Welcome to Ima Izakaya
Ima Izakaya invites food lovers to experience the vibrant essence of Japanese izakaya culture in the heart of Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. This trendy and casual eatery celebrates communal dining with an array of dishes, from crispy karaage to rich tonkotsu ramen. With a commitment to inclusivity, Ima offers numerous vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring that every palate is catered for. The inviting atmosphere, accentuated by hip decor and friendly service, enhances the dining experience, whether enjoying happy hour cocktails or a leisurely dinner. Here, each bite tells a story of flavor and tradition, transporting guests straight to Japan with every delectable dish.
- 2100 Michigan Ave Detroit, MI 48216 United States Hotline: (313) 306-9485
Welcome to Ima Izakaya, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Corktown, Detroit. Renowned for its casual atmosphere and trendy vibe, this izakaya-style restaurant effortlessly brings a slice of Japan to the Midwest, featuring a tantalizing mix of traditional and contemporary Japanese fare.
One of the standout features of Ima Izakaya is its extensive and diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes, including an impressive array of vegan and vegetarian options. From the moment you step in, you can expect a sensory experience that invites you to savor each dish—be it the spicy bok choy, a favorite among patrons seeking a punch of flavor, or the delicious Udon and Ramen soups that promise warmth and comfort with every slurp.
- Appetizers: Start your meal with crowd-pleasers like the Spicy Tuna Dip or the delightful Karaage Chicken and Tofu Bites. Each item bursts with flavor, and they’re perfect for sharing!
- Soups: The Tonkotsu Ramen, with its rich pork bone broth, promises to transport your taste buds straight to Japan. Or try the Spicy Tori Udon—a heavenly blend of rich chicken broth and spices that warms your soul.
- Unique Cocktails: Don’t miss out on their happy hour specials, featuring expertly crafted drinks like the refreshing lychee martini and the innovative Highs & Lows mezcal cocktail that offers a cozy flavor profile perfect for any season.
The atmosphere at Ima Izakaya is as inviting as the menu. Relax on the covered heated outdoor seating or gather with friends in the environmentally friendly, hipster-style indoor dining area—perfect for a casual dinner or a lively night out. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a unique spot to celebrate, Ima Izakaya offers the perfect blend of delicious food, a wide drink selection, and comfy seating arrangements.
Many reviewers rave about the friendly and attentive service—a hallmark of the Ima Izakaya experience. Whether you’re a long-time sushi lover or a newcomer looking to explore Japanese cuisine, you'll find dishes that not only satisfy the palate but also create memorable dining moments.
So next time you're in Detroit, make your way to Ima Izakaya at 2100 Michigan Ave, and immerse yourself in a dining experience that celebrates the essence of Japanese izakaya culture. With delightful dishes, a laid-back atmosphere, and the perfect drink to accompany your meal, eat, drink, and find happiness at Ima Izakaya.

The food is excellent. The spicy bok choy is a dish my friend returns to try. She has tried to replicate it at home with no success. I had the Ahi Poke bowl. The Tuna was fresh and very tasty. I also love seaweed and avocado and all the rest. Happy hour means 5.00 drinks. I had pinot Grigio it was good. The service was good and the ambiance was nice. Seating was comfortable and spaced out .

This was on of this dining experiences where the food was just so amazing, that you forgot to take pictures. WOW!! This is a wonderful Japanese restaurant with a couple of locations--this is the one in Corktown. The vibe here is just....so cool and fun! It was bumpin' on a Friday night and we were sat right away (with a reservation). We all got a couple apps and a main, and were very pleased. The lychee martini was top notch! I left with a game plan for when I return, which is always good sign for me. I've been to the Madison Heights location also and while it's smaller, the food is just as delicious.

Wonderful as usual! Ate here for team lunch on 2/25/2025. I ordered hamachi crudo to share with the table and the chef added an extra piece of fish so everyone could try. Such a thoughtful thing to do! For lunch, I ordered the spicy tonkotsu ramen and it was amazing!

