Kanazawa, renowned as one of Japan’s premier gourmet cities, is celebrated for its fresh seafood and rich history, with over 2,600 restaurants, including many top-tier sushi establishments. The city’s culinary reputation is so esteemed that food enthusiasts often travel from Tokyo just to savor Kanazawa’s sushi. The heart of the city’s dining scene is concentrated in the area east of Kanazawa Station, particularly around Omicho Market, known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” and the bustling Korinbo and Katamachi districts to the south of the market. Kanazawa’s cuisine reflects its coastal location and deep culinary traditions. Kaisendon, a seafood rice bowl topped with a variety of fresh, seasonal fish, highlights the city’s access to high-quality seafood. Kanazawa is also famous for its meticulously prepared sushi, featuring the freshest catches of the day. A notable delicacy is Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), prized for its rich, buttery flavor and often served grilled or as sushi. Additionally, the city is known for Kanazawa Curry, a distinctive Japanese curry with a thick, dark, and rich sauce, typically served with a breaded pork cutlet. Another local favorite is Kanazawa Oden, a comforting dish featuring ingredients like daikon radish, fish cakes, and tofu simmered in a light, savory broth, especially popular during the colder months. These diverse and flavorful dishes make Kanazawa a must-visit destination for food lovers.
- Specialty Dishes
- Kaisendon
- Nodoguro
- Kanazawa Curry
- Kanazawa Oden
[Dinner Restaurants]Asahikawa-旭川 - Google マイマップ
Asahikawa-旭川
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1. Yamasan Sushi-山さん寿司
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Yamasan Sushi, located in the bustling Omicho Market, is a popular spot for seafood lovers, known for its impressive seafood bowls. Despite the higher price point, the restaurant consistently attracts crowds, especially on weekends, making reservations a wise choice. The seafood bowl, featuring an array of fresh ingredients such as uni, ikura, crab, and sweet shrimp, is a highlight, with each piece showcasing exceptional freshness. The vibrant presentation and generous portions make it a satisfying meal for both the eyes and the palate. The restaurant maintains a clean, welcoming atmosphere, and while some customers note the premium pricing, the quality of the seafood justifies the cost for many. Yamasan Sushi remains a top choice for those seeking a memorable seafood experience in Kanazawa.
2. TILE-金沢薬味海鮮丼 TILE
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/hqGrNuNQpWA2Ews68 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
TILE, located near Kanazawa Station, offers a unique dining experience that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern flair. Housed in a renovated 110-year-old machiya, the restaurant surprises visitors with an entrance that requires an access code, adding a sense of exclusivity. Inside, the atmosphere is a harmonious mix of old and new, with refined decor that enhances the overall dining experience. The main attraction at TILE is the customizable seafood bowl, where diners can choose their ingredients, from fresh local fish to various toppings, and even the type of rice and soup. The carefully selected seafood is presented beautifully, and the attention to detail extends to the accompanying side dishes and garnishes. This innovative approach to a classic dish, combined with the elegant setting, makes TILE a memorable destination for anyone visiting Kanazawa, especially those looking for a unique twist on the traditional seafood experience.
3. Otomezushi-乙女寿司
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Otomezushi, located in the Katamachi district of Kanazawa, is renowned for its exceptional sushi experience, earning accolades like a Michelin star and a place among Tabelog’s 100 Famous Restaurants. This sushi restaurant is a hidden gem, known for its high-quality ingredients sourced from the Hokuriku region, including fresh seafood that is expertly prepared. The omakase menu is a highlight, offering a variety of dishes from appetizers to sushi, all meticulously crafted to showcase the natural flavors of the ingredients. The rice, made from Noto Koshihikari and cooked in a clay pot, is a standout, perfectly complementing the sushi’s fresh toppings. The atmosphere is traditional and intimate, making it a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Reservations are essential due to its popularity, and it’s recommended to book well in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons like the winter crab season. Otomezushi offers an unforgettable sushi experience, making it a must-visit for sushi lovers traveling to Kanazawa.
4. Sushi Rekireki-鮨 歴々
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Sushi Rekireki is a popular sushi restaurant located within the bustling Omicho Market in Kanazawa. Known for its well-crafted sushi made with red vinegar, this restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The lunch set, featuring 11 pieces of sushi, is perfectly portioned, with smaller servings of rice allowing diners to enjoy a variety of flavors without feeling overly full. Highlights include the aburi nodoguro (seared blackthroat seaperch) and aburi sawara (seared Spanish mackerel), both of which showcase the skillful preparation and delicate balance of flavors. Despite visiting during the busy Obon holiday, the restaurant maintained a calm and spacious atmosphere, likely due to its reservation-only policy. With its excellent service, attention to detail, and reasonable pricing, Sushi Rekireki is a top choice for those looking to enjoy refined sushi in Kanazawa, making it a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts.
5. Nodoguromeshi Itaru-のど黒めし本舗 いたる
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Nodoguromeshi Itaru is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in Kanazawa’s renowned nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch). This specialty restaurant offers a unique dining experience where the nodoguro is served in a style similar to hitsumabushi, allowing diners to enjoy the dish in various ways. The meal begins with savoring the nodoguro on its own, followed by adding condiments, and finally enjoying it as an ochazuke with a rich, flavorful broth. The nodoguro itself is thick and succulent, with just the right balance of fat, making it a luxurious treat. The restaurant’s efficient service ensures a smooth experience even during busy hours, and while there might be a wait, the quality of the meal makes it worthwhile. Located conveniently near Kanazawa’s famous attractions, Nodoguromeshi Itaru offers a delicious and memorable taste of this local delicacy, perfect for both tourists and locals alike.
