Not Sure Where to Eat? 13 Amazing Restaurants and Izakaya in Kumamoto Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jul 03 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Not Sure Where to Eat? 13 Amazing Restaurants and Izakaya in Kumamoto

Located in the Kyushu region, Kumamoto is packed full of world-class sightseeing spots, such as the caldera volcano, Mt. Aso. This article will introduce 13 restaurants and izakaya (Japanese pubs) that you can visit while touring around Kumamoto!

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

1. HAKATAYA

HAKATAYA, a serene retreat near Karashimacho Station, allows adults to relish sake treats featuring fresh seasonal fish, vegetables, and Kumamoto's local sake. This basement restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with counter seating on plush sofas and private dining rooms, ideal for dates, business gatherings, or women’s get-togethers. Alongside seasonal dishes, it serves an array of drinks including local sake, shochu curated by a sommelier, Kikuka wine, and fruit wine. An all-you-can-drink course is also available, perfect for private parties.

HAKATAYA

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm)
Closed: Wednesday, Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from SAKURA MACHI
Address: B1F, TM3Bldg., 13-18, Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

2. FUJIWARA STEAK HOUSE

FUJIWARA STEAK HOUSE offers the opportunity to savor "Takachiho Beef" raised on the lush greenery of Kyushu. Selected Wagyu beef can be enjoyed as teppanyaki steak or sukiyaki, along with luxurious courses featuring abalone, shrimp, and other seafood delicacies. The restaurant, with its sophisticated atmosphere centered around counter seating, allows guests to enjoy exquisite dishes while observing the cooking process upfront. With multilingual support, it's perfect for hosting important guests, dates, or sightseeing. Indulge in blissful moments with a variety of Japanese whiskies, sake, and wine.

FUJIWARA STEAK HOUSE

Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) *Reservations are required. (Reservations can be made on the day.) *Please contact the restaurant at least one day in advance for information on lunch hours.
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from the exit of Torichosuji Station on Kumamoto City Tram Line A or B
Address: 3F, Diverstiy, 6-2, Ansei-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

3. antica locanda MIYAMOTO

Antica locanda MIYAMOTO offers exquisite Akaushi beef and aged meat steaks, slow-cooked over a wood fire. Helmed by Chef Miyamoto, the restaurant showcases the rich flavors of Kumamoto through fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The Akaushi, a precious Wagyu beef from Aso, is a highlight. Set in a verdant, historical area near the city center, guests can enjoy unique Kumamoto courses in a serene, wood and stone-accented atmosphere.

antica locanda MIYAMOTO

Open: [Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:00 pm / [Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Monday. Please note that the restaurant is closed even if Monday is a holiday.
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Kuhonji Kousaten Station on Kumamoto City Tram
Address: 102, 1-9-15, Shin-Yashiki, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

4. Koshitsu Dining Kakehashi Higashi Bypass Main store

2. Koshitsu Dining Kakehashi Higashi Bypass Main store

At Koshitsu Dining Kakehashi Higashi Bypass Main store, guests can savor fresh seasonal seafood paired with a diverse selection of sake from across Japan. While Kumamoto is known for horsemeat, the lean and flavorful Aka Wagyu beef is a must-try, ideally grilled on a ceramic plate (tobanyaki). They offer a unique menu featuring unusual ingredients and accommodate personal preferences and occasions. With private rooms for all events and staff in traditional attire, they ensure a memorable, seasonally-inspired dining experience.

Koshitsu Dining Kakehashi Higashi Bypass Main store

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:30 - 14:30 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:00 - 21:00 (last order 20:30)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,890 JPY
Access: 3 minute drive from the Kumamoto interchange, heading towards Aso.
Address: 3-3-23 Ishiwara, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

5. Unagi No Tokunaga Hokubu

Unagi No Tokunaga Hokubu, established in 1922 and renowned for eel dishes, reopened in 2020. Committed to serving quality eels, it offers meals prepared on the same day from fresh, directly sourced eels. Its enduring sauce recipe contributes to the popularity of its specialties. The restaurant's menu extends beyond traditional unagi to seasonal Japanese cuisine, set meals, and kaiseki, catering to casual gatherings, family events, and business dinners.

Unagi No Tokunaga Hokubu

Open: [Monday-Friday, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: From Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, take a bus to Kanokogi bus stop. It's a 3-minute walk to Tokunaga Kita, located between Sushiro and Book Off.
Address: 187, Kanokogi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

6. kaushi Dining yoka-yoka Teppan & Grill

4. kaushi Dining yoka-yoka Teppan & Grill

Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Teppan & Grill, situated on the 2nd floor of Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto, offers a variety of local and Akaushi beef dishes. The beef, raised in Kumamoto's Aso ranch, is cooked to emphasize its robust flavor and sweet fat. The restaurant's spacious, brown-toned interior exudes a relaxed ambiance. With counter seats, tables, and private rooms, it caters to a range of occasions from lunches to dinners. It's also a popular choice for wedding after-parties and golf competition launches.

kaushi Dining yoka-yoka Teppan & Grill

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: Located in front of Hanabatacho Station on Kumamoto City Tram, a location with excellent accessibility. Coin-operated parking space available nearby.
Address: 2F, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto, 10-22, Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

7. Kumamoto Nurubon Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch (Yamamuro / Yakiniku)

4. Kumamoto Nurubon Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch (Yamamuro / Yakiniku)

Located at the top of a small hill, this restaurant offers a fantastic view from their windows. Why not come here to enjoy the beautiful view while savoring some delicious meat cuisine? Living by the motto of “local production for local consumption,” customers can rest assured that all the food served at this restaurant comes from Kumamoto itself. A wide variety of dishes are available, from a platter of different cuts of Wao beef (a Wagyu brand) to sukiyaki (hot pot stew) made with domestic beef. There is even a reasonably priced all-you-can-eat course where customers can enjoy as much high-quality meat as they want! You'll also find a variety of wine, including some rare ones that you rarely see in other restaurants.

