Welcome to
Sakanaya izakaya
Come taste the authentic culinary artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine!
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana.
THE RESTAURANT
Welcome to Sakanaya Izakaya, your new favorite destination for authentic Japanese cuisine, newly opened in West Lafayette, Indiana. We strive to be Fun, Fresh, and Fabulous! We treat every person who enters our doors as a guest in our house while providing a fun atmosphere, fresh food, and ingredients, including fabulous service! At Sakanaya, we pride ourselves on using rich flavors and fresh ingredients to create delicious and beautifully presented dishes. Whether you're in the mood for sushi, maki roll, yakitori, or other Japanese specialties, our highly skilled chefs are dedicated to providing an unforgettable dining experience. Along with our exquisite sushi, we carry a large selection of Japanese whiskey, shochu, and sake; in addition to our wide variety of beautiful handcrafted Japanese and Asian inspired cocktails. Join us with your family or for a date night and enjoy the beautiful ambiance and hospitality that make Sakanaya Izakaya a unique and cherished part of Tippecanoe County.
THE CHEF
Introducing Chef Myron ​
For five years, Chef Myron perfected his skills, mastering the intricate techniques of his elegant craft in Columbus, Ohio. This January, Myron joined Sakanaya as the head sushi chef, bringing his unique blend of traditional and innovative techniques to our esteemed guests. His favorite signature dish, our new Sakanaya Wagyu Maki Roll, has become one of our best sellers even before its official release this fall.
Sushi is not just food; it is a deeply personal expression of art and culture. Each piece tells a story, a harmonious blend of rich flavors, textures, and presentation, embracing modern creativity.
Chef Myron believes that the true essence of great sushi lies in the dedication and passion of the chef. Every day, he strives to create an unforgettable dining experience, where each bite transports the guests of Sakanaya to a place of pure culinary delight. He is honored to share his journey and creations with the Lafayette community, one exquisite piece at a time.
THE MANAGER
Introducing General Manager Deb​
Although originally from California, Deb moved to Oxford, Indiana with her family when she was 12 years old. Her family owned 2 restaurants growing up, and they also has an eggroll stand for many years at the Earl Park Fall Festival and Dan Patch Days. She graduated from BentonCentral in 1994, where she was co-captain of the varsity cross country team, a member of the Athletic Winner's Club, Business Professionals of America, and Sunshine Society.
After high school, Deb chose to follow in her father's footsteps and joined the United States Air Force, where she served as a Security Policeman (now Security Forces ) at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, and earned several medals and honors, and Guarded Air Force One under the Clinton Administration in 1996.
Deb moved to Lafayette, Indiana in 1998 where she worked at a few restaurants part-time while also raising a family of her own, as well as working for G.L.A.S.S. and Lafayette Christian School when her children attended there.
Deb attended Ivy Tech Community College, where she made the Dean's List several times, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Students of Nursing Excellence.
Deb paused her pursuit in nursing when management opportunities were presented to her, and was the general manager of a historical downtown establishment for several years.
She moved to Chicago for a few years, where she honed in on her bartending skills, learned a lot about sake and sushi, and helped open two bars and a restaurant there. She moved to West Lafayette in December 2023, where she still resides and calls home.
She joined the Sakanaya Izakaya family as the bar manager shortly after opening in January of 2024, and became the General Manager in February. Deb enjoys creating cocktails, developing strategies in hospitality that are guest focused, meeting new people, and participates in Purdue's AAARRC for Asian-American Leaders.
