Izakaya Amu
A tiny, twinkling Japanese pub specializing in artful, traditional small plates and exquisite sushi to pair with sake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Izakaya Amu
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tiny, twinkling Japanese pub specializing in artful, traditional small plates and exquisite sushi to pair with sake.
"Authentic Izakaya-style dining with exquisite sushi and intimate Japanese pub culture."
Try Omakase
For a tailored experience, let the chef select your dishes.
Monday Ramen Special
The renowned ramen dish is exclusively available on Mondays.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Izakaya Experience
Experience intimate Japanese pub culture with small, shareable plates and exquisite sushi.
Premium Sushi & Sashimi
Savor artfully prepared, high-quality sushi and sashimi selections. Dedicated sushi bar available.
Omakase Curated Dining
Let the chef guide you through a personalized culinary journey with their Omakase tasting menu.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Omakase
For a tailored experience, let the chef select your dishes.
Monday Ramen Special
The renowned ramen dish is exclusively available on Mondays.
Price for Quality
Expect higher prices reflecting premium ingredients and meticulous preparation.
Generous Tipping
Appreciate the staff's attentiveness with a tip over 25%.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Omakase
For a tailored experience, let the chef select your dishes.
Monday Ramen Special
The renowned ramen dish is exclusively available on Mondays.
Price for Quality
Expect higher prices reflecting premium ingredients and meticulous preparation.
Generous Tipping
Appreciate the staff's attentiveness with a tip over 25%.
Shoe Storage Concerns
Be aware that shoes are removed at the entrance and may be stored within the dining area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Izakaya Amu offers a unique and authentic Japanese pub experience with many dishes not found elsewhere, though some find the prices high and the sashimi inconsistent. While the intimate atmosphere and some menu items, like the udon, receive high praise, others have noted issues with food quality and shoe storage. The service is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with staff providing great suggestions.
"Lots of dishes that can't be found in other Japanese restaurants. We tried several and they were all great. It took a while for the food to come out though. But it was worth the wait."
Cong Minh Tran
"Disappointing experience. We arrived and the hostess/server asked us “how she could help us”, which set a bad tone from the start. She was otherwise friendly, but delivered a wrong item to our table. When we mentioned it, she laughed it off and kept it on our bill (we did eat it, to be fair). All of this could be easily overlooked but unfortunately, the food just wasn’t good. We have eaten at hundreds of Japanese restaurants - including many izakaya - all over North America and Japan, and I’m not sure how this place gets the good reviews it does. We all agreed there wasn’t a single thing that was “good” and a few items that weren’t good at all. We left and had dinner elsewhere. We won’t be back."
Jason Matsumoto
"This place is an institution in town. It's well known, and the sushi bar side has a great happy hour on sundays. I'm glad this place exists and it scratches an itch, but I wouldn't call it exceptional. I very much enjoyed you unagi and the sashimi plate was good. Most of the other dishes were just okay"
Andrew Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Izakaya Amu is known for its authentic Izakaya-style dining, offering small shared plates, yakitori, and premium sushi in an intimate Japanese pub atmosphere.
Yes, Omakase is available and highly recommended for a curated dining experience where the chef tailors dishes to your preferences.
The renowned ramen dish is a special offered only on Mondays.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with prices reflecting the quality of ingredients and meticulous preparation.
Yes, guests are asked to remove their shoes upon entering the restaurant.
While Amu offers sushi, some reviews suggest it's more of a place for a broader range of Japanese small plates. For dedicated sushi, some recommend other establishments.
Popular dishes include the Kobe beef, seared scallops, lobster tempura, calamari, and udon, especially the broth.
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Japanese cuisine is often associated with sushi, but Amu takes it a step further. This elegant spot is one of the best Asian restaurants in Boulder for experiencing Izakaya-style dining, a type of informal Japanese pub. Try the assortment of small dishes, yakitori, and of course, their exquisite sushi for a taste of Japan’s multifaceted culinary heritage.
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Tucked away in a cozy corner of Boulder is Izakaya Amu, an embodiment of the classic Japanese izakaya. Serving small plates meant to be shared over drinks, this place captures the true essence of Japanese pub culture. From the warm wooden interiors to the friendly staff, Amu offers an experience that is both intimate and authentic.
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Izakaya Amu, nestled in the heart of Boulder, is truly a hidden gem when it comes to the ramen dining scene. As I walked into the restaurant, I was immediately captivated by its nostalgic charm and 90's atmosphere. The decor was quaint and gave the place a cozy vibe, as if I had been transported back in time.
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Check out this Japanese restaurant situated on Spruce Street, next to the famous Sushi Zanmai. Founded in June 2002, this diner has been offering a seasonal menu and daily specials to its esteemed customers. Special attention to food quality and customer service are the foundations of this establishment.
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This high-end Japanese restaurant offers premium sushi and sake selections. “Izakaya”, in Japan, is a pub style diner similar to that of a tapas bar, featuring small plates and drinks. Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture by dining in the elaborately decorated tea room at Izakaya Amu.
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For traditional Japanese food in Boulder, Izakaya Amu, a block off the Pearl Street Mall, will fit the bill. In Japanese, Izakaya roughly means “stay-drink.” Izakayas are similar to pubs or taverns—casual watering holes where people sit, drink, and share food. That’s what you’ll find at Amu.
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1221 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302Phone: (303) 440-0807 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Izakaya Amu (@izakaya_amu)
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- Rating: 4.5/5 (263 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 1221 Spruce St. Boulder, Colorado - Categories: Japanese- Read more on Yelp
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