While searching for an authentic Japanese Izakaya in Shanghai we discovered Katsu. Located near the crowded food mecca of Hongmei Lu, this little treasure might be easily missed - but the cozy atmosphere, amazing food, and icy draft beer will make finding it more than worthwhile.

While true izakaya foods such as whale blubber and horse meat are on offer - you don't have to be quite so adventurous to get a taste of some truly unique fare. The braised pork and daikon, vinegary beef sushi salad, and roboto chicken skewers are a great place to start. Old standards such as seaweed salad, squid sushi, and gyoza are perfectly prepared. And for something really interesting, but less controversial than whale, try the "sea grapes" - a sort of seaweed made up of tiny water-filled balls.

On our visit the staff was extremely warm and helpful - we asked for "a little bit of everything" and they made sure we ate all the best of what's on offer. So if you've been searching for a good Izakaya - search no more. Katsu is the treasure you've been looking for.