Almost every student at The University of Tampa has made the walk from campus to the nearby Walgreens Pharmacy at some point. Very few, however, have ventured to see the hidden culinary gem that lies just behind it. Hiding beyond the Walgreens drive-through is Nakaya, a small Japanese restaurant with a menu just as incredible as it is authentic.
If you haven’t stumbled upon Nakaya yet, don’t be too hard on yourself. The restaurant opened up this past December by two Japanese natives, Sachiko and Kazuhiko Kunori.
Evan Daly, a UT sophomore and marine biology major, has been working at Nakaya since the beginning of the spring semester. Daly says he not only loves working at Nakaya, but he loves the food just as much.
“The ramen is my absolute favorite,” Daly said as soon as I asked what he recommended for dinner. I couldn’t agree with him more. This isn’t your roommate’s 25 cent Cup-a- Soup, and it certainly doesn’t need a flavor packet. The noodles come in a huge serving with broth that has the subtlest spiciness to it.
You won’t find any petrified vegetables or “meat pieces” floating around in this ramen. Instead, the chef includes a slice of pork, a quail egg and a fish cake in the bowl, making it anything but ordinary. As someone who’s never consumed fish cakes or quail eggs, the additions were a pleasant and interesting surprise. For $9, Nakaya’s ramen is tasty and affordable, beating out bland, instant noodles every time.
Being able to try something out of the ordinary at a restaurant and not feel like I’m a judge for a failing Food Network show is always a good feeling. Things only got more exciting and delicious as I sampled the takoyaki (aka octopus balls). Certainly not as horrifying as it sounds, these flavorful appetizers put even Saturday Night Live’s infamous “Schweddy Balls” to shame. Takoyaki is actually diced octopus surrounded by fried batter and topped with ginger and bonito flakes. If you’re looking to step your appetizer game up from the usual fried calamari, take the risk for takoyaki.
The restaurant itself is just as unique and amazing as the food. Daly says that the ambiance is always quaint and welcoming, even in the dinner time rush hour. The restaurant only offers eight tables, but the comforting atmosphere and hospitality of the servers justifies the lack of seating. Nakaya also offers takeout and accepts reservations, making it the go-to spot for the perfect date, a quick lunch and everything in between.
If you’re looking for a larger variety of sushi than what is offered at Southern Tsunami in Morsani Hall, look no further. Nakaya offers a wide variety of sushi options for lunch ranging from $3.50 to just $6.50 per item.
The lack of asian cuisine on campus is heartbreaking, and although Nakaya does not accept Spartan Dollars or meal swipes, it does offer an authentic and inexpensive variety of menu items just a short walk away from campus.
Critic’s Rating: 4 out of 5
Selene San Felice can be reached at selene.sanfelice@spartans.ut.edu