15 Highly Recommended Izakaya in Nakasu and Hakata, Fukuoka Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: May 16 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Highly Recommended Izakaya in Nakasu and Hakata, Fukuoka

Fresh squid and motsu-nabe (hot pot with offal) are some well-known, delicious dishes from Hakata, Fukuoka. Here are 15 carefully-selected izakayas (Japanese pub) in the area for enjoying these delicious foods! You're sure to discover a place that you like.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Hakata.

1. Nakasu Takasho

Kimono-clad staff will greet you upon entry to this izakaya, which is located on the 2F of a building along Kawabata Shopping Street (Kawabata Shotengai). Their unfinished wooden interior only has seats in private rooms, with a vast variety of sizes available to suit groups of 2 - 30 people. Hakata dishes like [Squid Sashimi], [Blue Mackerel] (950 JPY), and [Spicy Pollack Roe Tamagoyaki] (rolled omelet) (900 JPY) are all high up on the list of things to eat at this izakaya! Seafood is carefully selected from 3 different locations – from local markets to fresh ingredients from fishermen – with the aim of being able to serve a wide range of delicious seafood. There’s no doubt that you'll find something for you here!

Nakasu Takasho

Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 6,500 JPY
Address: 12F, 11-8, Kami Kawabata, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
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2. Hibachi

This authentic robata-yaki (charcoal-grilled dishes) izakaya is located near the station, just off Hakata Station Street (Hakata-ekimae-dori). Customers are greeted with the izakaya’s profound Japanese atmosphere. They offer private rooms, which accommodate up to 25 people, and 12 counter seats that are right in front of the huge grilling table. Their specialty is the [Kaiho-yaki] (for 1 - 2 people) (1,185 JPY), which consists of ikura (salmon roe), crab innards, and rich uni (sea urchin). This dish is so delicious that it often gets sold out! Another recommendation is [The Original! Hakata Miso Yam Hot Pot] (groups of 2 people or more can order it, and costs 1,185 JPY for 1 person), which is pork bone and miso-flavored soup.

Hibachi

Open: [Monday - Thursday] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday *Open for business on Sunday if Monday is a national holiday
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 3F, Okamoto Gion Bldg., 8-23, Gion-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

3. Hakata Hatanaka

This izakaya, which is only a 5-minute walk from Hakata Station, is an ideal place for special occasions, such as dates or meals with clients. Diners can enjoy delicious Japanese Kaiseki cuisine (Japanese banquet cuisine with alcohol) within this relaxing Japanese space. Private rooms are also available. When you order their [Shun-sai Shun-gyo Kaiseki] (from 5,000 JPY) that uses seasonal vegetables and seafood, it comes with 1 clay pot per group that's filled with freshly cooked Kyushu rice. Their [Hare-no-Hi Kaiseki Course] (from 5,000 JPY) is a great course for celebrations. Seasonal specials are also available.

Hakata Hatanaka

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm *Reservations required for lunch
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Kyushu Bldg., 1-8-31, Hakata Eki Minami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
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4. AHO-DORI

The impressive red paper lanterns of this izakaya, which is located on Ningyou Syouji, Nakasu, will no doubt catch your eye! What sets this place apart from the crowd is its charcoal-grilled cuisine, which can be consumed in a somewhat nostalgic space. A recommended item would have to be the [Charcoal-grilled Chicken Thigh] (large costs 1,500 JPY), in which Miyazaki ji-dori (Miyazaki chicken) is served with a variety of roasted salts after it has been grilled over binchotan (high-grade charcoal produced from ubame oak). Their hot pot courses are highly popular during the winter months. Customers can choose a hot pot item like motsu-nabe and shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables), as well as sample other famous Fukuoka cuisine.

AHO-DORI

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 6:30 pm - 4:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
[Sunday] 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: Ningyou Syouji, 4-1-19, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

5. Shunsai Manyo

This leading Hakata izakaya, which is only a minute's walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station, has been newly opened after its renovation. Every dish is made with special care by the first-class chef, who ensures that all dishes are crafted to their utmost deliciousness. Local specialties from all over Kyushu are available, such as motsu-nabe and mizutaki (another type of hot pot). If you plan to make a reservation, do try out their lovely Japanese-style private rooms.

