Best Places To Eat In Fukuoka Japan

Japan is known for its incredible food culture, and Fukuoka is no exception. This charming city in southern Japan is home to some of the most delicious and unique dishes in the country. From classic Japanese cuisine to fresh seafood and trendy fusion restaurants, Fukuoka has something to offer every food lover. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best places to eat in Fukuoka, so grab your chopsticks and get ready to indulge!

🍣Sushi

If you’re a sushi lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Fukuoka. The city is known for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of sushi restaurants to choose from. One standout spot is Sushigokoro, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers top-quality sushi at reasonable prices. For a more casual experience, check out Sushiro, a popular chain with locations throughout the city.

🍜Ramen

Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and Fukuoka is famous for its tonkotsu ramen. This rich and creamy pork broth is a must-try when visiting the city. For a classic tonkotsu experience, head to Ippudo, a popular chain with locations worldwide. For a more unique take on ramen, try Menya Kishimen, which serves a thicker, udon-like noodle in their broth.

🍤Seafood

Thanks to its coastal location, Fukuoka is home to some of the freshest seafood in Japan. For a truly immersive experience, head to Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba, a massive seafood market in the heart of the city. Here, you can sample a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including sashimi, grilled fish, and more. For a more upscale experience, check out Kaiseki Sushi Bar, a fusion restaurant that offers stunning seafood dishes alongside traditional Japanese cuisine.

🍲Yatai

Yatai are small food stalls that line the streets of Fukuoka, offering a variety of local dishes. These stalls are a must-visit when in the city, and there are plenty to choose from. One standout spot is Nagahama No 1 Yatai, which offers classic dishes like yakitori and oden. For a more modern take on yatai cuisine, check out Yatai Kurogane, which serves up fusion dishes like curry ramen and pork belly tacos.

🍛Kaiseki

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that is typically served in fine dining restaurants. Fukuoka has plenty of kaiseki options, including Yamazato, which is located in a historic building and offers stunning views of the city. For a more modern take on kaiseki, try Yamanaka, which offers an innovative fusion menu.

🍮Dessert

No meal is complete without dessert, and Fukuoka has plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a traditional Japanese dessert, try Uchihashi Tea House, which offers a variety of matcha-based sweets. For a more modern take on dessert, check out Mon Cher, a trendy cafe that offers colorful and Instagram-worthy pastries.

🍶Sake

Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine that is a must-try when visiting the country. Fukuoka is home to some of the best sake in Japan, and there are plenty of sake bars to choose from. One standout spot is Yoramu, which offers a variety of rare and unique sake varieties. For a more casual atmosphere, check out Teradaya, a cozy bar with a wide selection of sake and other Japanese drinks.

🥩Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef is some of the most sought-after meat in the world, and Fukuoka is home to some of the best. For a traditional Japanese steakhouse experience, head to Ishida, which offers a variety of wagyu beef cuts cooked to perfection. For a more modern take on wagyu, try Yakiniku Jumbo, which offers a Korean-style barbecue experience with premium Japanese beef.

🍱Bento Boxes

Bento boxes are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and Fukuoka has plenty of options to choose from. For a classic bento box experience, head to Makino, which offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes in a convenient and portable box. For a more modern take on bento boxes, try Minamoto Kitchoan, which offers colorful and Instagram-worthy bentos that are almost too pretty to eat.

🍢Izakaya

Izakaya are casual Japanese gastropubs that offer a variety of small plates and drinks. Fukuoka has plenty of izakaya options, including Yatai Izakaya, which offers a variety of local dishes alongside traditional izakaya fare. For a more upscale izakaya experience, check out Taisho Roman, which offers a chic and trendy atmosphere alongside their delicious menu.

🍵Tea

Tea is an important part of Japanese culture, and Fukuoka has plenty of teahouses to explore. For a traditional Japanese tea experience, head to Chashitsu Yu, which offers a variety of teas and traditional sweets in a serene atmosphere. For a more modern take on tea, try Sakura Tea House, which offers a variety of colorful and Instagram-worthy tea drinks.

🍤Tempura

Tempura is a classic Japanese dish that is typically made with seafood or vegetables that are lightly battered and fried. Fukuoka is home to some of the best tempura in Japan, including Kawashima, which offers a variety of high-quality tempura dishes in a beautiful traditional setting. For a more modern take on tempura, try Motoden, which offers a unique fusion menu that combines tempura with other Japanese dishes.

🍶Umeshu

Umeshu is a sweet plum wine that is a popular drink in Japan. Fukuoka is home to some of the best umeshu in the country, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants that offer this delicious drink. One standout spot is Umeshu Gura, which offers a variety of unique and rare umeshu varieties. For a more casual atmosphere, check out Umeshu Yokocho, a street lined with bars and restaurants that specialize in this sweet drink.

FAQs

What makes Fukuoka’s food scene unique?

Fukuoka is located in southern Japan, which means it has a unique food culture that combines elements of both Japanese and Korean cuisine. The city is also known for its fresh seafood and tonkotsu ramen, which are must-try dishes when visiting.

What is the best time of year to visit Fukuoka?

Fukuoka is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and comfortable.

What is the dress code for restaurants in Fukuoka?

Most restaurants in Fukuoka do not have a strict dress code, but it’s always a good idea to dress respectfully and avoid wearing beachwear or overly casual clothing.

What is the tipping culture in Fukuoka?

Tipping is not common in Japan, and it is not expected at restaurants or other service establishments.

Do restaurants in Fukuoka have English menus?

Many restaurants in Fukuoka offer English menus, especially those that cater to tourists. However, some smaller local establishments may not have English menus available.

What is the average cost of a meal in Fukuoka?

The cost of a meal in Fukuoka can vary widely depending on the restaurant and the type of cuisine. On average, expect to spend around 1,500 to 2,500 yen per person for a casual meal, and upwards of 5,000 yen for a fine dining experience.

What is the best way to get around Fukuoka?

Fukuoka has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and subways. Taxis and rental cars are also available, but can be expensive.

What are some must-try dishes in Fukuoka?

Some of the must-try dishes in Fukuoka include tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and mizutaki (chicken hot pot).