Not only pasta, potatoes, and provola. Where to eat in Naples the Nippo-Brazilian and Nikkei cuisine

Among the most beloved contaminations in the world, there is certainly that between the orthodoxy of Japanese cuisine and the intense colors of South America: an hybridization that has historical roots in the late nineteenth-century Japanese diaspora, when thousands of Japanese immigrants set off in search of better living conditions, crossing the Pacific and landing in Latin America (the flow then reversed in the twentieth century, with a return migration). The gastronomic mestizo initiated by Japanese communities in Peru is generally called Nikkei cuisine (although the term Nikkei refers to all descendants of Japanese immigrants in foreign lands). When instead Brazilian anarchy takes the lead, there is Nippo-Brazilian cuisine. Use of exotic fruits, chili peppers, new forms (like temaki), influences from recipes such as ceviche and tiradito, all on the common thread of rice and fish: these are the characteristics that make this style of cuisine so lovable and beloved worldwide. A dean of this genre in Italy is Roberto Okabe, the creator of Finger’s (now with branches in Milan, Rome, and Porto Cervo): born in São Paulo, with Japanese grandparents, he perfected his career in Tokyo before opening, twenty years ago, his first establishment in Milan, which today changes its shape, reopening under the name View Live Restaurant.

Where to eat Nippo-Brazilian and Nikkei cuisine in Naples

Despite appearing, at a superficial glance, as a conservative city, fusion cuisine, which is the result of encounters, migrations, openness - the salt of all cuisine - goes very well with Naples. The Neapolitan capital is the result of historical stratifications and has faced several diasporas, sending its children around the world to spread Campania cuisine to the five continents. Naples and Brazil have always had a cultural affinity: Lucio Dalla was convinced that Brazilians and Neapolitans found in songs the expression of their identity. Whether it's the language, the music, or the same inclination to anarchy, the mutual love between the two cultures is a fact. Likewise, with Japan: the twinning with Kagoshima is almost exemplary, the Japanese city scenically resembles the Neapolitan capital, but it's Japanese cuisine that has found extremely fertile ground in Naples - also because of the habit of eating raw seafood. The blend here becomes explosive. There are many interesting addresses in Naples and its surroundings to discover great fusion cuisine establishments.

Otoro 81

1,200 square meters in the city center distributed like a hub of food and wellness: restaurant, bistro, cafeteria, lounge bar, relais, spa, and, lastly, the Japanese outlet Otoro 81. A space in the city's good and beautiful living room, in an elegant and refined environment. The terrace immersed in greenery is dedicated to the fusion cuisine of Ignacio Hidemasa Ito, one of the best masters in Italy: Brazilian by birth, of Japanese origin, he is considered a pioneer in the city. In his menu, sashimi and sushi, traditional gunkan and house signatures, hosomaki and other hot dishes, all elaborated with great technique and excellent raw materials. Wine list for connoisseurs.

Otoro 81 - vico Belledonne a Chiaia, 11 c/o Magnolia – Napoli - www.magnolianapoli.com

Tabi

After the departure of master Ignacio Ito, his legacy in Stefano Parisio's establishment has been taken up by Flavio Fujite and Irina Avadanei, who continue in the established path, with free creativity, solid after a long militancy. The menu is extensive and divided into hot and cold starters, soups, sushi, noodles and rice, fish and meat dishes. It starts with fried lobster with vodka pink sauce and toasted pine nuts; then shiitake mushrooms in parchment with crab; sukiyaki with leek, mushrooms, tofu, Wagyu, udon, and eggs. The mix of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls is truly intriguing, with well-orchestrated and professional service.

Tabi - via R. de Cesare, 35 – Napoli - tabifusionexperience.com

Urubamba

Big changes for the Nikkei sign of Dario Cecaro and Vincenzo Ricciolino which, since March, has landed in via Filangieri, in a multi-level building with a panoramic terrace and cocktail bar, in the most exclusive Naples, among designer brands and prestigious buildings. The restaurant room on the first floor is suggestive and provides an adequate setting for the cuisine, which, as we said, pays homage to the now historical contamination between Japanese and South American, especially Peruvian, tradition. In the menu designed by Keisuke Aramaki, seafood crudos are in the spotlight right from the start, with tartare, ceviche, and tiradito (carpaccios) with a beautiful aromatic note. From 2023, the brand - in an equally satisfying location - is also in Capri, in via Sella Orta 10a.

Urubamba - via G. Filangieri, 16 – Napoli - urubamba.it

Vero Omakase Rooftop - Nola

Inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine is Brazilian Gilberto Silva, a chef with twenty years of experience, trained under the guidance of Japanese master Takashi Yoshitake. Sitting at the counter on the first floor of the sophisticated RO World (a cornucopia of good things divided between a bistro, pastry shop, gourmet restaurant, and, indeed, Japanese table) you will enjoy an immersive and satisfying experience, the Omakase, guided by the chef, in 14 stages; at the tables instead, you choose à la carte. Sushi, sashimi, but also excellent tiraditos (mixed fish, shellfish, and mollusks, seasoned with aji amarillo sauce). Important wine list.

Vero Omakase Rooftop - km 50, SS7bis - Nola (NA) - www.roworldexperience.com/vero

J Contemporary - Portici

Let's start with the three locations, all of high level: in the center of Naples (very spacious, in via De Pretis), in Sorrento, on the rooftop on the seventh floor of the Hilton Sorrento Palace, and here in Portici, where the adventure started ten years ago. An adventure that has always played on the international contaminations of sushi with a contemporary approach. The venue, with warm and welcoming wooden colors, is of contained dimensions (book in advance!) and provides an intimate setting to experience a well-curated, attentive to raw materials, colorful, and enjoyable cuisine. The wine cellar satisfies the choices well; the pairing with cocktails is interesting.

J Contemporary - v.le Privato L. D’Amore, 15 – Portici (NA) - j-japaneserestaurant

1Q84 Japanese - Villaricca

Since 2016, the sign of Giuseppe Ferrara - inspired by a novel by Murakami - represents in the region a great landing place for lovers of Japanese and fusion cuisine, which today sees chef Akira Izumi at the helm of the counter. Well-kept and intimate environment, cordial welcome, at the table you sit down already well disposed, pampered throughout the dinner by attentive and curated service. Excellent raw materials and expert technique do the rest, with a progression of dishes that impress for elegance and flavors. Excellent level wine list; also a cocktail bar.

1Q84 Japanese - c.so Vittorio Emanuele, 50 – Villaricca (NA) - 1q84.it