Nagoya, the third-largest city in Japan, is a culinary paradise with approximately 16,000 restaurants offering everything from high-end dining experiences to affordable local delights. The city’s center is concentrated in the area east of Nagoya Station and the Sakae area, the largest entertainment district in the Chubu region. Nagoya is particularly renowned for its rich and distinctive food culture. Among its most famous dishes is Hitsumabushi, a unique way of enjoying grilled eel (unagi) over rice, where the meal is savored in stages with various seasonings and broth. Another local specialty is Miso Nikomi Udon, a hearty dish featuring thick udon noodles simmered in a rich, savory miso broth, showcasing the region’s deep appreciation for miso. Additionally, Miso Katsu, a variation of the popular tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), is a must-try, with the cutlet covered in a robust and flavorful miso sauce. These dishes exemplify the bold and robust flavors that define Nagoya’s cuisine, making it an essential destination for food enthusiasts.
- Specialty Dishes
- Hitsumabushi
- Miso Nikomi Udon
- Miso Katsu
[Dinner Restaurants]Asahikawa-旭川 - Google マイマップ
Asahikawa-旭川
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1. Atsuta Houraiken-あつた蓬莱軒 松坂屋店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Atsuta Houraiken is a renowned restaurant in Nagoya, known as the birthplace of “Hitsumabushi,” a dish featuring grilled eel served over rice. Located on the 10th floor of the Matsuzakaya South Building, it offers convenient access, especially for tourists. The restaurant is popular, with long lines forming even before it opens, so arriving early is recommended. The Hitsumabushi is served with a guide on how to enjoy it in four different ways: first as it is, then with condiments like green onions and wasabi, followed by a version with dashi broth to create an ochazuke (tea-soaked rice), and finally, in your preferred style. The eel is crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a rich sauce that complements the dish perfectly. Despite the wait, the experience is well worth it, with a spacious and comfortable dining environment and attentive service. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, Atsuta Houraiken provides a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Nagoya’s culinary culture.
2. MaruyaHonten Nagoya Staitin Meitetsu-まるや 本店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Maruya Honten at Nagoya Station’s Meitetsu Department Store is a popular destination for enjoying Hitsumabushi, a traditional Nagoya-style grilled eel dish. Despite the long wait, often over an hour, the experience is worth it for many visitors. The eel is perfectly grilled with a crispy exterior and tender interior, and the meal is traditionally eaten in stages: first, savor the eel on its own; then, enjoy it with condiments like green onions, shiso leaves, wasabi, and seaweed; and finally, mix it with a light dashi broth for a comforting finish. The attentive service and the option to customize your experience with additional condiments or a different type of soup further enhance the meal. Whether you’re a seasoned Hitsumabushi enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Maruya Honten provides a memorable and delicious dining experience.
3. Yamamotoya Honten Sakaemotochotori Ten-山本屋本店 栄本町通店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Yamamotoya Honten Sakaemotochotori Ten is a popular spot in Nagoya known for its rich and flavorful miso nikomi udon. Despite the temptation of other seasonal dishes, the miso nikomi udon remains a crowd favorite. The dish features firm, chewy udon noodles simmered in a robust miso broth that offers a comforting depth of flavor, perfect for any season. Diners also enjoy the complimentary pickled vegetables, which are refreshing and pair well with the rich broth. The restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere, making it a great choice for both locals and visitors looking to experience traditional Nagoya cuisine. Whether you’re there for a late-night meal or a casual lunch, the consistent quality and hearty flavors keep customers coming back.
4. Motsunikomiudon Waku-もつ煮込みうどん 和久
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Motsunikomiudon Waku in Nagoya is a unique spot that offers a delightful twist on the classic miso nikomi udon by incorporating tender and flavorful offal (motsu) into the dish. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and attentive service, making it a welcoming place for both locals and visitors. The motsunikomi udon here is rich and hearty, with a broth that balances the robust flavors of miso and the savory taste of the offal. The noodles are slightly softer than those found in other miso nikomi udon spots, but they complement the broth well. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the spicy motsunikomi udon is a popular choice, offering just the right amount of kick without overwhelming the palate. The restaurant also offers various toppings, like soft-boiled eggs, to enhance the experience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Nagoya cuisine or looking to try something new, Waku’s motsunikomi udon is a satisfying choice that will warm both your body and soul.
5. Misokatsu Yabaton (Yabacho head branch)-矢場丼 矢場町本店
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4 289 002*15 - Description
Misokatsu Yabaton’s Yabacho Main Branch is a popular spot for experiencing Nagoya’s signature dish, misokatsu, often drawing long lines even on weekday afternoons. The lively atmosphere is filled with families, tourists, and locals eagerly waiting to taste the restaurant’s offerings. Upon entering, diners are seated on a first-come, first-served basis after ordering and receiving a numbered ticket. The menu features various cuts of pork, with the Waraji set standing out for its large, juicy pork cutlet. The miso sauce, made from Hatcho miso, is not overly sweet and complements the thick pork perfectly, while the shabashaba sauce offers a lighter alternative. With unlimited refills on rice and cabbage, along with accompaniments like mustard paste, shichimi pepper, and green shiso dressing, Yabaton provides a satisfying and memorable dining experience, making it a must-visit for misokatsu enthusiasts in Nagoya.
6. Keitei (Towers Plaza Nagoya branch)-恵亭 タワーズプラザ名古屋店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Keitei, located in the Towers Plaza Nagoya branch, is a popular spot for enjoying Nagoya’s renowned misokatsu. Despite the bustling atmosphere of the department store’s restaurant area, the dining experience remains enjoyable and satisfying. The menu offers a variety of options, including the popular miso hirekatsu set, which features tender pork cutlets paired with a mildly sweet miso sauce. Diners can also enjoy unlimited refills of rice, cabbage, and miso soup, making for a hearty meal. The restaurant’s service is attentive, and the food is served promptly despite the often long wait times, especially during peak hours. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying their meals. Overall, Keitei provides a pleasant dining experience with its flavorful dishes, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Nagoya’s culinary scene.
7. Furaibo-風来坊
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Furaibo is a popular destination for those seeking to try Nagoya’s famous tebasaki (fried chicken wings). Known for its spicier and more addictive flavor compared to its competitor, Sekai no Yamachan, Furaibo’s tebasaki is perfectly seasoned with a sweet and spicy glaze, making it hard to resist. While the restaurant offers a variety of other izakaya-style dishes, the tebasaki remains the standout choice. With a lively atmosphere and an extensive menu, Furaibo is an ideal spot for a casual meal or a night out with friends, offering a quintessential taste of Nagoya’s culinary scene.
8. Fugu Tokufuku-フグ料理 徳福
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Fugu Tokufuku in Nagoya is a well-regarded restaurant offering a comprehensive fugu (pufferfish) dining experience in a tranquil atmosphere with private tatami rooms. The menu features a variety of dishes, including tessa (fugu sashimi), fried fugu, grilled milt, milt sashimi, grilled fugu, and rice porridge. The tessa is praised for its ideal thickness and elasticity, while the fried fugu, though small, delivers a balanced flavor. The grilled shirako stands out for its creamy texture, and the grilled fugu pairs well with a garlic-based sauce. Meals typically conclude with a richly flavored rice porridge. Service is efficient and welcoming, enhancing the dining experience. Regular patrons appreciate the consistent quality and freshness of the food, with highlights like the freshly prepared tessa and creamy, well-seasoned shirako. The combination of quality dishes, reasonable prices, and attentive service makes Fugu Tokufuku a favorite spot for a special meal.