The Naples of the East: 10 Best Restaurants in Kagoshima

Sea turtles, ancient island forests, volcanos, and more! Kagoshima is the perfect island getaway for those looking to walk on the wild side. Located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima is well worth the journey by plane or bullet train to visit the likes of UNESCO World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, a fairytale-like woodland, Sakurajima Volcano, and the pristine beaches of Amami-Oshima Island. 

With so much to do, you’ll need proper fuel, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the laid-back, island life of Kagoshima than with your palate. 

So without any further ado, here are the best restaurants you can dine at while in Kagoshima.

Located just a 10-minute walk from Kagoshima Chuo Station and just 4 minutes from Kagoshima Shinkansen Station is Yataro Sushi, a small sushi shop with a friendly atmosphere.

Sit at the counter to get in on the action or in a private tatami room if you’re with a group. We recommend the omakase menu and pairing it with Kagoshima shochu, or sweet potato wine, if you’re in the mood to try something different.

If you’re looking for a quick meal while you’re out shopping, consider stopping by Ichiniisan, a Japanese restaurant with a set menu centered on black pork, a specialty of Kagoshima. 

Enjoy dishes like black pork hot pot, crispy beef tempura, and sushi at this central location in Amu Plaza.

Conveniently accessible via the Kagoshima City Tram is Aji no Tonkatsu Maruichi, which is the place to go for crispy, Kagoshima beef tempura.

The portions are large and sold at a reasonable price, leaving you with more room in the budget for your travels. 

Please note that the restaurant is located in the basement at the B1 level — we promise its hidden location is worth searching for.

Located near Kagoshima Port, Mekkemon is ideal for those just returning from cruises and looking for a bite to eat.

Mekkemon is an upscale eatery specializing in seafood, especially sushi. Be sure to try the seasonal selections indicated on the menu for the freshest fish available.

Fans of shabu-shabu hot pot will enjoy Ajimori, reportedly the place where tonshabu, or black Kagoshima pork shabu-shabu, was invented.  

Swish the decadent slices of pork through the broth as you savor the flavors of Kagoshima. Located on Ginza Street across from Tenmonkan Park, the big portions served here will give you enough energy for a full day of sightseeing! 

Know that there are different set menus available for lunch or dinner time, so look up the menu beforehand to check which time is best for you to have your mouthwatering meal.

Located on the top floor of the Shiroyama Hotel, Le Ciel offers high-end French cuisine with views overlooking the entire city of Kagoshima, including the volcano of Sakurajima and the sparkling waters of Kinko Bay.  

This restaurant truly has every kind of luxury menu you could want, including the spiny lobster course in the fall months, a delicious vegan menu and elegantly plated multi-course selections.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can also order an exclusive menu for you and your loved ones.

Craving eel? Head to Jigenji Park for unagi at Unagi no Mikaku. The crispy unagi sits atop a bowl of soft white rice and is accompanied by pickled daikon radish and miso soup to wash it all down.

Looking over the park, this meal is perfect for a day when you want to take your time and eat great Japanese food. 

Find out more: The Complete Guide to Unagi: Japanese Freshwater Eel

Those with room in the budget for luxury cuisine will do well to go with Ristorantino II Cipresso, an Italian restaurant on the outskirts of Tenmonkan Park in central Kagoshima. 

The Chef has formerly worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tuscany, Italy, taking his experiences in Italy and transporting the flavors of the old country to Kagoshima. 

Celebrating a special occasion? Simply let a staff member know and they can arrange a special dessert or bouquet for you. 

Note that this is a dinner restaurant that's only open from 6 pm to 11 pm.

If you’re in the mood for casual pub food, be sure to pay a visit to GrillxBurger & Craft Beer Nikanbashi Burger Bar, a cozy eatery in the Hotel Mystays Accommodation near Tenmonkan Park.

On the menu is the iconic black beef burger with a juicy patty, paired with crispy fries and a craft beer of your choosing. The selection is impressive, ranging from pale ales to pilsners to stouts, ensuring everyone in your party can get their favorite drink.  

This burger bar is immensely popular, so if you stop by and can't manage to bag a seat, you can still enjoy their burgers for takeout.

Is there any better place to try Kagoshima-style ramen than its birthplace? Located in Tenmonkan Park, Tontoro Ramen is the best in the game when it comes to Kagoshima Ramen.

Be sure to order their Pork Toro Ramen with thin slices of Kagoshima black wagyu beef on top.

Find out more: Beginner’s Guide to Wagyu: Types, Grades & Where to Eat

Looking for more advice on what to eat or what to get up to while in Kagoshima? Check out Kagoshima's regional specialties and tick off a few of the best things to do in the area.

Kagoshima is a region that's well-known for its “black meats,” consisting of kurobuta (black pork), kuroushi (black beef) and kuro satsuma-dori (black chicken).

Kagoshima Prefecture is sometimes given the name of the “Naples of the East,” due to its southern location, picturesque bay and mild climate.

In addition, Kagoshima is home Mt. Kirishima and Mt. Sakurajima, two great volcanoes.

Of course! Based in a chain of Japanese islands, you can experience a unique blend of traditional culture, unique foods and tropical climates. There's always something to see, do and eat.