Hyperlocal Tokyo

We ordered the "2406" course, which included 10 skewers of kushiage (deep-fried skewers) for 6600 yen. The batter was thin and crispy, and the skewers were light, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to shine through. I particularly enjoyed the crab miso and the shishamo (a type of smelt) topped with tobiko (flying fish roe). The batter added another layer of complexity to the flavors. There was a variety of dipping sauces, which was fun. For dessert, we could choose between ice cream, kinako (roasted soybean flour) and deep-fried bread. We opted for the deep-fried bread, which was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a delightful aroma of kinako. It was absolutely delicious. While the food was excellent, the service was a bit slow. Perhaps they were understaffed that day. This place would be perfect for a night out with friends, enjoying drinks and conversation.

Located in Ningyocho, "Kushiage Nakaya" is a must-visit for any skewer enthusiast. I was seated at the counter, offering a prime view of the chef expertly preparing each skewer. I started with an Ebisu Meister beer. The appetizer was a delightful combination of kumquat and eggplant in a light, refreshing broth. While there's an order cutoff time, skewers are served in pairs. The sauces are a highlight, presented in unique leaf-shaped containers, each with its own distinct flavor. My skewers included: succulent angel shrimp, tender pork belly, asparagus wrapped in savory meat, a delightful combination of long green onion and clams, a classic pairing of prosciutto and mozzarella, a flavorful chicken tsukune wrapped in a delicate sheet, and a rich and creamy crab with crab miso. I then switched to a glass of Dassai sake. The skewers continued with a delicious zuwaigani (snow crab) with crab miso, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu sukiyaki, tender pork fillet with eggplant, and a delightful combination of shishamo (smelt) and tobiko (flying fish roe). The variety of sauces and their unique presentation are truly impressive. The staff expertly recommended a different sauce for each skewer, guiding me through a delicious journey of flavors. While I have my favorite kushiage spots, Nakaya truly stands out as a unique and exceptional experience. It's a place I'll definitely be returning to.

All the dishes were enjoyable and delightful. The timing of the service was perfect. I used it for a business dinner, and the conversation flowed smoothly, making for a wonderful evening. The oysters were particularly large and plump. The other dishes, too, were cooked to perfection, especially the fried items. The asparagus was neither too hard nor too soft, with a nice, crisp bite. The grilled mochi with seaweed, which we ordered separately, was absolutely delicious.

The 10-piece Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) course was a delight! It included soup, two appetizers, and vegetables. The skewers featured a variety of delicious options: angel shrimp, pork belly, asparagus, radish with bottarga, prosciutto and cream cheese, chicken meatballs, snow crab, sukiyaki, pork and eggplant, and scallop and shiitake mushroom. The meal concluded with a delightful caramel ice cream for dessert. Every dish was delicious and enjoyable. Personally, I felt that the snow crab and sukiyaki could have been served separately, allowing for a greater appreciation of each flavor. While I had only been to the Kodenmacho location before, the Ningyocho branch had a distinct atmosphere of traditional Japanese establishments. I look forward to visiting again.

I've been here a few times. Located on the second floor in the delicious restaurant area of Ningyocho, it's a bit of a mixed-use building, but as you climb the stairs, you're suddenly greeted by an old-fashioned, traditional Japanese house atmosphere. The skewers are offered as a course or a la carte. The course is 12 skewers for 5,500 yen, and 14 skewers with premium ingredients for 6,800 yen. I chose the 14 skewers without hesitation! The batter is thin and crispy. It's so light, you could eat it all day! The wagyu sukiyaki skewer is served with a raw egg and a dipping sauce, and you can dip it in and eat it... I couldn't help but order a little rice to go with it. There are lots of different dipping sauces, which is fun! The plate with the leaves is also cute. The staff are friendly and easygoing. They'll tell you all about the ingredients. One thing to note is that the restaurant is quite small. So, it's okay for a date, but if you're taking someone for a business dinner, it might be a bit too intimate unless you're close friends. (The food is absolutely no problem!) They have a wide selection of wines and other drinks, so be sure to try different combinations!