Naritaya is a Traditional Japanese Izakaya loved by locals in Okayama ! Must-try specialties include Torisu (Chicken with Vinegar Sauce) and Yudofu (Hot Tofu).

What's interesting is that even though they all share the same name, "Naritaya," the menu, seasonings, and atmosphere vary from store to store.

• Table of Contents
• What is "Naritaya"?
• Two must-see specialties
• 1. Naritaya Nakamise(Okayama City)
• 2. Naritaya Ishii Branch (Okayama City )
• 3. Naritaya Mizushima Myojin Branch (Kurashiki City)
• Conclusion

What is "Naritaya"?

Naritaya is a Traditional Japanese Izakaya with locations throughout Okayama Prefecture. A " Traditional Japanese Izakaya " is a traditional Japanese izakaya-style establishment where you can enjoy food and drinks casually at reasonable prices. It is sometimes called a "chain store," but unlike typical chain stores, not all stores are the same.

Naritaya has expanded through the Noren-style Apprenticeship System style (a traditional Japanese method in which the management of a restaurant is passed down from master to apprentice), and although each restaurant shares the same signboard and specialty dishes, it is characterized by the fact that each restaurant clearly shows the "personality of the owner."

Each restaurant has its own unique dishes and slightly different seasonings, and each restaurant has evolved in its own way.

That's why one of the fun things about it is that people's preferences will differ as to which Naritaya they like best.

Two must-see specialties

No matter which store you go to, the first items listed on the menu are always "Torisu (Chicken with Vinegar Sauce)" (chicken with vinegar) and "Yudofu (Hot Tofu)."

These two dishes are synonymous with Naritaya and are standard menu items that many people order.

[Torisu (Chicken with Vinegar Sauce)]

It is a cold dish made with slices of boiled Mature Chicken(adult chicken) and Harusame（Glass Noodles）(thin, clear noodles), topped with plenty of green onions and Ponzu (Citrus Soy Sauce)(a Japanese condiment with a citrus-like acidity).

The crunchy texture that only Mature Chicken can offer and the refreshing Ponzu (Citrus Soy Sauce) will whet your appetite.

It's served quickly, so we recommend ordering it as your first dish!

【Yudofu (Hot Tofu)】

When you hear the Yudofu (Hot Tofu)," you might imagine a Donabe (Clay Pot)(a traditional Japanese ceramic pot) served around a group of people sharing the tofu, but Naritaya's Yudofu (Hot Tofu) is served in a donburi (a deep ceramic bowl). Each person can order one serving at a time.

Unlike typical Yudofu (Hot Tofu) in kelp broth (a soup made from seaweed), Naritaya version is simmered in a chicken-based broth. The tofu is topped with bonito flakes (a traditional Japanese ingredient made from dried fish) and green onions, and is eaten as is with the soup.

The tofu, infused with the umami of the dashi stock, has a mild flavor, and I love eating it at the end of a meal.

1. Naritaya Nakamise(Okayama City)

From here, we will introduce some of our stores located in the center of Okayama City, near the station, which are easy to access, as well as our suburban stores, which are closely connected to the local community.

Nakamise, located near the Omotemachi shopping arcade in Okayama City 's Kita Kita Ward, is in a busy downtown area, so it's a popular store not only with locals but also tourists and business travelers.

One of the restaurant's features is its wide selection of vegetable-based dishes. As many of its customers are working away from home or on business trips, the restaurant places emphasis on vegetable dishes to ensure that customers get enough vegetables, which tend to be lacking when eating out or eating bento lunches.

For those who want to enjoy ingredients unique to Okayama, we also recommend dishes using Shimotsui octopus and Spanish mackerel. The octopus caught in Shimotsui has firm flesh and a great texture.

[Naritaya Nakamise]

Address: 1-2-43 Okayama Prefecture, Kita-ku , Okayama City, Kita Ward

TEL: 086-224-8525

Business hours: 16:30-22:00

Closed: Sundays

Parking: None

2. Naritaya Ishii Branch (Okayama City )

The Ishii store is located within walking distance of JR Okayama Station and near AEON MALL Okayama . Its convenient location makes it easy to stop by after shopping or work.

The restaurant has a traditional, homey atmosphere and is loved by regular customers.

One of the recommended dishes from the regulars is the "Achilles Stew." The thoroughly stewed beef Achilles tendon (the tendon of beef) is a flavor that goes well with alcohol.

In addition, they also have a wide selection of izakaya staples such as yakitori and fried chicken, so you can enjoy consistently delicious food.

Although they are not listed on the menu, some of the dishes are casually displayed on the counter, so don't miss them!

[ Naritaya Ishii store]

Address: 2-9-64 Ishii , Kita-ku , Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Kita Ward

TEL: 086-233-3121

Business hours: 17:00-22:00

Closed: Irregular holidays

Parking: None

3. Naritaya Mizushima Myojin Branch (Kurashiki City)

Naritaya has many stores not only in the city center but also in the suburbs of Okayama Prefecture.

Mizushima Myojin Store, located in the Mizushima coastal industrial area of ​​Kurashiki City(an area where factories are concentrated), is a so-called suburban store.

Founded in 1982, it has been loved by the local community for over 40 years. It may seem like a long history, but it is actually the second newest store in the Naritaya chain.

Being an industrial area, the area is bustling with people coming home from work and families living nearby.

What sets this restaurant apart is the wide variety of hearty dishes with strong flavors.

As we drank, we were able to enjoy Naritaya known for Traditional Japanese Izakaya . Even though three women ate and drank a lot, we were able to enjoy ourselves for around 3,000 yen per person.

[ Naritaya Mizushima Myojin Branch]

Address: 7-31 Mizushima Myojincho , Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 086-448-2333

Business hours: 16:30-22:00

Closed: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays

Parking: Available

Conclusion

Naritaya is a Traditional Japanese Izakaya that has been a part of the daily lives of the people of Okayama . The fact that you can drop in without feeling pretentious is probably one of the reasons it has been loved for so long.

We have only introduced a few of the stores here, with over 10 in the prefecture. If you're visiting Okayama, be sure to stop by!