Shunsai Manyo

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) *Reservations required for lunch
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Address: B1F, IP Hotel Hakata, 5-2-18, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

6. Yusuke Hakata Main Branch

This izakaya is nestled in the quiet backstreets near Hakata Station, only a 5-minute walk away. All the seating at this hidden getaway is in private rooms. They have an experienced chef who once worked at a famous restaurant. Here, you can enjoy Hakata specialties and Kyushu cuisine in a comfortable private room. Their [Japanese Beef Motsu-nabe] (1,350 JPY per person) is not only a delicious Hakata specialty but also a highly recommended item on the menu! It consists of a generous portion of carefully-selected small intestines from Japanese cattle. Another recommended dish that requires time and careful attention in its preparation is the [Hakata Mizutaki] (1,500 JPY per person), in which chicken meat is chopped together with chicken bones, and then simmered for a long time in konbu (kelp) dashi (broth).

Yusuke Hakata Main Branch

Open: 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
*Reservations required between 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Kawabe Bldg., 2-10-16, Hakata Eki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
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7. Goteki no Zen

Located on both the 6F and 7F, Goteki no Zen has a breathtaking view of Nakasu at night and the nearby river. This is a good place to enjoy a delicious meal with someone special. They serve modern Japanese cuisine, which are prepared using Japanese cooking techniques, and then served in a way that pleases both the eyes and the stomach. All their seafood are carefully chosen from local markets to ensure that they can serve the highest-quality cuisine. This izakaya also has a wine cellar full of Japanese wine, which goes amazingly well with their food!

Goteki no Zen

Open: 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
*If the following Monday is a national holiday, then the restaurant will be open on Sunday and closed on Monday instead
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 6F - 7F, Prato Nakasu Bldg., 4-6-12, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

8. Minato Ichiya Hakata Chikushi Entrance Eki-mae Branch

This izakaya, which is only a minute's walk from Hakata Station, serves a variety of Hakata specialties. They have a lot of seafood, which is directly shipped from places like Oita, Nagasaki, Toyama, and Aomori. A popular item on their menu would be the [Deluxe Assortment of 7 Types of Sashimi] (1,980 JPY plus tax). The uni (sea urchin) in this dish is full of flavor. This is a highly recommended izakaya for those who wish to fully enjoy quality cuisine in one of their many high-quality private rooms.

Minato Ichiya Hakata Chikushi Entrance Eki-mae Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: None
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 6-3, Hakata Eki Chuo-gai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

9. Gyobo Santoku

This izakaya only stocks enough seafood for the day, which means that no matter what time of the day you visit, their dishes will always be fresh! From their array of fresh seafood, they carefully select the best fish for their sashimi dishes. Customers can also enjoy some sake (Japanese alcohol) with their cuisine, which are stocked from locations across the country. The Tanaka Rokujugo sake - made from Yamada Nishiki (a type of Japanese rice) grown in Itoshima and manufactured using old-fashioned methods - is particularly recommended. Customers will no doubt enjoy their time spent in the nostalgic atmosphere of this old Japanese house-style izakaya.

Gyobo Santoku

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am
Closed: Sunday
*If the following Monday is a national holiday, then the restaurant will be open on Sunday and closed on Monday instead
Average price: 3,800 JPY
Address: 1F, Hirata Bldg., 4-6, Gion-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

10. LUNO

The food served in this casual and stylish Italian restaurant is full of originality! There are dessert-style pizzas served with an abundance of fruit, as well as salad-style pizzas served with a generous helping of vegetables harvested that morning. All their pizzas are freshly baked at 700 degrees in a stone oven. Meat dishes are also cooked using this oven. Their selection of over 40 different wines - not only from Italy and France but also New World wines - are carefully handpicked to go perfectly with the dish of your choice.

