Rome · Sushi · a la carte
Nakai
Japanese-Italian dialogue sushiMichelin listedSake sommelier20+ sake labelsPratiKobe-born chefVatican quarter
Opened in 2022 by Kobe-born chef Koji Nakai, this Michelin-listed restaurant near the Vatican offers a distinctive Japanese-Italian dialogue menu and one of Rome's most extensive sake lists — over 20 labels with professional sommelier pairing available.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Prati (Vatican quarter)
- Since
- 2022
- Chef
- Koji Nakai
Plate № 51
About
Koji Nakai was born in Kobe in 1984, one of Japan's premier food cities, and his culinary identity blends the precision of Japanese technique with a genuine affection for Roman ingredients and culinary traditions. His restaurant on Via di Santa Maria alle Fornaci opened in 2022 and earned Michelin recognition in recognition of a menu where Japanese and Italian cultures genuinely converse rather than simply coexist. Dishes include reinterpretations of Roman classics — coda alla vaccinara, cacio e pepe — through Japanese technique, alongside classical sushi and sashimi. The sake programme, curated with a professional sommelier, offers over 20 labels with pairing courses available.
Neighborhood & visiting
Nakai sits in Prati (Vatican quarter), one of Rome's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Michelin-listed Japanese-Italian dialogue — unique in Rome
- Kobe-born chef Koji Nakai — one of Japan's great culinary pedigrees
- Over 20 sake labels with professional sommelier courses
- Steps from St Peter's Basilica — ideal for Vatican visitors
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Frequently asked
About Nakai
- Is Nakai an authentic japanese-italian dialogue sushi restaurant in Rome?
- Yes — Nakai is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese-italian dialogue sushi in Rome: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Nakai located?
- Nakai is located at Via di Santa Maria alle Fornaci, 14, 00165 Roma, Italy, Rome, Italy in the Prati (Vatican quarter) neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Nakai?
- Nakai accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Nakai?
- Nakai sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese-italian dialogue sushi of this format in Rome.
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