Kanazawa Food Guide 2025: 10 Must-Try Local Dishes & Hidden Gems for Food Lovers
Kanazawa, a popular tourist destination among foreigners, is a city that developed from a castle town that flourished during the Edo period (1600-1868). Many historical spots and traditional culture remain, and it is known as one of Japan's leading cities where you can experience authentic Japanese atmosphere.
Kanazawa has a deeply rooted food culture that takes advantage of the rich natural blessings of the sea and mountains. One of its charms is the abundance of traditional local cuisine that has been passed down through generations.
This time, we will introduce excellent food that can be eaten in Kanazawa and recommended restaurants. Please use this as a reference for your visit!
Kanazawa is Famous for Fresh Seafood That Can Be Enjoyed Year-Round
The Sea of Japan, where cold and warm currents intersect, provides an optimal environment where fish of various characteristics can easily thrive. Therefore, in Kanazawa, which faces the Sea of Japan, you can taste various types of fresh seafood year-round, regardless of the season.
Please enjoy seasonal seafood according to when you travel - summer rock oysters, autumn nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), winter crab, and more!
Exquisite Dishes You Should Definitely Try When You Come to Kanazawa
With so many delicious options available in Kanazawa, you might be confused about what to eat. Here, we have picked out exquisite dishes that you absolutely must eat in Kanazawa and my recommended restaurants. Please use this as a reference for your travel plans.
Seafood & Sushi
When it comes to Kanazawa, seafood is absolutely essential. Kanazawa's markets accept fish from fishing ports all day long, so you can get fresh seafood whether you go in the morning, afternoon, or evening. This is why even ordinary households can enjoy delicious seafood on a daily basis.
Throughout Kanazawa city, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy seafood in various styles. Some restaurants source directly from fishing ports, and the attractive point is that you can eat many types of seafood throughout the year.
Popular items include nodoguro (the high-grade fish representing Kanazawa), sweet shrimp with plump texture and exquisite sweetness, and snow crab with rich umami flavor.
Omicho Market
The first place you should visit when coming to Kanazawa is "Omicho Market." With 300 years of history, Omicho Market has been beloved not only by tourists but also by locals as "Kanazawa citizens' kitchen."
The market is filled with fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. In addition, there is a rich lineup of approximately 170 stores selling vegetables, fruits, meat, sweets, flowers, clothing, and more. Please enjoy shopping while asking the shop staff about seasonal ingredients and recommended foods.
My recommendation is the handmade prepared dishes sold at the storefronts. There are various items using Kanazawa specialties such as gas shrimp tempura, crab rice, and oyster fry, so please try them!
- Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 (may vary by store)
- Closed: Varies by store
- Phone Number: 076-231-1462
- Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Otome Sushi
Source:Tabelog
"Otome Sushi" is a representative sushi restaurant in Kanazawa that has earned two Michelin stars. Many locals visit, and in recent years it has become known as a sushi restaurant where reservations are difficult to obtain.
The sushi mainly uses Kanazawa seafood and values careful preparation that brings out the texture of the ingredients. The shari (sushi rice) is made from Noto-produced rice cooked in an earthenware pot and shaped with skilled techniques, offering a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
They also have an abundant selection of alcoholic beverages including Ishikawa Prefecture sake and wines. My favorite style is to start with beer and appetizers, then enjoy sushi with sake.
Please also enjoy the taste of Kanazawa's rare specialties such as gas shrimp in season during spring and manjuu clams that can be eaten from summer to autumn!
- Address: 4-10 Kigura-machi, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 12:00-Last entry 13:30 / 17:00-Last entry 19:00
- Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, Holidays
- Phone Number: 076-231-7447
- Official Website: https://kiguramachi.com/shop/237/
Kourin Sushi
Source:Tripadvisor
Located just a few minutes' walk from Omicho Market, "Kourin Sushi" is a long-established sushi restaurant founded in 1951. This family-run establishment, passed down through generations, holds the philosophy of "wanting to spread the deliciousness of Japanese sushi to people around the world."
Therefore, they offer an English menu and have staff members who can communicate in English.
My recommended point is that you can order individual pieces at reasonable prices, allowing you to casually enjoy various types of sushi. Please enjoy fresh seafood sourced from Omicho Market to your heart's content.
Being close to popular tourist attractions, it's also charming that you can easily drop by during your sightseeing. I recommend this place for those who want to casually enjoy fresh sushi.
- Address: 79 Hakuromachi, Kanazawa City, Kanazawa
- Business Hours: 11:30-13:30 / 17:30-21:30
- Closed: Wednesdays and Sundays
- Phone: 076-231-5964
- Official Website: http://www.kourin1.com/
TILE
Source:Official website
At the seafood bowl specialty restaurant "TILE," you can enjoy customized seafood bowls in a stylish interior renovated from a townhouse that's over 100 years old. A "seafood bowl" consists of various sashimi placed on top of rice served in a bowl.
At this restaurant, you choose your favorite ingredients from about 30 varieties and place them on rice yourself. The stylish presentation that overturns the typical image of seafood bowls is also wonderful.
