01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Tucked away in Asagaya-Kita, the menu at nui reads like a border-crossing curiosity, weaving in accents from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. One of the kitchen's signature offerings, the Middle Eastern-style beef offal stew, highlights the rich, savory depth of the offal while leaning on an aromatic blend of spices that keeps the finish surprisingly clean and unheavy. Ordering it alongside the fragrant oregano bread allows you to mop up every last drop of the seasoned broth left in the bowl.
The smaller starters set an inventive tone right from the outset, pairing unexpected textures and tastes. You might find a crisp spring roll wrapping sweet fig and salty prosciutto, whole-cluster nameko mushrooms fried in spice, or whole tender white squid simmered with the citrusy punch of lemongrass. For a more substantial spread, heartier mains include slow-braised osso buco and beef skirt steak. To round things off, the menu offers comforting final courses ranging from a rich brown mushroom cream pasta to a spicy chili-oil mapo tofu rice bowl that emphasizes lingering aromatic warmth rather than searing heat.
The drink selection is curated to complement these vibrant flavors. Alongside Carlsberg and craft beers, the bar pours distinctive Japanese spirits such as Akayane craft shochu infused with cardamom or sansho pepper, boutique gins, and a cellar covering red, white, and sparkling wines.
Inside, a convivial counter invites solo drop-ins, while tables further in accommodate small gatherings. Operating until 2:00 late into the night through the week and over weekends (closing at 24:00 on Mondays, and closed on Tuesdays), nui works just as well for an early dinner as it does for a late-night drink and a well-crafted plate.
