Nizza: House-Made Pasta & Italian Lunch

Run by a husband-and-wife team, Nizza is a charming restaurant in Nagoya's Chikusa ward dedicated to serving exceptional Italian lunches. The focus is on pasta, all made fresh in-house in a variety of creative shapes you won't find everywhere, from kitárra and garganelli to corzetti and large ravioli. The cooking pairs these with carefully prepared sauces that draw on Mediterranean flavours and French technique.

Guests consistently praise the entire experience, starting with the signature 'panis', a crispy chickpea fritter served as an amuse-bouche. The pastas are the undisputed star, with reviewers highlighting dishes like beef ravioli and black tagliolini. The meal concludes with patissier-level desserts, with a rich tiramisu earning frequent mentions. Many diners feel the full 'C' course is deeply satisfying and offers fantastic quality for the price.

The main things to know are practical: Nizza serves lunch only and is often fully booked, so reservations are essential. Portions are refined, though those with larger appetites can request a larger pasta serving for a small surcharge.

Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥3,200 for the full 'C' course (appetizer, pasta, dessert, and drink), and about ¥2,300 for lighter lunch sets. A glass of wine is around ¥800. For the level of craftsmanship, guests overwhelmingly consider it excellent value.

• Booking: Reservations are highly recommended as the 18-seat restaurant is often full. You can book online for the full 'C' course or call for other requests.
• Getting There: Nizza is on the ground floor of the State Hayashi Building, a 7-minute walk from Iwaike Station (Exit 2).
• Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB) and QR code payments (PayPay, d Barai) are accepted. Electronic money is not.
• Children: Children of all ages are welcome, and a kids' menu (pasta for ¥600) is available. It's best to mention children when booking.
• Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid parking lots nearby.
• Menu: The daily pasta selection is often posted on the restaurant's Instagram account.