15 Must-Try Restaurants and Izakaya Around Nagoya and Sakae Station Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Dec 25 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Must-Try Restaurants and Izakaya Around Nagoya and Sakae Station

Nagoya is a city with a unique food culture that's often referred to as “Nagoya Meshi”. Besides a wide variety of tourist attractions like Nagoya Castle, there are also a lot of delicious places to eat at here. Here is an introduction to the top 15 restaurants and izakaya (Japanese pubs) around Nagoya Station!

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Nagoya.

1. Sumibi Yakitori to Hakata Motsunabe Nagare Nishiki Main Branch

Sumibi Yakitori to Hakata Motsunabe Nagare Nishiki Main Branch cuisine

The texture of Nagare's yakitori is defined by its tenderness, flavor, and juiciness, achieved using fresh Higo Akadori chicken. Daily servings are prepared and skewered, then slow-cooked over binchotan charcoal to yield crispy, fragrant skin and fluffy insides. The chicken's freshness allows for medium-rare yakitori. The restaurant prides itself on its homemade sauce and high-quality, roasted salt. Besides yakitori, the menu offers a "Nabe Course" and daily a la carte dishes. The secret ingredient? Sincerity. At Nagare, the chef prepares each dish with heartfelt dedication, keeping customers in mind.

Sumibi Yakitori to Hakata Motsunabe Nagare Nishiki Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturdays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 5:00 am (Food L.O. 4:30 am, Drink L.O. 5:00 am), [Sundays, National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (Food L.O. 0:30 am, Drink L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Sakae Station on Nagoya Municipal Subway
Address: 1F, PIVOT Nishiki 906 Bldg., 3-9-5, Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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2. Katsudon Daijyu Osu Branch

Katsudon Daijyu's second branch offers its signature dish, "Katsudon without binding with eggs." Made with female-branded pork from the Atsumi Peninsula, the slow-cooked cutlets have a thin, crispy batter and tender interior. The dish features fluffy egg, rice with Takana (leaf mustard), and can be enjoyed with the egg separately or crumbled over the cutlet. The Nagoya-style "Miso Katsudon," with its sweet and spicy flavor, is also popular. It's no surprise that customers return for this delicious Katsudon.

Katsudon Daijyu Osu Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm / Dinner 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 8:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit 8 of Kamimaezu Station on the Meijo Line, 11-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Line
Address: 1A, President Osu, 3-28-11, Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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3. Sushi Urayama Meieki

15 Must-Try Restaurants and Izakaya Around Nagoya Station

Sushi Urayama Meieki is an oasis of adult dining, offering Hokuriku's seasonal delicacies and delicious tuna sushi with red vinegared rice. Just an 8-minute walk from Nagoya Station, it's a serene escape from city life. With three locations in Nagoya-shi, Aichi, and one in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, the restaurant uses fresh Hokuriku ingredients, including fish and vegetables, sourced daily from local ports. The restaurant features an 8-meter Japanese cypress counter and private rooms, perfect for any occasion. The available sake perfectly complements the sushi and Japanese cuisine.

Sushi Urayama Meieki

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 16,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line - Nagoya Station - 8-minute walk
Address: 1F, Ichigo Meieki Nakakoma Bldg., 5-30-1, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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4. Nikuya Setsugekka NAGOYA

This restaurant handpicks the finest beef from across Japan, including Matsuzaka, Hida, Omi, Kobe, and Sendai beef. Their skilled chefs blend Japanese and French culinary techniques, creating a unique Niku Kappo meat cuisine. Committed to honoring the origins of their ingredients, they strive to create innovative Japanese meat dishes. This fusion of traditional Japanese cooking and international culinary techniques results in conceptually unique meat dishes. To complement these delicacies, a sommelier-curated wine selection is available for guests to enjoy.

Nikuya Setsugekka NAGOYA

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *Courses L.O. 9:30 pm *Drink L.O. 10:30 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 30,000 JPY
Access: Directly connected to Underground Unimall - 2-minute walk from Nagoya Station Exit 5, 213 meters away from Meitetsu Nagoya Station
Address: B1F, Daisanhoriuchi Bldg., 4-6-23, Kakueki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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5. TANAKA YAKINIKU RESTAURANTE

TANAKA YAKINIKU RESTAURANT, envisioned by meat connoisseur Mr. Satoru Tanaka, aims to be the "best Yakiniku restaurant of life", offering top-notch Japanese beef and Grand Maison-style service. Located just a two-minute walk from Nagoya Station, it boasts excellent accessibility and nine private rooms, making it ideal for business dinners, anniversaries, or other special events. Esteemed space designer Yasumichi Morita of GLAMOROUS co., ltd. has crafted the opulent setting, enhancing guests' dining experiences. With a wine cellar housing over 100 varieties, guests can enjoy perfect pairings with their meals.

