The Furaibo!
Look—I am going to tell this to you straight. The Furaibo has the best chicken wings in Nagoya—actually anywhere.
When I first stepped into one of—actually, my only—favorite restaurant in Nagoya, the Motoyama Furaibo, a few years back, I was smitten. It was as if I had finally found my life partner, who kissed me sweetly and softly. Of course, as is often the case in my life, I was not her only lover—just the most fervent and faithful.
The Motoyama location is the Honten (the original shop) of what has now become a chain with restaurants all over, including California.
Don't let the fools who proselytize Sekai No Yama-chan tell you any different (You know who you are!)
Why?
It's The Wings
30 years is a long time to be in business and still serve the best chicken wings anywhere on this earth - and let's face it - that's the main reason I go there.
It was as if I had finally found my life partner, who kissed me sweetly and softly. Of course, as is often the case in my life, I was not her only lover—just the most fervent and faithful.
Other chain restaurants dish out crispy and salty—but not meaty—wings (ehem... Sekai No Yamachan). The Furaibo serves succulent, tender, and meaty wings. They are crispy and slightly sweet. Of course, they also offer other peppery flavors, but these came along when other shops started trying to copy Furaibo with their own variations. So, Furaibo added a few interesting and innovative variations of its own.
Recommendations
Their menu offers much more than wings. And a lot of it is excellent—though not all pique my interest.
I give high marks to their fresh and cold Hiyayakko (cold tofu), served elegantly with grated ginger, green onions, and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) on the side.
You drizzle some soy sauce over the tofu or in the little tray with other toppings and savor the softly flavorful work of art.
Other recommended items include their cold Edamame (baby green soybeans boiled and chilled with salt). These are tasty, munchable, and packed with protein, a veritable powerhouse of amino acids and fiber.
Like any other izakaya, they have all sorts of sushi and sashimi. Their salads are OK but not exceptional, and they also serve less healthy but stomach-satisfying dishes that kids love—when they aren't eating the wings.
The Furaibo Motoyama was rebuilt during COVID and is quite stylish. It offers table and counter seating, a private room for 12, and horigotatsu seating (tables low to the ground with a recessed floor beneath, so you can stretch your legs).
The staff is kind and friendly. However, the place is very often full, so service tends to slow down when they are busy. However, they are always mindful of your time.
There is much to like here for many people, especially those with family visiting from abroad who may not yet be comfortable with Japanese food. The feeling is distinctly upscale and traditional, and the seating options are suitable for the elderly or for people who have difficulty moving about. On weekends, they open early in the afternoon, which is great for people who are adjusting to a time difference or who have had a long day of sightseeing.
No matter when you go, making a reservation—often a day or two in advance—is advisable as they are often fully booked.
The Details
Business Hours
15:30-23:00
Closed Monday
Telephone
(052) 751-3339
Accepted Payments
Cash, Credit Cards, and mobile payments accepted
Smoking is not permitted in the restaurant.
How to eat their chicken wings (Japanese)
Access
Address
4-69 Motoyama-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 464-0036
By Subway
Higashiyama Line ( H16 )or Meijo Line ( M17)
• Exit #1 Motoyama Station
• Turn right
• Take the first left
• As you turn (you will see the 7 11 store on your right)
• Walk about a half block
• It will be the last building on your left as you near the end of the street,
By Car
Parking is available - but often full during peak hours.
Map
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