Kumamoto City, the third-largest city in Kyushu, is a vibrant urban center known for its rich culinary heritage. The city’s main dining and entertainment areas are concentrated along the three bustling streets of Kamitori (上通), Shimotori (下通), and Shinshigai(新市街), where numerous restaurants and bars stay open late into the night, offering a lively atmosphere.
Kumamoto is particularly renowned for its local specialties, including Akaushi Beef (あか牛), which is celebrated for its lean yet tender texture and deep, rich flavor, often enjoyed grilled or in traditional Japanese dishes. Another regional delicacy is Basashi (馬刺し), raw horse meat served as sashimi, known for its tenderness and subtle taste, making it a must-try for adventurous food enthusiasts. Additionally, Kumamoto Ramen(熊本ラーメン) is a popular dish featuring a thick, creamy pork bone broth, similar to tonkotsu ramen but distinguished by the addition of fried garlic chips and a slightly richer flavor. These culinary experiences reflect the diverse and robust food culture of Kumamoto, making the city a top destination for those eager to explore traditional Japanese flavors.
[Dinner Restaurants]Kumamoto-熊本 - Google マイマップ
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1. Miyoshi-あか牛専門 焼肉 みよし
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Miyoshi is a specialized yakiniku restaurant in Kumamoto, renowned for its Akaushi (red beef) and a variety of other high-quality meats, making it a favorite for those seeking top-tier dining experiences in the region. With a rustic and inviting atmosphere, Miyoshi offers a wide range of cuts, including the highly praised Shato-briand, fresh locally sourced vegetables, and a standout rice variety known as Shichigoumai. The restaurant’s attention to detail extends to a carefully curated selection of sake, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the meat. Diners consistently find the experience worth the premium pricing, especially when shared with good company, as they indulge in the tenderness and flavor of Akaushi beef, the delicate texture of horse sashimi, and the perfectly cooked offal. Operating until 6:00 AM, Miyoshi provides a convenient and luxurious option for late-night dining in Kyushu. The warm service, coupled with the exceptional quality of food, makes Miyoshi a top choice for yakiniku enthusiasts visiting Kumamoto.
2. Guruman-Sannenzaka-馬刺しと焼き鳥グルマン三年坂
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Guruman-Sannenzaka is a restaurant in Kumamoto known for offering a delightful fusion of local specialties, including horse fatty tuna and Akaushi (red beef) in a single rice bowl. The combination of horse tuna with chive soy sauce is particularly recommended, offering a unique and delicious flavor. The restaurant provides a variety of sauces, allowing diners to enjoy different taste experiences, but the chive soy sauce alone is often enough to satisfy. The establishment, with its calm and inviting atmosphere, is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal that truly captures the essence of Kumamoto cuisine. During my visit, I was introduced to the three-piece horse sashimi set, which included cuts like fin, thigh, and mane, each offering a distinct texture and flavor. The meal was complemented by a clear, gentle Taipingyan soup, making it a satisfying experience of authentic horse meat, a first for me in Kumamoto. The restaurant is also known for its other Kumamoto specialties, such as the Premium Kumamoto Meat Bowl, which includes a mix of Akaushi steak, horse meat, pork, Amakusa Daio chicken, and Wagyu roast beef. The meat is complemented by three different sauces, allowing for a variety of taste experiences. The ambiance is enhanced by a collection of celebrity signatures, adding to the high-end feel of the place. While the prices may seem steep, the quality of the food and the overall dining experience justify the cost, making it a worthwhile indulgence for those visiting Kumamoto.
3. Nana-菜な 熊本店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Nana is a hidden gem in Kumamoto, offering an elegant dining experience with a focus on local cuisine. Located in the heart of the city’s bustling district, this restaurant is perfect for savoring Kumamoto’s specialties, such as horse meat sushi, karashi lotus root, and dagojiru. The horse meat sushi, which was a first for me, was delicious and completely free of any unpleasant odor. During my visit, I was impressed by the variety of dishes, including the tender grilled Amakusa Daioh chicken and fresh sashimi. The ambiance is sophisticated, making it ideal for special occasions or entertaining guests. The restaurant also features private rooms, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in a more intimate setting. The service was attentive, with staff providing detailed explanations of the dishes. The high-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation of the food made for a memorable dining experience. Despite the slightly higher prices, the overall value was excellent, and I would highly recommend Nana for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Kumamoto’s cuisine.
