The 10 unmissable restaurants in Northwestern Honshu (Hokuriku), May 2019 Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 06 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

The 10 unmissable restaurants in Northwestern Honshu (Hokuriku), May 2019

Planning a trip to Northwestern Honshu (Hokuriku) and looking for something specific to eat? There are plenty of restaurants to suit every tastes. Discover the best places to eat here, from traditional meal and quintessentially comfort food to western-style dishes and varied ethnic cuisine.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Kanazawa, Fukui, and Toyama.

1. CAFE TRiAN

This cafe is on the second floor of Nanto City Creator Plaza Sakura Crea, which is located in the Sakuragaike Highway Oasis area. You can relax here while enjoying creative Italian cuisine and cafe foods made with local Toyama ingredients. Partly due to its location near a leisure facility, it is utilized for a variety of occasions, particularly by families. They can open for dinner time with reservations as well. With 80 seats and a great capacity of up to 100 people, it's perfect for company parties and gatherings. Large portions for sharing are available by request. Its location on the second floor gives it a wonderful view. Have a break at CAFE TRiAN, which prides itself in its wonderfully housemade dishes!

CAFE TRiAN

Open: [Monday, Wednesday, Thursday] 11:00 am - 5:00 pm (L.O. 4:30 pm) [Friday - Sunday] 11:00 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) [Weekdays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 15 minutes on the Nanto City Bus Johana Sakura Line from [Johana Station]. Near Sakuragaike Kurgarden bus stop.
Address: 2F, Creator Plaza SAKURA CREA, 1514-18, Tatenohara Higashi, Nanto city, Toyama

2. TOP RESTAURANT FOUR SEASON

In the luxurious space of [TOP RESTAURANT FOUR SEASON], relax and enjoy the seasonal ingredients of spring, summer, fall, and winter, together with wine. The French courses consist of dishes with appropriate potions and a light texture so that you can enjoy until the last dish. They mainly use the local ingredients to contribute to [local production for local consumption] and also focus on French ingredients and perfectly fuse them with Japanese elements. Inside the restaurant has high-end interior reminiscent of a European mansion or salon. Also enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the large windows in the entire wall, with the sunlight in the daytime, and romantic views at night. This restaurant is ideal for special occasions, such as anniversaries and with someone important. Have an extraordinary moment with impressive cuisine, wine, and service.

TOP RESTAURANT FOUR SEASON

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 6 minutes walk from [Takaoka Station] on JR West Japan Lines
Address: 14F, Hotel New Otani Takaoka, 1 Shinyoko-machi, Takaoka city, Toyama (Map)
More Details Reservation

3. CAFÉ＆DINING COO

[CAFÉ＆DINING COO] serves a wide variety of dishes, making use of an abundance of blessings from the sea and mountains of Toyama. The dinner menu consists of a-la-carte dishes and courses, mainly with Italian dishes. Enjoy various specialties carefully-cooked by the chef. The lunch menu includes a main dish where you can select among several kinds, and the buffet, to casually enjoy different exquisite dishes to your heart's content. At this hotel restaurant, casually enjoy meals or tea time with attentive hospitality unique to the hotel. This restaurant is ideal for various occasions, such as with someone important, with your family, or for big parties.

CAFÉ＆DINING COO

Open: Breakfast 6:30 am - 10:00 am (L.O. 10:00 am) / Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Food L.O. 9:00 pm, Drink L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,800 JPY
Access: 6 minutes walk from [Takaoka Station] on JR West Japan Lines
Address: 1F, Hotel New Otani Takaoka, 1 Shinyoko-machi, Takaoka city, Toyama (Map)
More Details Reservation

