Izakaya etiquette: how to order and drink like a regular
The wet towel, the compulsory small dish, and why you never pour your own drink.
Avoid these
Sending back the otoshi
A small dish you didn’t order arrives — that’s the otoshi, a small seat charge. It’s normal, not a scam.
Pouring your own first
Custom is to pour for others and let them pour for you. Filling only your own glass looks a little lonely.
Camping out when packed
Busy izakayas often have a time limit. Order steadily; don’t nurse one drink for hours.
Do exactly this
Expect the otoshi
A tiny dish = the seat charge. Enjoy it — it’s part of the deal.
Pour for each other
Top up your friends’ glasses; they top up yours. Hold the bottle with two hands.
Open with a beer
The classic first move below — then let the night roll.
The phrase locals love
とりあえず生で
toriaezu nama de!
“A draft beer to start!” The iconic opening order in any izakaya. Say it the second you sit and you instantly sound like a regular.
📍 right as you sit down