Sake Boutique Izakaya: Rome’s New Destination for Japanese Sake and Cuisine

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 3/19/2025

Sake Boutique Izakaya: Rome’s New Destination for Japanese Sake and Cuisine

Sake Boutique Izakaya, the latest dining concept from Sushi e Noodles, recently opened in Rome, offering a contemporary take on Japan’s traditional tavern culture. Located at Piazza Albania on the Aventine Hill, the restaurant introduces an informal setting inspired by Japanese izakayas, venues popular for casual gatherings after work. Its focus is on exploring and educating patrons about Japan's celebrated fermented beverages, particularly sake.

The restaurant's concept encourages guests to discover Japanese sake and spirits paired thoughtfully with traditional yet inventive dishes. By creating an environment that blends authenticity with modernity, Sake Boutique Izakaya aims to deepen the appreciation and understanding of Japanese dining culture among Romans.

The venture is led by Yuri and Giovanni Zhou, supported by partners Alessandro Hong and David Giannini. The team previously established the successful Sushi e Noodles restaurants across Rome, including locations in Aventino, Prati, and Tuscolana, operating since 2013. Yuri Zhou particularly highlights the renewed appreciation for sake, treating it similarly to fine wine, and emphasizes its versatility in pairing with various foods.

Yuri Zhou, Giovanni Zhou, and Alessandro Hong

Sake and Spirits: A Journey Through Japan’s Fermented Traditions

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. Unlike distilled spirits, sake is brewed through a process similar to beer, though it is often enjoyed in a manner more akin to wine. It varies in taste, aroma, and complexity, depending on factors such as rice polishing levels and fermentation techniques. Traditionally served warm, cold, or at room temperature, sake can be paired with a wide range of foods, enhancing flavors and creating a unique dining experience.

The sake menu at Sake Boutique was developed in collaboration with the Sake Company and the Sake Sommelier Association, offering over 30 distinct labels sourced from various prefectures in Japan. The selection ranges from approachable, fragrant sakes suitable for beginners, priced from €7 to €12 per glass, to sophisticated, premium labels aimed at experienced enthusiasts, available for €14 to €18 per glass. Premium bottles for takeaway are also available.

Beyond sake, the bar program overseen by manager Giordano Ciccolini features Japanese-inspired cocktails incorporating premium spirits like whiskey and gin. Signature cocktails include the Fuji Winter, crafted with aromatic junmai ginjo sake, bitters, hibiscus foam, and roses (€14), as well as the Sake Highball and Yuzu Ginger cocktails, showcasing sake's versatility.

The restaurant offers a diverse menu divided into meat, fish, and vegetarian options, staying true to the izakaya tradition of pairing flavorful dishes with sake.

Meat dishes range from €7 to €16, featuring options like Yangnyeom Chicken, crispy Korean-style fried chicken in a spicy-sweet glaze (€14), Hanetsuki Gyoza Cake, beef ravioli with a crispy traditional crust (€12), Padre e Figlio, a comforting oyakodon donburi with white rice, chicken, egg, and raw egg yolk (€14), Negima Kushi Yaki, skewered chicken with scallion grilled to perfection (€8), and Tebasaki, Japanese-style glazed chicken wings (€10).

Yangnyeom-Chicken (top), Hanetsuki Gyoza Cake (bottom)

Seafood lovers can expect prices between €8 and €15, with highlights such as Salmon Popcorn, crispy tempura salmon bites with honey panko (€8), and Unagi-don, a flavorful rice bowl topped with roasted eel fillets and sesame (€15). Seafood skewers, tempura, and sashimi further expand the selection.

Tebasaki (top), Spicy Miso Carbonara (bottom)

Vegetarian dishes, priced between €3 and €16, include small bites like Edamame (€4) and Tsukemono Daikon (pickled white turnip, €3), as well as heartier options like Omurice, a Japanese-style omelet with tomato-sautéed rice (€16), and Spicy Miso Carbonara, a fusion pasta with gochujang, miso, and oyster mushrooms (€16). Desserts start at €8, featuring indulgent choices like Nama Choco, rich and velvety Japanese-style chocolate truffles (€8).

Padre e Figlio (top), Omurice (bottom)

The menu is designed to highlight sake’s versatility, with each dish carefully crafted to enhance the depth of flavors in the restaurant’s beverage selection. Whether guests opt for skewers, rice bowls, or tempura, Sake Boutique Izakaya delivers an authentic experience true to Japan’s izakaya culture.