Naniwa

Naniwa is a small, long-standing Japanese restaurant at Oststraße 55 in Düsseldorf's Stadtmitte, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, just outside Immermannstraße, the street at the centre of the city's Little Tokyo. Düsseldorf has one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe, and Naniwa belongs to the older generation of restaurants serving it. The cuisine is traditional Japanese noodle and rice cooking rather than fine dining, and the dishes visitors typically order are udon and soba noodle dishes and Japanese set meals, which combine a main with rice, soup and side dishes. The room is small and traditional, with a quiet and unfussy atmosphere, a modest noise level and a clientele that includes regulars from the Japanese community as well as visitors. Dress is casual. The drinks list is likely to include tea, Japanese beer and soft drinks, but there is no notable wine programme to report. The restaurant is walk-in, and no reservation system is described in listings, though a small room can fill at lunch and early evening, so arriving at the start of service helps. Opening hours are not confirmed in available listings, so visitors should check before going. Prices are moderate, with noodle dishes and set meals priced at the level of a casual sit-down Japanese meal. Choosing a set meal gives a broader sample of the kitchen than a single noodle bowl. The location is a few minutes from the main station and walking distance from the Immermannstraße shops and bakeries, so it combines easily with a stroll through the Japanese quarter. Takumi and Kushi-Tei of Tokyo are nearby for travellers who want to compare ramen and grill options, while Naniwa suits those who prefer simple noodle bowls in a calmer room.