Nestled in a cute spot on Bleeker Street in downtown Utica, Nanabi Cafe is a modernized Asian fusion fast-casual restaurant serving new and unique interpretations of classic Asian dishes. Located about 20 minutes from campus, Nanabi sits among a variety of restaurants, shops and businesses. The restaurant offers the option to dine-in as well as a simple and efficient online ordering system for pickup or delivery.
As you step inside, you are met with an informal space that feels similar to a fast-food chain. But with a closer look, it becomes clear that Nanabi is anything but ordinary. The space is decorated in orange—from the walls to the chairs to even the trays. The place is small, with only one table and a narrow counter overlooking the street, accompanied by a couple of stools. One wall is covered with various modern paintings, such as abstract ghosts and nature. Another wall is completely covered in cute bubble tea drawings in an anime-cartoon–style along with cartoons of a dog, hearts and a baby angel. The inside of Nanabi clearly reflects not just a commitment to good food, but also to a creative and sweet artistic experience.
The food menu at Nanabi is displayed on TV boards above the counter, where a welcoming man takes your order. The menu features vivid pictures that immediately catch your eye, including a photo of the new crab rangoon appetizer priced at just $4.99. The space is so small that only two people work there: the man at the cash register, who also helps cook, and another chef. The food is prepared in a compact kitchen right behind the counter.
Nanabi serves a wide variety of classics that blend authentic cuisine with a modern twist, including bao buns filled with tofu, chicken teriyaki, crispy chicken and pork belly. They also offer typical dumplings like veggie, chicken and pork gyoza. Their drink menu features milk teas, fruit teas, slushies and frappes in a variety of flavors such as strawberry milk tea and passion fruit tea.
The restaurant offers options to build your own bento box or rice bowl, letting you choose from seven different proteins including chicken, tofu teriyaki or katsu, along with various types of rice and toppings like peppers, onions, shrimp shumai, spring rolls, corn and edamame. They also feature special bowls such as Japanese curry and Gyudon, a traditional Japanese beef bowl.
Nanabi even offers some unique, non-Asian sides or “snacks,” such as sweet potato fries and boneless fried chicken. Their take on tofu fingers comes in a little paper pouch, similar to how fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s package their fries.
The highlight of the meal was the Takoyaki snack. Also known as “octopus dumplings,” it is a generous nine-piece serving of small, round dumplings made from an egg-rich batter and octopus. The contrast between the custardy, rich and buttery interior and the crisp, deep-fried exterior was very satisfying. The dumplings were perfectly shaped, with just the right balance of sweetness from the soy sauce and saltiness from the octopus and fried crust. Although the octopus was slightly chewy, it paired well with the soft, doughy filling. The sharp, peppery scallions complemented the creamy mayo sauce beautifully. It truly tasted like home, a hearty and comforting dish wrapped in warmth and coziness. It was served casually in a basic paper box.
The rice bowls were simple and satisfying. They were tasty, but proportionally, there was too much rice and not enough protein and toppings. The rice was light and fluffy but lacked depth and saltiness from not having enough sauce. The beef was moist, with sesame seeds on top adding a nutty, crunchy contrast to the chewier, denser texture of the meat. The chicken katsu was enjoyable but nothing to write home about; it was crisp but a bit dry inside. The various sides complimented the rice. I especially enjoyed the sautéed peppers and onions.
The food arrived quickly, despite only two people working in the kitchen at a time, and was brought out on trays. The man at the cash register kindly gave us free water bottles to enjoy with our meal. While waiting for the food, customers came in and asked how he was doing. He began to chat with locals who clearly knew the staff and visited often. The atmosphere was friendly and fun, and the service was pleasant. I felt welcomed, even though Nanabi seemed like more of a local destination with a regular crowd.
Prices were reasonable, with bao buns and gyoza priced between seven and eight dollars, and a two-piece spring roll for three dollars. Make-your-own bento boxes and bowls ranged from $13 to $15, but could increase with special add-ons like garlic fried rice or pork. Serving sizes were large and very fair for the price. If you decide to try Nanabi, I recommend sharing with a friend or two so you can sample both appetizers and main dishes. Their menu is extensive, so you definitely won’t be able to try everything, and it’s a tough choice! I will definitely be back to explore more of their offerings. As an avid sweet potato fry fan, I’m especially excited to try their fries on my next visit.
If you have the time and transportation I encourage you to step outside the Hamilton bubble and visit nearby Utica to check out Nanabi. It’s just the place to stop by, whether you’re craving a hearty meal on the go or a relaxed dine-in experience with friends.
