Nanakusa Japanese Restaurant, on East Chicago Street, is one of the best restaurants in Milwaukee. Suitable for large groups or the single diner, the clean, spare lines and decor pay homage to traditional Japanese restaurants.
There are several seating options - the sushi bar, a table, or the Tatami room, which is traditional Japanese seating at low tables, with shoes removed.
Sit at the bar and sample an excellent Sake from their large selection while you wait to be seated.
Once you're seated, start with an appetizer of Edamame or Gyoza.
The sushi and sashimi menu changes daily at Nanakusa, depending on what fresh fish has been flown in. Highly recommended is the Toro, the Tako, and Mongo Ika, Kiss Lip Cuttlefish. The Tamago here is done well, with just a hint of sweetness and a good, solid texture without being too dense or rubbery.
Make sure to check out the Specials section. If you like Eggplant, an order of Nasu no Amakara-ni, which is Eggplant in a sweet and salty sauce, or Nasu Hasami-age, which is a bit more decadent: miso sandwiched between Eggplant slices, covered in Panko, and then deep fried. It is easily a favorite in a menu full of favorites.
As far as desserts go, stick with the ice cream or sorbet, and skip the frozen Margarita Pie and Three Chocolate Terrine.
The service here is very good. The bartenders are excellent and the waitstaff very knowledgeable. If it's very busy, the wait for food can sometimes be long.
For More Information:
Nanakusa Japanese Restaurant
408 E. Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414.223.3200
Hours: Lunch: Tues-Fri 11.30 - 2 PM Dinner: Tues-Thurs 5 PM - 10 PM, Fri - Sat 5 PM - 11 PM, Sun 5 PM - 9 PM, Monday - Closed
Reservations: Recommended; Required for parties of 5 or more on Fridays and Saturdays
Dress Code: Casual Business Attire Recommended
Parking: Street (some paid)
Vegetarian selections: Yes
Low-Carb Options: Yes
Grain-free/Celiac Options: Yes
Alcohol: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: No
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Comments
You are so right! I love Nanakusa!!!! It's great!! I like the tuna and the california rolls and the cucumber rolls and the dumplings and the bento boxes. I could eat here every day but its to expensive.
What an excellent write-up!
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