[Nagoya] 10 Best Restaurants to Savor Local Specialties like Hitsumabushi and Chicken Wings Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Jun 20 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

[Nagoya] 10 Best Restaurants to Savor Local Specialties like Hitsumabushi and Chicken Wings

The city of Nagoya, in Aichi Prefecture, boasts a truly unique food culture! Even the Japanese themselves head here with the sole purpose to savor its many delicious local dishes like miso cutlet, chicken wings and hitsumabushi (grilled eel with rice). Here is a list of 10 recommended restaurants you shouldn't miss during your stay in Nagoya.

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Nagoya.

1. [Hitsumabushi] Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho Dai Nagoya Building Branch (Nagoya / Japanese cuisine)

[Nagoya] 10 Recommended Restaurants to Savor Local Specialties like Hitsumabushi and Chicken Wings

Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho Dai Nagoya Building Branch serves unagi (eel) grilled on binchotan charcoal. This grilling technique maximizes the flavor and aroma of the eel, and makes the outside crispy and the inside fluffy. Grilled by a skillful chef, this restaurant's [Hitsumabushi] (3,400 JPY plus tax) comes highly recommended. The special sauce it's combined with makes this plate a true delight! Plus, there is a rich menu of sake, shochu and wines that go well with the food served here. Do pair your specialty dishes with an alcoholic drink!

Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho Dai Nagoya Building Branch

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Closed on the first and last days of the year, and follows the facility schedule.
Average price: [Lunch] 3,000 JPY / [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: 3F, 3-28-12, Nakmura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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2. [Hitsumabushi] Shibafuku-ya (Kokusai Center / Japanese cuisine)

Hitsumabushi is a Nagoya staple consisting of grilled eel dressed with a sweet sauce, cut in small pieces and placed over white rice. For the [Hitsumabushi] (4,500 JPY plus tax) you can savor at Shibafuku-ya, they carefully select the finest and biggest eel of a high-grade species called "blue eel"! Here's how you're supposed to eat it: have the first bowl as is, the second one with herbs and spices, the third one as ochazuke (soaked in tea) and the last one in whichever version you appreciated the most!

Unagi-ka Shibafuku-ya

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from exit No.2 of Kokusai Center Station on Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakuradori Line
Address: 1-23-10 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya city, Aichi Map
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3. [Ankake Spaghetti] Spaghetti House Chef Meieki Nishi Branch (Nagoya / Pizza - Pasta)

6. [Ankake Spaghetti] Spaghetti House Chef Meieki Nishi Branch (Nagoya / Pizza - Pasta)

Ankake Spaghetti is a Nagoya specialty wherein boiled spaghetti are dressed with a sauteed tomato-based sauce. Spaghetti House Chef Meieki Nishi Branch uses a special sweet and salty sauce cooked over 4 days. Don't miss their [Indian Vienna Sausage] (850 JPY) dressed with a slow-cooked curry sauce, and the [Deluxe Chef] (950 JPY) topped with ketchup, fried prawns and hotdogs!

Spaghetti House Chef Meiekinishi

Open: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Access: A 5-minute walk from the Taiko-dori exit of the JR Nagoya station. 300m west of Bic Camera.
Address: 2-15-9 Noritake-cho , Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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4. [Kushikatsu Miso Oden] Yamatora (Nagoya / Japanese cuisine)

10. [Kushikatsu Miso Oden] Yamatora (Nagoya / Japanese cuisine)

Head to Yamatora if you want to savor Nayoga's special miso oden with kushikatsu (fried skewers). Featuring a wagyu sinewy meat-flavored broth, their [Omakase 4-kind Assortment] (800 JPY plus tax), including daikon and egg, allows you to savor a total of 6 ingredients, so it's highly recommended! Made with just the tender parts of pork meat, their kushikatsu taste delicious with the red miso and tonkatsu sauce. Skewers start from 180 JPY (plus tax) each. You won't resist the umami (Japanese savory taste) of the meat combined with the light texture of the breadcrumbs!

Yamatora

Open: ［Weekends and Holidays］11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) Last order for lunch is 2:50 pm.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: 3F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Map
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5. [Ramen] Dai Nagoya Ichibanken (Nagoya / Ramen)

8. [Ramen] Dai Nagoya Ichibanken (Nagoya / Ramen)

Ramen is originally from China, but in Japan it's prepared in a unique way that made it one of the most representative national noodles dishes. The originator of Nagoya Tonkotsu (pork-bones soup), Dai Nagoya Ichibanken, serves a [Deluxe White Tonkotsu Ramen] (880 JPY) as its flagship dish. Do flavor it with their Haccho miso-based [Black Spicy Miso]! By adding 300 JPY, you can also have [Genkotsu (thighbone) Karaage], dressed with their secret sauce, or some juicy and meaty [Gyoza].