LUNO

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Breakfast 6:30 am - 10:00 am, Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] Breakfast 6:30 am - 10:00 am, Dinner 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Address: 1F, The B Hakata, 1-3-9, Hakata Eki Minami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

11. Hakata Robata Nogami

A range of differently sized private rooms greets you as you pass through the charming lattice entrance of this izakaya. All of the ingredients used - such as Hataka Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef), Yobuko spear squid, and vegetables from Ito and Asakura - are obtained from trusted sources. These are then simply yet deliciously cooked in robata-yaki style. The freshness of the ingredients produces dishes with rich, delicious flavors, even when using simple cooking methods. A popular item on the menu is the [3-Kind Sake Tasting], where customers can enjoy 3 different types of sake from across Japan. The selection served depends on what is available that day.

Hakata Robata Nogami

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: B1F, No.13 Okabe Bldg., 1-12-7, Hakata Eki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

12. Hakata Ippa

The interior of Hakata Ippa feels somewhat nostalgic, thanks to the frosted glass, unglazed tiles, the hexagonal pattern decorating the walls, and the impressive counter that's made from a single piece of wood. Intricate care has been applied to everything in this izakaya – even to the tableware used, such as their carefully-selected blue and white Arita ware, Hasami ware, and Bizen ware. A highly recommended item is the [Dashi-maki Tamago]. This omelet contains spiced pollack roe, and has no visible signs of charring!

Hakata Ippa

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,800 JPY
Address: 1F, 4-9-12, Hakata Eki-mae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

13. Futakuchi

Futakuchi literally translates into “two mouths”. All the kushiyaki (grilled meat or vegetable skewers) that are served at this izakaya is moderately sized so that each one can be eaten in two bites, allowing customers to try a wider variety of ingredients and seasonings. They exclusively use chicken slaughtered that morning, as well as Kinako pork from Miyazaki Prefecture, which is luxuriously fresh, tender, and flavorsome. Besides kushiyaki, this izakaya also makes full use of revolutionary cooking methods, such as instantaneous smoking and low-temperature cooking. You can also try to find the best wine or sake to suit their creative cuisine!

Futakuchi

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Food L.O. 12:00 am, Drinks L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 3,800 JPY
Address: 7F, 3-22-5, Hakata Eki-mae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

14. Kuranoma

Only a minute's walk away from Hakata Station, this modern Japanese-style izakaya is the place to visit for fully enjoying affordable dining in a private room. All seating is private, allowing customers to fully relax while enjoying their meal. Their Daisen chicken is directly shipped from Tottori Prefecture, and their fish is also freshly shipped on a daily basis from fishing ports. This izakaya is also very careful in ensuring that all their stocked vegetables are handpicked. One of the izakaya’s many courses, the [Tokutoku Course], is highly recommended. It comes with 8 dishes and a 2-hour all-you-can-drink option for only 3,500 JPY.

Kuranoma

Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: 3,800 JPY
Address: 8F, Taihei Bldg., 3-30-1, Hakata Eki-mae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

15. Hakata Ipponjime

10 counter seats, as well as table seats and horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu tables), are available at Hakata Ipponjime. This Japanese-style izakaya is highly recommended for its sashimi using seafood caught that very day. Their hot pot dishes are also recommended, such as the [Spicy Red Motsu-nabe] (1,600 JPY), which can be ordered for 1 person or more, and the [Motsu-nabe] (from 1,200 JPY), where you can choose your pick from a selection of 3 different soups. The [Japanese-style Seafood Bouillabaisse Hot Pot] (2,200 JPY) is also delicious, but please note that reservations are required in advance for this dish. 8 different types of Fukuoka-produced sake are also available for consumption, as well as seasonal ji-zake (local sake) served in 1-sho (1800ml) bottles. There is even an option to try their best selection of seasonal sake from across Japan in 4-go (720ml) bottles!

Hakata Ipponjime

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:30 am)
[National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
*Open on Sunday if Monday falls on a national holiday (5:00 pm - 12:00 am)
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Okamoto Nakasu Bldg., 1-3-1, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

Nakasu in Hakata, Fukuoka, is renowned for its delicious cuisine. You can have high expectations for the fresh seafood and delicious meat dishes available here! Since you'll be on holiday, why not make memories by indulging in some excellent food and drinks?

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.