TANAKA YAKINIKU RESTAURANTE

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: About 2-minute walk from Nagoya Station Exit 5 on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line
Address: B1F, Daisan Horiuchi Bldg., 4-6-23, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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6. WAGYU YAKINIKU HYAKUMEIZAN Meieki Nishi Branch

11. WAGYU YAKINIKU HYAKUMEIZAN Meieki Nishi Branch

WAGYU YAKINIKU HYAKUMEIZAN, a brand of Amiyaki Tei, offers high-end quality and service at affordable prices. Located near Nagoya Station's Taikoguchi Exit, the restaurant features four specialties: 'Miraculous Skirt Steak,' fresh raw 'King Yukhoe,' never frozen 'Thick Sliced Beef Tongue,' and 'Purusuji (beef tendon).' Unique yakiniku dishes are also on offer. The multi-floored restaurant includes a banquet hall for 50 guests and private rooms, catering to various occasions. Patrons can relish in the meats, carefully chosen by specialists who traverse Japan ensuring quality and freshness.

WAGYU YAKINIKU HYAKUMEIZAN Meieki Nishi Branch

Open: [Monday-Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, [Saturday] Dinner 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm), [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Taiko-dori South Exit of JR Nagoya Station / 6-minute walk from Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakuradori Line and Higashiyama Line
Address: 9-17, Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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7. Setsugekka Tanaka Satoru (Yakiniku)

The yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant Setsugekka, has garnered high praise from gourmet websites and guidebooks. They serve hard-to-obtain branded wagyu, including specialty Matsusaka Beef, which has been fattened for over 900 days, and award-winning Kobe Beef. Their sommelier, Takatoshi Saito, meticulously selects renowned wines such as "DRC" and "rare California wines" to pair perfectly with the finest yakiniku, tailored to each guest's preferences. The sophisticated and refined ambiance, crafted by Japan's top-tier interior design company "Glamorous," elevates the cherished moments of its guests.

Setsugekka Tanaka Satoru

Open: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Sakae Station / 481m from Sakae Station
Address: 3-9-2, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map
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8. CALA CARMEN (Spanish and Mediterranean Cuisine)

3. CALA CARMEN (Spanish and Mediterranean Cuisine)

Experience true Spanish cuisine, cooked by a Barcelona-born lady, at CALA CARMEN! The female chef of this restaurant was surrounded by food ever since she could remember due to being born into this over-100-year-old family-run restaurant, which started with her grandfather. It has gained quite a reputation for its authentic Spanish cuisine. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes, one of which is the [Pasta Paella] (2,900 JPY for 2 people) - made with thin, short pasta that's popular in the Catalonia region of Spain, as well as tapas, fish and meat dishes. Diners can also enjoy handpicked, affordable Spanish wine here.

CALA CARMEN

Open: Normal hours: 5:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. (last order 10:30 p.m.)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A three-minute walk from the Taiko-dori exit of Nagoya Station. Head west from Taiko-dori Exit crossing, turn right at the first corner, and then left at the third corner, where it will be right in front of you.
Address: 1-4-1 Noritake , Nakamura-ku,Nagoya-shi , Aichi (Map)
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9. Naniwa Japanese barbecue restaurant, Hakkaku Dai Nagoya building Branch

4. Naniwa Japanese barbecue restaurant, Hakkaku Dai Nagoya building Branch

This Japanese-style barbecue restaurant exudes a lively atmosphere, filled with cheerful voices as guests enjoy freshly grilled seafood and seasonal vegetables. In the new season, Pacific saury directly delivered from Habomai, Hokkaido is a standout, especially when grilled with salt. The counter showcases select Okhostk Atka mackerels, mackerels, octopuses, and sailfin sandfishes obtained from original sources. Complement your meal with one of the 15 carefully selected local Japanese wines, ranging from ready-to-drink to shaoxing wine. This festive ambiance continues into lunch, offering generous portions at a great value, pleasing even the hungriest of patrons.

Naniwa Japanese barbecue restaurant, Hakkaku Dai Nagoya building Branch

Open: Lunch 11：00 - 15：00（last order 14：00） / Dinner 17：00 - 23：00（last order 22：00） Drink last order 22：15
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 950 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: 3F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

10. Asakusa Kitchen Omiya Nagoya Buidling Branch

3. Asakusa Kitchen Omiya Nagoya Buidling Branch

Restaurant Omiya in Nagoya, renowned for its Western dishes, carries a legacy of over 30 years from Asakusa, Tokyo. The menu, crafted by Chef Katsuo Omiya, a familiar face from TV and magazines, features his trademark demiglace sauce - a slightly bitter, sweet, and meaty delight. Try it with the hamburg steak or hashed beef. Another highlight is the Pure White Omelette Rice using white-yolked eggs, rice, and sauce. This dish comes with three sauce options: demiglace, white cream, or tomato Napoli.

