One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is indulging in gourmet food. The unique flavors of a region are best experienced on-site. In this article, I will introduce five local gourmet restaurants that you should definitely visit when traveling to Kochi. In addition to the seasonal first bonito, there are a variety of dishes unique to Kochi. The deliciousness will allow you to fully enjoy the essence of travel!
1. Hasuikecho-dori Station: Sake to Sakana Maruhai
Reservations recommended! Come and savor seasonal fish paired with fine sake.
Sake to Sakana Maruhai is an izakaya located just a 5-minute walk from Hasuikecho-dori Station. They specialize in creating exquisite dishes made with locally sourced seasonal fish. The owner skillfully prepares high-quality fish to bring out their natural flavors. The delightful food is complemented by a selection of drinks, including the locally brewed "Keigetsu" sake, known for being the best in the Tosa Reihoku region. They offer various banquet courses, with options ranging from a popular business dining course priced at 5,500 yen to a luxurious and extravagant course priced at 10,000 yen.
The restaurant has a serene atmosphere with table seating that can accommodate up to 16 guests, as well as counter seating for individuals, making it suitable for various occasions. Additionally, they offer dishes such as grilled eel, Tosa Akaushi beef, and Ise lobster, making it perfect for special gatherings. Why not discover this hidden gem in the city and enjoy the combination of seasonal fish and fine sake?
Sake to Sakana Maruhai
Open:
[Wednesday-Sunday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / [Tuesday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays ] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm), last entry by 8:30 pm. / Open for lunch as "Curry Toichiya" and dinner as "Sake to Sakana Maruhai." Closed:
Monday, SundayAverage price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPYAccess:
5 or 6 steps from the west gate of "55th Avenue." It is on the right side.Address:
1-8-12, Outesuji, Kochi-shi, Kochi More Details Reservation 2. Harimaya Bridge Station: Orankuya (Main Branch)
Taste the seasonal flavors of Tosa in a completely private room.
The main branch of the local restaurant Orankuya offers fresh seasonal seafood from Kochi: Guests can enjoy a variety of local dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and tempura at reasonable prices. The chef's 'Seasonal Omakase 8-Piece Sushi Assortment' features a unique and authentic flavor using seasonal seafood. Additionally, guests can savor local specialties like the 'Hay-smoked Bonito Tataki,' which is flamboyantly grilled with hay, a dish unique to Kochi. The restaurant also boasts a wide selection of local sake and the famous bamboo sake, making it possible to enjoy the dishes alongside drinks.
The restaurant offers counter seats that are easy to use, even for solo diners. In addition, it also has private rooms of various sizes, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. Why not enjoy a wonderful time at this restaurant and fully indulge in the seasonal flavors of Kochi?
Orankuya (Main Branch)
Open:
[Weekday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPYAccess:
2-minute walk to the north from Harimayabashi tram stop on Tosaden Streetcar / Enter the eastern entrance of the Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade (Ichibangai) and turn right at the first cornerAddress:
2-1-8, Harimaya-cho, Kochi-shi, Kochi More Details Reservation 3. Kochijo-mae Station: Tofu to Yuba Tosa Bunka no Mise Daimyo
In a space with a 400-year history, they offer carefully crafted tofu and Tosa cuisine.
The former Gotou family house, located just a 2-minute walk from Kochijo-mae Station, is a historic building that has stood the test of time for over a hundred years. After passing through the large gate, visitors can enjoy a leisurely meal at a restaurant featuring freshly made tofu, yuba, and Tosa cuisine called Tofu to Yuba Tosa Bunka no Mise Daimyo.
In the modern Japanese interior, guests can enjoy views of a charming Japanese garden, offering a peaceful escape from everyday life. The restaurant has 8 private rooms that can accommodate up to 36 guests for banquets, making it ideal for daily meals, business dinners, and special occasions like milestone anniversaries.
Tofu to Yuba Tosa Bunka no Mise Daimyo
Open:
Dinner 18:00 - 22:00 (last order 22:00)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPYAccess:
On the west side of NTT West Kochi Branch. West of Sunkus. The 400-year old gate is the landmark.Address:
4-1-42 Honmachi, Kochi, Kochi More Details Reservation 4. Sanbashi-dori-itchome: Tenka-Aji (Sanbashi Main Branch)
Savor the elusive Japanese beef "Tosa Akaushi" prepared in various delicious ways.
Tenka-Aji, a well-established restaurant in Kochi, founded in 1966, offers the chance to savor Tosa Akaushi beef, known as the "phantom wagyu." To fully enjoy the exquisite taste of this rare wagyu, the restaurant insists on providing it hand-sliced. The secret sauce, which takes over three months to ripen, further enhances the meat's flavor. A popular menu item is the "Tosa Akaushi Beef Sukiyaki Rice Set," which features a generous portion of beef and small side dishes.
The restaurant has a calm atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while relaxing. There are also tatami rooms and private rooms available, making it suitable for family gatherings, dates, and parties.
Tenka-Aji (Sanbashi Main Branch)
Open:
Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 3,700 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPYAccess:
150m north from Sanbashi-dori-itchome Station on the Tosaden Kotsu Sanbashi LineAddress:
1-5-6, Sanbashi-dori, Kochi-shi, Kochi More Details Reservation 5. Kochi Station: Shunsai Shibata
Savoring Japanese cuisine made with exceptionally fresh seasonal ingredients.
Shunsai Shibata is situated just a 7-minute walk from Kochi Station. They offer visually stunning and delicious dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Their highly recommended option is the 'Tosa Seasonal Ingredients Omakase Course.' This course includes a variety of dishes that change monthly, showcasing local specialties like salted bonito tataki for a truly fulfilling dining experience.
The restaurant is situated on the second floor of a building in the lively downtown area of Kochi City. Inside, the decor includes floral arrangements, which creates a spacious and relaxing atmosphere. There are counter seats for patrons to closely observe the chef at work, as well as semi-private table seats. Guests can savor traditional Tosa cuisine along with local sake from Kochi while sharing memories of their travels.
Shunsai Shibata
Open:
[Tuesday - Saturday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (last order 10:00 pm)[Sunday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (last order 9:30 pm)Closed:
*Closed every Monday and irregular holidays on Sundays.Average price:
[Dinner] 8,800 JPYMore Details Reservation
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.