The space is warming and inviting with a gorgeous stained glass entrance. The unique layout adds to the charm! Our server Sam was great at making recommendations and answering questions for my sister who isn't very adventurous with food. There is something for everyone. I especially enjoyed the hand rolls and sharing apps with the table. The neighborhood is walkable and easy to find parking. 10/10

Nate and I were lucky enough to visit an izakaya in Tokyo last May and we absolutely loved it! These casual bars serve skewers of grilled deliciousness and plenty of drinks. Ima Izakaya brought us back to that experience in the best way. There was a bit of a wait but we were soon seated in the enclosed patio (which was super warm even though it was the end of December) and we got to work reviewing the menu (even though I obviously looked at it multiple times before we got there, #iykyk). We decided on the skewer platter, which came with one of each of their skewers, fish jerky, and some dipping sauces. We also got a couple hand rolls (spicy tuna and yellowtail). The food was so delicious! I loved all the skewers but I think the mushroom and asparagus was my favorite. I will say that the fish jerky wasn't my favorite, but the recommendation of dipping it in the aioli did make it more palatable for me. I loved the hand rolls - the tuna was definitely my favorite, but both were very well done and so tasty. Service was great and I had so much fun being transported back to Tokyo (well, as close as I've gotten since we got back to the US). I even got a Suntory whisky highball, which are everywhere in Tokyo. I would definitely go back for their happy hour especially (with $5 drinks and small plates). At about $100 for two drinks and our snacks, it was a bit pricey but worth it.

I stopped by for happy hour with my cousins with no reservation. There was nothing in the main dining room so we sat in the back section. It appeared to be a space that was added on to the original building. It was cute, comfy, cozy space and I was just happy we didn't have to sit at the bar. From the happy hour menu I ordered the chili garlic shrimp, dry aged rib eye, karage fried chicken bites, and the umami thick fries. Each item was $5. My favorites were the fried chicken & the fries. The fries were surprisingly good. It was thick cut potatoes topped with crispy leeks, umami seasoning, yuzu-guava ketchup, & furikake mayo. There were just so many flavors tickling my palette. For my mocktails, I had the purple monsoon & blueberry ginger fizz. Each drink was The purple monsoon was my favorite between the two. The combination of jasmine tea syrup, lime, ube coconut cream, & pineapple really hit the spot. I definitely felt like I should be drinking it on the beach. I can't wait to come back & try some items on the regular menu.

I came here yesterday with my friends for a little lunch. The hostess and waitress were both very kind! The restaurant is so pretty. I've been here when it's dark and during the daytime now and it's still so pretty. I ordered a different handroll this time -- I got the spicy tuna, I think the salmon was better. We skipped the fries this time but missed those haha! I got the Tonkotsu Ramen again, my friend got the spicy version and I wish I would have tried that one. Regardless, it's super creamy, very rich, and the pork had like a sweet glaze on it that was very good! I think I had a better experience this time based on food, service, and overall vibe. This place is easy to add to a regular rotation.

Friends suggested and booked a table on the patio for 5:30p on a Wednesday ahead of a show at Fisher Theater. The patio is nicely closed up and well heated. I was surprised how comfortable it was in there. Joe greeted us immediately and took our drink order. We had about 25 mins before the end of Happy Hour. Drinks were delivered and time to order food. I ordered from the HH menu - skewers, wasabi-octopus, and a spicy tuna hand roll. I wouldn't do the octopus again, I didn't realize it was raw. Good flavor though. I didn't dig the texture. The spicy tuna hand roll was weak but filling. No veggies just a bit of tuna on rice. My friends loved their bowls. Nice hunk of short rib, on top of creamy, thick noodles. Along with fried garlic, kimchi, lime and veggies. The pho was huge with delicate rice noodles full of fresh jalapeño, sprouts, pork belly and lime. Service was great. We were looking for him and he wasn't hounding us. Perfect amount of attention and he didn't skip the details. Brought me a drink I wanted without further prompting. Great visit. I would recommend to others. This block is trying to come alive. Hopefully the parking situation gets better. I think there is a neighboring lot for the local businesses but it is not clear if it costs or is open or what one has to do to park there and not have someone try to tow your vehicle. Street parking is choice but that too is unclear. What is with the frickin lines?! Can we park there or not? Didn't get towed and paid my parking. Guess it was ok though very frustrating.

Ima, I'm a huge fan! Started with their mezcal cocktail, "Highs & Lows" which I really enjoyed. It was smokey of course, but the toasted coconut flavor combined with the citrus made it one of the best mezcal margs I've ever had! I ordered the pork tonkatsu ramen and a meatball skewer. I didn't love the meatball personally, but the ramen was 5/5. The pork belly was PERFECT, the broth was immaculate, and everything tasted so fresh and delicious. It was not too salty, and was the perfect cozy meal for a cold October evening. Our server was very attentive and kind as well.