Variety of ingredient types (examples):
- Tuna
- Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch)
- Yellowtail
- Salmon
- Sweet shrimp
- Snow crab
- Salmon roe
- Eel
- Roast beef
- Duck confit
Kanazawa's specialty seafood is available, of course, and the lineup of unique ingredients you won't find elsewhere is also an attractive point. My recommended way of eating is to finish by pouring bonito broth over it to make rice soup. The Japanese sweets are also delicious, so please try them.
This restaurant is recommended for those who want to enjoy seafood bowls in a distinctive style.
- Address: 4-18 Konohana-machi, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:00) / 17:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 076-255-2802
- Official Website: https://tile-japan.jp/
Coil
Source:Official website
"Coil," a sister restaurant of "TILE," is a new type of sushi restaurant where you can experience making "hand-roll sushi" yourself.
"Hand-roll sushi" is a type of sushi where you spread vinegared rice on seaweed, add your favorite ingredients, and roll it up to eat. Hand-roll sushi, where various ingredients are arranged and everyone enjoys eating together, is also a popular style as Japanese home cooking.
In addition to standard seafood like tuna and salmon, Western-style ingredients such as avocado & basil and Camembert cheese are also recommended. For those who are unsure about choosing ingredients, there are also "recommended sets" available. It's also a pleasant point that you can taste representative Japanese foods like tempura and miso soup together.
Please visit if you want to experience the Japanese food culture of making and eating!
- Address: 1-1 Fukuromachi, Kanazawa City, Kanazawa Hakomachi 2F
- Business Hours: 11:00-21:30 (L.O. 20:30, may vary by store)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 076-256-5076
- Official Website: https://coil-japan.jp/
Tempura
The Japanese dish "Tempura," which is popular among foreigners, consists of seafood and vegetables coated in batter and deep-fried in oil. It's typically eaten with special sauce or salt, and the appealing point is that you can simply enjoy seasonal ingredients. The freshly fried crispy batter enhances the deliciousness of the ingredients.
Although Kanazawa has few tempura specialty shops, carefully selected stores are available. Here we introduce popular shops where you can enjoy exquisite tempura fried right in front of the counter.
Tempura Koizumi
Source:Official website
"Tempura Koizumi" is a tempura specialty shop standing quietly in a residential area. In the small interior with only counter seats, you can taste exquisite tempura using abundant seasonal ingredients from Kanazawa. The crispy batter fried in quality oil enhances the taste of the ingredients, and you could eat endlessly.
The menu consists only of course meals, and you can enjoy sashimi in addition to tempura. The carefully prepared dishes with delicate presentation pair perfectly with crisp cold Japanese sake. The desserts such as ice cream and fruits are also exquisite, making it a completely satisfying course until the end.
Please visit if you want to enjoy not only high-quality tempura where you can savor the taste of the ingredients, but also authentic Kanazawa-style Japanese cuisine!
- Address: 4-banchi 34, Ikeda-machi, Kanazawa City
- Business hours: 12:00~ / 18:00~20:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone number: 076-223-0023
- Official website: https://tempura-koizumi.jp/
Noto Beef
"Noto Beef," representing Kanazawa, has abundant lean parts, and one of its charms is that you can directly feel the firm umami of the meat. It's also called "phantom brand beef" because of its small production volume.
It's also characterized by being rich in oleic acid, which lowers cholesterol levels and enhances the umami of meat. "Noto Beef" with high-quality fat rich in oleic acid provides you with a melting mouthfeel.
Teraoka Fusha Kanazawa Ten
Source:Yahoo! Travel
If you want to fully enjoy Noto beef, how about this restaurant? "Teraoka Fusha," established in 1904, is a steak specialty restaurant operated by a long-established butcher shop.
The "Foie Gras Steak," which places 50g of foie gras on top of a 150g filet steak, has become the restaurant's signature menu. If you want to directly feel the umami of meat, we recommend the sirloin steak where the sweet taste of Noto beef's high-quality fat melts out.
My favorite is the prosciutto with an exquisite melting taste. The rare prosciutto made from "Noto Beef Premium," considered the highest grade among Noto beef, can only be eaten here.
There are also 100% Noto beef hamburgers and kids' plates, making it a recommended restaurant that the whole family can enjoy.
- Address: 2-2-2 Terachi, Kanazawa City
- Business hours: 11:30~15:00 (L.O.14:00) / 17:30~21:00 (L.O.20:00)
- Closed: Tuesdays (Mondays lunch only)
- Phone number: 076-242-0050
- Official website: https://notoushi.com/kanazawa/
To taste Kanazawa's exquisite cuisine, have locals guide you to truly delicious restaurants
If you're unsure about restaurant selection, why not participate in a guided tour? This tour visits three carefully selected restaurants chosen by a local guide.
Highlights of Kanazawa gourmet that you can enjoy on this tour:
- Authentic Japanese food in traditional style
- Japan's standard hot pot dish "Oden" & simmered dishes
- Various Japanese sake enjoyed in tasting style
During movement, you can feel the atmospheric charm of Kanazawa's streets while listening to the guide's explanations.
