Nagoya - Restaurant Listings

Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan's fourth-largest city, has many distinctive regional dishes as well as good locally produced sake. Nagoya cochin, an heirloom breed of chicken prized for its flavor, is served in many specialty restaurants in the form of yakitori and nabemono-style stews. Another local favorite is charcoal-grilled eel, served "hitsumabushi" style with a mix of green tea and various condiments.

Other Nagoya dishes to be on the lookout for are miso-katsu - tonkatsu served in a miso-based sauce; miso-nikomi - udon noodles served in a rich miso-flavored broth; and kishimen noodles - a wider, flatter version of udon noodles.

The guide below covers restaurant, cafe and bar picks centered on central Nagoya and the Nagoya station area.

See area restaurant map.

Central

23 Craft Beerz Nagoya (Beer bar). 052-265-9777

Yes, they serve 23 beers - mostly Japanese craft beers - on tap. Try them all! There's also a small food menu in case you're hungry.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Marunouchi 2-3-21. Open 5:30pm-2am. Closed Sundays.

Grillman (Burgers). 052-204-2914

The full name of this bar-restaurant is Japan Craft Beer and Wine Grillman, but in the daytime (11am-5pm) it's also known as Grillman Burger, with a slightly different emphasis. Budget around Y5000 in the evening. Take-out service is available.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 2-11-13, Transit Bldg 1F. Open 11am-11pm. Closed Sundays.

Liquor Mountain (Liquor shop). 052-950-5559

Located in the heart of Nishiki's late-night entertainment zone and keeping appropriately late-night hours itself, Liquor Mountain offers some very good discounted prices on imported beers and liquors.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 3-11-18. Open 4pm-3am. Closed Sundays.

Ebisuya (Soba/Udon). 052-961-3412

Thin, flat kishimen noodles are a featured dish here, served in a hot fish-based broth with fish cakes, fried tofu, boiled spinach and other ingredients. Another popular dish is their rather novel curry-cheese udon noodles. If you show up early in the day you can watch the noodles being made in the glassed-in work area at the front of the shop. The shop is located in one of Nagoya's adult entertainment districts, although it's reasonably tame at lunchtime.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 3-20-7. Open 11am-1am daily.

Torisei (Chicken). 052-951-7337

Lunchtime specials start at Y900 and include karaage fried chicken and chicken sashimi. In the evenings it's mainly charcoal-grilled chicken; budget around Y4000 for dinner.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 3-19-24. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Blue Note (Jazz club). 052-961-6311

This branch of the popular live jazz club presents local talent and visiting jazz headliners who are touring Japan. Check their calendar to see who's coming: www.nagoya-bluenote.com.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 3-22-20, Daitek Sakae Bldg B2F.

Torishige (Chicken). 052-972-1331

Torishige prepares grilled chicken and other dishes with Nagoya cochin, a local heirloom breed prized for its flavor. Prix-fixe menus of charcoal-grilled chicken on skewers are priced at Y4300 and Y5800 for eight and twelve skewers, respectively. They also offer more varied menus with other chicken-based dishes - stews, grilled steaks and chicken carpaccio - for Y5300-5800. Lunches start at Y1050.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 3-18-21, Daiichi Hotel Nishiki 1F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Torigin (Chicken). 052-973-3000

Famous in town (and among tourists) for its Nagoya cochin (an heirloom chicken breed), Torigin is set up to handle the crowds. Elaborate prix-fixe menus, with chicken prepared in various styles, are priced Y3800-7800, or you can order a la carte.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 3-14-22, Miyagi Bldg 1F. Open 5-11pm (LO) daily.

Outback Steakhouse (Steak house). 052-968-7800

Entertaining dining and amusing cocktails from the Australian-themed American steakhouse chain. Budget around Y4000 at dinnertime. Lunch is served on weekends and holidays.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Nishiki 3-24-24, Nishiki 324 Bldg B1F. Open 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Yamamotoya-Honten (Sakae Chunichi) (Soba/Udon). 052-241-1939

Yamamotoya is one of the best-known purveyors of miso-nikomi udon, flat udon noodles prepared in a miso-rich, bonito-based soup. The noodles are thick and chewy, and the soup is filled with fish cakes, leeks, egg, and many optional ingredients such as Nagoya cochin chicken. Everything is served with a bottomless plate of vegetables - pickled hakusai, thinly sliced raw onions (which nicely complement the rich broth), and cucumbers. [Show more]

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 4-1-1, Chunichi Bldg B2F. Open 10:30am-9pm (LO) daily.

