Just past the buzz of Bunkamura Street in the Shibuya district of Tokyo lies Oku-Shibuya, a serene enclave far from the bustling main avenues. This area is home to a unique restaurant, “Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo,” a culinary haven where enthusiasts gather to indulge in the rich flavors of garlic-infused cuisine.
Aomori’s local flavors, reinterpreted “Nyonnyogo style”!
First, a few points on the restaurant’s name. “Nyonnyogo” means garlic in the local lingo from Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture, a city famed for its garlic. At Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo, traditional dishes from Tsugaru are ingeniously adapted to celebrate this flavorful bulb. As for “bar,” it’s the Spanish version of the word, often used in Japan for establishments serving both alcohol and food.
“ニンニクごろごろホタテの貝焼きみそ,” Grilled Scallop with Miso 968 JPY (tax included)
In Tsugaru, kai miso-yaki—miso, seafood and eggs simmered inside a scallop shell—is a cherished local dish. Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo elevates this tradition with a generous addition of garlic to create their “Grilled Scallop with Miso.”
This wonderful dish features fluffy eggs that meld beautifully with garlic, capturing the hearts of not just locals but also international tourists. The secret blend of homemade miso, red wine, and honey enhances the garlic, crafting a flavor that pairs perfectly with alcoholic drinks!
Speaking of drinks, the bar offers a selection of garlic-infused alcoholic beverages, such as “Garlic Moscow Mule” and “Garlic Highball”, with the “Garlic Craft Lemon Sour” being particularly popular.
ガーリッククラフトレモンサワー,” Garlic Craft Lemon Sour 748 JPY (tax included)
The garlic featured in the latter is meticulously marinated in vodka, white rum, and white wine and then aged to perfection. The result is a captivatingly tangy lemon sour that’s hard to resist, especially with the lemon also infused with garlic essence.
It’s the ultimate garlic-lovers’ drink and highly recommended as an accompaniment to the restaurant’s garlic cuisine! Of course, garlic-free drinks are also available.
The special allure of “Nyonnyogo style” claypot rice
Among various seafood and garlic dishes served at Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo, the “Salmon Roe and Salmon Yukhoe On Claypot Garlic Rice” is a standout.
“土鍋ガ～リックライス（いくらとサーモンユッケ）,” Salmon Roe and Salmon Yukhoe On Claypot Garlic Rice 1,840 JPY (tax included)
In addition to garlic, salmon roe, salmon and egg yolk, it features crunchy lotus root that adds an exciting textural contrast and brings a layer of depth to the entire dish. With the appetizing aroma of garlic and the delightful texture, it’s a culinary experience that captivates diners with every bite.
This claypot rice is freshly prepared upon order and takes about 30 minutes to serve. It’s recommended to order early to enjoy this dish hot and flavorful!
Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo prides itself on using Fukuchi White garlic from Aomori, known for its mild sweetness and a special treatment that lessens the residual odor, making it a pleasant choice for garlic lovers concerned about next-day garlic breath.
This garlic pizza is a crispy delight!
The “Garlic Tarte Flambée Pizza with Bottarga, Ham & Arugula” is characterized by a crispy thin crust. The French term in the name refers to a pizza-like dish from the Alsace region of France and Germany. This is an exceptional dish that many people order not only as a main course, but also as a side dish.
“カラスミと生ハム、ルッコラの薄焼きガーリックピザ,” Garlic Tarte Flambée Pizza with Bottarga, Ham & Arugula 1,078 JPY (tax included)
The pizza features a flavorful garlic base enhanced by the saltiness of bottarga and uncured ham, with fresh arugula providing a refreshing finish. The delicious blend of garlic and cheese makes this pizza simply irresistible.
Dedicated entirely to garlic, the interior of Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo features a garlic-themed decor, creating a unique dining atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing on social media. It’s a place to create memorable experiences with friends and loved ones.
For those who can’t get enough of garlic, the menu includes an array of satisfying dishes such as whole fried Fukuchi White garlic and a hearty garlic peperoncino. These are dishes that garlic lovers will want to try at least once.
In sum, Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo is a must-visit for garlic lovers eager to discover new culinary dimensions of their favorite bulb!
Information
| Store name | ニンニクバル にょんにょご Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo |
|---|---|
| Address | K Building 1F, 7-8 Kamiyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Yoyogi-koen Station 9-minute walk from Yoyogi-koen Station Exit 2
Shibuya Station（SBY）10-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit A2
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| Phone number | 03-6407-0525 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | Service charge (including otōshi) 440 JPY (tax included) |
| Hours | 17:00-23:00（last order 22:00） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 45 seats 18 counter seats, 27 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://thegarlic-nakano.com/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of April 2024.
