If people ask me where to find good Japanese food in Petaling Jaya, Tobon Izakaya will definitely be one of my recommendations.

It wasn’t even on my radar initially. I discovered this hidden gem after asking a few colleagues for recommendations on authentic Japanese food. Since we had already visited Kappa Kaizen previously (will blog it the next round), we decided it was time to try somewhere different, and I’m glad we did.

Located in the heart of Sea Park, Petaling Jaya, Tobon Izakaya may look modest from the outside, but don’t let its simple exterior fool you. Parking can be a little challenging as only street parking is available. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a spot nearby.

Stepping inside instantly transports you to a cosy Japanese izakaya. The warm wooden interior, minimalist décor and relaxed ambience create a welcoming dining experience. It feels intimate without being cramped, making it a great place for casual dinners with family and friends. The staff was attentive and friendly, while the menu was easy to navigate.

We came with one mission: to try as many dishes as possible. Safe to say, we went a little overboard and sampled dishes across almost every category on the menu. Thankfully, it turned out to be a delicious decision. Here are the dishes that impressed us the most.

1. Shoyu Brined Edamame (RM10)

Unlike the usual steamed edamame, Tobon Izakaya elevates this simple appetiser by brining it in soy sauce. Served chilled, every bite was savoury, refreshing, and incredibly addictive. A perfect way to kick off the meal.

2. Chicken Karaage with Yuzu Mayo (RM23)

One of our favourites. The chicken was juicy, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Paired with the creamy yuzu mayonnaise, every bite was packed with flavour without being overly greasy.

3. Corn Ribs (RM22)

This was one of the chef’s recommendations. The seasoning was delicious, although I personally felt it could be even better if sweet white corn was used, as it would complement the savoury umami flavours more naturally.

4. Salmon Sashimi (RM30 for 5 pieces)

Simple but satisfying. The salmon was fresh and thickly sliced.

5. Dry-Aged Squid (RM52)

Probably one of the most memorable dishes of the night. Immersed in kaffir lime leaf oil and served with mayonnaise and lime, the dry-aged squid offered layers of flavour that were both unique and refreshing. The squid remained surprisingly tender despite the dry-aging process.

6. Seafood Claypot Rice (RM128)

This was easily one of the highlights of our meal. Give everything a good mix before eating. The slightly charred rice absorbed the rich seafood flavours beautifully, while the halibut, tiger prawns and Hokkaido scallops made every spoonful incredibly satisfying. If you’re dining in a group, this is a must-order.

7. Engawa Ikura Mini Donburi (RM63)

My personal favourite. The portion is relatively small, but every bite is packed with flavour. The buttery engawa, popping ikura and perfectly seasoned rice worked beautifully together.

8. A5 Wagyu (RM18)

It literally melted in the mouth and showcased the quality of the beef without needing excessive seasoning.

9. Tebasaki Yakitori (Mid Wing) (RM8)

The grilled tebasaki was nicely seasoned with crispy skin and juicy meat. The only downside is the portion felt rather small, so you may want to order more than one.

Would I return?

 Absolutely.

Ambient: 4/5

Price: 4/5

Food: Pork-free

Service: Good

Tobon Izakaya surprised me in many ways, from the cosy atmosphere to the consistently delicious food. While some dishes stood out more than others, the overall dining experience was excellent. Next time, I’ll definitely pair everything with a refreshing Japanese highball.

If you’re looking for one of the best Japanese restaurants in Petaling Jaya or a hidden izakaya worth visiting in Seapark, Tobon Izakaya deserves a spot on your list.

Tobon Izakaya,

No.5, Jalan 20/16, Sea Park,

46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Opens from 12.30pm - 2.30pm and 6pm - 10pm (daily), except Sunday and Tuesday, when it opens from 6pm - 10pm. Closed on Monday.

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Key Notes

1. Do I need a reservation?

Yes, I highly recommend making a reservation, especially during dinner hours. The restaurant is relatively small and fills up quickly.

2. How much does it cost per person? 

Depending on what you order, expect to spend around RM80–RM150 per person. We ordered extensively and spent approximately RM120 per person, which was reasonable considering the quality and variety.

3. What are the top 3 must-order dishes?

You must order Seafood Claypot Rice, Dry-Aged Squid, and Engawa Ikura Mini Donburi

4. Is Tobon Izakaya halal?

They are not halal-certified as they do serve alcohol. But they are pork-free.

Written by,

FoodiesTravelblog

Ps: This is based on my personal opinion