Enoteca (Liquor shop). 052-259-7250

This retail liquor shop includes a tiny bar up front where you can order wine by the glass plus simple snacks like pates and assorted cheese platters.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 1F. Open 11am-8:30pm (LO) daily.

Bincho (Lachic) (Unagi). 052-259-6703

Bincho does a nice version of hitsumabushi, a local Nagoya-style version of unagi eel, grilled over binchotan charcoal.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 7F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Miya Kishimen (Soba/Udon). 052-259-6717

Miya is one of Nagoya's more famous shops specializing in Kishimen - the thin, flat noodles served in broth that are a local favorite. (The long-established original branch is in the historic Atsuta neighborhood.) At lunchtime (until 5pm) a bowl of noodles is Y980; in the evenings you can order side dishes to go along with your noodles.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 7F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Mokumoku Kaze no Budo (Buffet). 052-241-0909

The ample natural-foods-oriented buffet here features lots of vegetable dishes prepared with local produce, along with meat and seafood items, soft drinks and dessert. The price is Y1800 at lunchtime, and Y2300 in the evening.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 7F. Open 11am-3, 5-9:30pm (LO) daily.

To The Herbs (Italian). 052-259-6711

Tasty, sometimes unusual pizzas and well-constructed pastas at this budget Italian cafe chain. They don't close between lunch and dinner, but stay open all afternoon.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 7F. Open 11am-10pm daily.

Yabaton (Lachic) (Tonkatsu). 052-269-7070

Yabaton is famous for their miso-katsu - pork cutlet prepared with a thick miso sauce - a local Nagoya specialty. The main shop is in Osu - this is a more centrally located branch.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 7F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Da Noi (Italian). 052-259-6754

Upscale Italian cuisine in an elegant setting; the chef trained in Europe for nine years before opening the original main branch in Tokyo. Budget around Y6000 for food at dinnertime, or Y2400 for lunch.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 8F. Open 11am-2:30, 5:30-9:30 (LO) daily.

Gumbo and Oyster Bar (Seafood). 052-238-2071

An informal oyster bar serving raw and cooked oysters from Japan, New Zealand and the US, along with Cajun-style gumbo and seafood "pan roasts." Budget around Y4000 at dinnertime. Lunch, served until 3pm, ranges from Y980-2980.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 8F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Hisago (Tempura). 052-259-6755

Good-quality tempura at reasonable prices; the original branch in Tokyo dates back to 1918. In addition to the usual fish and seafood, Hisago offers a vegetarian prix-fixe menu featuring sesame tofu and various seasonal vegetables. Budget around Y4000 at dinnertime or Y1800 for lunch.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 8F. Open 11am-3:30, 5-9:30pm (LO) daily.

Maruha (Izakaya). 052-259-6701

"Ebi-fry" - Nagoya's famous dish of deep-fried giant prawns - is one of the featured menu items at this inexpensive seafood-oriented izakaya, with a set menu of two prawns, sashimi, soup and rice priced at Y1860.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 8F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Uttoko (Izakaya). 052-259-6113

Sesonal seafood is the main focus in this stylish dining bar. The specialty of the house is a bento-style meal with 8 or 10 seasonal delicacies served in a bucket-style tray (Y1,995-2,730). You can also order small dishes a la carte, izakaya-style. The drinks menu features several different types of sake from local craft brewery Kintora as well as umeshu and other fruit liqueurs. Set lunches start at Y1575.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-6-1, La Chic 8F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Suzunami (honten) (Seafood). 052-261-1300

Broiled fish, marinated in sake lees, is the main dish here. Open for lunch only. They also have a branch in the Esca complex next to Nagoya Station.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-7-23. Open 11am-2:30pm daily.

Sawasdee Sumiyoshi (Thai). 052-242-7512

Good, accessible Thai food in a comfortable setting. Set-price dinners start at just Y980, which gets you a main dish (red or green curry, pad thai, etc.), tom yam soup, an unexciting mini-salad with Russian dressing, white rice and a pleasant tapioca-coconut milk dessert. Thai sukiyaki is Y2800/person (minimum two people), and other prix-fixe menus start at Y3500. There's also a decent-sized a la carte menu of standard dishes and chef's specials. The dining room is spacious, and the background Thai pop music appropriately bouncy.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-9-30, Tsuge Bldg 2F. Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Cafe de la Casa (Cafe). 052-238-1275

This cute little cafe in the Design Center Building is run by an interior furnishings shop. Lunch (served until 3pm) is around Y1000 and includes soup bar, salad bar, optional beverage, and assorted canapes on rice.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-18-1, Nadia Park 3F. Open 11am-8pm daily.

