So, you’re heading to Nagoya? Great choice!
Sure, most travelers know it as a transport hub—but foodies know it’s one of the most underrated gourmet cities in Japan.
From smoky grilled eel to spicy fried chicken wings and rich miso-covered pork cutlets, Nagoya Meshi hits different.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 3 must-try local dishes, plus 9 restaurant recommendations with locations, prices, and even Google Maps links to make your food trip effortless.
🍽 Quick Overview Table
| Dish | Must-Try Restaurants | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hitsumabushi | Atsuta Houraiken, Unafuji, Shirakawa | Grilled eel with 3 ways to eat it |
| Tebasaki | Sekai no Yamachan, Furaibo, Torikai Sohonke | Crispy spicy wings, each with unique flavor |
| Miso Katsu | Yabaton, Yabatei, Tonkatsu Ma Maison | Pork cutlet with rich red miso sauce |
🍱 Hitsumabushi – Grilled Eel with 3 Flavors in One Bowl
Hitsumabushi is Nagoya’s signature grilled eel over rice, but the real fun is in how you eat it—it’s meant to be enjoyed in three stages:
- First bowl: Eat it just as it is. Enjoy the crispy skin and rich sauce of the grilled eel.
- Second bowl: Add toppings like green onions, wasabi, and seaweed to add a fresh kick.
- Third bowl: Pour hot dashi broth over the rice and eel to create a warm, comforting soup.
👉 Bonus: You can mix and match the steps however you like!
🏆 Recommended Hitsumabushi Restaurants
1. Atsuta Houraiken
Inventor of Hitsumabushi. Historic and classy, with top-grade eel. Long lines, but worth it.
💰 ¥4,500+ / ~$30+
📍 503 Godocho, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya
🔗 Website
2. Unafuji
Charcoal-grilled thick eel with deep smoky flavor. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
💰 ¥4,000–5,500 / ~$27–37
📍 1-4-4 Meieki Minami, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya
🔗 Website
3. Shirakawa
More affordable with mini-portion options. Comfortable for solo travelers or casual lunch.
💰 ¥3,000+ / ~$20+
📍 3-16-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya
🔗 Website
🍗 Tebasaki – Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
Tebasaki are deep-fried chicken wings, glazed in soy-based sweet-and-spicy sauce and topped with cracked black pepper. Crunchy on the outside, juicy inside—perfect with a cold beer.
🏆 Recommended Tebasaki Restaurants
1. Sekai no Yamachan
Super crispy wings with bold spice. Their “Phantom Wings” are a local legend.
💰 ¥1,000–3,000 / ~$7–20
📍 4-9-6 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya
🔗 Website
2. Furaibo
The original Tebasaki! More balanced, slightly sweet sauce. Loved by all generations.
💰 ¥1,000–3,000 / ~$7–20
📍 3-10-11 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya
🔗 Website
3. Torikai Sohonke
Uses Nagoya Cochin chicken, a premium local breed. Michelin Bib Gourmand pick.
💰 ¥3,000–5,000 / ~$20–33
📍 1-3-16 Meieki Minami, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya
🔗 Website
🍴 Miso Katsu – Pork Cutlet with Sweet & Savory Miso Sauce
Miso Katsu is a Nagoya version of tonkatsu, topped with thick, red Hatcho miso sauce.
It looks intense, but the flavor is sweet, deep, and comforting. A Nagoya classic!
🏆 Recommended Miso Katsu Restaurants
1. Yabaton
The king of Miso Katsu. Their “Waraji” cutlet is double-sized! Fun atmosphere & English menus.
💰 ¥1,500–2,500 / ~$10–17
📍 3-6-18 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya (Yabacho main store)
🔗 Website
2. Yabatei
A quieter, slightly more refined sister store of Yabaton. Easier for first-timers.
💰 ~¥1,500 / ~$10
📍 3-10-26 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya
🔗 Website
3. Tonkatsu Ma Maison
Western-style tonkatsu with elegant plating in a cozy café atmosphere.
💰 ¥1,800–2,800 / ~$12–19
📍 3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya (PARCO store)
🔗 Website
🗺 Final Tips for Your Nagoya Food Tour
- All restaurants listed here are within 15–25 minutes of Nagoya Station by train or foot
- Use Google Maps links to save each location before your trip
- Try visiting during lunch for better deals and shorter waits
- Most places offer English menus or picture-based ordering
✨ Closing Thoughts
Nagoya may not be as famous as Tokyo or Kyoto, but when it comes to deep, satisfying flavors, it punches way above its weight.
These 3 dishes—Hitsumabushi, Tebasaki, and Miso Katsu—are full of character and tradition, just like the city itself.
Come hungry, leave happy.
This is Nagoya Meshi. Welcome to flavor. 🍜
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