4. Syokurakubo ENJYU

[ENJYU] is a well-known restaurant situated in Hotel New Otani Takaoka. Their menu of original dishes has achieved high acclaim for its excellent selection of Toyama-based ingredients, featuring the best of the best from both the land and sea. Their versatile menu includes Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, which come prepared with fresh in-season seafood from the Hokuriku region, as well as Himi beef and locally sourced produce. They offer classic dishes like ''Handmade Dashi-maki Rolled Omelettes'' which are always a hit with the mature crowd. And to keep things interesting for repeat customers, the menu rotates up to 20 different dishes each day depending on what fresh, seasonal ingredients are in stock. In 2018 the restaurant embarked on a series of renovations that centered on contrasting light and shadow to enhance the dining ambiance inside. Guests have a wide range of dining options to choose from, including sofa seating, Japanese-style low table rooms, and larger dining arrangements for groups. It is the perfect dining setting for everything from local get-togethers to groups of travelers enjoying their vacation or business trip.

Syokurakubo ENJYU

Open: [Weekdays, Saturdays, Holidays, and A Day before Holidays] Dinner: 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm / Drink L. O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 6 minutes walk from the [Suehirocho station] on the Manyo Line / 6 minutes walk from the [Takaokaeki Station] on the Manyo Line.
Address: B1, Hotel New Otani, 1 Shinyoko-machi, Takaoka, Toyama (Map)
More Details Reservation

5. Japanese Cuisine TSUMAMA

[Tsumama] is an ancient Japanese name of [Machilus thunbergii (a species of laurel)] which appears in Manyoshu (Japan's oldest anthology of poems). The beautiful space is created with this tree to offer [a relaxing moment] with the charms unique to Toyama, together with [ultimately savory dishes]. A wide variety of luxurious, exquisite dishes is made with the blessings from the mountains, sea, and rivers. Enjoy shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) with carefully-selected Japanese beef with a good aroma and tender texture, very fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables harvested that morning and various kinds of alcohol to your heart's content. The space is filled with the warmth of wood, inspired by a traditional fine lattice of [Kanaya-machi] where Takaoka Casting was born. Enjoy a beautiful moment and sophisticated service unique to the hotel with someone important.

Japanese Cuisine TSUMAMA

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday -Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 6 minutes walk from [Takaoka Station] on JR West Japan Lines
Address: 3F, Hotel New Otani Takaoka, 1 Shinyoko-machi, Takaoka city, Toyama (Map)
More Details Reservation

6. Teppanyaki Sakura

Kojo Park is located almost in the middle of the town, showing different views that change with the seasons, with cherry blossoms, red leaves, and snow. From the counter seat, you can enjoy wide views like a beautiful piece of art. Also enjoy the wide views behind the chef, such as the Tateyama mountain range and Japan Sea, when the weather is fine. Toyama is a treasure box of ingredients from the rich nature of the sea, mountain, and tasty water. This restaurant offer teppan (Japanese BBQ) cuisine which can be enjoyed with the five senses, combining the local ingredients and others. They also offer approximately 70 kinds of wine from all over the world, mainly from France. A sommelier with rich experience will select the best one for your dish. Their cutlery includes copper table mats and tin products, which are traditional crafts in Takaoka. Enjoy the meals with these sophisticated items that have not changed since the olden days.

Teppanyaki Sakura

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 14,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 6 minutes walk from [Takaoka Station] on JR West Japan Lines
Address: 14F, Hotel New Otani Takaoka, 1 Shinyoko-machi, Takaoka city, Toyama (Map)
More Details Reservation

7. APA HOTEL [Kanazawa Ekimae] Arcen Ciel

At [APA HOTEL Kanazawa Ekimae Arcen Ciel], fully enjoy the cuisine made with an abundance of the local ingredients from Hokuriku, while enjoying the exquisite night view from the 14th floor. This restaurant offer various plans such as party plan, after the party plan, girl's party plan, and anniversary plan. Reservations can be made through the internet, so feel free to give it a try. Also, enjoy wine and cocktails with dishes prepared by a skillful chef. A sommelier, who is also actively working as a bartender, will select the best drink for you. Please visit for various occasions, such as sightseeing and anniversaries, to enjoy the charms of Ishikawa.

