DineGuides

What's Hot in Nakano City

15 restaurants in Nakano City. Part of our Tokyo What's Hot guide.

Abuya
#1What's Hot
6 photos

Abuya

Β·$$

Abuya is a neighborhood spot where the gyoza, particularly the double fried variety, are a consistent draw. The owner and staff are noted for their kindness, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes diners want to return.

🍽️88Food
✨80Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ’¬

β€œThe friendly staff make the food even more delicious, and it's a pleasant place to spend a meal, so I highly recommend it.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe first time I had a set meal here, I was amazed not only by the side dishes, but also by the deliciousness of the rice and soup.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe fried food seems to take a while to prepare if it's busy, so I'd like to go outside of peak hours next time.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsGyoza lovers
Yakiniku En Nakano
#2What's Hot
6 photos

Yakiniku En Nakano

Β·$$

This casual yakiniku spot in Nakano offers a straightforward, no-frills approach to Korean-style BBQ. It's a place where generous portions of well-marinated, tender meats are the main event, especially appealing for those seeking a hearty, protein-packed meal.

🍽️88Food
✨78Vibe
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ’¬

β€œVisiting from the US and found the staff to be excellent! This was our first time trying yakiniku and the staff was very helpful!”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe staff is very polite to the customer. And the food type is variety and delicious including different beef body parts.”

πŸ’¬

β€œFood is absolutely amazing with very affordable price. The environment is comfy. Definitely worth every penny.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup diningCasual weeknight dinner
Yoshiha
#3What's Hot

Yoshiha

Β·$$

This izakaya offers a cozy atmosphere with a U-shaped counter and tables, perfect for enjoying a variety of delicious snacks. The menu features standout dishes like tuna brain sashimi and beef offal braised, all at reasonable prices.

🍽️88Food
✨80Vibe
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ’¬

β€œIt was a typical restaurant curry at a reasonable price, but the flavor of the beef tendon was infused into it and it was quite delicious.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThere are many regular customers, and it's always a friendly and wonderful shop!”

πŸ’¬

β€œIt's been a while since I last visited. It was delicious, as expected!”

Ideal for
Solo diningSmall groupsCasual drinks
Spice Γ— Japanese Izakaya
#4What's Hot
6 photos

Spice Γ— Japanese Izakaya

Β·$$

This Nakano spot is a spice curry haven, offering a unique blend of rich, often sweet, yet subtly spiced flavors that appeal even to those wary of heat. Beyond the signature curries, the menu expands to include creative appetizers and a well-curated selection of drinks, transforming into a lively spice bar in the evenings.

🍽️88Food
✨80Vibe
πŸ’°80Value
πŸ“65Location
πŸ’¬

β€œIt had a very deep sweetness, something I had never experienced before, but it was definitely a strangely delicious "curry".”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe specialty chicken curry was delicious. It was thick and sweet, yet had a unique spiciness behind it.”

πŸ’¬

β€œI had the butter chicken curry. I loved its rich flavor and gentle sweetness.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningTasting menu
Shinnakanomatoi Sushi
#5What's Hot

Shinnakanomatoi Sushi

Β·$$

This old-fashioned sushi spot offers incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth nigiri at a consistent 200 yen per piece. The casual, homey atmosphere makes it welcoming for solo diners and families alike, with attentive service that accommodates young children.

🍽️88Food
✨78Vibe
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ’¬

β€œThis is the best value sushi restaurant, where they will make any sushi you want for just 180 yen.”

πŸ’¬

β€œI went with my child, and the service was excellent, with them making sure to check whether or not there was wasabi and even letting us observe the fish tanks.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThis sushi restaurant has a homey atmosphere, located along Ome-kaido, between Nakano-sakaue Station and Shin-Nakano Station on the Marunouchi Line.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningCasual sushi
中華そば γ‚γŸγ‚Š ι‡Žζ–ΉεΊ—
#6What's Hot

中華そば γ‚γŸγ‚Š ι‡Žζ–ΉεΊ—

Β·$$

This Nogata ramen shop specializes in rich, dried sardine-based broths, offering a distinctively savory and sometimes bitter flavor profile. The noodles are thin and chewy, complementing the tender pork slices and flavorful seasoned eggs. It's a straightforward, counter-service spot that's welcoming even for solo diners.

🍽️85Food
✨80Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ“65Location
πŸ’¬

β€œThe Special Chinese Noodles were delicious with a nice combination of soy sauce and the bitterness of dried sardines.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe noodles, soup, and pork slices were all delicious, and I thought it was a very well-made ramen overall.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe rich soup is irresistible for those who love dried sardines, and the seared pork slices melt in your mouth.”

Ideal for
Solo diningCasual ramen lunch
Eiraku
#7What's Hot

Eiraku

Β·$

This is a classic neighborhood Chinese restaurant that feels like a step back in time. It's a bustling spot known for its generous portions and wallet-friendly prices, making it a go-to for locals seeking comforting, familiar flavors.

🍽️85Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ’¬

β€œThe owner's kind service and smile were wonderful and made me feel good.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe husband and wife team are a great team, and the service was polite and excellent.”

πŸ’¬

β€œIt gets fully booked at lunchtime, so I recommend going a little early.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningCasual weeknight dinner
Sumibiyakihorumonmanten Nakanoten
#8What's Hot

Sumibiyakihorumonmanten Nakanoten

Β·$$$

This Nakano institution specializes in charcoal-grilled offal, offering a wide variety of fresh cuts with a satisfyingly smoky aroma. The staff are known for their friendly demeanor and willingness to guide newcomers through the menu, making it a welcoming spot for both seasoned offal enthusiasts and the curious.