Bande Nere (Belgian rest/beer bar). 052-264-1700

More than 150 Belgian beers are available at this cozy late-night basement bar, plus fifteen Belgian cheeses.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-20-9. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.

Aroma Fresca (Italian). 052-264-3688

High-level Italian in an upscale department-store setting. Budget from Y5000 for lunch, Y10,000-15,000 at dinnertime.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-16-1, Matsuzakaya Honten Honkan 10F. Open 11am-2, 5:30-8:30pm (LO). Closed 2nd Monday.

Horaiken (Sakae) (Unagi). 052-264-3825

A more centrally located branch of Nagoya's most famous grilled-eel restaurant, located on the dining floor of Matsuzakaya Department Store. Budget around Y3000 at dinnertime.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 3-30-8, Matsuzakaya Minami-kan 10F. Open 11am-9pm daily.

Yabaton (honten) (Tonkatsu). 052-252-8810

Yabaton is famous for their miso-katsu - pork cutlet prepared with a thick miso sauce - a local Nagoya dish, as well as their cute sumo-wrestling pig mascot. This is the original, main branch.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Osu 3-6-18. Open 11am-9pm daily.

Cesari (Italian). 052-238-0372

Great Neopolitan-style pizza from wood-burning pizza ovens; the grilled chicken is also fantastic. Up front there's a very casual cafe-bar with live music (usually jazz), and in back is a full-service restaurant.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Osu 3-36-44, Cento Cesari Bldg 1/2F. Open 11am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO) daily.

East of Hisaya-Odori

Perms (Cafe). 052-962-8878

A casual cafe-bar serving pizzas, pastas and other light fare. Lunch is served until 2pm, there's a happy hour from 4-7pm, and the last order for drinks at night is 12:30am.

Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Izumi 1-23-36, NBN Izumi Bldg. Open 11am-11pm (LO) daily.

Keg Nagoya (Beer bar). 052-971-8211

One of the best beer bars in town, Keg Nagoya serves around fifteen craft beers, many of them otherwise hard to find, on a rotating basis. The food is also good.

Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Higashi-Sakura 1-10-13. Open 11:30am-2, 5-11pm daily.

Wolfgang Puck (International). 052-957-5755

Modern California-style international fare, including many of Puck's signature dishes such as smoked-salmon pizza. The rather spectacular dining space, at the top of the Aichi Arts Center, features double-height ceilings and an upper-level bar-lounge area with a panoramic city view. Lunch is priced from Y1000-1600, and is served until 5pm. Budget around Y4000-5000 for food and drink at dinnertime.

Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Higashi-Sakura 1-13-2, Aichi Arts Center 10F. Open 11am-9pm (LO). Closed 1st, 3rd Mondays.

En Plancha (Spanish). 052-241-0078

Late-night drinks and good tapas-style small dishes at reasonable prices. Wines are priced from Y2800 per bottle, or Y400 per glass. The setting is quite casual, with a split-level dining area.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 4-6-5. Open 5pm-1am (Fri, Sat -3am) daily.

Yamachan Honten (Izakaya). 052-242-1342

With branches all over Nagoya, this popular shop is famous for their spicy chicken wings and other local delicacies, as well as its inexpensive prices. If you want to finish off your meal with ramen you can get it delivered here from a shop around the corner.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 4-9-6. Open 5:30-11:55pm (LO) daily.

Umi no Hi (Izakaya). 052-265-5262

Grilled, dried fish (himono) from around Japan is the mainstay of the menu here, along with local vegetables and tofu dishes. For drinks, you can choose from at least a half-dozen well-selected sakes, including the hard-to-find Juyondai. Budget around Y3000 for food and drink.

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Sakae 4-15-14. Open 5:30-11pm (LO) daily.

Mazenta (Wine bar). 052-979-7877

Worth checking out if you happen to be in the neighborhood, this quiet bar on the first floor of a design office stocks 40-50 organic wines, priced from Y3300 per bottle or Y650 per glass. The food menu features wine-friendly snacks like homemade rillettes and pates.

Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Higashi-Sakura 2-9-15, Matrix 37. Open 5-10pm. Closed Sundays.

Warakado (Izakaya). 052-262-3166

A fun, very casual neighborhood spot with good grilled chicken, grilled pork and other izakaya fare. The second floor is all tatami seating (with no horikotatsu).

