9 Great Restaurants in Nagoya

The restaurants in Nagoya offer a vibrant and distinctive culinary experience that reflects the city’s rich food culture. From hearty local favorites like miso-nikomi udon (noodles stewed in red miso) and hitsumabushi (chopped kabayaki eel on rice) to quirky dishes like ankake spaghetti, Nagoya’s dining scene is full of bold flavors and creative twists.

Whether you’re craving comfort food, curious about regional specialties, or looking to try something adventurous, there’s a spot for every palate. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best places to eat where you can truly savor the spirit, and flavor, of Nagoya.

Nagoya Hotels

1. Mountain

Climb the culinary peak at Nagoya’s most eccentric eatery

Good for: Food, Unusual

Mountain is a legendary coffee shop in Nagoya, known for its eccentric menu and oversized portions. Since opening in 1970, it’s become a cult favorite thanks to dishes like sweet matcha and bean paste spaghetti or miso pilaf: flavors that defy imagination. Originally popular with students for its generous servings, Mountain still serves up meals that challenge even the hungriest diners.

True to its name, finishing your plate earns a “tocho” (summit reached) stamp, while leaving food results in a “sonan” (disaster) stamp. Nicknamed the “House of Strange Food,” it’s not just a meal, it’s a quirky, unforgettable Nagoya experience.

Location: 47-86 Takikawacho, Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0826, Japan

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +81 52-832-0897

2. Sekai no Yamachan

A legendary izakaya serving up Nagoya’s best wings

Good for: Food, Nightlife

Sekai no Yamachan is a beloved Nagoya institution that helped spark the city’s obsession with tebasaki, crispy, peppery fried chicken wings. What began as a humble food stall in 1981 has grown into a nationwide chain, but the original location in Sakae still holds a special place in locals’ hearts.

The signature Maboroshi no Tebasaki (phantom wings) are crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with bold flavor. The menu also features other Nagoya favorites like miso kushikatsu (pork cutlet in miso) and dote-ni (stewed beef tendon). Just a short walk from Sakae Station, this lively izakaya is a great first stop for anyone wanting to dive into Nagoya’s food scene.

Location: 4-9-6 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008, Japan

Open: Weekdays from 4 pm to 11.15 pm, Saturday from 3 pm to 12.15 am, Sunday from 3 pm to 11.15 pm

Phone: +81 52-242-1342

3. Atsuta Houraiken

The birthplace of hitsumabushi and a taste of tradition

Good for: Budget, Food

Atsuta Houraiken is the birthplace of hitsumabushi, one of Nagoya’s most iconic dishes. Founded in 1873 near Atsuta Shrine, this unique style serves grilled eel over rice by mixing finely chopped unagi into a wooden container, ensuring every bite is flavorful and no rice is left behind. The name hitsumabushi is now a registered trademark of the restaurant.

The eel is grilled over binchotan charcoal and coated with a secret sauce that has been carefully preserved and replenished for over 140 years. You’re encouraged to enjoy hitsumabushi in 4 ways: plain, with condiments, as ochazuke (with broth), and finally, however they like best. With its elegant setting and rich culinary heritage, Atsuta Houraiken offers a truly memorable dining experience.

Location: 503 Godocho, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0043, Japan

Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 11.30 am to 2 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm (closed on Wednesdays and 2nd and 4th Tuesdays)

Phone: +81 52-671-8686

4. Misokatsu Yabaton Yabachō Honten

The original taste of Nagoya’s miso-kissed comfort food

Good for: Families, Food

Misokatsu Yabaton Yabachō Honten is the birthplace of Nagoya’s beloved miso katsu: crispy pork cutlet topped with a rich, savory miso-based sauce. Established in 1947, this iconic restaurant traces its signature flavor back to the tradition of dipping cutlets into a miso-filled dote-nabe pot. Today, miso katsu is found all over Nagoya, but Yabaton remains the gold standard.

The must-try teppan tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets) arrives sizzling on an iron plate, layered over cabbage and drenched in their secret miso sauce. Another favorite is the sirloin kushikatsu, a deep-fried pork skewer that pairs perfectly with a cold beer and a nostalgic nod to Japan’s Showa era.

Location: 3-6-18 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan

Open: Daily from 11 am to 9 pm

Phone: +81 52-252-8810

5. Yamamotoya Honten Esukaten

A warm bowl of tradition in the heart of Nagoya Station

Good for: Families, Food

Yamamotoya Honten ESCA Store is a must-visit for anyone wanting to try miso-nikomi udon, one of Nagoya’s most iconic dishes. Founded in 1907, Yamamotoya is a beloved local chain, and its ESCA location, conveniently tucked inside the underground mall at Nagoya Station, is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy one last taste of Nagoya before boarding the shinkansen.