Asakusa Kitchen Omiya Nagoya Buidling Branch

Open: Lunch 11:00 - 16:30 （last order 16：00） / Dinner 17:00 - 23:00 (last order 22:30)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,200 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: B1, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

11. Tokyo Ebisu Kushitei

Kushi tei, a chain restaurant originating from Kanto, has opened in the Dai Nagoya Building. Their signature kushiage is fried in 100% sunflower oil, giving it a light, healthful taste that's popular among ladies. The secret to its thin coating and delicate flavor lies in the dough, balanced to perfection. Fresh breadcrumbs ensure a crispy texture. The Chef's Choice Course, featuring a selection from 30 kushiage varieties, comes highly recommended. The anticipation of the next skewer adds fun to the dining experience. With counter seats, booths, and private rooms, it caters to various occasions.

Tokyo Ebisu Kushitei

Open: Lunch: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: 3F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

12. Aged Tonkotsu Ramen Specialty Store Dai Nagoya Ichibanken

1. Aged Tonkotsu Ramen Specialty Store Dai Nagoya Ichibanken

Established in 2000 in Nagoya before the Tonkotsu culture was popular, Ichibankan serves Aged Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich yet sharp flavor, developed by the owner who apprenticed in Kyushu Nagahama, the birthplace of Tonkotsu Ramen. It has evolved into a unique 'Tonkotsu of Nagoya' with the original Nagahama Ramen flavor as its base. Their signature dish, the Zeitaku Shiro Tonkotsu Ramen, combines popular toppings like egg, charsiu, and seaweed with white tonkotsu ramen. Ichibankan also serves drinks, recommending the Genkotsu Kara Age and Niku Jiru Gyoza as perfect beer or highball accompaniments.

Aged Tonkotsu Ramen Specialty Store Dai Nagoya Ichibanken

Open: 11：00-23：00（L.O.22：55）
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

13. NEW OLD STYLE Meat Soba Keisuke

NEW OLD STYLE Meat Soba Keisuke, a popular ramen store from Tokyo, has opened a branch in the Dai Nagoya Building. Famous for its Niku Soba, a ramen dish with an elegant and clear soup, thickly rolled meat slices, ample pork, and potherbs, it offers a distinct flavor. Adding ginger provided on the side elevates the dish with refreshing sharpness. The creator, Chef Keisuke Takeda, is celebrated for his innovative techniques across cuisines. This branch also offers a Nagoya exclusive Miso flavor. This paragraph is exactly 80 words long.

NEW OLD STYLE Meat Soba Keisuke

Open: 11:00 - 23:00 (last order 22:30)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: B1, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

14. Aji no Gyutan Kisuke Nagoya branch

Aji no Gyutan Kisuke is a famed grill restaurant specializing in gyutan, a dish originating in Sendai that has gained popularity nationwide. Since its establishment in 1975, this beloved restaurant has been serving high-quality gyutan. Each piece of selected grain-fed beef is handpicked by expert chefs who craft the distinct taste with their experienced skills. This dedication and attention to detail have contributed to the restaurant's longstanding reputation.

Aji no Gyutan Kisuke Nagoya branch

Open: 11：00-23：00（L.O.22：00）
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,600 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: B1, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

15. Taicha Fukuno

Nozawa, a renowned Japanese restaurant in Kakuno-zan, has revolutionized the world of Japanese cuisine by producing 'Japanese fast food' for the first time. Their menu is astonishingly streamlined, offering just one item - Snapper Rice in Green Tea. This audacious simplicity stems from the masterful skills of the top Japanese chef. Their signature dish features Tai Ichiro kun, a matured brand snapper, a sesame sauce cooked over a month, original green tea from Nanzan-en in Nishio, and freshly cooked rice. Due to the dish's simplicity, meticulous attention is paid to each ingredient.

Taicha Fukuno

Open: 11：00-23：00（L.O.22：30）
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: B1, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

16. Nishi Shinjuku Moyan Curry Nagoya

It sounds like Mouyan Curry, with its seven stores across Shinjuku and Osaka and a new branch in the Tokai area, offers a unique curry dining experience. Their curry, known for its health benefits, is made with wholesome ingredients such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and extra virgin olive oil, along with collagen-filled beef and pork broth. Their signature dish is the "curry of the soul," a blackened, jam-like curry that takes over two weeks to prepare. Besides the curry, they also offer a buffet that includes a varied selection of 30 global food items, ranging from Namul to Tandoori Chicken. This wide variety of dishes and unique curry preparation makes Mouyan Curry a must-visit for curry enthusiasts.

Nishi Shinjuku Moyan Curry Nagoya

Open: 11：00-23：00（L.O.22：00）
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,300 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: B1, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

All of the restaurants listed are conveniently located near Nagoya Station. Please use this article as a guide to finding the one that you’d like to try!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.