Iza Whiskey and Eats is a new Japanese fusion style restaurant serving sushi, ramen and small plates in a modern setting. The restaurant, which opened in late 2020, is located at 370 E. Main Street in Carrboro in the spot that formerly housed One Fish Two Fish Poke.
The founder Yung Nay, who has traveled around the world exploring and savoring cuisines, has had a lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant and showcasing his culinary talents to the community. Nay believes in using only fresh ingredients “in a way that the quality and essence speaks for itself,” according to the restaurant’s website.
Last month, after returning from a trip to London, my family and I wanted to have dinner somewhere before we headed back home, so we decided to try Nay’s new restaurant.
Iza Eats boasts 16 appetizers on the menu, from miso soup to tuna tartare and chips. We decided to go with the tamarind BBQ wings, which had a smoky honey sriracha drizzle that balances out the BBQ sauce and gives the dish a kick. The wings had a great texture and taste, and the sriracha definitely caught me off guard.
The restaurant’s seven entrees nod to the Far East, with both Japanese- and Korean-inspired dishes, such as hibachi, bulgogi—a spicy and sweet dish featuring marinated beef or pork—and dolsot bibimbap, a Korean dish with rice, protein, vegetables, egg and hot chili sauce on top. The menu also features ramen and both cooked and raw sushi rolls, as well as a vegetarian roll featuring sweet potato, cucumber and avocado.
I played it safe and decided to go with the bestselling Hollywood Roll, which was incredible. The roll featured a mix of avocado, shrimp tempura and spicy tuna, all topped with scallops, spicy mayo, eel sauce and scallions. All the ingredients created harmony, and I can see why it’s a popular choice among diners.
I was quite satisfied with my experience at Iza Eats and will definitely return. Our waiter was pleasant and helpful, recommending items that everyone at the table enjoyed. Our food came out quickly, and the setting was great—the outdoor seating area is surrounded by plants and blossoming flowers, and the lighting, while on the darker side, complements the restaurant’s décor. I highly recommend you visit Yung Nay’s new restaurant in the heart of Carrboro and give it a try.
