Top 30 Restaurants in Nagoya — Michelin Stars & Hidden Gems | Meiten Gourmet

Written By K Yoshida

Nagoya is Japan's most underrated food city — and one of the greatest culinary surprises in the country.

Japan's fourth largest city sits precisely halfway between Tokyo and Kyoto on the Shinkansen line — and most foreign travelers zip straight through without stopping. This is a mistake of extraordinary proportions. Nagoya has 467 top-rated restaurants, 87 Michelin-recognized establishments including a 3-star restaurant, and a unique local food culture that is unlike anything found elsewhere in Japan.

Nagoya-meshi — Nagoya cuisine — is one of Japan's most distinctive and celebrated regional food traditions. Miso katsu (tonkatsu with rich hatcho miso sauce), hitsumabushi (eel over rice served three ways), tebasaki (sweet and spicy chicken wings), kishimen (flat udon noodles), and ogura toast (red bean paste on buttered toast) are just a few of the unique Nagoya specialities that food lovers travel specifically to experience.

Beyond its own cuisine, Nagoya has an extraordinary fine dining scene — exceptional French restaurants, world-class Italian, outstanding sushi counters, and some of Japan's finest Chinese restaurants — that would be celebrated globally if the city had more international visibility.

This guide presents the top 30 restaurants in Nagoya, selected from Tabelog's prestigious 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) list — Japan's most trusted restaurant awards based on over 100 million reviews — alongside Michelin Guide selections.

What is Nagoya-Meshi? A Quick Guide to Nagoya's Unique Cuisine

Before diving into the restaurants, here's a quick introduction to Nagoya's most distinctive local dishes:

Miso Katsu (味噌カツ) — Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) smothered in a rich, dark hatcho miso sauce. Nagoya's hatcho miso is uniquely intense — aged for years in cedar barrels, producing a depth of flavour unlike any other miso in Japan.

Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし) — Charcoal-grilled unagi (eel) served over rice in a wooden tub, eaten three ways: plain, with condiments (wasabi, nori, spring onion), and finally as a chazuke (with dashi broth poured over). One of Japan's most iconic regional dishes.

Tebasaki (手羽先) — Nagoya's famous chicken wings — deep-fried until crispy then coated in a sweet-salty-spicy sauce and sesame seeds. One of the most addictive bar snacks in Japan.

Kishimen (きしめん) — Nagoya's distinctive flat, wide udon noodles — broader and thinner than regular udon, served in a delicate soy-based broth.

Ogura Toast (小倉トースト) — Buttered toast topped with sweet red bean (azuki) paste — a uniquely Nagoya breakfast tradition that has been beloved in the city's coffee shops for generations.

Top 30 Restaurants in Nagoya — Ranked

🥇 1. Tou Kimachi Shimizu (東木町 しみず) — Rating: 4.53 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star

The highest-rated restaurant in Nagoya — and one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in the Chubu region. Tou Kimachi Shimizu in Shumokucho, Higashi Ward, holds a Michelin star and has achieved a rating that places it at the very top of Nagoya's extraordinary dining scene. An exceptional seasonal Japanese restaurant that captures the depth and refinement of Japanese culinary tradition. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

🥈 2. Iru Aoyama (いる 青山) — Rating: 4.44 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star

The highest-rated Italian restaurant in Nagoya — and a revelation. Iru Aoyama in Tokugawa, Higashi Ward, holds a Michelin star for its exceptional Italian cuisine — a deeply personal, seasonal approach that blends Italian culinary tradition with the finest Aichi Prefecture ingredients. One of the most extraordinary Italian dining experiences in Japan outside of Tokyo. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Italian

  • Address: 1-17-38 Tokugawa, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

🥉 3. Makoto Yoshimi (誠 よしみ) — Rating: 4.41

The highest-rated Chinese restaurant in Nagoya — and one of the finest in Japan. Makoto Yoshimi in Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, has earned an extraordinary reputation for its exceptional Chinese cuisine — bold, precise, and deeply satisfying. A revelation for visitors who don't associate Nagoya with world-class Chinese dining. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Chinese

