Sakuratei — Restaurant in Nagoya

Stumbled upon this skewer bbq shop when looking for dinner. Situated at the foot of a bridge, I would have missed it if it wasn't for its high recommandations by locals on Google Map.

Food - glad to have my first time of many delicacies there, including Miyasaki beef, which is like the royalty in beef, famous for their marbled fat and taste. (Even locally its not commonly available, and only here because that's the chef's hometown.) Also tried chicken tataki (sashimi), you read it right, raw chicken. Yes I had my doubts too, but they were surprisingly tasty.

Service - I could go on about the food, but the staff and its regular customers were what made it perfect. Both were extreamly friendly and easy to strike up conversations with. We were joyfully chatting and joking all night. Language barrier does not exist when there is Google translate :D

If you are new there, just point at the recommandation boards with your eyes closed, and everything will be delicious. Then sit back and enjoy the cozy atmosphere at Sakuratei, you will be looked after.

"If the sake doesn't make you drunk, it's not good sake! " a regular customer told me. Hahaha. I will miss this lovely little place! Thank...

While wandering the streets in search of a place to eat at night, I stumbled upon this hidden gem. What a delightful discovery! From the start, I enjoyed a lovely conversation with the bartender, who graciously explained the menu in detail. They shared insights about the wide variety of dishes available, including helpful advice about preparation times. While some dishes may take longer on busy days, they are undoubtedly worth the wait.

I especially recommend the minced meat skewers and the steak—both were absolutely exquisite. Each bite was a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. The chef and bartender embodied the warmth and attentiveness that define Japanese hospitality. They made every guest feel genuinely valued, a rare and heartwarming quality that I wish were more common across the globe.

This is more than just a place to eat—it’s a place to feel welcomed, to connect, and to savor the artistry of food. Thank you for an unforgettable experience, and I truly hope to return one day.

To...

The yakitori is delicious and worth the visit for that alone, but the friendliness from the wait staff really makes the place stand out. We don't speak much Japanese but the staff actually knows a decent amount of English. We had a small language barrier at times, but with the power of Google translate, a lot of laughs, and our shared love of delicious grilled meats on sticks, we bridged the gap. Although we are only staying in Nagoya for a day, our experience at Sakuratei has made a wonderful impression and is an additional reason for us to come back and visit the city again in the future. Thank you so very much to the staff at Sakuratei!!! P.S. Try the horse sashimi,...