Hawthorne Dining
Dark Curry Katsu and Crisp Small Plates at Izakaya Haiiro
Izakaya Haiiro pairs modern Japanese comfort food with an inviting atmosphere, headlined by a dark curry chicken katsu that delivers deep, comforting flavour.
The moment a hot skillet of dark curry chicken katsu arrives at the table, it becomes obvious why this is the standout dish on the menu. Resting on a bed of rice and finished with a slice of radish and fresh green garnish, the dark curry sauce delivers a rich, deep, and comforting flavour that made it the best I have tried.
Tucked away along Hawthorne Road in Hawthorne, Izakaya Haiiro gives classic Japanese comfort food a fresh modern spin. Inside, modern archways framing booth seating and illuminated bar shelves set a stylish tone, while the outdoor dining space offers an easygoing spot where even four-legged companions on a leash are welcome.
Is Izakaya Haiiro worth adding to your itinerary?
Beyond the fried dishes, lighter options bring balance to the meal. The eggplant arrives silky and sweet, while green broccolini lifted from a bowl of savoury broth with fluttering bonito flakes is bursting full of flavour.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Menu highlights
Highlights from Zen’s visit.
At a glance: what we ordered
- Dark curry chicken katsu
- Tempura potato fries
- Crispy cauliflower bites
- Eggplant
- Broccolini with bonito flakes
Crunch-Driven Small Plates and Sips
The kitchen leans into satisfying textures early on, starting with crispy cauliflower bites and golden tempura potato fries that deliver a crunch in every bite. Dipping those fries into a creamy white sauce bowl makes them an easy favourite to share across a table of small plates.
Pairing these savoury bites with a drink rounds out the start of the meal, whether clinking glasses over a cocktail topped with sweet lychees or picking from the backlit bar stocked with sake and spirits.
Silky Greens and Outdoor Evenings
Beyond the fried dishes, lighter options bring balance to the meal. The eggplant arrives silky and sweet, while green broccolini lifted from a bowl of savoury broth with fluttering bonito flakes is bursting full of flavour.
Between the glowing green neon signage, comfy booth seating, and open-air tables where dogs trot past, the space strikes a comfortable balance between a stylish date-night destination and a relaxed local hideaway. It is a spot worth saving when you want bold, modern flavours in an easygoing setting.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions
Where is Izakaya Haiiro located?
Izakaya Haiiro is located at Shop 5/265 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne QLD.
Is Izakaya Haiiro pet-friendly?
Yes, Izakaya Haiiro welcomes pets in its outdoor dining area.
What kind of dishes can you expect at Izakaya Haiiro?
The menu features modern Japanese comfort food including dark curry chicken katsu, tempura potato fries, cauliflower bites, sweet eggplant, and seasoned broccolini.
KEEP EXPLORING
More places and guides connected to this visit
Zen visited in August 2025. Menus, ratings, prices and opening hours can change, so check directly with the venue before you go.
It was a pleasure to be invited to experience Izakaya Haiiro but all opinions shared are my own. Invited / Gifted Collaboration as stated in the video caption.