  • Address: 2-12-34 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

4. Reminiscence (レミニセンス) — Rating: 4.39

An extraordinary French restaurant in Tsutsui, Higashi Ward, that has earned a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal French cuisine. Reminiscence has built a reputation as one of the finest French dining experiences in the Chubu region — a restaurant that would be celebrated in any city in Japan. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: French

  • Address: 3-18-3 Tsutsui, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

5. Nosawa (のさわ) — Rating: 4.37

A deeply respected Japanese restaurant in Nagoya that has earned an extraordinary following for its exceptional seasonal Japanese cuisine. Nosawa captures the spirit of Nagoya's refined dining culture — precise, seasonal, and deeply satisfying. Open daily.

6. Sushi Shunbi Nishikawa (鮨 旬美 西川) — Rating: 4.33 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star

A Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in Meieki, Nakamura Ward — conveniently located near Nagoya Station. Sushi Shunbi Nishikawa has earned Michelin recognition for its exceptional Edomae omakase — outstanding seasonal ingredients and beautifully precise technique. Closed Wednesdays.

7. Hanaichi (花一) — Rating: 4.28

A highly regarded Japanese restaurant in Kodama, Nishi Ward — one of Nagoya's most beloved neighbourhood dining destinations. Hanaichi has built a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal Japanese cuisine and warm, personal atmosphere. Closed Wednesdays.

  • Cuisine: Japanese

  • Address: 2-4-13 Kodama, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

8. Kitchen Shuntoshi (キッチン 俊敏) — Rating: 4.25

One of Nagoya's most celebrated yoshoku restaurants. Kitchen Shuntoshi in Aoi, Naka Ward, has earned an extraordinary reputation for its exceptional yoshoku — the uniquely Japanese interpretation of Western cuisine that has become one of Japan's most beloved culinary traditions. Open daily. Closed Tuesdays.

9. Tashiro (田代) — Rating: 4.23 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star

A Michelin-starred unagi restaurant in Seto — a historic ceramic city just outside Nagoya famous for its pottery tradition. Tashiro has earned Michelin recognition for its exceptional unagi (eel) cuisine — charcoal-grilled eel of extraordinary quality in a setting that reflects the deep culinary traditions of the Aichi region. Open daily.

10. La Vagabonde (ラ・ヴァガボンド) — Rating: 4.22

A celebrated French restaurant in Chiyoda, Naka Ward — one of Nagoya's most respected French dining experiences. La Vagabonde has built a devoted following for its refined, seasonal French cuisine and the warmth of its intimate dining room. Closed Sundays.

  • Cuisine: French

  • Address: 2-14-24 Chiyoda, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

10. Kichii (吉以) — Rating: 4.22

A highly regarded Japanese restaurant in Shinsakae, Naka Ward — one of Nagoya's most vibrant dining and entertainment areas. Kichii has earned a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal Japanese cuisine and beautifully personal atmosphere. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Japanese

  • Address: 2-8-13 Shinsakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

12. Dokata (土方) — Rating: 4.21

A respected Japanese restaurant in Marunouchi — Nagoya's prestigious central business district. Dokata has earned a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal Japanese cuisine and the warmth of its refined atmosphere. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Japanese

  • Address: 3-11-26 Marunouchi, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

12. Sushi Dokata (鮨 土方) — Rating: 4.21

A celebrated sushi counter in Nishiki, Naka Ward — sharing its name with the renowned Japanese restaurant Dokata and reflecting the same commitment to exceptional quality and seasonal ingredients. Closed Monday, Thursday, and Sunday.

  • Cuisine: Sushi

  • Address: 3-12-30 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

14. Bar Barns — Rating: 4.20

The highest-rated bar in Nagoya — and one of the finest in Japan. Bar Barns in Sakae — Nagoya's most vibrant entertainment district — has earned an extraordinary reputation for its exceptional cocktails and whisky selection. A benchmark of Nagoya's surprisingly strong bar culture. Closed Monday and second Tuesday.

15. Amaki (あまき) — Rating: 4.19

An exceptional sushi counter in Nishiki, Naka Ward, associated with the prestigious Nagoya Kanko Hotel. Amaki has earned a devoted following for its outstanding Edomae omakase and exceptional seasonal ingredients. Closed Sundays.

