Onigiri; rice shaped in spheres wrapped with seaweed garnished with salmon. Served with pickled plum

Shrimp Shumai; shrimp, ginger, onion

Agedashi Tofu, organic tofu, scallion, shredded nori, chili radish and tempura sauce

Beef Tongue; natural salt, lemon, scallion

Pork Belly Kushiyaki; grilled pork belly with lemon

Okonomi Yaki; Japanese pancake with pork, egg, and vegetables.

While doing some research on the restaurant, I could not help but notice the term ‘Izakaya’ that was displayed in some places and not others. What I found out was that Izakaya is Japanese for ‘Japanese Public House’ or based on the definition from MetaGlossary, “a place where people get together for a lot of loud talking, heavy drinking, and a little bit of food.” So essentially Shoya is the Japanese makings of a gastropub / gastrolounge! If I were well versed in Kanji and/or knowledged in Japanese culture, I would have known this to be of a drinking/eating type of place due to the large lantern with ‘Shoya Izakaya’ written in Kanji. Izakaya, also known as ‘akach?chin,’ traditionally placed these in front so people would know what kind of establishment it was.

The place definitely has character, with the lanterns and various Japanese artifacts/figurines displayed throughout to enrich even further its authenticity. Combine the environment, the quick service (with the help of the table side doorbell), and the delicious food; you have the makings of a really good place.

Shoya Japanese Restaurant  (information below gathered 07.2012)
6035 Peachtree Rd. #A-101
Doraville, Georgia 30360
770.457.5555
Hours
Tue.-Sat. 5:00pm-11:30pm
Sun. 5:00pm-10:30pm
Close on Monday
Parking
Bountiful. Shares a huge uncovered parking lot with two other large establishments (Brandsmart / H-Mart)

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