Dozo Izakaya

Dozo Izakaya
440 W. Warner Road
Tempe, 85284

The original owners have retired and the restaurant is being run by the new owners with the same menu.

It has been 8 years since my last review of this restaurant and it was time for a new review. In keeping with a proper review, I ordered most of the same things that I had the last time so that I can compare my writing from the last time.

There were 3 of us and we were seated immediately. The restaurant wasn't crowded so we could pick our table.

Companion #1 ordered milk tea and Companion #2 after tasting it also ordered it. For myself, I ordered the house green tea, which while a little cloudy had the same flavor as Ito En commercial tea.

For those who are not familiar, an Izakaya is a small restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages and mostly small plates similar to a Spanish Tapas.

Companion #1 ordered a Carburetor roll which is shrimp tempura topped with crab sticks, avocado and eel sauce. I had wanted to taste it but it was gone in a flash! Also ordered was Tako Yaki which are small cooked balls with a piece of octopus in the center. They are then sauced with Japanese mayo and eel sauce. Again, they were eaten before I could even get a taste.

Companion #2 ordered the Gyoza's which was a nice sized portion and pronounced them excellent. Also ordered was a California Roll which was pronounced delicious. I had ordered a Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll for myself, but by the time I got to eat it, it was half gone having been eaten by Companion #2 who said it was wonderful.

For myself, I concentrated on the Yakitori menu. Skewers of Chicken Hearts, Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Skin (Cooked perfectly and crunchy) , and Chicken Wings (which were succulent). . I found myself almost in tears as the flavors brought back wonderful memories of Izakaya's in Tokyo. The Yakitori was cooked perfectly and had a nice Tare (sauce) on it. I also tried the Unagi (Fresh Water Eel) and the Saba (Mackerel) which many places over marinate and this was perfect.

Service was excellent and cleanliness was evident.

In my last review I gave them 4 stars, and the food was so good this time that I am giving 5 stars.