Southern European Ryori Anju (南欧料理 アンジュ) is a long-running favourite in Nagoya, celebrated for its unique take on yoshoku, or Japanese-style Western cuisine. The restaurant's reputation is built on its signature dish: a 'non-kneaded' hamburger steak. Reviewers consistently describe it as meltingly soft and incredibly juicy when cut, a texture you won't easily find elsewhere. Other standout dishes that guests praise are the dashi-infused omelette rice (omurice) and an intensely buttery garlic toast.
Beyond the famous hamburger, diners often recommend the seafood plates, such as clam pasta or tongue-sole gratin, and the well-executed desserts like Basque cheesecake. The atmosphere is frequently described as warm and homey, thanks to the welcoming service from the long-serving 'mama-san' and the cozy, wine-cork-lined interior.
On the practical side, the dining room is small and can feel cramped when full, so making a reservation is strongly advised. Some diners have found the portions modest for the price, or the flavours milder than expected. Recent reviewers have paid around ¥2,000–¥3,000 for lunch and ¥5,000–¥6,000 for dinner. Specific dishes were priced at approximately ¥1,430–¥1,848 for the hamburger steak, ¥1,200 for the omurice, and ¥600 for garlic toast. Most agree that the quality of the cooking offers good value, particularly at lunch.
- Reservations: Booking is strongly recommended as the small dining room fills up quickly for both lunch and dinner.
- Getting There: The restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from Hongo Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) and electronic money are accepted for dinner. However, payment during lunch hours is cash-only. QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating: There are 24 seats, including 8 at the counter and 16 at tables.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Parking is available for up to 10 cars.
- Washroom: Be aware that some reviewers have noted the toilet is a Japanese-style squat toilet.