01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
An evening at Nakaya in Saiin often starts with platters of obanzai—Kyoto-style side dishes served in neat small bowls—or an assortment of fresh sashimi. With obanzai platters available in 3-dish and 6-dish selections, diners can kick off their drinks by sampling colourful seasonal bites. There are also plenty of small plates celebrating specific textures and natural flavours, from smooth house potato salad to sweet, crisp tempura of corn and edamame.
The kitchen ventures well beyond traditional Japanese flavours, offering an extensive selection of creative dishes that let quality ingredients shine. Highlights range from bruschetta topped with refreshing tomato, basil, and rich cream to juicy fried chicken, as well as substantial beef dishes featuring Omi beef from Okaki Farm, served as steak or rare cutlets. Seafood options are equally enticing, with vividly plated sashimi and oversized salt-grilled yellowtail collar (buri kama), all well suited to seasonal sake, beer, or shochu.
To round out the meal, guests can choose from hearty noodle and rice dishes, including tantanmen heaped with fragrant Kujo spring onions and toasted sesame, or seafood-infused pastas. Whether dropping by solo for a quiet seat at the counter or gathering with a group to share a spread across the table, Nakaya accommodates a variety of dining styles with ease.
