01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Steps from Nakano's Renga-zaka Street, Nakano Teritori is an unpretentious counter izakaya suited for relaxed drinking. The visit begins with choosing your own chopstick rest, followed by a carefully composed otoshi appetizer that sets a leisurely tone. The intimate space feels just as welcoming for solo diners dropping in for a quiet drink as it does for pairs.
Chicken dishes form the heart of the offering. Highlights include chicken nanban prepared following the tradition of Miyazaki's Taichi, moist steamed breast, tori-nuta featuring low-temperature cooked breast tossed in vinegar miso, and kelp-cured torisashi. Cold sides like green peppers served with house-made meat miso or tomato kimchi offer refreshing contrasts in texture and seasoning alongside the richer cuts.
Simmered options cooked in chicken broth—such as daikon, chicken wings, and soft-boiled eggs—warm the palate, while dried fish including barracuda and horse mackerel can be ordered at your own pace. To drink, Heartland draft and Sapporo Red Star bottles sit alongside salted lemon sours, Clamato highballs, Japanese wines from across the country, and regional sake. When ready to conclude, options range from Teritori-style aburasoba and green curry noodles to simple kashiwa-meshi rice balls.
