Do you know about Nagoya? AKA: Land of my favorite chicken wing joint. If not, I’m about to tell you about some wonderful Nagoya meals that you can get there! And I’ve even added two extra surprise locations that you’ll definitely want to know about. Come with me on my Nagoya food adventure!
I decided to do a one-day trip to Nagoya this time. I’ve been to Nagoya many times, but this was my first time doing a quick visit while eating as much as I did haha. Honestly, doing a food tour in Nagoya was such a fun experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Even though I didn’t eat at this particular restaurant on this trip, I have to mention Sekai no Yamachan/世界の山ちゃん. I often eat there once or twice a month in Osaka, but their signature Nagoya-style chicken wings originated here. You honestly won’t find this flavor at any other restaurant. The wings are crispy, flavorful, and seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of spice. I highly recommend you check it out while you’re exploring Nagoya. It’s a popular chain restaurant located everywhere, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Nagoya is famous for its eel dishes, or unagi (うなぎ)! I told a couple of people I was going to this restaurant, and they were all shocked because it’s supposed to be one of the best places to get Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし) in Nagoya.
The meal was priced at around ¥4950, but there are definitely other dishes that are more budget-friendly. Honestly, the portion size was a lot for one person, and I couldn’t finish everything. But I was so happy I got to try something so delicious!
What made the experience even better was the step-by-step guide on how to eat Hitsumabushi that came with the meal. There are three traditional ways to enjoy it:
✅ Eat it as-is to enjoy the rich eel flavor.
✅ Add the provided condiments to enhance the taste.
✅ Pour the eel sauce over the rice and eel to make a comforting ochazuke.
I had so much fun here! Not only was the ramen in Nagoya super delicious, but the staff was really funny and engaging too. The ramen itself was aesthetically pleasing—seriously, it looked like something straight out of Naruto lol.
Another fun perk? If you leave them a Google review or write a review on LINE, you get a free ice cream! Between the funny boys working there, the mouthwatering ramen packed with Nagoya flavors, and the bonus ice cream, this was definitely one of the highlights of my food adventure.
This was one of my favorite stops! Even before I walked into the restaurant, the atmosphere shifted as soon as I stepped off the elevator. I was instantly hit by a relaxing and cozy vibe that felt super chic.
I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic date night in Nagoya or just a relaxing spot to enjoy some delicious pasta. The chef and waitress were incredibly kind and really helped me choose a great meal.
I ended up getting the bologna and meat sauce pasta, and let me tell you—it was soooo good. I didn’t realize at the time that it was a little spicy (I’m super sensitive to spicy food haha), but I think most people would enjoy the slight kick. The spice was just right, adding depth without overpowering the dish. I would definitely eat here again and recommend it to everyone looking for a cozy pasta spot in Nagoya.
So, funny story—I was asked by a friend to send a picture of something with a “Nagoya atmosphere,” but the message was in Japanese, and I accidentally thought it said “scenery.” 😂 So I went hunting for flowers or a scenic spot.
While taking a break, I stumbled upon a mall with a relaxing garden on the 5th floor. To make it even more fun, they had a cute little event going on where if you followed them on Instagram, you could get a heart to write on and hang up in the “heart room.”
This hidden gem in Nagoya was such a cool and unexpected place to explore. I highly recommend stopping by for a peaceful break while you’re out and about.
Have you ever heard of a SELF cafe in Japan? It’s literally an unstaffed cafe.
After I finished all my Nagoya food stops, I had some time to kill before my bus left at 24:20. While wandering around near the bus stop, I stumbled across this place. You just go in, grab a drink from the vending machine, and then you’re good to go!
They have comfy seating areas, free Wi-Fi in Nagoya, and even charging outlets, making it perfect for:
The best part? It’s open 24 hours! If you ever need a cozy place to rest in Nagoya during odd hours, this spot is a lifesaver.
Happy Nagoya-ing!
Overall, this spontaneous Nagoya food trip was totally worth it! I highly recommend checking out any of the six places I mentioned. Whether you’re a ramen lover, a pasta fanatic, or someone looking to try traditional Nagoya dishes, there’s something here for everyone.
Travel safely, eat lots of delicious food, and soak in all the beautiful experiences that come with exploring Nagoya!
Here are articles I know you’re just dying to check out :).
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