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Nakai

なか井

Located in Naka-Ochiai, Shinjuku, Nakai is a Japanese restaurant serving light-battered anago tempura rice boxes, daily seasonal set meals, and an evening lineup of sashimi and small plates.

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01 / ABOUT THE PLACE

About this place

On the lunchtime menu, the crisp anago (conger eel) tenju tempura rice box immediately commands attention. Encased in a delicate, crisp batter, the fluffy eel is drizzled with a well-balanced savory-sweet tare sauce that pairs naturally with steamed rice. Served alongside a small tofu side, pickles, and miso soup, it forms an approachable and satisfying centerpiece for the midday meal. The daily lunch sets provide an ever-changing draw, combining seasonal ingredients into specialties like scallop and sakura shrimp kakiage fritters, simmered whole fish, or delicate fish tempura.

Those looking to savor pristine seafood will appreciate the premium sashimi set and the tempura set. The sashimi selection features lean tuna alongside seasonal catches such as round clam (aoyagi) or thumprint grunt (isaki), accompanied by side dishes. For heartier cravings, homestyle classics like oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) are also available, offering an unpretentious route to satisfying traditional Japanese flavors.

Come evening, the restaurant takes on the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood kappo, where guests linger over drinks with a la carte offerings such as seasonal sashimi, agedashi tofu, and teriyaki-glazed black cod. The signature Nakai Set caters to indecisive palates by pairing both sashimi and tempura, making it a reliable option when seeking a complete dinner tray. With its tranquil counter seating suited for solo diners and tables accommodating groups, the kitchen’s meticulous cooking lends a quiet richness to everyday dining.

03 / TAKE A LOOK AROUND

Get a feel for the place through its photos.

13 venue and food photos

Tips for choosing

What you can do here.

Dining styles, seating types, and payment options. Find the way to enjoy your meal that suits you best.

Food and drinks

  • Alcohol Served
  • Beer available
  • Wine available
  • Small plates restaurant
  • Lunch menu available
  • Dinner menu available

Dining & takeaway

  • Dine-in
  • No delivery

Seating & Facilities

  • Table service available
  • Restrooms available

Also great for

  • Featured for lunch
  • Featured for dinner
  • Great for solo dining
  • Good for Groups

Reservations

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Reservations accepted

Entrance & mobility access

  • No wheelchair-accessible seating
  • No wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Entrance is not wheelchair accessible

Other information

  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Relaxing Atmosphere

04 / YOUR NEXT STOP

Make this your next stop.

1 Chome-17-12 Nakaochiai, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 161-0032

Please contact the venue directly with enquiries or reservation requests.

Opening hours

Closed now

Approximate hours based on listed information, in Japan Standard Time (JST)

MondayClosed
Tuesday11:30–13:3017:30–22:30
WednesdayToday11:30–13:3017:30–22:30
Thursday11:30–13:3017:30–22:30
Friday11:30–13:3017:30–22:30
Saturday17:30–22:30
Sunday17:30–22:30
1 Chome-17-12 Nakaochiai, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 161-0032Open in Google Maps

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

Good to know before you visit.

Can I make a reservation?

Yes, reservations are accepted. Booking in advance is particularly recommended for dinner.

What are the lunch hours and menu options?

Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 to 13:30, offering meals such as the Tempura Set (tempura assortment plus 1 side dishes), Premium Sashimi Set (sashimi assortment plus 1 side dishes), and Oyakodon.

Is takeout available?

Yes, takeout options are available, including the Tenju (tempura box with prawn, squid, sillago, and 2 vegetable items), Unaju (eel box, served with pickles), and Sashimi Assortment (3 varieties). Delivery is not offered.

Can I enjoy alcoholic drinks and a la carte dishes?

Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are served and can be savored leisurely alongside small plates.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The entrance, seating, and parking are not wheelchair accessible.