Wappameshi Inakaya

The birthplace of wappameshi, a famed local dish that hails from Niigata.
The name wappameshi points to the “wappa”, an authentic Japanese lunch box made by bending a thin sheet of cedar into shape. Inside it you’ll find a real treasure, a bed of rice steamed in flavored broth that’s topped with seasonal fish and other ingredients. It was originally created collaboratively as the brainchild of Inakaya’s founder and Kitaooji Rosanjin, acclaimed food connoisseur and gourmet.

The crowd favorite here is the “sake oyako wappameshi”, topped with salmon and salmon roe. You will also find the likes of crab, shrimp, oyster and other select wappameshi to try.

In addition to the wappameshi selection, there’s “nanban ebi”, plump, succulent sweet shrimp, and “noppe”, a local simmered stew of taro, carrots, and other vegetables. The menu includes a full lineup of local delicacies and plenty of Niigata craft sake to pair.

For seating, guests can enjoy a selection of counter seating with a view of the chef as he works, table seating with room for up to 46 people, or seating by the traditional “irori” hearth with room for up to 4 people.
Stop by for a local feast of Niigata delights, served in a classic, retro-chic Japanese interior.