APA HOTEL [Kanazawa Ekimae] Arcen Ciel

Open: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from the Kanazawa Port Exit / West Exit of [Kanazawa Station]
Address: 1-9-28 Hirooka, Kanazawa city, Ishikawa (Map)
More Details Reservation

8. Fukunoi Ichinomatsu

Ichinomatsu is a restaurant where diners are treated to seasonal Japanese cuisine that's beautifully presented on exquisite plates. The head chef, who refined his skills at a Japanese restaurant in Kyoto, uses fresh seafood and in-season ingredients to prepare foods that draw one's attention. Only course menus are available for lunch and dinner. Dive into the world of Japanese cuisine with the wide array of foods on offer, such as the [Kisetsu no Hassun] consisting of dishes that represent special monthly events, such as New Year's, Setsubun, and Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day). Even better, the restaurant has private rooms with cushioned floor seating, so you can relax and enjoy your food. Other than that, there's also VIP counter seating on the second floor where the chefs will personally serve up your food. It's the perfect spot for a variety of occasions, so do pay a visit!

Fukunoi Ichinomatsu

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:00 pm) *Reservation only, Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm, Course L.O. 9:00 pm) *reservation required
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 7,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 5 minutes by taxi from [Fukui Station] on the Hokuriku Main Line
Address: 3-12-24, Chuo, Fukui city, Fukui (Map)
More Details Reservation

9. Syunkasyutou Kemuriya

Starting with the superb Echizen crab, known as the king of seafood, the seasonal seafood served at Kemuriya is carefully selected by the owner himself at the fishing port. That said, they procure their seafood from all over Japan, so you can also enjoy varieties that are hard to find in Fukui. In particular, when Echizen crab is in season, it is best enjoyed through their course meals or dishes that fully draw out the flavor of crab, which can differ by size and sweetness. They always stock at least 60 different sake (Japanese alcohol) brands, including both local products and bottles from various areas of the country. They're all accompanied by a card describing all their features, so you can grow more attached to each bottle while enjoying them paired with various foods. The restaurant has a modern Japanese design and a quiet atmosphere, equipped with private rooms with a capacity ranging from 8 to 40 customers. However, if you want to witness the chef's skills up close, grab a seat by the counter!

Syunkasyutou Kemuriya

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: From the West Exit of Fukui Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line, proceed towards Fukui Prefectural Office and turn left right before the Meiji Yasuda Seimei Fukui building.
Address: 2-7-23, Ote, Fukui-shi, Fukui (Map)
More Details Reservation

10. Mikuni Inkyojo

Mikuni-cho in Fukui prefecture prospered more than 200 years ago, as a port of call for Kitamae-bune (trading boats) coming and going all through Japan. [Mikuni Inkyojo] is said to have been a gathering spot for the local fishermen and sailors of Kitamae-bune. Fully enjoy various ingredients raised by nature in Mikuni, and seafood cuisine made with the blessing from the ocean caught by Ama-san (the local woman divers). They offer a wide variety of menu including [Bukkake Wakame Soba (buckwheat noodles topped with seaweed)] as an homage for [Echizen Soba], a specialty from Fukui, and an [Original Sashimi Boat from Mikuni], a specialty from Mikuni to entertain the guests. With reservations in advance, you can also enjoy a special dinner course with high-end ingredients. Please enjoy the best dishes made with the blessing from the Japan Sea.

Mikuni Inkyojo

Open: [Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, National Holiday, Day before National Holidays] 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Breakfast: 9:00 am - 11:00 am / Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm) *Reservations are required after 6:00 pm
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: From JR [Awara Onsen Station], approximately 20 minutes by taxi, or take a bus on the [Tojinbo line] from the Keifuku Bus Platform No.2. Get off at [Shuku] Bus Stop and walk for 2 minutes
Address: 3-7-22 Mikuni-cho Shuku, Sakai, Fukui

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.