Kiraku

Welcome to Kiraku, a cozy izakaya in Berkeley, CA that offers a unique dining experience with its tapas/small plates concept. From the moment you walk in, you'll feel welcomed by the casual atmosphere and the attentive waiter service. Kiraku is known for its diverse menu that includes pescatarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for those with dietary preferences.

One of the highlights of Kiraku is their delicious dishes, such as the Salmon Poke with quail egg over rice, the Gyudon with simmered washu beef and poached egg, and the Unagi Don with grilled eel in sweet soy sauce. For those looking for vegetarian options, the Vegetarian Yaki Udon and Vegetarian Mapo Tofu Don are must-tries.

Aside from the mouth-watering food, Kiraku also offers a range of beverages including canned green tea, sparkling yuzu, and unique desserts like Yuzu Cheesecake and Matcha Cheesecake. With outdoor seating, gender-neutral restrooms, and Heated Outdoor Seating, Kiraku ensures a comfortable dining experience for all.

Overall, Kiraku is a hidden gem in Berkeley that will satisfy your cravings for Japanese cuisine. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down dinner, Kiraku has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this culinary experience that combines traditional flavors with a modern twist.

Kiraku Menu

Location

Address: 2566B Telegraph Ave Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 848-2758

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
WED 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
THU 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
FRI 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
SAT 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
SUN Closed

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Pescatarian Options
    Yes
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Limited Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Not wheelchair accessible
    No
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Beer & Wine Only
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Offers Catering
    No
  • Not Good For Groups
    No
  • Waiter Service
    No
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • Happy Hour
    No
  • Drive-Thru
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Provides reusable tableware
    Yes
  • Bike Parking
    No

Last Reviews

  • Author: T T

    19 February 2025

    I came here for dinner and it's busy if you come at peak time. If you come right at the opening or later in the evening, it is easier to get a table without waiting. The food was good! The standouts were the corn tempura, grilled beef intestines, The roasted premium angus beef tongue would have been better if the truffle oil and salt did not overpower the beef. The karage was a miss, it felt mushy and the flavor was a miss. The rock shrimp tempura was good, but basic. Would definitely return again for certain items, the sake, and try other menu items.

  • Author: Liann Amagan

    19 February 2025

    Hands down one of my favorite Japanese spots in the East bay to go to. You can make a reservation but you have to spend at least $ a person which isn’t difficult to. Very authentic Japanese style from the vibe and service and the food is so good and fresh with many options from sashimi, nagiri, yakitori, izakaya, and special menu items. You have to try their corn tempura, get some of their fresh sashimi, some izakaya sticks- the beef tongue is so tender, the salmon and tuna, carpaccio, salads, soups, and their uni pasta. If you order sake you get to choose your own sake cup. The food is so good and one of my favorite places to take my friends in town. Parking can get a little difficult when trying to find street parking when it’s busy. You sign up through the Yelp waitlist and they are usually super busy.Vegetarian options: Very limitedDietary restrictions: Mainly seafoodParking: Can get busy but street and residential ParkingKid-friendliness: Small area but kid friendly

  • Author: Jenn

    19 February 2025

    When I saw the Kaisen Don, I knew I had to try this place. I went around :PM on a Tuesday and the place pretty much filled up within the hour.My absolute favorites were the Kaisen Don Deluxe (a bit on the pricier side) but it tasted so good and fresh (bonus for them using Japanese Bafun Uni instead of Santa Barbara Uni) and the Unagi Yakitori, which had a hint of wood charcoil and made it sooo tasty.Service is amazing and they are very attentive.The ambiance and vibe is giving small, cute Japanese shop as it is very cozy. I love that they have baskets on the floor for you to put your bags.Overall, this spot was perfect for a cute date night and I would definitely go again.

  • Author: Elsa Zhong

    19 February 2025

    Food:./Yuba: Homemade Tofu Skin w/ Ikura and Sea Urchin - unique combo, come in spoons, recommend to take in the entire spoon at once/Beef Intestine Skewer - prefer less fatty/Tender Beef Tongue Skewer - a bit too soft that it almost tastes like pork belly./Roasted Premium Beef Tongue - thick slices with chewy texture/Nigiri Botan Ebi fresh sweet shrimp/Deluxe Chazuke - seemingly simple ingredients infuse rich flavors in the warm broth/Grapefruit Yogurt Ice Cream - super refreshing to end the mealOn the pricey side but overall tastes great, would definitely come back to try other items!Service & Experience:Though we felt rushed as the waiter pushed us to finish and leave, probably due to its popularity and high table turnover rate.Usually there’s a long wait. We arrived early and waited for minutes.There is a minimum spend: in our case for walk-in, and more for online reservations.Interior is cozy izakaya stylequite small and tight space

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