6. Gekko dou-ゲッコ洞
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Gekko Dou is a unique curry restaurant located in a renovated traditional house in the Kata-machi area of Kanazawa. The dimly lit interior, filled with jazz music, creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying their specialty spice-infused curries. Originally a bar, the establishment shifted its focus to curry during the COVID-19 pandemic while still offering a selection of alcoholic beverages. The menu features two types of curries that rotate weekly, such as the popular seafood coconut curry and chicken curry, both priced around 1,100 yen. The seafood curry is especially noteworthy for its rich flavors, combining the umami of seafood with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk. The dish is served with toppings like onions, bonito flakes, and spices, which add layers of complexity. Customers can enhance their meal with various condiments provided on the table, such as garlic chips, lavender vinegar, and garlic soy sauce, allowing for personalized flavor adjustments. Despite its somewhat hidden location in a quiet residential area, Gekko Dou has gained a reputation for its high-quality, creative curries. The restaurant’s charm lies not only in its delicious food but also in the laid-back, homely atmosphere, where patrons can relax and enjoy a meal in a setting that feels like a secret culinary hideaway.
7. AMIYA-AMIYA~金沢おでん 能登ふぐ のどぐろ~
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
AMIYA, located in Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya district, is a charming restaurant known for its flavorful Kanazawa oden, where the broth infused with the rich taste of nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) deeply permeates ingredients like caraf, red roll, crab dumplings, and daikon radish. The soothing warmth of the oden is complemented perfectly by a selection of Ishikawa’s local sake, such as Shironamazake and Kagatobi, which add a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal. On a cold, snowy day, the cozy ambiance of this restaurant, with its jazz music and warm atmosphere, provided the perfect respite from the chilly weather, and the nourishing flavors of the oden and rice, also cooked in nodoguro broth, left a lasting impression. AMIYA offers a set meal of four oden items paired with a choice of local sake or a small bottle of beer for 1,500 yen plus tax, making it an excellent stop for those exploring the area. The restaurant, primarily featuring counter seating, is a popular spot for both solo travelers and groups, offering a relaxing environment to enjoy local specialties like nodoguro salt-grilled dishes and other delicacies. Whether you’re warming up after a day of sightseeing or looking to savor traditional flavors in a refined setting, AMIYA is a must-visit in Kanazawa.
8. Kagaya-加賀屋
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Kagaya, located inside Kanazawa Station, offers a refined dining experience where guests can enjoy a variety of local delicacies. The restaurant is known for its set menus, such as the Tamahime, which features an assortment of nigiri sushi, tempura, chawanmushi, and the traditional Ishikawa dish, jibuni, made with duck. Although the portion size could be slightly larger considering the price of 3,800 yen, the quality and taste of the dishes are commendable. For those with more time, the full-course meals, which include artistic appetizers like persimmon in white dressing, sea bream temari sushi, and grilled Spanish mackerel, offer a rich culinary journey through Kanazawa’s cuisine. The restaurant’s attention to detail, from the presentation of the food to the pacing of the service, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Despite its location in a busy train station, Kagaya maintains the high standards associated with its brand, making it a great choice for those looking to savor authentic local flavors before catching a train. The nodoguro salt-grilled set, priced at 4,600 yen, is particularly recommended for its rich flavor and expertly grilled fish. Whether you’re finishing your trip or just passing through, Kagaya provides a taste of luxury that reflects the culinary heritage of Kanazawa.
8. Bunnen-天ぷら 文圓
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Bunnen is a hidden gem in the narrow streets of Katamachi, Kanazawa, offering an exquisite tempura dining experience. Located on the 4th floor of a modern building, the restaurant boasts a chic and elegant interior, setting high expectations as soon as you enter. The counter seating allows for an intimate dining experience, where the master chef expertly prepares each tempura dish with care. The menu features a variety of tempura, including succulent Saimaki shrimp, corn tempura with an intriguing sweetness, and a standout sea urchin tempura wrapped in seaweed, which is lightly salted to enhance its rich flavor. The abalone tempura and conger eel wrapped in perilla leaves are other highlights, each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The meal typically concludes with a delicious ten-don (tempura rice bowl) or tencha, leaving diners thoroughly satisfied. The restaurant’s combination of modern ambiance, meticulous presentation, and delectable dishes makes it a must-visit for tempura lovers in Kanazawa.
8. Fukuri-うなぎ福利
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Fukuri is a charming unagi (eel) restaurant tucked away in the bustling area of Korinbo. The establishment, which has been serving customers since 1966, is run by a kind and humble master who manages the place almost single-handedly. Despite initial concerns upon finding the place empty, the food turned out to be delightful. The unagi is prepared with a sweet sauce that perfectly complements the tender, flavorful eel. The menu offers a variety of unagi dishes, including Uzaku (eel with cucumber and vinegar), Shirayaki (grilled eel without sauce), and Unagi Katsu, a unique twist on the traditional dish. The eel is grilled to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky interior. The unagi bento, served with fluffy rice and a side of clear soup with liver, is a highlight for many visitors. The ambiance is old-school and cozy, with a long counter and a few tatami mat tables in the back, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal. Despite its modest appearance, Fukuri delivers an authentic and satisfying unagi experience, with reasonable prices that make it accessible for those looking to enjoy this Japanese delicacy without breaking the bank.