Synopsis
In a city called Alteria, there is a little bar restaurant located in an old alley. Rumors say that the food is so good it seems to come from another world. From cold beers to hot pot, this is a tale that tells of the different experiences of different characters upon entering the unique establishment that is “Izakaya Nobu.”
First Read
Isekai stories, in general, are rather popular. Isekai stories involving food and restaurants, however, are something that is steadily growing in recognition. Usually, works that involve food and fantasy hold an action drive to it to bring out the plot. With this series, it takes on a more slice-of-life drive which brings out the characters. That and the hint of mystery also helps. Overall there’s a lovely story flow, good characters and a nice and simple art style to tie things together The most that can be said against it is that it could have done a bit more development on the stories of Nobu’s workers and there is a slight hole with the set-up.
Second Read
This is a series that shines with the theme of enjoyment in trying a new food or enjoying different ways food is made. With a lot of isekai stories involving a food theme, it usually shines on the experience of the characters trying a new food or “food from another world”. Here, it expands from that concept and simply presents more on the idea of enjoying new food by presenting different methods. It’s different in that it presents more than characters being astounded by new food. The series shows a relatable joy and comfort from different characters on different food.
The characters, their stories and the connection they form with Nobu and the people within are what really develop the story. At the start of the series, you would think as a simple slice-of-life work that featured different characters each chapter with no real plot connection. This brings another interesting point for the series, its subtlety. Connected with the introduction of the characters and how they interact in different chapters, it presents an interesting character and world building.
While there isn’t much shown on the Shinobu and Taisho other than one chapter and there is still the question of the connection to Alteria, it works. It works as a hint of mystery or an open section for the readers to imagine on. Still, it would be nice to have a little background story in maybe one or two chapters at least. That and there is such a thing as being too subtle in the overall build-up.
Conclusion
“Isekai Izakaya Nobu” that will draw you in with the concept and its simplicity and make you stay for the characters. It’s more than a series that features food enjoyment. At the same time though, food enjoyment is the center of the series. Let me explain. With this series, it takes the theme of food enjoyment on different levels and adds a note of relatability in the simple joy and comfort that the characters find in their meals.
It’s a series that doesn’t seem that different from other food fantasy works, but it presents something simple, enjoyable and unique in its own way. If you’re looking for an isekai series that tackles food with great characters and has a low-key fun tone to it, this is the series.
Rating: 8/10
First Review : Food and Fantasy: “Isekai Izakaya Nobu”