4. Katsuretsutei Minamikumamoto Ten-勝烈亭 新市街本店
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29 459 419*06 - Description
Katsuretsutei Minamikumamoto Ten is a popular tonkatsu restaurant in Kumamoto that consistently delivers satisfying meals. The spacious and clean main store has a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff are known for their friendliness. Even though I arrived at 11:30, the restaurant was already bustling with customers, with later arrivals having to wait for a table. The thick-sliced pork fillet cutlet, weighing 140g and priced at around 1,990 yen, was filling and delicious. The tonkatsu was crispy, with a fresh breadcrumb texture that was enhanced by the salt, mustard, and Japanese-style sauce. The set meal included unlimited refills of rice, red miso soup, and cabbage, which added to the overall satisfaction. The restaurant offers two types of sauces, and I particularly enjoyed the lighter, Japanese-style option. The red miso soup was flavorful, though I wished it had been served a bit hotter. The pickled takana, a local delicacy, was a nice touch, and diners could also add sesame seeds to their liking. While the cutlet was not the most extraordinary I’ve ever had, it certainly lived up to the reputation of a specialty store. Overall, Katsuretsutei Minamikumamoto Ten is a great place to enjoy a hearty and well-prepared tonkatsu meal, with the option to customize the flavors to your preference.
5. Aoyagi-熊本郷土料理 青柳
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Aoyagi is a renowned restaurant in Kumamoto that offers an exquisite dining experience, blending local cuisine with a touch of elegance. The entrance exudes a high-end ryokan vibe, immediately setting the tone for a special meal. During my visit, I enjoyed a variety of dishes featuring Kumamoto’s finest ingredients, including horse sashimi, hamo, tachiuo, and the region’s signature karashi renkon, perfectly complemented by a selection of local shochu, specifically Matshiyoi. Despite not staying overnight in Kumamoto, I indulged in a delightful lunch with an assortment of horse meat dishes, including sashimi, volcanic stone-grilled horse meat, and sushi. The quality of the horse sashimi was exceptional, particularly the liver, which was fresh and sweet with a satisfying texture, while the volcanic stone grilling method enhanced the meat’s tenderness and rich flavor. I was also introduced to a seasonal delicacy called “shaku,” served as tempura, which was thick, tender, and bursting with a unique flavor, making it a must-try if you visit during the right season. The dining experience was further elevated by exceptional service, with the chef personally recommending dishes and preparing sushi one piece at a time. Each bite, from delicate squid and shrimp to melt-in-your-mouth sea urchin and perfectly grilled anago, was a revelation. The meal concluded with a handmade dessert, a soft and delicate mochi with fragrant walnuts and a hint of poppy seeds, leaving a lasting impression. Aoyagi also shines as a venue for formal occasions like business meetings or client dinners, with its attention to detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the thoughtful service, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests. The private dining rooms and personalized service make it an ideal choice for hosting important events, offering a refined taste of Kumamoto’s culinary heritage and leaving diners eager to return for more.
6. Kumamoto Ramen Kokutei-熊本ラーメン 黒亭
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Kumamoto Ramen Kokutei is a well-known ramen shop in Kumamoto that offers a unique take on the region’s traditional ramen. The restaurant, often busy with customers, features a menu centered around rich, flavorful tonkotsu broth enhanced by the distinctive taste of black garlic oil, known as “mayu.” Despite long waits at times, the ramen experience is well worth it. The noodles, slightly thicker than typical Hakata-style ramen, pair perfectly with the savory broth, creating a satisfying and hearty dish. One popular option is the egg-topped ramen, where the yolk adds an extra layer of richness to the meal. Although the gyoza and sides receive mixed reviews, with some finding them less impressive than the ramen, the overall experience remains highly praised. Visitors appreciate the authentic, no-frills atmosphere and the consistency of the ramen, which has kept Kokutei a beloved spot for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re new to Kumamoto ramen or a seasoned fan, Kokutei offers a delicious and memorable taste of the region’s culinary heritage.