Their signature udon is served piping hot in a clay pot, featuring a rich blend of red and white miso, coarse sugar, and homemade pickled vegetables. Popular variations include toppings like Nagoya Cochin chicken, deep-fried tofu (kitsune), and Kujo green onions, all steeped in a flavorful broth that’s deeply satisfying.

Location: Esca Underground Shopping Center, 6-9 Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0015, Japan

Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

Phone: +81 52-452-1889

6. Miya Kishimen - Jingu East

A timeless noodle stop nestled in sacred surroundings

Good for: Families, Food

Miya Kishimen – Jingu East offers a classic taste of Nagoya in a peaceful, historic setting. Located within the grounds of Atsuta Jingu Shrine, this self-service restaurant has been serving up kishimen (flat, chewy noodles in flavorful broth) since 1923. Choose between red or white dashi soup, and customize your bowl with green onions and a dash of ichimi togarashi (ground red pepper).

The signature Miya Kishimen is a local favorite, while the Atsuta no Mori Set, which includes miso katsu, is great for a heartier meal. After a stroll through the shrine, enjoying a warm bowl of noodles surrounded by greenery is a truly satisfying experience.

Location: My-Plat Jingumae 3rd Floor, 18-4 Sanbonmatsucho, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, 456-0032, Japan

Open: Daily from 11 am to 8 pm

Phone: +81 52-618-9633

7. Spaghetti House Yokoi Sumiyoshi Main Shop

From quirky beginnings to beloved Nagoya-meshi staple

Good for: Families, Food, Budget

Spaghetti House Yokoi Sumiyoshi Main Shop is the birthplace of ankake spaghetti, a uniquely Nagoya-style dish that’s gone from quirky to iconic. Originally created to introduce spaghetti to Japanese diners, Yokoi’s thick, peppery sauce quickly gained a loyal following, and it’s still addictive today. The signature mirakan dish is a nostalgic mix of sausage, ham, bacon, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms, served over spaghetti with your choice of sauce quantity.

You can even buy Yokoi’s original sauce as a souvenir. In the evening, the restaurant transforms with a snack menu ideal for a casual choinomi (a little drink), making it a fun stop any time of day.

Location: 2F Santo Building, 3-10-11 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008, Japan

Open: Sunday and Tuesday from 11 am to 3 pm, Wednesday–Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +81 52-241-5571

8. Maruya Honten Nagoya Station Branch

A culinary landmark for eel lovers and first-time visitors alike

Good for: Food, Luxury

Maruya Honten Nagoya Station Branch is a top destination for hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s signature grilled eel dish. While Atsuta Horaiken may have invented it, Maruya is known for elevating unagi to an art form, carefully selecting the water, rice, and tea used to raise and serve the eel. Their traditional sauce has been nurtured and replenished for over 160 years, and the rice is blended seasonally by a dedicated Rice Meister. The standout dish, Jo Hitsumabushi, features a whole eel served over a generous portion of rice.

Located on the 9th floor of the Meitetsu Department Store, directly connected to Nagoya Station, it’s a convenient and memorable stop for travelers. Arrive early as queues often form before opening.

Location: 9F Meitetsu Department Store Honten, 1-2-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan

Open: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm

Phone: +81 52-585-7108

9. Torigin Honten

Premium poultry, expertly prepared for over 4 decades

Good for: Food, Nightlife

Torigin Honten is one of the best places in Nagoya to experience Nagoya Cochin, a premium local chicken breed first developed in Aichi during the Meiji era. Located in the heart of Sakae, this long-standing restaurant has been serving expertly prepared Cochin dishes for over 40 years.

For a full culinary experience, the Nagoya Cochin Hon Kaiseki-Tsuki course offers a beautifully curated selection. Or, opt for à la carte favorites like Cochin Sashimi Goshumori (5 kinds of sashimi), Cochin Tebasaki Karaage (crispy chicken wings), or the hearty Cochin Gomoku Kamameshi, a flavorful kettle-cooked rice dish served with soup, pickles, and dessert. It’s a delicious way to savor Nagoya’s poultry heritage.

Location: 1F Miyagi Building, 3-14-22 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan

Open: Sunday–Thursday from 5 pm to 10.30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 11.30 pm

Phone: +81 52-973-3000

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