, although the prawns themselves could have benefited from a little more crispness. We could not leave without tasting the chutoro and ramen with crispy pork belly. Here, the flavours were deep and honest, and the pork belly stood out for its exceptional crunch. The method of presentation was equally engaging and clearly reflected the care and time devoted to each dish. For the main course, we followed the staff’s recommendation and opted for pork with peanuts, specifically pork cheeks served with a delicate Jerusalem artichoke and peanut purée and a pronounced hoisin sauce that added a pleasant sweetness. The pickled pear on the side was an interesting touch, though it could have been slightly softer. We finished the evening with tiramisu and matcha. The sweet cream, combined with pickled plums and assertive matcha, worked beautifully together. When visiting Žilina, this restaurant is certainly one not to be missed.