Beppu, Kyushu’s most famous hot spring resort, is celebrated not only for its therapeutic waters but also for its vibrant culinary scene. The bustling downtown area, situated between Beppu Station and the coastline, offers numerous dining options, making it the heart of the city’s food culture. Additionally, the Kannawa(鉄輪) area, known for the Beppu Jigoku Hells, also features several excellent restaurants.
When dining in Beppu, local specialties are a highlight, including Seki Aji(関アジ) and Seki Saba(関サバ), premium horse mackerel and mackerel known for their exceptional freshness and rich taste, often enjoyed as sashimi. Another standout dish is Jigoku Mushi(地獄蒸し), a unique cooking method where ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and eggs are steam-cooked using natural hot spring steam, imparting a delicate and distinctive flavor. For a more luxurious experience, Bungo Beef(豊後牛), a highly prized wagyu from the region, offers tender, marbled meat often served as steak or in traditional Japanese dishes. Additionally, Toriten(とり天), a tempura-style fried chicken, is a beloved comfort food, and Hita Yakisoba(日田やきそば) adds to the diverse culinary offerings that showcase the rich food culture of Beppu, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
[Dinner Restaurants]Beppu-別府 - Google マイマップ
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1. Ikesukappo Heike-いけす割烹 平家
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46 464 476*38 - Description
Ikesukappo Heike in Beppu is a renowned restaurant celebrated for its incredibly fresh seafood, particularly the prized Seki mackerel and Seki horse mackerel. Diners can enjoy these delicacies straight from the tank, ensuring a level of freshness that’s hard to beat. The restaurant offers a variety of local Oita specialties, including ryukyu, chawanmushi, toriten, and dango soup, making it a great place to sample the region’s cuisine in one sitting. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a large central tank where patrons can watch their seafood being prepared. While the prices may be steep, especially for the premium fish, the quality and taste justify the cost. The restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists, so reservations are recommended, particularly during peak hours. Despite its somewhat remote location, the experience at Heike is well worth the effort, offering a memorable meal that highlights the best of Oita’s seafood.
2. Jigokumushi Koubou Kannawa-地獄蒸し工房 鉄輪
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46 522 373*33 - Description
Jigokumushi Koubou Kannawa in Beppu offers a unique and interactive dining experience where you can steam your own food using the natural geothermal heat from the hot springs. Popular with both tourists and locals, this restaurant allows you to select various ingredients from a vending machine and then steam them yourself in designated steamers, making it both a fun and educational activity. The vegetables, meats, and other ingredients are steamed to perfection, retaining their natural flavors and offering a healthy, flavorful meal. Despite the often long wait times, especially on weekends, the experience is well worth it. The steamed vegetables, particularly the sweet potatoes and pumpkins, are a standout, while the tofu and pork dishes are also highly recommended. The setting adds to the experience, with the steam rising from the ground around you, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Though the prices are slightly on the higher side, the opportunity to try this traditional cooking method and enjoy fresh, delicious food makes it a must-visit for anyone traveling through Beppu.
3. Jigokumushi Pudding Okamotoya-地獄蒸しプリン岡本屋
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46 519 708*82 - Description
Jigokumushi Pudding Okamotoya in Beppu is a beloved spot known for its signature Jigokumushi pudding, a firm, retro-style dessert steamed using the natural geothermal heat of the hot springs. The pudding is renowned for its rich, slightly bitter caramel, which balances the sweetness perfectly, offering a nostalgic taste that appeals to those who prefer a less sugary dessert. Besides the pudding, the shop offers a variety of other treats, including steamed eggs, sandwiches, and seasonal items like the Jigokumushi Parfait, which combines pudding with ice cream and cornflakes. The atmosphere is deeply rooted in the local culture, with the sulfuric steam rising around the store, enhancing the authentic experience. Despite its popularity and occasional long waits, particularly during holidays and peak times, the quality of the food and the unique setting make it a must-visit for those exploring Beppu. The only downside mentioned by some visitors is the occasional rush in service and slightly high prices, but overall, the experience of enjoying these traditional treats in such a distinctive location is well worth it.
