Fish & Bird Izakaya

Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya is a modern Japanese destination on Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley that blends traditional izakaya culture with Northern California’s commitment to sustainable, seasonal cooking. Led by chef and co-owner Asuka Uchida, the restaurant proves that high-end craftsmanship in the kitchen and bar can exist without ecological compromise, bringing together the best of local California ingredients and carefully selected imports from Japan.

Fish & Bird leads the way in zero-waste dining with a perfect sustainability rating. The restaurant eliminates polystyrene, plastic bags, and plastic straws from its operations entirely. Reusable dishes are used for all onsite dining, and takeout orders come in compostable, plant-based containers. Recycling, landfill, and compost bins are clearly labeled with infographics so guests know exactly where to sort their waste. True to their people-first values, any imperfect or nearly expired food is used for staff meals so quality ingredients never go to waste.

The menu changes with the seasons, drawing on the best of the East Bay and supplementing with quality imports from Japan.

Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya is an outstanding example of conscious curation in a neighborhood setting, earning a perfect 13 out of 13 on Berkeley’s sustainability audit. Their no-plastic policy, compostable packaging, and commitment to local California sourcing set them apart even in Berkeley’s sustainability-minded dining scene. Whether you come for the small-batch sakes, the seasonal sashimi, or the izakaya small plates, this is a place where modern Japanese cooking and environmental responsibility sit at the same table.