The City For Foodies: 12 Places to Eat in Fukuoka

Known for its mouthwatering seafood and top-notch sauce game, Fukuoka is a haven for foodies and Japanese culture enthusiasts alike. But with so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to pick just a few restaurants or dishes to try out.

In this blog post, we’re giving you the best places to eat in Fukuoka to make the most of your trip. Beware: do not read on an empty stomach! 

Located outside of the hustle and bustle of Tenjin and Hakata is Sushi Tomo, based in the quiet neighborhood of Kashii. Known for Kashiigu Shrine, both the area and the restaurant provide a soothing atmosphere for you to enjoy the sushi. 

Speaking of the food, Chef Tomonaga is eager to introduce you to the specialties of northern Kyushu: squid sashimi and bluefin tuna, topped with salt from Nagasaki and a squeeze of lemon to complement the fresh seafood.

Reserve your table at Sushi Tomo and indulge in one of their exquisite omakase sushi course menus, paired with a chilled pint of Asahi beer.

With an owner that trained in the art of fresh seafood since the age of 16, Etouke is famous for its medley of seafood, welcoming guests inside for opulent dishes of kue or ara (long-tooth groupers) and fugu (puffer fish) with an atmospheric stone path leading to its noren-draped entrance. 

From hot pots to grilled dishes, the premium Kyushu-gathered ingredients are sure to delight every diner just as much as the all-wooden interiors. For a snapshot of the city’s finest cuisines, you’re in the right place.

Awarded with three Michelin stars, Sushi Sakai provides the ultimate luxury dining experience. This Edomae sushi restaurant specializes in extensive — and we mean extensive — omakase sushi course menus, with its world-class nigiri being a favorite among diners. 

Reserve your seat at Sushi Sakai and see what all the hype is about! As one of only five sushi restaurants in Japan to hold three Michelin stars, you won’t be disappointed.

For an interactive experience, why not try a renowned teppanyaki restaurant where you can watch your meal come to life? If you’re traveling with a group, you can even book a private room with 10 available seats for a fun, low-key experience!

The chefs at Hakata no Ouka are all about pairing the finest ingredients together, including A5 Kobe beef steaks, seared vegetables, garlic fried rice, and drinks from all across Japan to go along with the meal.

You can choose between all-you-can-drink and course menus, and for special occasions, the chefs can prepare a surprise dessert for the celebrants.

Reserve your seat at Hakata no Ouka and decide… Will you choose their Akami lean steak course menu or splash out on the especially premium sirloin steak and seafood course menus? There’s no wrong choice.

If you’re all about the barbecue, Nishinakasu Yakiniku Kiraku is a must-visit spot while in Fukuoka. This yakiniku restaurant is famous for its delicious cuts of gyutan (beef tongue), kalbi (Korean-style beef short ribs), marinated cuts, and more. 

They also offer three different course menus, featuring more luxurious cuts of meat with each menu upgrade. No matter which you choose, reserve your table at Nishinakasu Yakiniku Kiraku and make some mouthwatering memories. 

Party can’t decide between yakitori skewers and sashimi? Why not both at Fujiyoshi, the long-running restaurant in Fukuoka’s Tenjin district? Steeped in Showa-era charm, the back walls of this local institution are lined with fish tanks to illustrate just how fresh your seafood will be! 

To eat a meal where every bite is treated like a masterpiece, reserve your table at Fujiyoshi and do your best to decide between their delicious yakitori or sashimi and yakitori course menus. 

Note: Smoking is allowed in all areas of Fujiyoshi.

If you’re looking for an exclusive dining experience in Fukuoka, Shin-Gi-Tai Wolf Hakata is the place to go. Rare for even Japanese diners, this restaurant’s most popular dish is soft-shell turtle hot pot — not only rich in flavor but packed with health benefits used in Eastern medicine. 

Second in popularity is yakifugu: strips of blowfish you can grill to your liking. That’s one way to shake up your evening barbecue. Additionally, Shin-Gi-Tai Wolf offers chanko nabe (sumo stew), truffle rice, and salted herring roe to round out your delectable meal. 

