Welcome to NANIKA, a Nikkei Izakaya-style restaurant in Matosinhos where Japanese technique meets Peruvian flavors and whatever else we’re excited about at the moment. We cook food we like to eat: clean, flavorful dishes that feel good to share.
What is an Izakaya?
An Izakaya is a Japanese bar-restaurant made for hanging out. You order drinks, share lots of small plates, and keep adding more as the night goes on. It’s relaxed, a bit noisy, and designed for staying, not rushing.
It’s also not a strict “type” of cuisine. In an izakaya, almost anything goes as long as it works with drinks and the vibe of the place. Chefs can pull ideas from different countries and styles—there’s a lot of freedom.
At Nanika, that means a base of Japanese and Peruvian dishes, with room for the occasional dish inspired by other kitchens we love.
Why “Nanika”?
In Japanese, nanika (何か) means “something.” For us, it’s a reminder to leave space for that something extra—an idea, a special, a dish that doesn’t fit neatly in one box. Most of our menu is Nikkei, but we’re happy to step outside the lines when it feels natural.
What We Cook
On the menu you’ll find:
- Japanese staples like sushi, sashimi, tempura, and simple, seasonal broths
- Peruvian favorites like ceviche, causa, and a few homestyle comfort dishes
- Nikkei plates in between—tiraditos, soy-lime marinades, aji amarillo touches, and grilled seafood with a bit of smoke
Sometimes there are off-menu bites or short-run specials, depending on the market and whatever we’re into that day.
Our Promise
We keep things straightforward: good ingredients, solid technique, proper seasoning, and friendly, relaxed service.
Come by Nanika for a casual night with Japanese, Peruvian, and sometimes “something else” on the table—shared, picked at, and enjoyed at your own pace.