Ise, a city in Mie Prefecture known for the revered Ise Jingu, also offers a rich culinary experience despite its modest size. The center of the city is around “Ise-shi Station(伊勢市駅)” and the neighboring “Ujiyamada Station(宇治山田駅)”, where many restaurants are clustered.
Among the standout dishes is Ise Ebi (伊勢海老), or spiny lobster, prized for its sweet, tender meat and often enjoyed as sashimi, grilled, or in soups. Ise is also famous for Matsuzaka Beef (松阪牛), one of Japan’s most esteemed wagyu brands, known for its exceptional marbling and rich flavor, typically served as steak, sukiyaki, or yakiniku BBQ. Another local specialty is Ise Udon (伊勢うどん), featuring thick, soft udon noodles in a rich, dark soy sauce-based broth, providing a comforting taste of the region’s traditional flavors. These dishes collectively highlight the depth of Ise’s food culture, making it a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.
- Specialty Dishes
- Ise Ebi
- Matsusaka Beef
- Ise Udon
[Dinner Restaurants]Ise-伊勢 - Google マイマップ
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1. Daiki-大喜
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cBTtTxoBa96wCsye9 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Daiki, located in Ise, is a well-known restaurant famous for its fresh seafood, particularly Ise lobster. Many visitors to Ise make it a point to enjoy the local delicacy, and Daiki is a popular choice for this experience. The restaurant offers a variety of courses, including a lobster course that starts at 10,000 yen, though prices can vary depending on the day. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the lobster sashimi at 6,600 yen is a popular choice, often paired with crispy fried shrimp. The lobster sashimi is noted for its freshness, with the lobster’s whiskers still moving as it is served. The flavor is described as rich and sweet, with a satisfying texture. The lobster head is later used to make a rich miso soup, which is a perfect way to conclude the meal. Daiki also offers a variety of other dishes, including tempura and teppanyaki, all made with high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff are known for their excellent service, making it a great choice for anyone visiting Ise and looking to enjoy a memorable seafood meal. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, as the restaurant can get quite busy.
2. Butasute-豚捨 若柳
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map
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118 579 167*48 - Description
Butasute Wakayagi is a historic restaurant in Ise, renowned for its high-quality Ise beef, which has roots that trace back to the famous Matsusaka beef. Despite the name “Butasute,” which translates to “discard the pork,” the restaurant specializes in premium beef dishes. Many diners opt for the amiyaki (grilled) courses, particularly the fillet, which is a house specialty. The experience at Butasute Wakayagi is enhanced by its private dining rooms, where guests can enjoy their meals in a serene setting, often overlooking a beautifully maintained garden. The attentive service includes a personal waitress who grills the meat to perfection right at the table. The beef, typically served with a special soy-based sauce, is known for its tender texture and rich flavor, often described as melting in the mouth. The restaurant also offers sukiyaki, which is prepared Kansai-style with sugar and soy sauce, allowing the natural sweetness of the beef to shine through. Desserts such as vanilla ice cream and shiratama zenzai provide a sweet finish to the meal. For those visiting Ise, Butasute Wakayagi offers a luxurious and memorable dining experience, blending traditional flavors with exceptional service. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the fillet course, which requires advance booking.
3. Tomomaru-友丸 炭火焼肉
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oC6J8p3kFNoCo7Ki7 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Tomomaru, located near Ise City Station in the Shimmichi shopping street, is a popular yakiniku restaurant known for its high-quality beef, including the renowned Matsusaka beef. The menu offers a variety of cuts, from well-marbled kalbi to leaner options like harami, as well as offal dishes. The meat is generally thick-cut, which some diners find enhances the richness while others might feel it dilutes the flavor. The restaurant provides dipping sauces like soy and miso-based options, but many diners appreciate the simplicity of seasoning the meat with salt or a squeeze of lemon. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of counter seating, tables, and private rooms, making it suitable for both small groups and families. The staff are known for their friendly and accommodating service, and the overall experience is enhanced by personal touches like being greeted by the owners upon leaving. While the pricing is on the higher side, especially for the Matsusaka beef options, many diners find it worth the cost due to the quality of the meat. The restaurant also offers lunch sets, which provide a more affordable way to enjoy Matsusaka beef. Overall, Tomomaru is a solid choice for those looking to indulge in premium beef while visiting Ise, though making a reservation is advisable during peak times.
4. Kiyashokudo-起矢食堂
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☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pinVbw3xnRtppQAW6 - Parking MAPCODE
118 521 738*45 - Description
Kiyashokudo, located in Ise, is a beloved local eatery known for its comforting dishes like katsudon, curry, and especially Ise udon. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with just four tables, often filled with regulars who know the place well. Visitors have praised the Ise udon, describing it as the best they’ve had, with its soft noodles and rich, flavorful broth that perfectly complements the toppings. The katsudon is another popular choice, served with a generous portion of tender pork cutlet, although some diners have noticed slight inconsistencies in the dish’s preparation. The curry, with its simple onion-based sauce, is also a hit, though some find the portion sizes and the heat of the dish challenging to manage. Despite its small size and limited parking, Kiyashokudo remains a hidden gem cherished by locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of traditional Ise cuisine with a friendly, laid-back vibe.
5. Tsubameya-うどん食堂 つばめや
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☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
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118 553 655*38 - Description
Tsubameya, a popular udon restaurant located in Ise, is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, particularly its curry nabeyaki udon. The restaurant is often bustling with locals, reflecting its strong reputation in the area. The menu offers a variety of options, including the famous curry nabeyaki udon, which is served in a hot clay pot and paired with either white rice or mixed rice on the side. The udon noodles are thick and slightly chewy, and the curry is well-spiced with a deep, savory broth that perfectly complements the texture of the noodles. Customers also rave about the crispy tempura toppings and the generous portion sizes, which make for a satisfying meal. Despite the occasional wait due to its popularity, Tsubameya’s cozy atmosphere and consistently delicious food make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re stopping by after a visit to Ise Jingu or simply looking for a comforting bowl of udon, Tsubameya is sure to leave you full and happy.
6. Kitchen Cook-キッチンクック
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☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bpfoXn7Bm5dBCDFS7 - Parking MAPCODE
118 551 065*12 - Description
Kitchen Cook, located near Ujiyamada Station in Ise, is a popular spot known for its unique and hearty dishes, particularly the “Katsu Dry Curry.” This dish features a bed of dry curry-flavored rice topped with a crispy pork cutlet, all served with a side of curry sauce that you can pour over to your liking. The dry curry has a mild, well-balanced flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy cutlet, creating a satisfying meal that’s beloved by locals. The restaurant, which has a nostalgic, Showa-era atmosphere, often fills up quickly, even on weekdays, so it’s common to see a line outside. In addition to the famous dry curry, the menu also features other comfort foods like spaghetti served on a sizzling iron plate, known locally as “Italian.” With generous portions and a cozy, retro vibe, Kitchen Cook offers a taste of Ise’s culinary traditions and remains a favorite for both regulars and newcomers.