Uptown Oakland is happening—bursting with fresh new restaurants, watering holes with cult followings, and quirky dessert shops. Last week, Shinmai joined the party, serving a taste of Tokyo with savory izakaya fare and hearty bowls of ramen.

Owners Yingji Huang (also of Montclair's Kakui) and Andy Liu (also Shinmai's ramen chef) have teamed up with chef Jerrod Doss (Aziza, Chez TJ, and The French Laundry) to come up with a menu that mixes traditional ingredients with unexpected elements. Look for exciting twists on Japanese fare such as a fried potato salad with truffle mayonnaise and paddlefish caviar, or ribs with miso barbecue sauce and bonito flakes. Sushi lovers will be pleased with the stellar raw menu.

// Shinmai is open Wednesday through Sunday; 1825-3 San Pablo Ave. (Oakland), shinmaioakland.com