Ohta Nawanoren

Founded in 1868, this was the first gyu-nabe restaurant to open in all of Japan. If you’re wondering what gyu-nabe is, it’s basically very similar to sukiyaki. However, it’s considered a Western-style cuisine because it was inspired by the food of foreign merchants who lived in Yokohama during the Meiji Era. The city had a lot of Europeans, Chinese, and Koreans — a pretty cosmopolitan place for its day. The restaurant has continued to serve their iron-kettle beef hotpots with much the same recipe as in the old days. The broth is a house recipe, using miso paste for a rich, salty flavor. You can choose either a la carte ordering, or from 6 different set-course meals, most of which feature sashimi appetizers. Sukiyaki and steak are also available. The space can accommodate any size of party, from the 2-person sunken tatami seats, to a banquet hall for up to 40 people.