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Shinsakae 2-1-3. Open 7pm-midnight. Closed Sundays.

Nagoya station

Bincho (Esca) (Unagi). 052-451-5557

Bincho does a nice version of hitsumabushi, a local Nagoya-style version of unagi eel, grilled over binchotan charcoal.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Tsubakicho 6-9 (underground), Esca underground arcade. Open 11am-3, 5-9:15pm (LO) daily.

Suzunami (Esca) (Seafood). 052-452-3239

Broiled fish, marinated in sake lees, is the main dish here. Located in the basement Esca complex at the west exit of the JR Nagoya shinkansen line.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Tsubakicho 6-9 (underground), Esca underground arcade. Open 11am-2:30, 4:30-9pm (LO) daily.

Yamamotoya-Honten (Esca) (Soba/Udon). 052-452-1889

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Tsubakicho 6-9 (underground), Esca underground arcade. Open 10am-9:30pm (LO) daily.

Din Tai Fung (Dim sum). 052-533-6030

The specialty of the house at this Taipei-based chain is xiao long bao (shoronpo in Japanese) - dumplings that squirt hot broth when you bite into them. The menu also offers other dim sum dumplings, noodle dishes and small-plate items; set lunches are priced from Y1470.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 12F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Kitchen Salvatore Cuomo, The (Italian). 052-564-0065

Pizzas are the mainstay of this popular Italian chain, but they also do assorted starters, pastas, and grilled meats and fish. Budget around Y5000 at dinnertime for food and drink. The weekday lunch buffet is Y2300, and is served until 4pm (as long as you start by 3pm). Party plans with multiple courses and an open bar start at Y6800.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 12F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Paul Bocuse (French). 052-563-4455

One of several Bocuse venues in Japan, this mid-level, casual brasserie offers classic French cuisine, with prix-fixe dinners priced at Y2,560-6,800 and lunches from Y1960.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 12F. Open 11am-2, 5:30-9pm (LO) daily.

Breizh Cafe (French). 052-569-1185

Delicious Bretagne-style dessert crepes and savory buckwheat galettes are served along with hard cider and soft drinks imported from the region. Seating is either inside the cafe or out on the open-air terrace looking out over the city.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 13F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

En (Izakaya). 052-533-0260

A reliable izakaya chain, En serves a wide assortment of dishes, including charcoal-grilled meats and fish and original seasonal vegetable dishes. The drinks menu includes 16 kinds of craft sake from regional breweries, assorted shochus and reasonably priced wines. Budget around Y4000 for food and drink at dinnertime; lunches are priced at Y980-2300.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 13F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Kagaya (Japanese regional). 052-589-9550

As the name implies, Kagaya serves Kaga-ryori, the distinctive (and delicious) regional cuisine of Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture. Kaiseki-style dinners are priced Y6,000-10,000, while prix-fixe lunches start are Y2,000-6,500. You can also order a la carte, izakaya-style.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 13F. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.

Maharaja (Indian). 052-587-5755

Perhaps Japan's most popular India-restaurant chain, Maharaja offers good-quality curries and tandoori dishes at reasonable prices. Vegetarian options are available. Set lunches (11am-3pm) start at Y980, and there are various party plans in the evening.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 13F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Tsunahachi (Tempura). 052-533-0131

Reliable, good-value tempura from the Tokyo-based chain. You can order piece by piece but most people order set meals, which start at Y1995 in the evening and Y1260 at lunchtime.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, JR Central Towers 13F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Seijo Ishii (Retail). 052-587-2375

You'll find a good selection of imported foods and some interesting wines at this centrally located branch of the Seijo Ishii retail chain.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-1-4, Cuisine Marche. Open 7:30am-10pm daily.

Yabaton (Meitetsu) (Tonkatsu). 052-563-7373

Yabaton is famous for their miso-katsu - pork cutlet prepared with a thick miso sauce - a local Nagoya favorite.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 1-2-1, Meitetsu-hyakaten Honkan 9F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Enoteca Muro (Italian). 052-527-8822

Good, casual mid-level Italian cooking in a pleasant shopping-mall setting. Prix-fixe dinners are Y4800-6800, lunches Y1800-2800, or budget around Y3500 at dinnertime for a la carte starters plus pasta and a drink or two. There are nine wines by the glass, including New World as well as Italian choices, and bottles are priced from Y4300.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-7-1, Midland Square 4F. Open 11am-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.

