5 Must-Try Morioka Gourmet Restaurants When Visiting the Morioka Sansa Odori Festival｜Iwate Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jul 14 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Iwate Steak

5 Must-Try Morioka Gourmet Restaurants When Visiting the Morioka Sansa Odori Festival｜Iwate

One of the representative festivals of the Tohoku region, the Morioka Sansa Odori, attracts a large number of visitors every year, enlivening the hot summer. This time, we introduce five restaurants where you can enjoy Morioka cuisine, rich in both seafood and mountain delicacies. From nationally famous specialty dishes to a variety of options including Japanese and Italian cuisine, please enjoy the diverse lineup.

See full listings of Steak restaurants found in and around Iwate.

1. Seafood Cuisine [Kaisen Sushi Washoku Suzutoku]

A long-established seafood restaurant directly managed by a high-quality fresh fish store where customers can enjoy top-notch seafood.

A long-established seafood restaurant directly managed by a high-quality fish store where customers can enjoy fresh seafood.

Located a 20-minute walk from Morioka Station, [Kaisen Sushi Washoku Suzutoku] is a renowned restaurant with a long history, having been established in the early Meiji period. As a direct operation of a long-standing fresh fish store, the quality of the seafood is exceptional. They offer seasonal fish sourced from markets nationwide, including the 'Sanriku-Kinkasan Offshore,' one of the world's top three fishing grounds, at reasonable prices. With menu items that are perfect for social media, it's no wonder this restaurant is so popular.

The interior of the restaurant, inspired by a fisherman's hut, offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The first floor features counter seats that are easy to use even for solo diners, as well as table seats perfect for groups. On the second floor, there are two tatami rooms. These rooms are ideal for large parties, making the restaurant versatile for various occasions.

Kaisen sushi washoku Suzutoku

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm / Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (last order 2:00 pm)
Closed: Monday,Sunday,Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
More Details Reservation

2. Tempura [Shukou Dining Saiki]

Exquisite tempura enjoyed while watching the chef's performance

An 11-minute walk from Morioka Station. Located on the second floor of a building, marked by a mustard-colored curtain, is [Sakiki Sake and Appetizer Dining]. Guests can enjoy perfectly fried tempura made from exceptionally fresh seafood sourced by expert brokers at the market, as well as seasonal vegetables from Iwate Prefecture. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including sake that pairs perfectly with the tempura. The courses featuring Iwate's ingredients are also popular.

The restaurant, with its wood-themed and tranquil atmosphere, features an open kitchen style. The counter seats are popular as they allow guests to watch the chef's performance of carefully frying each dish while enjoying conversation. Of course, there are also table seats available, making it suitable for group use. Whether dining alone or with friends, the restaurant caters to various needs.

Shuko dining SAIKI

Open: [Weekday,Day Before Holidays] 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (last order 9:30 pm)[Saturday] 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:30 pm)[Weekday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (last order 2:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday,Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
More Details Reservation

3. Italian Cuisine [Rocchumano]

A local Italian bar featuring Iwate's brand pork 'Sasuke Pork'

Located a 20-minute walk from Kamimorioka Station, the popular Italian bar [Rocchumano] is well-known for its focus on local production for local consumption, featuring Iwate Prefecture's renowned 'Sasuke Pork' from Ninohe. The restaurant is popular for its use of locally sourced brand pork. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes that highlight the deliciousness of pork, including the tender and refreshing 'Grilled Bone-in Sasuke Pork,' as well as appetizers and pasta.

The interior of the restaurant mainly features table seating, with counter seats that are convenient for solo visitors, and private rooms that can accommodate groups of 4 to 7 people. They offer courses and free drinks that allow guests to fully enjoy their proud dishes, making it perfect for parties. Additionally, there are services to ensure a fun time, such as dessert plates with messages for anniversaries and birthdays.

Roche Mano

Open: [Weekday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
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4. Teppanyaki [Teppanyaki Kougetsu]

A popular restaurant where one can enjoy premium steaks and other dishes mainly made with ingredients from the Tohoku region

Located a 20-minute walk from Morioka Station, [Teppanyaki Kougetsu] is a restaurant where guests can enjoy teppanyaki featuring ingredients mainly from the Tohoku region. The ingredients used are carefully selected, with the owner personally visiting the production areas to procure them. They prepare items such as scallops from Sanriku and Maesawa beef on a thick iron plate, achieving the perfect level of doneness for each ingredient.

The dimly lit and calm atmosphere of the restaurant creates an adult space where jazz quietly plays in the background. Sitting at the spacious counter seats, guests can fully enjoy the live experience of various ingredients being grilled on a thick iron plate. The rich time spent here, enjoying the marriage of carefully selected ingredients and wine, along with conversations with the chef, is unique to this place.

Teppanyaki Ko-Getsu

Open: [Weekday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (last order 1:30 pm)[Weekday,Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (last order 11:30 pm)
Closed: Daytime: Irregular holidays, Nighttime: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
More Details

5. Wanko Soba [Touya Main Restaurant]

Famous 'Wanko Soba' at a long-established Japanese restaurant founded in 1907

A 30-minute walk from Morioka Station, the main branch of Tōke, established in 1907 (Meiji 40), is a long-established restaurant loved by locals as a kaiseki restaurant since its inception. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes that have been cherished for years, including the famous 'Wanko Soba,' served with the lively call of 'Hai, Janjan!' from the waitstaff, as well as 'Kamo Seiro' and 'Katsudon.'

The restaurant is a renovated early Showa-era merchant house. The spacious interior allows guests to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and comfortable setting. In addition to table seating, there are also tatami mat rooms available, making it suitable for large groups. Not only can visitors enjoy delicious meals, but they can also appreciate the historical ambiance that makes the visit worthwhile.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.