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Must-try gourmet burgers of Nagoya

Special Features

Must-try gourmet burgers of Nagoya

When you hear "hamburger", a beef patty between two slices of bread probably comes to mind. However, there is another dimension to burgers: the "gourmet burger". A gourmet burger uses select ingredients with an emphasis on its creation, offering a savoriness nearly unmatched in the culinary world.
This column offers our recommendations on distinctive gourmet burger joints in Nagoya—only a few of the many. While flavor obviously plays an important role in deciding the eateries featured here, other aspects, such as the bistros' logos and interiors as well as the provision of craft beers and other touches to complement the burgers, were deciding factors.
Read on to find the perfect place with the perfect burger for you to sink your teeth into.

Notes:
• Check the official websites and social media of the establishments featured here beforehand for information such as days off and business hours.

LAYER'S

Opening in 2006, this long-standing burger joint is often spoken of when it comes to gourmet burgers.
The juicy, 100% beef patties are made every day using the full flavors of Hida beef. Specially ordered, original buns offer a soupçon of sweetness with a crunchy mouthfeel, and the fresh ingredients come together in a brilliant flavorful harmony only achievable fresh from the grill.

Address: 3-8-26 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

Official LAYER'S site (Japanese)

＜Nearby sightseeing spots＞

Nagoya Castle

: In 1610, Tokugawa Ieyasu began the construction of Nagoya Castle, as a residence for his son Yoshinao. The castle burned down in the war, but in 1959, the five-story main tower keep (approx. 48 meters), with its golden shachi ornaments, and the sub tower keep (approx. 24 meters) were reconstructed.
The Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai greet visitors every day at the main gate, and were the reason behind the bushotai boom across the nation. They also put on an omotenashi performance on weekends and national holidays.
In addition, Hommaru Palace was fully opened to the public on June 8, 2018, after the completion of reconstruction work that had taken over 10 years.

Historic Townscapes of Shikemichi

: Shikemichi is a town of merchants located on the west bank of Horikawa River that goes through the castle town of Nagoya. This town was built in 1610, when the whole town of Kiyosu moved to the site with the construction of Nagoya Castle. "Shikemichi" means an about 7 meter-wide street, and the name is derived from the fact that the street's width was expanded for fire protection and for the commercial activities after an inferno occurred in 1700. Storehouses are built on the stone walls and traditional townhouses stand in a row. The landscape as we know it today was completed in the Genbun era (around 1740). It was designated as a townscape preservation area of Nagoya in 1986.

SOUL DINER

This eatery heralds the concept of a hamburger as a meat dish. Thus, the succulent, 100% beef patties made every day are the main character in these burgers.
The American diner-style is complemented by not only hamburgers but an ample menu with 25 items like curry and nachos as well as 40 beers from around the world. Relish the tastes of the diner available in the day and at night.

Address: First floor of the Wise Building, 3-1701 Ueda, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

Official SOUL DINER Facebook (Japanese)

Official SOUL DINER Instagram (Japanese)

BURGERS REPUBLIC

BURGERS REPUBLIC's original 100% beef patties use specially ordered minced Aussie beef with Wagyu fat mixed in for a unique blend and are grilled daily in a calculated manner to ensure premium juiciness. You can even go for a higher grade of burger with a "top patty", mixing in hand-sliced pieces of top sirloin. And then there's the homemade buns with Japanese wheat baked in the eatery's oven daily.
The first floor features seats to eat inside the restaurant as well as take-out orders and the second floor offers an antique cafe feel. The owner spent time in Australia and some of the staff are proficient in English.

Address: 5-10-7 Imaike, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

Official BURGERS REPUBLIC Instagram (Japanese)

MEIHOKU Burger

These burgers are famous for their meaty flavors imparted by select ingredients—a hand-chopped and blended Wagyu and Aussie beef combo. You'd really think you were eating a steak instead of a burger with the strong flavors of the meat. Original buns with a crispy outside and fluffy inside are the perfect complement! An original blend of coffee using specialty coffee beans is another menu item you can't afford to miss!
An American-style interior and at-home aura make MEIHOKU Burger the perfect hideaway to grab a bite to eat. And the weekday lunch set (hamburger, French fries, and a drink) is available for a reasonable price with takeout and delivery possible.

