Update-date: Nov 15 2023
We are going to introduce five French restaurants that make abundant use of local ingredients in the naturally rich Hokuriku region. This region receives heavy snowfall in winter and benefits from ample snowmelt water for the growth of vegetables and rice. Moreover, the region along the Sea of Japan offers a rich catch of fresh fish, attracting many food enthusiasts. When visiting Hokuriku, be sure to try these local, ingredient-driven French restaurants.
Le jardin fukui
A standalone restaurant for enjoying Fukui specialties.
Le jardin fukui, located just a 3-minute walk from Fukui City's Nippa-kagaku-mae Station, is a French restaurant that sources carefully selected ingredients from across Japan, with a focus on Fukui's local produce. One of their specialties, the "Warm Salad of Rokusho Barley and Squid with Shioumi Sea Urchin Emulsion," features both ingredients and tableware from Fukui. It pairs Echizen squid from the Wakasa region with Fukui's specialty Rokusho barley risotto, complemented by Japan's top delicacy, Shioumi sea urchin.
When you pass through the entrance and open the door, an elegant and sophisticated space unfolds before you. The sofa seats, equipped with high-back sofas, offer a sense of privacy and relaxation. Private rooms are also available, making it a great choice when you want to enjoy a leisurely meal with your group. In this upscale environment, savor the cuisine prepared by the chef who has won first place in the International Culinary Competition.
Le jardin fukui
Open: [Monday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 30,000 JPY / [Lunch] 15,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Nikkakagaku Mae Station on Echizen Railway
Address: 4-28-16, Bunkyo, Fukui-shi, Fukui Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 30,000 JPY / [Lunch] 15,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Nikkakagaku Mae Station on Echizen Railway
Address: 4-28-16, Bunkyo, Fukui-shi, Fukui Map
A la ferme de Shinjiro
Enjoy the harmony of local ingredients and fine wine in a retro townhouse.
A la ferme de Shinjiro is located in Owari-cho, not far from Kanazawa's Omi-cho Market and Kanazawa Castle. They use seasonal local ingredients, including organic vegetables from their own farm and fresh fish delivered directly from the market. The menu is available in course format, and the dishes are served on traditional Ishikawa tableware such as Kutani-yaki and Wajima lacquerware. Being a shop directly managed by the Kanazawa Winery, the wine pairing with their in-house-brewed wines is exceptional.
Located on the second floor of a Machiya-style winery, this establishment decorates its interior walls with three types of soil from the Kanazawa region: Kawakitagata, Anamizu, and Suzu, expressing the terroir of Ishikawa. The historic building exudes a chic atmosphere, and it allows you to appreciate the architectural beauty unique to Japanese houses, such as the use of thick wooden beams. The course menu, woven from locally sourced ingredients and tableware, along with the retro ambiance, creates a special atmosphere.
A la ferme de Shinjiro
Open: [Monday,Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: 20-minute walk from Kanazawa Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line, 1-minute walk from Owari-cho bus stop, 7-minute walk from Musashigatsuji/Omicho Ichiba bus stop
Address: 1-9-9, Owari-cho, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: 20-minute walk from Kanazawa Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line, 1-minute walk from Owari-cho bus stop, 7-minute walk from Musashigatsuji/Omicho Ichiba bus stop
Address: 1-9-9, Owari-cho, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Map
tawara
A hidden gem French restaurant where one can savor a multi-course meal of small portions.
Located in the vicinity of the Nagamachi Samurai District in Kanazawa City, Tawara is a French restaurant that feels like a hidden gem. Here, you can enjoy a multi-course meal prepared by a chef who honed his skills at many restaurants in Kanazawa, France, and Kyoto. The cuisine features carefully selected seasonal ingredients from Kanazawa, Noto, Toyama, and other regions, with elements of Japanese cuisine creatively integrated. Pay attention to the tableware by local artists that adds a touch of color to the dishes.
The area features traditional earth walls, stone pavements, and stately samurai residences from the olden days. Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere combines a sense of wabi-sabi with Nordic design, creating a harmonious space. It's conveniently located near Kanazawa's Kazue-machi district, making it a perfect place to conclude your sightseeing. In a city where you can feel Japan's traditions, why not savor French cuisine with a touch of Japanese flair?
tawara
Open: [Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (Reservations are required with a 12:00 pm start time) / [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Reservations are required for 6:00 or 7:00 pm start time)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute drive from the East Exit of Kanazawa Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line
Address: 1F, Royal Plaza Katamachi, 2-10-19, Katamachi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute drive from the East Exit of Kanazawa Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line
Address: 1F, Royal Plaza Katamachi, 2-10-19, Katamachi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Map
More Details Reservation
Cave Yunoki
Enjoy the food and sake of Toyama in a 100-year-old storehouse.
Cave Yunoki is a restaurant located in the port town of Iwase, where the traditional streetscape still remains. It's housed in a 100-year-old renovated warehouse. The ingredients used, such as rice, vegetables, and fish, are carefully sourced from Toyama. Depending on the season, they also serve game dishes like bear and wild boar. The "Searing Fire-Grilled Aori Ika," featuring Toyama's specialty Aori Ika briefly seared over an open flame, is a delightful dish that fills your mouth with the sweetness of the squid and the aroma of the flame.
The store, which was renovated from the storehouse of a merchant dealing in cargo vessels that thrived through trade in the Edo period, has an atmosphere reminiscent of a villa. It operates with one group per day, completely by reservation, so visitors can occupy a luxurious space. While listening to the jazz and harpsichord music that flows in the store, they can enjoy a leisurely meal. In a warm space with a wood stove, they can savor the blessings of the sea and mountains of Toyama, along with locally brewed sake.
Cave Yunoki
Open: [Wednesday - Sunday] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:00 pm) Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 16,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,800 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Keirinjomae Station
Address: No.2, Morike Dozogun, 102, Higashi Iwasemachi, Toyama-shi, Toyama Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 16,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,800 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Keirinjomae Station
Address: No.2, Morike Dozogun, 102, Higashi Iwasemachi, Toyama-shi, Toyama Map
SAYS FARM
A hilltop standalone restaurant to savor locally-sourced flavors.
Located on a hill overlooking Toyama Bay in Himi, SAYS FARM is a winery that produces wine from 100% locally sourced ingredients. It also houses a restaurant where they serve dishes made with ingredients freshly harvested from their own farm, including vegetables, herbs, and fish caught at Himi's fishing port. The menu varies depending on the available ingredients of the day, allowing guests to enjoy dishes that can only be experienced on that day. They offer a wide selection of their own wines.
With a predominantly white interior, the view from the windows of the restaurant reveals lush mountains and the Sea of Japan. On sunny days during lunchtime and tea time, outdoor seating is also available, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by nature. They also have a shop and gallery on-site where you can purchase wine, freshly laid eggs from their farm, and homemade jam. It's an excellent opportunity to explore and enjoy more than just delicious food during your visit.
SAYS FARM
Open: Gallery Shop 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (reservation required) Tea Time 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (L.O. 4:30 pm) Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (reservation required by 3 days in advance)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 20 minutes by car from JR Himi Station on JR Himi Line / 70 minutes from JR Toyama Station on JR Lines
Address: 238, Kitayama, Aza, Yokawa, Himi-shi, Toyama Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 20 minutes by car from JR Himi Station on JR Himi Line / 70 minutes from JR Toyama Station on JR Lines
Address: 238, Kitayama, Aza, Yokawa, Himi-shi, Toyama Map
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
