Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class

Master Izakaya favorites in this hands-on Japanese cooking class in Berkeley.



3 hours Location Berkeley Class size 1 to 4 guests   $185 - $200 ($185 for Public class; $200 for Private class)
Oakland Activities
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San Francisco
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Food & Drink
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Cooking
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Japanese Cooking Experience Gifts
If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of Japanese small plates, this Japanese cooking class in Berkeley is the perfect place to start. Izakaya is a casual style of Japanese cuisine, served pub-style with a variety of flavorful bites — and now you can recreate these dishes at home.
Guided by Chef Mat, you’ll explore how to make Izakaya small plates with fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic techniques. From blistered shishito peppers to crispy tempura, this hands-on Bay Area cooking class will expand your skills and inspire your weeknight dinners. Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or looking for fresh recipes to master, this experience is equal parts fun and flavorful.
Menu
  • Tsukemono - Assorted Pickles
  • Shishito - Japanese Peppers blistered & tossed with Togarashi Spice
  • Soba Noodle Salad - Cold Buckwheat Noodles with Shitake Mushrooms
  • Tempura – A selection of items battered in Rice Flour and deep fried
  • Yakitori - Grilled chicken on skewers with Tare (Soy) Glaze
  • Sake Kama- Roasted Salmon Collar with Ponzu Sauce
Class begins with a chef-led introduction to Izakaya culture, cooking tips, and the menu. You’ll then team up in small groups to prepare each dish before gathering to enjoy your creations together. A light snack will be served at the start, and you’re welcome to eat as much as you’d like during class (per zoning regulations, food cannot be taken home).
Perfect for food lovers in the Bay Area, this is a delicious option for date nights, a fun thing to do in Berkeley with friends, or a unique gift for anyone curious about Japanese cuisine.
Please Note
Please take a look at the class menu. If you think you might be allergic to anything on the menu, please indicate it on your class registration. If you have a concern, get in touch, and we can double-check the ingredient list.

Upcoming dates for Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class

Times are Los Angeles time. Dates and prices as of 14 Nov 2026, 5:37pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

2 upcoming dates between 18 Dec 2026 and 6 Feb 2027.

  • Fri, Dec 18 2026, 6pm-9pm
  • Sat, Feb 6 2027, 6pm-9pm
What you'll get
Izakaya small plates
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly!
What to bring
  • Wear close-toed shoes — no high heels, sandals, or flip flops allowed.
  • Tie back hair if shoulder-length or longer (hair ties provided).
  • Aprons and tools provided — you’re welcome to bring your own apron or knife if you like.
  • BYO wine or beer (21+ only, for personal consumption). We cannot open, serve, sell, or distribute alcohol, and no minors or intoxicated guests may attend.

FAQ

Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, we can cater for vegetarian. Let us know your requirements before or after booking. If you have a food allergy, please message us before booking.
Location

Berkeley Kitchen - 1509 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709

Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class

  • 5/5 from Helen Quine, attended Jul 2026: Teacher was personable and friendly. Lots of tips. Clear instruction. Food was great. My only minor criticism, which is not a reflection on the instructor or the on-the-day experience is that communication could have been better from the admin side.
  • 5/5 from Laurel A Shearer, attended Apr 2026: It was a good combination of information, instruction and hands on. We had a convivial group and shared conversation and wine.
Your teacher
Chef Mat Wertlieb

Chef Mat Wertlieb

5.0 (2)

Growing up in a family full of chefs and kosher caterers in New Jersey, Mat Wertlieb has felt at home in a kitchen since childhood. He first fell in love with the unique culinary scene of the Bay Area while working an externship at One Market Restaurant in 2000. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he spent a year and a half in Boston’s busiest restaurant, Grill 23, before the pull of Northern California’s food culture drew him back. He has worked for the past decade at some of the most successful restaurants in San Francisco and Berkeley, including Lark Creek Inn, Farallon, Lalimes, and Gather. Trips to Italy and Israel furthered his exposure and passion for the various cuisines of the world. Chef Mat now works part-time at Gather restaurant when he is not teaching classes with the Kitchen on Fire team.




Your host

Kitchen on Fire
Kitchen on Fire

5.0 (38)
Instagram followers 5k followers

Kitchen on Fire offers hands-on cooking experiences in Berkeley and Oakland. Since 2005, Chef Olive and professional chef instructors have been sharing their knowledge and love for cooking through public classes, team-building and corporate wellness events. Lisa Miller teaches classes with a nutrition focus, promoting healthy living through meals made with high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
With a deep passion for sharing delicious food and life-long dedication to healthy living, co-owners Olivier Said and Lisa Miller can be found in the kitchen or working with students or clients in some capacity every day of the week.

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class 0 4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a 1 production oakland-bay-area Oakland (Bay Area) CA US oakland-bay-area