Kumamoto Nurubon Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch

Open: [Tuesday - Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
*Closed the following day instead if Monday falls on a national holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,980 JPY / [Lunch] 1,980 JPY
Address: 1-125-70, Yamamuro, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)
More Details Reservation

8. Nihonshu Bar Ryu

設定

Ryu offers a variety of sake from across Japan, along with delicacies and handmade dishes. It provides a free sake-tasting service, allowing patrons to sample three types of sake per order, appealing to both sake enthusiasts and novices. This generous service stems from the owner's own struggle with strong drinks and his desire to help others find their preferred beverage. The bar stocks everything from standard to rare sake, sourced from small breweries, ensuring a new taste discovery with each visit.

Nihonshu Bar Ryu

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 7:00 pm - 1:30 am *Opens as usual during Golden Week and Obon holidays
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Karashimacho Station on the Kumamoto City Tram. Go along Shimotoori Street, it is the basement of Mister Donut (B1F of the Ikeo building).
Address: B1F, Ikeo Bldg., 6-6, Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

9. HAKATAYA

HAKATAYA, a serene hideaway near Karashimacho Station, offers sake-infused dishes featuring seasonal fresh fish, vegetables, and locally brewed Kumamoto sake. Counter seating with comfy sofas and private dining rooms create a relaxed, yet luxurious ambiance for dates, business meetings, and social gatherings. It boasts an array of drinks, including local sake, shochu recommended by a sommelier, Kikuka wine, and fruit wine. An all-you-can-drink course is available, perfect for private parties. HAKATAYA provides a decadent experience for adults.

HAKATAYA

10. Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Sakuramachi Branch

9. Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Sakuramachi Branch

Located on the third floor of SAKURAMACHI Kumamoto shopping mall, directly connected to the Kumamoto Sakura-machi bus terminal, is Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka. This restaurant specializes in Akaushi beef dishes like beef bowls, steak, and hamburger steak. The Akaushi cattle are raised on the company's ranch. The menu includes favorites like "Akaushi Beef Bowl," "Today's Steak," and "Akaushi Hitsumabushi." The restaurant's open space and counter seating make it a great choice for dates, girls' nights out, solo lunches, or a stop during shopping or travel.

Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Sakuramachi Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: About 10 minutes by bus or car from JR Kumamoto Station. Directly connected to Kumamoto Sakura-machi Bus Terminal. It is on the 3rd floor of the shopping mall, SAKURAMACHI kumamto.
Address: 3F-307, 3-10, Sakura-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

11. Nihonryori Tomita

Tomita, near Shirakawa Park in Kumamoto City, has been popular since 2008. Owner and Japanese cuisine chef, Mr. Tomita, crafts dishes using Kyushu's natural fish and Japan's seasonal ingredients. Home to seasonal kaiseki, it offers four unique courses for lunch and dinner, reservation only, with special weekday lunches. Each dish blends tradition and innovation, stimulating senses and creating memories. Renovated in 2020, its space reflects Japanese tradition. Counter and tatami rooms offer privacy, concluding with a matcha green tea, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

Nihonryori Tomita

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm *Reservation required / Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm *Reservation required
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Suidocho Station or 6-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station on Kumamoto City Tram. 4-minute walk from Fujisakigu-mae Station on Kumamoto Electric Railway. 2-minute walk from Shirakawa Koen-mae bus stop.
Address: 4-5, Minami-tsuboi-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

12. Kumamoto Prince Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch

11. Kumamoto Prince Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch

Kumamoto Prince Garden Yamamuro Okubo is renowned for serving top-tier local Kumamoto meat dishes accompanied by panoramic views. Housed in a charming hilltop building, the restaurant emphasizes "local production for local consumption," offering dishes made with local high-quality beef and vegetables. Their recommended buffet features four courses with meats selected by expert chefs. Enjoy breathtaking views while savoring delicious yakiniku, a delight for meat lovers.

Kumamoto Prince Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch

Open: [Monday - Friday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O.10:00 pm)/ [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) / Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O.2:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,980 JPY / [Lunch] 1,980 JPY
Access: Kumamoto Dentetsu Bus - Kaketsuken-mae Bus Stop / North route 3 or North route 4 - 7-minutes walk
Address: 1-125-70, Yamamuro,Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
More Details Reservation

13. Fumo

Fumo is an Italian restaurant offering aromatic cuisine and wine in a tranquil atmosphere. Ideal for dates or relaxed gatherings, its stylish interior resembles a bar. The refined space features a spacious counter and just eight seats, offering an intimate dining experience. The menu offers course meals featuring daily special ingredients, wood-fired and straw-grilled dishes, homemade pasta, and unique à la carte options. With 60-70 types of wine and Japanese whiskey, it caters to both food and drink enthusiasts.

Fumo

Open: Dinner 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (last order 12:30 am) / Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (last order 2:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
More Details Reservation

14. Skillet

"Glamping Village Leaf" in Mashiki Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, features a BBQ facility perfect for day trips. Ideal for family holidays or friend outings, it offers a BBQ set with Kumamoto beef options including spare ribs and skewers, along with an outdoor hotpot set menu. Each set includes unlimited soft drinks, with an option to upgrade to unlimited alcohol. Guests can also bring their own ingredients. Located about a 10-minute drive from the nearest interchange in the Kumamoto Airport area, it's a great spot to enjoy a BBQ amidst nature.

Skillet

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (last order 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
More Details Reservation

Are you intrigued by any of the restaurants listed in this article? If you are sightseeing around Kumamoto, use this article to guide you in your exploration of the local cuisine!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.