Seemor
Kinda IzakayaB+Worth Trying
1941A University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
· Izakaya restaurant, Bar, Authentic Japanese restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (116 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively late-night izakaya with standout mentaiko udon, skewers, and cocktails; small portions and occasional service misses keep value solid but not stellar.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Kinda Izakaya delivers solid neighborhood izakaya dining with strong food quality anchored by standout dishes like mentaiko udon and yakitori, plus an energetic Tokyo-style atmosphere that captures authentic late-night appeal. However, inconsistent execution across visits and tight seating that wears over time prevent it from reaching higher territory. Worth visiting for izakaya enthusiasts seeking lively, flavorful small plates in a fun setting.
Restaurant Summary
Stepping inside feels lively and transportive: manga-covered walls, upbeat music, and the clatter of small plates. One diner raved, "The grilled squid was tender and the tongue skewers hit just right." Service vibes range from warm and accommodating to a bit stretched at rush, but most visits land as fun late-night hangs. The cooking leans elevated-traditional izakaya with a few playful twists. The culinary approach is classic with modern polish: think creamy mentaiko udon carbonara, robust tonkotsu, crisp skewers, and fresh sashimi, plus a couple of creative rolls. Order strategically—mentaiko, chicken skin, and beef tongue tend to shine—while tempura and some veg skewers can vary. Families will find it surprisingly accessible. Kids can stick to ramen, curry, fried rice, or simple rolls like avocado or cucumber; portions are small-plate style, so plan to share a few items. If your crew prefers plain comfort food only, pick from the simpler dishes and skip the spicier or richer options.
At a Glance
- Creamy, crowd-favorite mentaiko udon carbonara
- Energetic Tokyo-style vibe with cute cocktails
- Late-night option with broad izakaya menu
- Small portions and occasional long waits at peak
- Inconsistent execution on select items (tempura, some skewers)
What Sets It Apart
- late_night_service
- anime_interior_aesthetic
- strong_mentaiko_udon
- broad_izakaya_menu
What People Love
- Mentaiko udon that is rich and satisfying
- Charred skewers like chicken skin and beef tongue
- Playful cocktails and solid sake picks
- Atmosphere that feels like a quick Tokyo getaway
Points of Concern
- Portions skew small; value best when sharing several items
- Service can lag during rush; appetizers may arrive with mains
- Quality variability across dishes; choose proven favorites
- Review patterns show a few severe complaints but limited corroboration overall
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For value: House Salad ($8) + Yaki Udon ($14) + shared roll ($8-12)
- For indulgence: Assorted Sashimi ($31) + Mentaiko Udon ($16) + sake flight (price varies)
Perfect For
- Late-night casual bites after a show
- Sharing a spread of small plates with friends
- Solo bar seat with ramen and sake
- Students or locals craving a lively izakaya vibe
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy downtown near UC Berkeley; energetic late-night crowd with casual dining and bars.
Safety: Generally safe with busy foot traffic; standard urban awareness advised late night.
Nearby: Near UC campus, theaters, BART, and numerous eateries; strong pre- and post-event dining flow.
SouthsideSouthside is the neighborhood directly adjacent to the UC Berkeley campus, bustling with student activity and a variety of casual and eclectic dining options. The area is lively, with many affordable eateries, cafes, and bars catering to a youthful and diverse crowd, often reflecting the progressive and intellectual vibe of the university community.
Gourmet GhettoLocated just north of Southside but often overlapping in influence, the Gourmet Ghetto is renowned for its concentration of artisanal food shops, innovative restaurants, and farm-to-table dining experiences. It attracts a crowd interested in high-quality, sustainable, and creative cuisine in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–22:00
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday17:30–22:00
Friday17:30–23:30
Saturday17:30–23:30
Sunday17:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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