Isankaya: A Fusion of Flavor
by Nico Drake, Intern – Gateway85 CID
Our team is proud to have Isankaya in our district, a standout Asian fusion restaurant in the heart of Gateway85 CID. During a recent lunch visit, we explored their incredible menu and were blown away by the unique culinary experience they offer. Blending the best of Thai and Japanese cuisines, Isankaya brings bold, exciting flavors to the local dining scene.
The Location
Isankaya is conveniently located in the bustling shopping center between Live Oak Parkway and Oakbrook Parkway, adjacent to the Hong Kong Market and Nam Phuong Vietnamese restaurant. You can turn into the shopping center from Oakbrook Parkway, Live Oak Parkway and northbound Jimmy Carter Boulevard. If you are traveling south, you must turn into either Live Oak Parkway or Oakbrook Parkway to enter the shopping center.
With its prime location just a mile from I-85, Isankaya is surrounded by a rich cultural blend of shops, markets and restaurants, making it a true area staple. It’s a great spot for anyone in the heart of our CID and is easily reachable for those living in South Gwinnett and North DeKalb counties.
The Interior:
Isankaya’s cozy interior is thoughtfully decorated with elements reflecting both Japanese and Thai cultures. Casual table arrangements provide plenty of space, while natural light pours in through large front windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Food:
The menu at Isankaya is where the magic truly happens. By fusing Thai and Japanese flavors, they offer an impressive variety of dishes that will delight any palate.
During our visit, we sampled Beef Pad Thai, Chicken Tom Yum soup, sushi, sashimi and tea. While every dish impressed us, the Beef Pad Thai and Chicken Tom Yum soup were standouts. The Tom Yum soup is the perfect starter, with its savory yet slightly sweet flavor and a delicious texture from the fresh vegetables and tender chicken. The Beef Pad Thai, on the other hand, elevated the classic dish with perfectly cooked, tender beef that added a rich, savory layer to the traditional sweet-and-sour notes.
For those looking for great sushi, this place delivers. We ordered the Rainbow Roll, which brings together the flavors of the California Roll while adding tuna, salmon, shrimp and whitefish on top. We also ordered the sashimi, a delectably curated sampling of raw tuna, salmon and yellowtail. These fresh and beautifully presented dishes are a must-try.
The Service:
Isankaya delivers with casual yet efficient service. There is no host stand in the front but there are very friendly staff who greet you upon entry and show you to a table. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel welcome and ensured our experience was – as we say in the CID – incredible! Despite ordering in multiple rounds to sample a variety of dishes, our food arrived quickly, and our server checked in regularly. Kudos to the entire team for delivering exceptional service that elevated our meal.
Isanakaya really excels, offering a seamless unique blend of Thai and Japanese cuisines. With a cozy, culturally inspired interior and a spacious atmosphere, it’s a great spot for both casual dining and exploring diverse flavors. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or dinner with friends, Isankaya is sure to impress.
For more information, visit isankaya.com.