4. Bungo Steak Somuri(Beppu head branch)-豊後牛ステーキそむり別府本店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Bungo Steak Somuri in Beppu is a renowned steakhouse that offers an authentic taste of Bungo beef, a high-quality wagyu from Oita Prefecture. The restaurant, located on the second floor of a retro building, exudes a nostalgic charm both inside and out. Visitors are treated to a classic steakhouse experience with a focus on perfectly cooked Bungo beef. The fillet steak, often recommended in a medium-rare preparation, is exceptionally tender and flavorful, making it a must-try for meat lovers. The menu offers various options, including the popular Somuri Lunch, which includes a juicy hamburger steak and crispy fried shrimp, served with rich demi-glace sauce. The onion gratin soup is another highlight, offering a hearty and savory start to the meal. Despite its higher price point, the quality of the food and the care in preparation justify the cost, making it a worthwhile experience for those seeking to indulge in premium wagyu. The restaurant is popular, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak times. Overall, Bungo Steak Somuri offers a memorable dining experience that showcases the best of Oita’s culinary offerings.
5. Ochan-うまい処 おーちゃん
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Ochan in Beppu is a cozy and unpretentious spot offering a mix of Chinese cuisine and izakaya-style dishes. Located just a short walk from JR Beppu Station in a lively drinking district, this small restaurant is known for its homemade dumplings and other flavorful offerings. The dumplings, available in both fried and boiled versions, are a highlight—small, with a thick, chewy skin and a savory filling rich with garlic and chives. The menu also features classics like mapo tofu, which is available with varying levels of spice, and other Chinese-inspired dishes such as spicy stir-fried eggplant with potatoes and bell peppers. The atmosphere is laid-back, with seating at the counter and a few tables, making it a great spot for casual dining. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making Ochan a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking for a satisfying meal.
6. Beppu Sumiyakitei Chihara-別府炭焼亭ちはら
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Beppu Sumiyakitei Chihara is a popular yakiniku restaurant conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from Beppu Station. Known for its high-quality meats, including tender cuts of beef and flavorful offal, the restaurant offers a cozy, traditional atmosphere enhanced by celebrity autographs on the walls. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, from classic Korean BBQ items like kalbi and harami to unique offerings such as stone-cooked bibimbap and flavorful kimchi. The use of charcoal grills adds a distinct smoky flavor to the meats, and the attentive staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. With both set menus and à la carte options, the restaurant provides good value for money, especially with its popular lunch sets that offer a range of meats and side dishes at affordable prices. Despite its bustling atmosphere, Beppu Sumiyakitei Chihara maintains a welcoming and relaxed vibe, making it an excellent choice for a hearty meal before or after exploring Beppu’s attractions.
7. Sofuren(BeppuHaruki branch) -想夫恋 別府春木店
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46 493 476*01 - Description
Sofuren (Beppu Haruki branch) is a well-known spot for enjoying authentic Hita-style yakisoba, a local delicacy from Oita Prefecture. Located near Beppu’s hot spring district, the restaurant is part of a chain that specializes in this unique version of yakisoba, where the noodles are pan-fried to a delightful crispness, offering a satisfying contrast to the tender stir-fried pork, bean sprouts, and green onions that accompany them. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, the dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the slightly spicy and rich sauce that ties everything together. While the prices are on the higher side, with a standard yakisoba costing around 990 yen and additional toppings like a fried egg available for a small extra charge, the quality and taste make it a worthwhile indulgence. Diners often praise the distinct texture and taste of the noodles, and the option to customize with toppings like a fried egg adds to the experience. The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual, with a mix of counter and table seating, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a local or a tourist exploring Beppu, Sofuren offers a delicious and authentic taste of Oita’s culinary traditions.