15. Lito — Rating: 4.19

A highly regarded Italian restaurant in Izumi, Higashi Ward — one of Nagoya's most pleasant residential neighbourhoods. Lito has built a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal Italian cuisine and the warmth of its intimate dining room. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Italian

  • Address: 1-17-3 Izumi, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

17. Otani (大谷) — Rating: 4.18 | ⭐ Michelin Bib Gourmand

A Michelin Bib Gourmand Japanese restaurant in Toyokunitori, Nakamura Ward — recognized for exceptional quality at accessible prices. Otani is one of Nagoya's most beloved neighbourhood dining experiences — warm, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

18. Nippon No Italian Ryouriten Sai (日本のイタリア料理店 彩) — Rating: 4.17

A creative Italian restaurant in Chiyoda, Naka Ward, whose name — "Japan's Italian Restaurant" — perfectly captures the yoshoku spirit of Nagoya's dining culture. Sai has earned a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal Italian cooking with a distinctly Japanese sensibility. Open daily.

19. Masudoravando — Rating: 4.16

A respected French restaurant in Higashisakura, Naka Ward, with a reputation for refined, classical French cuisine. Masudoravando has earned a devoted following among Nagoya's French food enthusiasts for its consistent excellence. Closed Sundays.

  • Cuisine: French

  • Address: 2-23-22 Higashisakura, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

20. GapricE — Rating: 4.14

A highly regarded Italian restaurant in Ikeshita, Chikusa Ward — one of Nagoya's most charming and student-friendly neighbourhoods. GapricE has earned a devoted following for its creative, seasonal Italian cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.

20. Sushi Tokoro Ichigatsu (鮨 処 一月) — Rating: 4.14

An exceptional sushi counter in Taketoyo, Chita District — a coastal area of Aichi Prefecture with exceptional access to fresh seafood from Ise Bay. Sushi Tokoro Ichigatsu has earned a devoted following for its outstanding omakase and the freshness of its seasonal ingredients. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Sushi

  • Address: 2-137-4 Ikeda, Taketoyo, Chita District, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

22. Koujitsu (光日) — Rating: 4.13

A deeply respected Japanese restaurant in Higashiozonecho, Higashi Ward. Koujitsu has built an extraordinary following for its exceptional seasonal Japanese cuisine and the personal, focused atmosphere of its intimate dining room. Open daily.

23. aru — Rating: 4.12 | ⭐⭐ Michelin 2 Stars

One of the most decorated French restaurants in the Chubu region. aru in Hirokoji, Toyohashi — a city in eastern Aichi Prefecture — holds 2 Michelin Stars for its exceptional French cuisine. A destination restaurant that draws serious food lovers from across Japan. Closed Sundays.

23. Nihonryouri Takahikari (日本料理 高光) — Rating: 4.12

A highly regarded Japanese restaurant in Izumi, Higashi Ward. Nihonryouri Takahikari has earned a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal Japanese cuisine and the warmth of its refined dining experience. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Japanese

  • Address: 3-21-12 Izumi, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

25. Steak House Kitchen Ribbon (ステーキハウス キッチンリボン) — Rating: 4.09

A Nagoya institution. Kitchen Ribbon in Kikuzonocho, Showa Ward, has been serving exceptional steak to Nagoya's most discerning diners for decades — a beloved neighbourhood steakhouse with a loyal following that spans generations. Open daily.

25. Kotowari wo Hakaru Mise Bando (理を図る店 坂東) — Rating: 4.09 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star

A Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Imaike, Chikusa Ward — one of Nagoya's most vibrant and youthful neighbourhoods. Kotowari wo Hakaru Mise Bando has earned Michelin recognition for its exceptional seasonal Japanese cuisine. Open daily.

  • Cuisine: Japanese

  • Address: 4-1-14 Imaike, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

27. Sushi Fujisawa (鮨 藤沢) — Rating: 4.08

A respected sushi counter in Uedayama, Tempaku Ward — a quiet and affluent residential area of Nagoya. Sushi Fujisawa has earned a devoted following for its exceptional Edomae omakase and meticulous attention to seasonal ingredients. Open daily.

