Best Cities for Food Lovers in Nagoya, Japan
1. Osu Shopping Street
A bustling street filled with traditional and modern eateries, offering a wide variety of local Nagoya dishes like Misozuke (fermented food) and Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice).
- Variety: Over 100 shops to choose from, catering to various tastes.
- Authentic Experience: Many traditional eateries maintain centuries-old recipes.
- Lively Atmosphere: Street performers and festive decorations add to the vibrant ambiance.
2. Nagoya Cochin Club
A popular restaurant serving Nagoya's famous Cochin chicken, offering a unique and flavorful dining experience.
- Specialized Cuisine: Specializes in only one type of chicken, resulting in exceptional quality.
- Traditional Preparation: Cooked using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
- Fresh Ingredients: Chickens are fed a natural diet without hormones or antibiotics.
3. Temmangu Shrine Food Fair
A seasonal food fair held at Temmangu Shrine offering local specialties like Tebasaki (fried chicken wings) and Imoni (Nagoya-style clay pot stew).
- Seasonal Delicacies: Foods change with the seasons, allowing you to try a variety of local dishes.
- Community Event: A lively gathering where locals and visitors come together to enjoy food and culture.
- Historical Setting: Taking place at a historic shrine, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion.
4. Yakiniku Jumbo Hanamasa
An all-you-can-eat yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant offering a wide variety of high-quality Japanese meats.
- Quality Meats: Uses only top-grade, freshly sliced meats for grilling.
- Self-grill Experience: Allows you to cook your own meat, ensuring it's cooked to your liking.
- Reasonable Price: Offers an all-you-can-eat option at a reasonable price.
5. Sakura-dori Street
A vibrant shopping street offering a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine, with local favorites like Ramen and Okonomiyaki.
- Wide Variety: Multiple eateries offer various styles of the same dish.
- Late-night Dining: Many restaurants stay open late into the night, perfect for a late-evening snack.
- Shopping Opportunities: Surrounded by shops selling souvenirs and local goods.
6. Izusaya Nishikawa
A long-established sushi restaurant offering fresh seafood and traditional sushi preparation.
- Fresh Seafood: Directly sourced from local fish markets for the freshest possible ingredients.
- Traditional Preparation: Uses traditional sushi-making techniques, such as using vinegar-seasoned rice.
- Intimate Dining Experience: A small, cozy restaurant offering a personalized dining experience.
7. Nagoya Castle Food Market
A bustling market selling local specialties and street food, located near Nagoya Castle.
- Local Specialties: Offers a wide variety of Nagoya-specific foods.
- Street Food Experience: Foods are prepared fresh, often on the spot, giving you a taste of traditional street food.
- Historical Setting: Located near Nagoya Castle, providing a cultural and historical context for your meal.
8. Menya Musashi
A popular Ramen shop known for its rich, flavorful broth and chewy noodles.
- Rich Broth: Uses a unique blend of chicken and pork broth, giving it a rich and savory taste.
- Chewy Noodles: Offers thick noodles with a satisfying bite.
- Reasonable Price: Offers quality Ramen at an affordable price.
9. Okonomiyaki Mura Mei
A popular Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) restaurant offering a variety of fillings and toppings.
- Customizable Dishes: Allows you to customize your pancake with various fillings and toppings.
- Flavorful Sauce: Uses a unique, tangy okonomiyaki sauce that enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Reasonable Portions: Offers generous portion sizes at a reasonable price.
10. Yakiton Satsumaen
A grilled pork skewer restaurant offering various cuts and marinades of pork.
- High-quality Pork: Uses only high-quality, tender pork for its skewers.
- Variety of Marinades: Offers a variety of marinades, from sweet to savory.
- Reasonable Price: Offers quality skewers at an affordable price.
11. Fushimi Inari Taisha Food Fair
A seasonal food fair held at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine offering local specialties like Kushikatsu and Yudofu.
- Seasonal Delicacies: Foods change with the seasons, allowing you to try a variety of local dishes.
- Community Event: A lively gathering where locals and visitors come together to enjoy food and culture.
- Historical Setting: Taking place at a historic shrine, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion.
12. Yabaton Saki no Yakata
A restaurant serving Nagoya-style Sake, offering a unique tasting experience.
- Specialized Cuisine: Specializes in only Nagoya-style Sake, allowing for an in-depth tasting experience.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff are knowledgeable about the various types of Sake and can guide your tasting experience.
- Tasting Experience: Offers a variety of tasting options, allowing you to explore different flavors and styles.
13. Atsuta Jizou-mon Food Fair
A seasonal food fair held at Atsuta Jizou-mon offering local specialties like Miso Nikomi Udon and Yakimochi.
- Seasonal Delicacies: Foods change with the seasons, allowing you to try a variety of local dishes.
- Community Event: A lively gathering where locals and visitors come together to enjoy food and culture.
- Historical Setting: Taking place at a historic shrine, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion.
14. Sake no Yakata Shirokiya
A sake brewery and shop offering a wide variety of Nagoya-style Sake for tasting and purchase.
- Specialized Cuisine: Specializes in only Nagoya-style Sake, allowing for an in-depth tasting experience.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff are knowledgeable about the various types of Sake and can guide your tasting experience.
- Tasting Experience: Offers a variety of tasting options, allowing you to explore different flavors and styles.
15. Nagoya Port Food Fair
A seasonal food fair held at Nagoya Port offering seafood specialties like Sashimi and Grilled Scallops.
- Seasonal Delicacies: Foods change with the seasons, allowing you to try a variety of local dishes.
- Community Event: A lively gathering where locals and visitors come together to enjoy food and culture.
- Fresh Seafood: Uses fresh seafood directly sourced from the port, ensuring quality and flavor.