Nikkei Izakaya
About us
Nikkei Izakaya is a casual, ingredient-driven bar and eatery located at The Broadside in New Orleans’ Mid-City. Drawing inspiration from the bold, cross-cultural flavors developed by Japanese immigrant communities around the world, Nikkei blends Japanese culinary traditions with locally sourced Gulf seafood, seasonal produce, and regional proteins. The menu features craveable small plates, a raw menu of ceviches, tiraditos and sushi, dinner entrees like Crispy Nori Tacos or Chashu Pork, as well comfort-pub classics like Gulf Fish ’n’ Fry (think Gulf fish and chips), Katsu Chicken Sandwiches and hand-cut “Pabu Fries” —all scratch-made and designed to pair effortlessly with craft cocktails, sake, or a cold beer. Vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options abound. With its vibrant setting and from-scratch ethos, Nikkei offers an elevated take on bar food without losing its laid-back charm.
The Team, The Purpose
The restaurant is the result of a collaboration between Chefs Wataru Saeki, Dana Honn, and Christina Honn, who have spent over a decade working together at Carmo, a tropical eatery in New Orleans' Arts & Warehouse District. Over the years, their shared experience in crafting and presenting a large diversity of equatorial dishes—some with Nikkei roots—sparked the realization that the cuisine and culture of Japanese immigrant communities worldwide deserve greater recognition and a platform of their own.
At its core, creating something new from traditional foundations, using ingredients from unfamiliar or familiar lands, tells a deeper story. It's a narrative of adaptability, heritage, purpose, and the enduring strength and richness of culture. This spirit is at the heart of our food at Nikkei Izakaya. It reflects a respect for tradition, simplicity, and precision, while also embracing innovation.
Nikkei Izakaya is, in essence, an invitation to explore this narrative together. We will embark on a journey, both literal and symbolic, across landscapes and seascapes, from the past to the present and beyond. We welcome you to join us in this adventure.