The combination of Shizuoka's oden and sake is the best. The broth is not heavy, and the umami is distinctly felt. The soba made from scratch in the shop has a wonderful aroma, and it's fun to compare soba from different regions. First, tasting it with salt to check the flavor, then quickly enjoying it with a fragrant, dry dipping sauce is irresistible. There are also playful menu items like salads using soba and grilled dishes, which is exciting. For the final touch, you can choose between a rich or light texture for the soba broth.
Exquisite dishes at a specialty unagi skewered grill
Located in Higashi-Nakano, "Unagi Kushiyaki Kurikara" is a popular restaurant known for its grilled eel skewers. Diners are captivated by the variety of dishes that allow them to enjoy eel from head to tail. The particularly rare eel sashimi and the beautifully grilled skewers are must-try items. In a homey atmosphere, you can fully indulge in eel dishes with friends and family.
The appetizer comes with a pre-meal sake, which is exciting. Every dish is carefully prepared and truly delicious. The hot mini chawanmushi appetizer is filled with plenty of ingredients, which lifts the mood right from the start. The selection of warmed sake is abundant, and all the side dishes pair perfectly with the sake. The house-smoked duck potato salad, dashi-maki, and buri no ryukyu were all memorable. Inside the restaurant, videos of bicycle races are playing, creating a fun atmosphere.
This sushi restaurant located right next to Ochiai Station has a warm and inviting atmosphere despite its proximity to the station. The fresh nigiri sushi, especially the tuna, is delicious and reasonably priced. You can also enjoy a variety of drinks and small dishes in a casual izakaya-like setting, making it a great spot for a relaxed visit.
Hong Kong Bimiro is a renowned restaurant in Higashi-Nakano that offers authentic Chinese dishes. The atmosphere is quiet in the evening, allowing for a relaxed dining experience. Each dish is hearty and flavorful, with the 'saliva chicken' and 'stir-fried beef with green peppers' being particularly exquisite. It's a highly recommended Chinese restaurant to visit when you're in the area.
In a counter-centered interior, the staff are friendly and conversations flow easily. The beer has a smooth taste, and there are also options like sake and highballs, making it fun to choose. The dishes come out one after another, allowing for a lively dining experience. The tomato sauce pasta and meat carpaccio were very delicious. The potato salad and homemade liver mousse are smooth, and the Caesar salad conveys the rich flavor of the bacon. The menu is diverse, including items like ajillo and bagna càuda, making it a great choice for a date.
A hidden cafe to enjoy with your eyes and taste buds
Aoi Zen Cafe & Bar is a charming house cafe that offers beautiful dim sum and dumplings resembling traditional Japanese sweets. The colorful dumplings are presented like works of art, providing a visual delight. With a wide selection of Chinese teas and herbal teas, you can also indulge in the rich culture of Chinese tea.
A restaurant with authentic Korean cuisine and a homely atmosphere
Seoul Namsan is a cozy Korean restaurant where you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Korea. Located just 2 minutes from the station, it is particularly known for its popular dishes like samgyeopsal and grilled meat. The interior is clean and exudes a homely Korean vibe. The handmade dishes are carefully prepared, providing a heartwarming experience every time you visit.
Cafe Catsby is a charming cafe bar with a homey and stylish atmosphere. You can enjoy a wide variety of drinks, including whiskey and wine, with a particularly renowned selection of whiskeys. The menu features a range of handmade dishes, allowing you to savor delicious pasta and meat dishes. Even if it's your first visit, the warm ambiance makes it easy to feel at home, providing a relaxing experience.
A kushikatsu experience enjoyable for both kids and adults
Kushikatsu Tanaka Nakai is a very popular restaurant known for its delicious kushikatsu and diverse services. The restaurant offers fun activities for children, including making takoyaki and soft serve ice cream. In addition to kushikatsu, there is a variety of menu items available, each providing surprises and satisfaction.
