Izakaya Sozai, San Francisco

###The Press Box: Izakaya Sozai True to its name, Izakaya Sozai specializes in small plates—an _izakaya_ is a traditional Japanese sake bar known for its tapas-like portions. But those small plates have made a big impact on diners, landing the eatery on multiple best-of lists. Read on to discover what makes Izakaya Sozai such a hot spot: “There's a pronounced porkiness to the broth . . .The noodles, which have a burnished gold tint, have an elastic snap to them that doesn't fade as the noodles soak up broth . . . The **ramen** is the best thing on Sozai's menu. By far.” – [_SFWeekly_](http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-10-20/restaurants/the-cult-of-tonkotsu-ramen-is-taking-over-san-francisco/) “Some of my favorite yakitori here include particularly tasty tsukune, velvety chicken meatballs, and **pork jowl,** little rectangles of gelatinous, fat marbled cheek meat, the fat and flesh more integrated than pork belly.” – [The _Examiner_](http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/traditional-japanese-food-soars-at-izakaya-sozai/Content?oid=2183069) “The accessible [sake] list here offers some affordable beauties, such as a bamboo carafe of the balanced Masumi gingo. If you haven’t discovered how **chilled artisan sake** pairs with foods designed specifically to go with them, Sozai is a natural place to start an exploration.” – [Unterman on Food](http://untermanonfood.com/izakaya-sozai/) “The crowd is a fun melange of young hipsters and families. The tables turn with lightning speed, but the young waiters don't rush diners who choose to linger in the simple, 35-seat restaurant, which shines with **natural light** when the sun graces the Sunset.” – [_SFGate_](http://www.sfgate.com/restaurants/diningout/article/Izakaya-Sozai-s-Japanese-bistro-fare-in-Sunset-2299775.php)