Muy (Spanish). 052-527-8821

Muy's dramatically lit, 16-meter-long bar makes an impressive centerpiece to the stylish interior. The menu features a good selection of tapas (including imported Spanish hams), grilled meats, and paella variations. Spanish wines start at Y4000 per bottle; budget around Y4000-5000 food food and drink at dinnertime.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-7-1, Midland Square 4F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Nenohi (Izakaya). 052-527-8830

Run by the local Morita Brewery, which has been brewing sake since 1665, Nenohi serves artfully prepared seasonal delicacies designed to go well with its sake. You can choose from eight different sakes from the brewery, or try one of their three-sake tasting sets. Prix-fixe menus are Y4500-7300, or you can order a la carte. Lunches are priced at Y1260-3800.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-7-1, Midland Square 4F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Imahan (Shabu-shabu). 052-527-8887

Imahan, whose original Tokyo branch dates back to 1895, serves up deluxe-level beef dishes - sukiyaki, shabu shabu, and grilled steaks. Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu prix-fixe dinner menus are Y13,860-19,288, and lunches run Y3,927-10,510. Private rooms with a view are available for a little extra.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-7-1, Midland Square 41F. Open 11am-3:30, 4:30-10pm (LO) daily.

Kitcho (Kaiseki). 052-527-8888

The Nagoya branch of one of Japan's most famous (and most expensive) kaiseki restaurants; the main branch is in Kyoto. Prix-fixe kaiseki menus are priced at Y17,325-32,340 at lunchtime and Y17,325-40,425 at dinnertime. There's also a mini-kaiseki menu (Y11,550) and a boxed lunch (Y5000). Private rooms are available for a bit extra.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-7-1, Midland Square 41F. Open 11am-2, 5:30-8pm (LO) daily.

Enoteca Pinchiorri (Italian). 052-527-8831

This famous Florence-based restaurant serves top-level Italian cuisine and offers a magnificent 42nd-story view. Prix-fixe dinners are priced Y10,000-20,000, and lunch is Y4,000-10,000. The wine cellar is stocked with 10,000 bottles, and wine-tasting menus start at Y12,000.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-7-1, Midland Square 42F. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5-8pm (LO) daily.

L'Auberge de l'Ill (French). 052-527-8880

The Nagoya outpost of the famous Alsace restaurant, which has been awarded three Michelin stars for forty years in a row, occupies a rather grand dining room and offers an impressive skyscraper view. Lunch menus are Y2,940-8,400; dinners are Y6,800-15,000. Wines range from around Y6,500 to Y250,000 per bottle, and include a good selection of Alsatian labels.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-7-1, Midland Square 42F. Open 11am-2, 5:30-8:30pm (LO) daily.

Rokusanroku (Ramen). 052-582-0636

This popular shop serves miso ramen, a bit sweeter than is typical for this style, with good chashu. They also serve tsukemen (noodles with a dipping sauce on the side). They may close earlier than 10pm if the soup runs out.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 4-4-38, Winc B1F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10pm daily.

Taverna Guida (Italian). 052-581-1005

The kitchen turns out good-quality Italian fare, and the atmosphere is casual trattoria-style, with boisterous traditional Italian music. Specialties include home-made sausages and charcoal-grilled pork. Budget around Y4500 at dinnertime.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki-Minami 1-20-5. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Salle a Manger de Kajino (French). 052-562-2080

This tiny French bistro serves interesting game meats such as wild boar, guinea fowl and Ezo deer. Budget around Y6000 at dinnertime.

Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Meieki 5-33-10. Open 11am-2:30, 6-10:30pm. Closed Wed, 2nd Tues.

South

Horaiken (honten) (Unagi). 052-671-8686

This long-running shop serves hitsumabushi, grilled unagi eel served in traditional Nagoya fasion. There are both traditional tatami-mat rooms and more Westernized dining rooms with tables and chairs; some of them offer a garden view. They also have a more centrally located branch in Matsuzakaya department store.

Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Godocho 503. Open 11:30am-2, 4:30-8:30pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays.

Red Lobster (Seafood). 052-654-7151

There aren't a lot of full-fledged restaurants in the immediate area of Nagoya Aquarium and the rest of Nagoya Port - it's mostly food-court territory. This popular US-based chain at least delivers generally reliable, if not earth-shattering, lobster, crab and shrimp dishes along with lobster-and-steak combo platters. Weekday lunches start at Y680; budget around Y3000 at dinnertime. Located next to Nagoya Aquarium in the Nagoya Port area.

Minato-ku, Nagoya, Minatomachi 1-7, Garden Pier Jetty West 2F. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.