KOBACHI
Izakaya
Dining
"...A MYRIAD OF JAPANESE FLAVORS..."
"KOBACHI: IZAKAYA DINING"
serves a Japanese assortment of small savory dishes to the accompaniment of fine sake in a casual, fun and friendly atmosphere.
IZAKAYA: Japanese Style Tapas Restaurant
Staying true to its name, "Kobachi" which means "small cup or bowl",
this restaurant is the first in Santa Barbara to introduce a unique menu of small Japanese dishes that emulate the well-known tapas found in Spanish cuisine.
Kobachi also aims to recreate the mellow and relaxing ambiance that one often encounters at an izakaya, which is "a sake house where one comfortably savors food and drink."
The owners of Kobachi firmly believe that the eclectic array of Japanese cuisine coupled with an inviting izakaya atmosphere is a combination conducive to a delectable dining experience.
"IZAKAYA" HISTORY:
Izakaya is a Japanese dining establishment that dates back to the Edo period ( 1603-1868 ).
Although the English words "bar; pub; tavern" are often used to define izakaya, no term serves as an adequate translation.
Izakaya began essentially as a "sake house," a place where sake was measured, packaged and then sold.
The establishment then turned into a place where patrons could not only purchase sake but could also drink it; and before long,
small appetizers accompanied their sake cups.
In this way, izakaya gradually became a place where locals could socialize casually while enjoying simple appetizers and drinks.
However, it was not until the 1970s and '80s, when izakaya transformed into the late-night running, after-work hang-outs they are today.
Izakaya restaurants now vary greatly in style ( from bijou restaurants that specialize in foods such as yaki-tori or oden,
to giant chains that offer a vast variety of dishes and drinks ) and continue to be a popular place where Japanese young and old alike can enjoy a savory dining experience.