27. Migieda (右枝) — Rating: 4.07

A well-regarded sushi counter in Yahatahontori, Nakagawa Ward. Migieda has earned a devoted local following for its exceptional seasonal omakase and the warmth of its neighbourhood atmosphere. Closed Mondays.

  • Cuisine: Sushi

  • Address: 2-20 Yahatahontori, Nakagawa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

27. Genmizu (玄水) — Rating: 4.07

A highly regarded soba restaurant in Nishiki, Naka Ward — one of Nagoya's most central and vibrant dining areas. Genmizu has earned a devoted following for its exceptional handmade soba and the purity of its dashi broth. Closed Monday and Sunday.

  • Cuisine: Soba

  • Address: 3-11-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

30. Maison DIA Mizuguchi — Rating: 4.06

A celebrated French restaurant in Sakae — Nagoya's most vibrant entertainment and dining district. Maison DIA Mizuguchi has earned a devoted following for its refined, seasonal French cuisine and elegant dining room. Closed Monday and Sunday.

  • Cuisine: French

  • Address: 2-1-21 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi

  • View on Tabelog

Michelin-Recognized Restaurants in the Top 30

RestaurantRatingMichelinCuisinearu4.12⭐⭐ 2 StarsFrenchTou Kimachi Shimizu4.53⭐ 1 StarJapaneseIru Aoyama4.44⭐ 1 StarItalianSushi Shunbi Nishikawa4.33⭐ 1 StarSushiTashiro4.23⭐ 1 StarUnagiKotowari wo Hakaru Mise Bando4.09⭐ 1 StarJapaneseOtani4.18Bib GourmandJapanese

Where to Eat in Nagoya — Best Neighbourhoods

Sakae (栄) — Nagoya's most vibrant central district. The area around Sakae Station is packed with exceptional restaurants across every cuisine — from refined French dining rooms to outstanding bars, sushi counters, and Chinese restaurants. 👉 Explore Sakae restaurants

Higashi Ward (東区) — Home to Nagoya's highest-rated restaurant and several of its finest dining destinations. This quieter, more residential area hides some of the city's most extraordinary culinary experiences.

Nishiki (錦) — Nagoya's most prestigious dining street — lined with excellent restaurants across every cuisine including the celebrated Sushi Dokata and the exceptional soba restaurant Genmizu.

Imaike (今池) — One of Nagoya's most vibrant and eclectic neighbourhoods, with a strong independent restaurant scene and some outstanding neighbourhood dining gems.

Tips for Dining in Nagoya

Don't leave without trying hitsumabushi. Nagoya's most iconic dish — unagi over rice eaten three ways — is one of Japan's greatest regional food experiences. Several of the restaurants in this guide serve exceptional versions.

Try miso in everything. Nagoya's hatcho miso is unique in Japan — darker, richer, and more intensely flavoured than other miso varieties. Miso katsu, miso nikomi udon, and miso oden are all essential Nagoya experiences.

Nagoya is a great value city. Compared to Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya's restaurant prices are generally more accessible — meaning you can eat extraordinarily well here for less. Even Michelin-recognized restaurants tend to be more reasonably priced than their Tokyo equivalents.

Stop here on your Shinkansen journey. Nagoya is perfectly placed between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka on the Shinkansen — just 1 hour 45 minutes from Tokyo and 35 minutes from Kyoto. Breaking your journey here for a meal or overnight stay is one of the best decisions a Japan food traveller can make.

Explore beyond the station area. Nagoya Station and its surroundings have plenty of restaurants, but the city's finest dining is found in Sakae, Higashi Ward, and the quieter neighbourhoods further from the tourist trail.

Explore All Nagoya Restaurants on Meiten Gourmet

Browse all 466 top-rated restaurants across Nagoya — filtered by area, cuisine, and Michelin recognition:

All restaurant data sourced from Tabelog's 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) awards and Michelin Guide Aichi/Nagoya — Japan's most trusted restaurant recognitions.

K Yoshida
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