Instant confirmation: If you need a last-minute reservation in Fukuoka, Shin-Gi-Tai Wolf Hakata offers instant confirmation if there’s availability, so you’ll be booked and eating in no time!

Although Fukuoka may not be the easiest city for vegans and vegetarians due to the popularity of seafood, Plant-based cafe NICE offers a culinary refuge in the form of its plant-based burgers and vegan ice cream in a wide variety of flavors. Even offering alcoholic beverages, you’ll be over the moon with all the options at this zen cafe.

While they do not allow advance reservations, you can find the business days and phone number for any inquiries or to find out when the best time to visit is! 

Nepalese food is popular across Japan for its flavorful curries, and Maitiighar is no exception. Try out the beloved mutton curry in a set with yogurt and salad for a satisfying lunch set.

Spice-intolerant people will be pleased to know you can ask for minimum spice depending on your dietary needs. And if you’re vegetarian or halal, Maitiighar has several options on the menu for you as well. 

Reserve your table at Maitiighar Nepalese Restaurant.

Located on the riverfront of Nakasu in Suijo Park, bills is the perfect place for brunch or satisfying a breakfast-for-dinner craving. Said to have “the world’s best egg dish” by the New York Times, the Financial Times, and other famous newspapers across the globe, Bills is a trendy restaurant that’s sure to please everyone. 

Reserve your table for brunch at bills Fukuoka.

Finally, we have to top off this list of places to eat in Fukuoka with a few dessert spots!

Kenzie’s Donut Factory, which also goes by Canezees Doughnuts, offers eggless fried donuts and dairy-free baked donuts for everyone with a sweet tooth. With flavors ranging from mocha to cocoa, enjoy these vegan donuts with a cup of coffee for a delicious break from walking around the city. 

And if you order 10 donuts or more, you can even get donuts delivered to your apartment or hotel. Find your way to vegan donuts in Fukuoka.

Our second dessert shop pick is Hakata Hiiragi Taiyaki, a restaurant specializing in crisp, delicious taiyaki that happens to be vegan! Using adzuki beans all the way from Hokkaido, you can even buy some homemade bean paste to take home (which we highly recommend, by the way). 

Hiiragi Taiyaki’s most popular item is Taiyaki-kun, a taiyaki parfait of sorts, with a hot taiyaki dunked in vegan vanilla soft serve ice cream. If that sounds too good to resist, head to Hakata Hiiragi Taiyaki next time you’re in Fukuoka.

Just a few blocks from the Canal City, Hakata’s beautiful shopping complex, the restaurant of Hakata Hodoyoshi serves up the freshest fish in the region, direct from Fukuoka’s northern coast. 

In the colder months, brave the specialty of fugu pufferfish — available in sashimi or hot pot form — safely prepared by the chefs’ expert skills; in the spring and summer, taste the rare longtooth grouper, a delicacy throughout Japan.

Reserve your table at Hakata Hodoyoshi and experience the most exquisite version of surf and turf, make sure you enjoy Hodoyoshi’s kuroge wagyu black beef and kurobuta black pork along with your seafood.

Whether you’re coming for the shopping, magnificent culture, or food, we hope this article made you hungry for your upcoming trip to Fukuoka. We recommend wearing stretchy pants so you can enjoy the food to its fullest capacity! 

Looking for more ideas on what to do while in Fukuoka? Check out these blog posts on Fukuoka specialties, your guide to yatai food stalls in the city, and a 3-day Fukuoka itinerary.

Home to both untouched nature and dazzling cities, Fukuoka has something for everyone. From its relaxing onsen towns to mouthwatering food, you can be sure you’ll enjoy your trip here. 

For specific ideas on what to do in Fukuoka, check out this list of 20 of the best things to do in Fukuoka Prefecture! 

Fukuoka is located in the northern part of Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest main island. Easily accessible via the shinkansen to Hakata and Fukuoka International Airport, Fukuoka offers a glimpse into a completely different side of Japan than the main island of Honshu. 

As the hub of Kyushu, Fukuoka allows access to rich nature, pristine beaches, ancient temples, and modern shopping malls. While the food is fantastic throughout the prefecture, you’ll find that Fukuoka’s capital is the ultimate destination for those passionate about their food — especially seafood!