Looking for an off-the-beaten-path dining experience in Nagoya? Look no further than Nakano, a hyper-local yakitori joint that’s been satisfying locals for over 100 years. This hidden gem in Ozone is a must-visit for anyone looking to dive deep into yakitori in Nagoya. Whether you’re flying solo or hanging out with your crew, Nakano is the perfect spot to soak up the local flavor and atmosphere. Don’t expect a romantic date spot – this joint is all about authentic, no-frills dining that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling like a true Nagoyan. So if you’re ready to step off the tourist trail and experience yakitori in Nagoya like a local, head on over to Nakano!
*Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely our own!
The storefront itself looks delicious!
Though a bit hard to find and it’s almost expected that you won’t find an English menu or English speakers, but that’s all part of the fun. Immerse yourself in the local culture and journey into a different world!
For now, give me a bottled beer!
Sitting on the traditional “ninoji” counter which is a style of Japanese bar or restaurant where customers sit at a counter with two sides, tonight we’ll start with a toast of bottled beer. It’s the best way to start, isn’t it!
Local rule at Yakitori ‘Nakano’. You can order up to 2 plates (4 skewers) of yakitori at a time!
Grilled dishes are 2 skewers for 250 yen at this size! The taste is excellent, as expected.
Next, I’ll have the gizzard!
You can’t talk about yakitori without mentioning chicken gizzards – they’re a total classic!
You gotta try sprinkling some shichimi on chicken gizzards – it tastes amazing!! it’s a game-changer. The gizzards are already pretty tender and easy to eat, but the shichimi adds a nice spicy kick that takes it to another level.
An iconic symbol of Showa-era retro, the pink public telephone! If a shop has one, it’s a sign of a great establishment!
When you come across one, you can’t help but react to it! There’s just something about it that makes you feel nostalgic!
Even if you’re not used to it, you gotta get smoky if you want the full Japanese yakitori experience! That’s just how it is – it’s a classic
The local regulars love this place – it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of work. They come in, grab some skewers and beers, and just kick back and shoot the breeze with the folks around them. And yeah, it’s smoky – there’s the smoke from the charcoal grill and the smoke from people’s cigarettes, but that’s just part of the charm. There’s something about all that smoke that makes it feel like the perfect place to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Be like a true local and enjoy all that this place has to offer!
Embrace a local yakitori joint that feels authentic and down-to-earth. It’s the epitome of hyper-local culture, and the vibe is always welcoming and friendly.