Kojima's setting is informal to the extreme. It's located inside the main building of Nagoya's wholesale food market, and at dinnertime you'll walk past dozens of shuttered fishmongers, butcher shops and vegetable stands to reach their counter. Sashimi and tempura-fried seafood are as fresh as can be, and the vegetables are far more appealing than anything you'll find at your local.... [Continue reading]

Located on a quiet backstreet in the middle of Shimo-Kitazawa's bohemian shopping zone, Look Up is a relaxing spot for a mid-day coffee break. They serve both drip coffee and espresso drinks, with an emphasis on Latin American single-origin beans. There are a couple of tables on the terrace out front if you want to enjoy the fresh air. Before noon they serve light snacks like their.... [Continue reading]

Located in a building with two concert halls and a Conrad Hotel, this is one of the more luxuriously appointed coffee shops in town. The spacious seating area is furnished with comfortable sofas, well-cushioned armchairs and solid wooden tables, with two-story floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the street life of Nakanoshima. It's a very relaxing place to stretch out and enjoy a.... [Continue reading]

Yakitori skewers made from premium heirloom-breed chicken are served alongside creative side dishes at this very casual izakaya. You can choose from around 14 wines by the glass, 15 kinds of sake, and a similar range of fruit-based Japanese gin "sours", all at budget-friendly prices. Seating is on high stools at the wrap-around counter, and ordering is via QR code. Some highlights here are the very tender ume-shiso chicken breast... [Continue reading]

The specialty of the house at this long-running (established 2004) shop is a tasty wagyu and pork keema curry, where the meat is simmered in coconut milk and spices and combined with an aromatic homemade vegetable bouillon. The whole preparation process takes more than twenty hours, and the result is meaty and juicy, with complex flavors and a moderate amount of heat. It's generally.... [Continue reading]

Kubo's colorful South Indian-inspired mixed-curry plate is a real tour de force. The three component curries are all quite distinctive, and the contrasting flavors and textures make for a delightful meal. Lassi, either plain or mango, is a good foil for the spiciness. Other options are a spicy chicken leg curry, beef-pork "soup keema", and chicken biryani. In the evenings when the shop.... [Continue reading]