About
Welcome to Nagame, a delightful haven for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine, nestled in the heart of Merced, California. Located at 2650 W 16th St, this hidden gem offers a culinary experience that transports you straight to Japan with every bite.
At Nagame, the menu shines with a variety of donburimono, including favorites such as Katsudon, Oyakodon, and Ten Don, each prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. Whether you're craving juicy fried pork, tender chicken, or a delicious seafood medley, you’ll find something to satisfy your palate.
The lunch specials are equally enticing, featuring classics like Chicken Teriyaki, Sesame Chicken, Teriyaki Ground Beef, and Beef Curry. Each dish is a testament to Nagame’s commitment to flavor and authenticity. The Sukiyaki is particularly noteworthy; one customer described it as “the best,” emphasizing the restaurant's knack for delivering memorable meals.
Aside from the donburimono and lunch specials, Nagame offers a tempting variety of entrees. The Tempura—available in shrimp and vegetable options—is artfully crafted, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Meat lovers can indulge in Tonkatsu and Chicken Katsu, while those seeking lighter fare will appreciate the Yakizakana and satisfying Gyoza dinner.
Reviews from patrons reflect a warm and inviting atmosphere, with service that complements the dining experience. As Molly Cornejo shared, the service was “Perfect” and the staff was “so kind.” This sentiment resonates throughout, as others like Matt Coney agree that the food is “great, authentic”—a true testament to the flavors of Japan. Despite its modest exterior, Nagame is celebrated for its clean environment and cozy ambiance.
If you find yourself in Merced and seeking a culinary adventure, do yourself a favor and visit Nagame. Treat yourself to this haven of flavor, where every dish promises authenticity, warmth, and a touch of home. Whether it's your first visit or a return journey, the experience at Nagame is bound to leave you craving more.
“ Ever snice I visited here i loved it the service was Perfect and the waitress was so kind ”
“ This place is a little gem, hidden in merced. Great authentic orginal Japanese food. Once again me and my wife stopped here now that we no longer live in town. Food was just as great as I remember. My advice is try the sukiyaki. Its the best. The temoura and teryarki have there own style and are not the traditional kind. If you thinking about it do yourself a favor this is the best place in merces to get food. It might look run down. But make no mistake, it is open for lunch and dinner. Please stop by. Not to mention prices are more than reasonable. Only spend 35 for two. ”
“ This place is really good, the food is fresh, the taste is so original, and most of the time the service is really comfortable and familiar. But at my last visit our waitress was a little distracted. So hope it gets better ”
“ This place is a hidden gem of Merced. No sushi, but delicious Japanese food. I love the small dishes that come with the plates. Pictured are the sesame and teriyaki chicken lunch specials, an order of edamame, and some green tea. Excellent value! ”
“ A hidden gem, literally! The food is delicious and the place is spotless clean. Love it! No sushi or ramen, but the teriyaki chicken will do. The green tea is very unique and a must try. We also really liked the green tea ice cream. ”
“ You can miss it since its on the side of the freeway. Worth the stoo for out of towners. The locals have known about this hidden gem for awhile now. ”
“ I have loved this place for about forty years. The food is excellent! Mary and Kenya have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that keeps me coming back whenever Im in Merced. ”
“ We stopped by this restaurant on our way home from Yosemite to the Bay Area. I loved the atmosphere, which reminded me a classic and antique Japanese restaurant. We ordered beef and vegetable sukiyakis with gyoza appetizer and katsudon. Everything was delicious and the waitress was very nice. I would love to visit again. ”