Hearty and flavorful ramen options, including spicy miso and vegetarian udon, served with rich broths and fresh toppings.
Authentic yakitori-style skewers, featuring items like chicken heart and wagyu, grilled to perfection with savory seasonings.
A variety of shareable dishes such as chicken karaage, spicy edamame, and okinamayaki, perfect for sampling different flavors.
Refreshing beverages like passion fruit mojitos and a selection of Japanese beers and sake to complement your meal.
Dedicated vegetarian dishes, including veggie udon and edamame, with plans to label menu items for easy identification.
After a chilly, but fun day in Madison, I couldn't have found a better place to unwind and have a lovely meal. Izakaya Kuroyama impresses from the moment you enter - with visually stimulating decor and the fragrant scent of spices, sweetness and charry smoke from the grills. I loved that I could order several smaller dishes, so I could try different things, and was equally pleased to find that each small dish stood out with its own unique seasonings and flavor profile. I was able to savor each item individually and slowly, since the staff were very welcoming and not rushed. I tried the eggplant which I loved. Don't shy away from the chicken heart skewers! Incredible texture and flavor! That was my favorite item and my daughter's as well (when I brought her some home to try.) Our least favorite of the items was the steak skewer, but we're only casual carnivores, so anything gamey or chewy we're sometimes on the fence about. While there, I also savored the passion fruit mojito (delicious, with the perfect amount of charge) as well as a scrumptious dessert. A perfect grand finale to a special day, and I highly, highly recommend!!
i don’t understand the super high reviews. the chicken katsu was cold, like some returned dish you left on countertop for a while and then “oh perfect someone just ordered it “. love the roof decor, and scallop tasted really good. baby octopus was okay. service was very “meh” - a lady with a very sad face took the order and i felt so sorry for her that she had to work that day.
Arrived around 7pm on a Saturday and got seated immediately. Ordered the Sapporo spicy miso ramen which was not bad and I liked how spicy they made the broth. The chicken karaage was very good as an appetizer - crunchy and flavourful. I would try something else other than their ramen if I come back again.
I loved my meal here. As a vegetarian I got the spicy edamame and veggie udon. The edamame had a great peanuty chili oil on it that was slightly spicy, but not much. The veggie udon had tofu in it (along with a mix of veggies) and the broth was delicious. My partner got okinamayaki that he said was pretty good and wagyu skewers he enjoyed. One menu suggestion: label vegetarian/vegan options so people can easily spot them.
This place is okay for a quick drink, but not ideal for a proper meal. The interior is decent, but it doesn’t feel like a traditional Japanese izakaya at all. The food didn’t taste fresh — more like pre-made dishes that were simply reheated. Overall, everything was too salty.

Authentic Japanese flavors with a modern twist—savor ramen, skewers, and craft drinks in a vibrant setting.
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Izakaya Kuroyama is a lively Japanese restaurant and bar in Madison, offering an authentic izakaya experience with a focus on ramen, grilled skewers, and small plates. Our menu features dishes like spicy miso ramen, chicken karaage, and wagyu skewers, all crafted with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you're here for a cozy meal, a quick drink, or to try our vegetarian options like veggie udon, we provide a welcoming atmosphere with visually stimulating decor. Perfect for unwinding after a day out or exploring Japanese cuisine, we pride ourselves on friendly service and a diverse selection that caters to all tastes.
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