Address: First floor of the Marukamo Misono Building, 1-12-35 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

Official MEIHOKU Burger site (Japanese)

Official MEIHOKU Burger Instagram (Japanese)

＜Nearby sightseeing spots＞

Fushimi & Sakae areas

BBQ in JAPAN, Osu Location

Head about 500 meters west from the Osu Kannon subway station, and a silver kitchen trailer along Hori River stands out. At the BBQ in JAPAN Osu Location, you'll find hamburgers with an emphasis on their ingredients and, while looking petite in size, they pack a punch in volume! Brazilian-born owner Ricardo remarks, "Other than the cheese, we make everything by hand."
These Brazilian burgers show that gourmet burgers know no national boundaries. If you like what you eat here, don't be afraid to shout out "Gostoso!", or "Delicious" in Portuguese.

Address: 1-16-34 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

Official BBQ in JAPAN, Osu Location Instagram (Japanese)

＜Nearby sightseeing spots＞

Osu Kannon Temple

: Receive the gift of Kannon's mercy and Tenjin's wisdom

The Osu shopping district is huge and popular shopping area containing over 1,200 shops and restaurants. All kinds of shops, including electrical appliance shops, secondhand clothing stores, restaurants and cafes are open. The mall is always crowded with people and filled with energy. Many events are held throughout the year, including the Osu Summer Festival in August, the Osu Daido-chonin Festival in October and the Osu Setsubun Takarabune Gyoretsu (treasure ship parade).
Osu Kannon Temple located was moved from Osu Village, Mino Province to the current location by the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1612. The antique market is held here on the 18th and 28th of each month.

TERIYAKI BOYS

If there's one thing we've got to write about here, it’s the teriyaki sauce items making up half of TERIYAKI BOYS' burger menu. The Japanese teriyaki sauce owes part of its goodness to the secret ingredient of Nagoya miso.
Patties created from 100% pure Tajima beef, virgin cow beef of Tajima lineage, and high-quality fattened Tamura Wagyu come together with delectable buns specially ordered from long-standing Tempaku Ward baker VAGOT.
This place is nothing if not authentic with even its sweets being made by hand. Finish your burger with a true milkshake made without any ice at all.

Address: First floor of the Kirin-do Building, 9-8-2 Kakuozan-tori, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

Official TERIYAKI BOYS Instagram (Japanese)

＜Nearby sightseeing spots＞

Nittaiji (Kakuozan)

: Nittaiji Temple was established in 1904 to enshrine Buddha's ashes and glit bronze received from the king of Thailand in 1900. This is the only non-sectarian Buddhist temple that every sect of Buddhism manages in order. In the temple site, there are a Gandhara style tower, a Hoanto, where the skeletal remains are maintained, a garden called Hassoen, and a tea ceremony room, Soketsuan. The five-story pagoda was built in April 1997. A street fair is held on the 21st day of the month.

Midtown BBQ Nagoya

From famous A5 Kuroge Wagyu brisket to authentic American barbecue and flame-grilled burgers, Midtown BBQ Nagoya has your grill needs covered and backs its delicious dishes up with over 10 varieties of craft beer.
Just a quick walk from Nagoya Station, near the Nayabashi Bridge, it's a cinch to find. Enjoy the popular and expansive terrace seating along the Hori River as you get drinks from two stylish bars inside and nod your head to rock music.
Many of the staff are bilingual, so you can enjoy an international atmosphere without any worries regarding language barriers.

Address: 5-24-3 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

Official Midtown BBQ Nagoya site

Official Midtown BBQ Nagoya Instagram (Japanese)

HANDSOME BURGER

After the impact of eating a cheeseburger in San Francisco and then subsequently training at an American burger joint, the owner of HANDSOME BURGER opened the small approximately 30-m2 location in the Fushimi Underground Mall. While the establishment is an eatery, it doesn't have a freezer as all the ingredients used are fresh. The meat is ground up in-store with the buns baked fresh at a bakery each and every day. Enjoy the ultimate gourmet burger made in pursuit of all-fresh, straight-from-the-grill perfection.
Customers range from young to old, a variety of nationalities, and those coming for both casual and business situations. Note that cashless payment, delivery, and phone reservations are unavailable.