Aged Tonkotsu Ramen Specialty Store Dai Nagoya Ichibanken

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:55 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: B1, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Map
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6. Misen Dai Nagoya Building Branch

Misen is a renowned Taiwanese food restaurant familiar to Nagoya residents. Despite its dynamic menu, it caters to both men and women. Conveniently located in the Dai Nagoya building, it's a comfortable spot for anyone to dine alone. The standout dish is the Taiwanese noodles, known for their rich, spicy flavor that pairs well with alcohol or as a post-drinks meal. The restaurant combines a vibrant yet calm atmosphere, making it a great spot to enjoy Nagoya food after shopping. It's conveniently situated on the third floor amidst a hub of restaurants and bars.

Misen Dai Nagoya Building Branch

Open: 11：00 - 23：00（last order 22：00）
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: 3F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Map
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7. Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou Nakagawa Main Branch

Unatou is renowned for its eel dishes, popular for both daily meals and special occasions. Office workers and locals enjoy the "Unadon" for lunch, while "Unajyu" and "Hitsumabushi" are favorites for evening events. The highly recommended "Special Premium Hitsumabushi - One and a Half Eel" is a rich-flavored Nagoya specialty. The eels, chosen for quality and size, are prepared daily, grilled to a perfect, fragrant, fluffy texture using a secret sauce. The restaurant, offering table, tatami, and private room seating, also provides take-out options. Loved by locals since its inception, it's an excellent place to treat yourself.

Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou Nakagawa Main Branch

Open: Lunch 10:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: Head south from Sasashima-raibu Station. Proceed west along Osu-dori, and the restaurant is on the left side, past the post office.
Address: 9-22, Fukuzumi-cho, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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8. Kasho Hanakikyo Nagoya Nohgakudo hōsa Branch

Located in Nagoya Noh Theater near Nagoya Castle, Kasho Hanakikyo Nagoya Nohgakudo hōsa Branch offers a cultural dining experience. The "WAfternoon Tea" is recommended for first-timers, offering 10-12 bite-sized wagashi, a Japanese twist on traditional British afternoon tea. Another must-try is the "Fuwafuwa Wanuki," a soft, pancake-like dorayaki filled with Nagoya's signature "tsubuan" sweet bean paste and butter. The restaurant's quiet, black interior provides an adult atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for a break with traditional Japanese sweets during sightseeing or after a Noh or Kyogen show.

Kasho Hanakikyo Nagoya Nohgakudo hōsa Branch

Open: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (L.O. 4:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Nagoyajo Station on the Meijo Line / 10-minute walk from Sengen-cho Station on the Tsurumai Line
Address: 1F, Nagoya Nohgakudo, 1-1-1, Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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9. Unagi Ryouri Unawa Izumi

At Unagi Ryouri Unawa Izumi, enjoy the finest giant eels grilled by chefs with 40 years of mastery. The special sauce, blending pure and tamari soy sauce, is enriched with house-made mirin and coarse sugar, enhancing the eel's unique, rich taste. The restaurant also uses special rice from contract farmers, which amplifies the eel's flavor. Relish this blissful culinary experience in a relaxing ambiance with your loved ones.

Unagi Ryouri Unawa Izumi

Open: [Monday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 409m from Hisaya-odori Station
Address: 1-11-35, Izumi, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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10. Sumiyaki Hitsumabushi Unagi Munagi

Munagi offers the finest eel and exceptional service. Each meticulously selected eel is prepared uniquely and grilled using artisanal techniques. The "Comparison Red and White Unaju" is recommended for those who want to taste both Shirayaki and Kabayaki. The luxury "Kinpaku Mabushi Unaju" covered with gold leaf is also a must-try. There's a wide selection of wines and Fukui Prefecture sake to pair with the eel. The restaurant, a tranquil Japanese-style space, offers private rooms, sofa seats, and counter seating, with careful attention to detail, such as gold wallpaper in private rooms.

Sumiyaki Hitsumabushi Unagi Munagi

Open: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Yabacho Station on the Meijo Line / 9-minute walk from Sakae Station on the Meijo Line / 5-minute walk from Matsuzakaya Main Building
Address: B1F, Sakae D-1 Bldg., 4-17-21, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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This was our list of 10 recommended restaurants to savor all the delicious things Nagoya has to offer: hitsumabushi, chicken wings, Japanese ramen and seafood! Pick your favorites for your meals during your sightseeing in Nagoya!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.