01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Casting a warm light in a residential pocket of Higashi-Oizumi, Nerima Ward, Nakanaka is the kind of neighborhood izakaya one seeks out for carefully prepared seafood and freshly fried tempura. The menu features an assorted tempura platter combining conger eel, Japanese whiting, and squid, as well as seasonal single orders like pike conger, young sweetfish, sweet corn, and spicy pollack roe. The aromatic deep-fried conger eel is especially well regarded, balancing a light, crisp batter with succulent, rich flesh.
Beyond fried items, the kitchen showcases fresh fish across several styles. Crisp sashimi platters feature fresh sea bream and tuna, alongside fish simmered gently to keep its shape and tender texture, and clean, odor-free simmered beef or pork tripe tailored to drinking. The sake list holds numerous uncommon labels, and asking for pairings that complement the food is part of the pleasure of an evening here.
To finish, diners can order tenseiro—chilled soba noodles paired with pike conger or young sweetfish tempura—or opt for delicate Himi udon served in a gentle, dashi-rich broth. With counter seating at the front and tatami seating tucked in back, the room accommodates quiet solo drinks just as easily as relaxed dinners with companions.