🍽️88Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ’¬

β€œThe staff are very friendly, and the second floor is a bit more spacious, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThere are several other locations, and it seems like the atmosphere varies greatly depending on the manager's skills (customer service).”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe horumon wasn't smelly at all and was very soft and delicious.”

Ideal for
Solo diningTasting menu
Noodle Dining ι΅Ί
#9What's Hot

Noodle Dining ι΅Ί

Β·$$

This Nakano ramen spot offers a refined take on chicken broth noodles, balancing rich flavors with a surprisingly light finish. The star is the freshly seared pork, tender and flavorful, complementing the expertly prepared noodles and broth. It's a cozy counter-service spot that also happens to serve a good selection of whiskey.

🍽️88Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ”Š55Noise
πŸ’¬

β€œIt's a shame that the soup is a little on the small side, but it has a classic flavor and is delicious until the very end.”

πŸ’¬

β€œBy the way, there was a TV inside the restaurant, and it was playing at a fairly loud volume.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe chicken broth is light and not overly chicken-based, with a deep, savory flavor reminiscent of shio ramen.”

Ideal for
Solo diningQuick drinksCasual weeknight dinner
ま心
#10What's Hot

ま心

Β·$$

This izakaya near Nakano-Sakaue Station specializes in fresh seafood and local sake, offering a wide variety of dishes from sushi to grilled fish. Lunch sets are particularly known for their value, often including a small sashimi side.

🍽️82Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ’¬

β€œThey were always happy to help us choose the perfect sake to go with our food, and we had a delicious and enjoyable time.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThis is an izakaya near Nakano-sakaue Station. They serve delicious seafood, including live squid sashimi and puffer fish dishes.”

πŸ’¬

β€œIt's a shame that the lady at the register is the only one who seems to be trying her best.”

Ideal for
Solo diningGroup diningFamilies with kids
Nakano Acca
#11What's Hot

Nakano Acca

Β·$$

Nakano Acca is an Italian wine bar that shines with its extensive selection of Italian wines and a focus on vegetable-forward dishes. The compact interior offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine with thoughtfully prepared small plates.

🍽️88Food
✨80Vibe
πŸ’°65Value
πŸ’¬

β€œI wouldn't say it's good value for money, but it's a good place to enjoy the atmosphere and delicious wine.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe fettuccine is great, the other dishes are delicious, and the wine is good too …”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe 20 kinds of sauteed vegetables were absolutely delicious, highlighting their …”

Ideal for
Wine tastingCasual Italian
Fujimaru Ramen
#12What's Hot

Fujimaru Ramen

Β·$

Fujimaru Ramen specializes in tsukemen, a rich, chicken-based dipping noodle soup. The signature salt flavor is a delicate balance of chicken umami and subtle saltiness, enhanced by a unique homemade spicy shrimp powder. While the ramen is also available, the tsukemen is the clear draw for its addictive, nuanced taste.

🍽️82Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°80Value
πŸ’¬

β€œThe tsukemen here is the best! The chicken white soup ramen is okay, but you should definitely try the tsukemen!”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe owner of the restaurant responded to my many conversations without showing any irritation, and I thought it was a wonderful restaurant.”

πŸ’¬

β€œI had the salt tsukemen for the first time in two years! It was delicious, but maybe it wasn't salty enough for tsukemen?”

Ideal for
Solo diningFamilies with kidsTsukemen lovers
Nogata Hope Main Store
#13What's Hot

Nogata Hope Main Store

Β·$

This long-standing ramen shop is a neighborhood fixture, known for its rich, back-fat-laden tonkotsu broth that's surprisingly easy to drink. While the core flavor remains a draw, recent signs suggest a dip in service consistency and some operational quirks.

🍽️88Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°80Value
πŸ“60Location
πŸ’¬

β€œThe rich soup and noodles are a perfect match! A classic, rich-flavored dish with plenty of back fat.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe portion was just right for lunch, and the soup was so delicious that I ate it all, clearly noticing the "thank you" written on the bowl.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe soup base is very good and rich. It is very satisfying to eat a bowl in the middle of the night.”

Ideal for
Late-night eatsSolo diningFamilies with kids
おγͺかいっぱい
#14What's Hot

おγͺかいっぱい

Β·$$

This Higashinakano institution lives up to its name, おγͺかいっぱい (Onakaippai), serving generous portions that guarantee a full belly. Diners love the sheer volume of food, the wide array of over 20 unique sauces to customize dishes, and the nostalgic, Showa-era atmosphere that feels like a cozy coffee shop.

🍽️80Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°90Value
⏰60Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œI remember it being really delicious, but it was just average. I got tired of it halfway through.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe hamburger steak was like pre-made meat, and the chicken was so tough it was difficult to cut even with a steak knife.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe interior of the restaurant has the atmosphere of a coffee shop in a student town from the Showa era.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningHearty appetites
Katsumi
#15What's Hot

Katsumi

Β·$$

This family-run okonomiyaki spot in Nogata offers a welcoming atmosphere where the owners cook many of the dishes right at your table. It's a cozy, non-smoking space that makes it comfortable for families, and the care taken in preparation is evident in the delicious, well-made food.

🍽️78Food
✨80Vibe
πŸ’°80Value
⏰55Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œThe owner will cook the okonomiyaki for you. We ate the monjayaki at the table while it was hot! It was delicious.”

πŸ’¬

β€œI had okonomiyaki and monjayaki. The food was delicious, and my girlfriend, who is from Kansai, was very satisfied.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe food was delicious, and my girlfriend, who is from Kansai, was very satisfied.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup dining