Entering the shop located deep in the alley, I was greeted by lively music and a bright atmosphere, which made me excited. It was fun to compare the handwritten menu on the wall with the list on the table, and naturally, the conversation flowed about what to eat next. The creamy raw oysters and seasonal appetizer platter highlighted the quality of the ingredients, and each dish was so gentle on the palate that I couldn't stop using my chopsticks. The dish of strawberries and prosciutto brought together by cheese was surprisingly delightful, with a pleasant balance of sweetness and saltiness in every bite. The juicy grilled beef rump was cooked to perfection, and with each bite, the meat juices spread, making me smile involuntarily. Enjoying a variety of cheeses along with wine and Italian beer, I felt relaxed and happy throughout my time spent with the friendly staff.
A casual restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Thai flavors
Located in front of Nakai Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, Sawasdee is a restaurant where you can easily enjoy the authentic taste of Thailand. The menu focuses on dishes from the Isaan region in northeastern Thailand, offering genuine flavors that are hard to find outside of Thailand. With its inviting atmosphere and delicious food, it consistently captivates visitors.
The atmosphere is easy to enter even for one person, and sitting at the counter makes you feel relaxed right away. The simmered black cod set meal was fluffy, and everything, including the small side dishes and the hearty miso soup, was delicious. The sashimi I added was fresh, and I couldn't help but enjoy some sake. In the evening, there are many exciting options like a five-item appetizer platter, fried chicken wings with pepper, and rice cooked in a clay pot. The clay pot rice takes a little time, so if you order it early, you can fully enjoy the aroma of freshly cooked rice. The menu changes every time you visit, and it's also fun to listen to the stories of the owner from Shizuoka while watching sports on TV.
Karubi Yaki Goten Kiwami is a hidden yakiniku restaurant located just a 2-minute walk from Ochiai Station. It specializes in high-quality beef, primarily Wagyu, sourced directly from producers, boasting exceptional quality and freshness. With a clean interior and friendly service from the staff, you can enjoy a comfortable and top-notch yakiniku experience.
Miso Goro is a restaurant where you can savor homestyle flavors. The hearty miso soup and a variety of rice balls showcase the gentle essence of quality ingredients. The warm hospitality makes for a pleasant experience, revealing why it is beloved by locals. With its inviting atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for those who want to leisurely enjoy healthy meals.
Nakai Tama Sushi
✳︎Tuna
✳︎Kohada
✳︎Akagai
✳︎Kanpyoumaki
Chochin
Etsukaijin
Furoisen
Chrysanthemum Princess
My favorite kohada started with processing. It's too amazing. Of course, I'll have a second helping of ♡♡♡.
Nama-warm sake, snacks, and sushi. It's no longer a sushi restaurant, but rather a theme park called Tama Sushi, where it's normal to be there in the morning. A drinker's paradise. ‼️ I had a lot of fun talking with them again. I'll have to hit up Honma Sake Shop again!
I wonder when I can go to Tama Sushi again.
Popular Spot for Fresh Pasta and Café Near Nakai Station
Olive Mondo is a casual Italian café located about a minute's walk from Nakai Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line and Toei Oedo Line. The interior features a cozy space with 14 seats, creating an inviting atmosphere that is easy for solo female diners to enjoy. The homemade tiramisu is highly recommended, and the café also offers all-you-can-drink wine and coffee.
Indoor Asian Restaurant Bar Himalaya is a cozy restaurant where you can feel a sense of exoticism. The spacious interior creates an inviting atmosphere, making it easy for families and individuals to visit. You can enjoy curries that pair perfectly with naan and rice, with the spice level adjustable to your preference. The dishes are tailored to suit Japanese tastes, allowing you to savor a special meal alongside international beers and wines.
This is a specialty shop for kushiage (deep-fried skewers). The interior is spacious, allowing you to enjoy a lively atmosphere at the counter or table seats. There is a wide variety of kushiage, all served with a perfect frying level, and the braised beef tendon is particularly popular. It's definitely worth a visit to enjoy a unique take on kushiage.