At the third bar you visit, you can also choose matcha and Japanese sweets. This is a recommended tour for those who want to fully enjoy Kanazawa gourmet and sake, making it a perfect addition to any comprehensive Kanazawa Food Guide 2025 itinerary.
- Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg.
- Tour area: Restaurants in Kanazawa area
- Start time: 18:00
Kanazawa Food Guide 2025: 3 Author's Recommended Local Dishes to Enjoy When You Come to Kanazawa
Tasting local dishes that can only be eaten in specific places is one of the joys of traveling, isn't it? Here, I will introduce local dishes you should definitely try when visiting Kanazawa and my recommended restaurants featured in this Kanazawa Food Guide 2025. Please use this as a reference!
Oden
"Oden" is a hot pot dish where ingredients such as fish paste dumplings and vegetables are simmered in broth.
"Kanazawa Oden," made with broth from bonito, dried sardines, and kelp, along with Kanazawa soy sauce, is characterized by its slightly sweet and gentle flavor. Local ingredients serve as the main components, including "Kani-men" (crab shells filled with crab meat and crab miso), whelk shells, and Kaga vegetables.
One characteristic is that each restaurant has inherited its own unique broth flavor.
Miyuki
Source:Google Maps
"Oden・Izakaya Miyuki" is a popular restaurant that draws long lines. The warm and comfortable interior is bustling with local people.
The broth, rich with the umami of chicken bones, dried sardines, and bonito, has a light and gentle flavor. Please enjoy Kanazawa's unique Oden, including chewy whelk shells.
The abundant selection of single dishes is also one of this restaurant's attractions. Items like "Miyuki-age" (fried fish paste) and "Tororo no Teppan-yaki" (grilled grated yam) are sure to make your drinks go down smoothly! My recommendation is "Beinasu no Dengaku" (juicy eggplant with sweet miso).
If you want to savor Kanazawa Oden and exquisite izakaya cuisine, please be sure to stop by.
- Address: 1-10-3 Katamachi, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 16:00~22:00 (Last entry 21:00)
- Closed: Sundays, holidays, and 2nd Monday of the month
- Phone: 076-222-6117
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oden__miyuki_honten/
Jibu-ni
Ishikawa Prefecture's local dish "Jibu-ni" is a simmered dish of duck meat and seasonal vegetables. Common ingredients include shiitake mushrooms, taro, and spinach, and seasonal fish may also be added. To prevent the umami from escaping, the meat is coated with flour, which gives the cooking liquid a characteristic thickness.
While it's also eaten as home cooking, since duck meat is a luxury ingredient, chicken meat is sometimes used as a substitute. Eating it with wasabi is my favorite way to enjoy it.
It's beloved as a traditional dish that warms the body during Kanazawa's cold winters.
Kagaya Kanazawa
Source:Official website
"Kagaya" is a long-established restaurant where you can taste traditional Japanese cuisine from Ishikawa Prefecture. You can enjoy local dishes including Jibu-ni and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. The Kanazawa branch, directly connected to the station, is also attractive because it's easy to stop by while sightseeing.
There are various sets including tempura, sashimi, and Noto beef steak, and it's a nice point that you can choose according to your mood and budget. The carefully selected traditional tableware is visually gorgeous and allows you to feel the seasons.
My recommendation is Kagaya's original limited-brew sake "Hama-Rikyu." The dry taste pairs well with Jibu-ni too.
Please spend a comfortable time at "Kagaya," which values thoughtfulness and the spirit of hospitality.
- Address: 1-1 Kinoshimbo-cho, Kanazawa City, Kanazawa Hyakuban-gai Anto
- Business Hours: 11:00〜15:00／16:00〜21:00 (L.O.20:30)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 076-263-2221
- Official Website: https://www.kagaya.co.jp/shoku/shop/kanazawa.php
Kaga Ryori
The traditional local cuisine that has been eaten in Kanazawa since ancient times is called "Kaga Ryori." It's characterized by offering a well-balanced taste of seafood, mountain vegetables, and Kaga vegetables that have received the blessings of Kanazawa's natural bounty. The ingredients are cooked using methods such as boiling, steaming, and frying to fully bring out their umami flavors.
The beautiful and gorgeous presentation using traditional craft dishes such as "Wajima lacquer" and "Kutani-yaki" is also one of its charms.
Tsubajin
Source:Official website
"Tsubajin," established in 1752, is Kanazawa's oldest traditional restaurant with the most distinguished history. It's also known as a establishment with connections to the warrior Toshiie Maeda, who laid the foundation for Kaga-Hyakumangoku. There's also a large hall that can accommodate up to 180 people, and it's often used for celebrations such as weddings.
The charm of this restaurant is that you can taste traditional kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki cuisine is a course meal where dishes are served one by one to be enjoyed with alcohol, characterized by having many dishes and being gorgeous in presentation. You can enjoy Kanazawa-style kaiseki cuisine such as grilled nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and steamed sea bream.
For those who want to savor Kaga Ryori at an authentic traditional restaurant, please be sure to visit!
- Address: 5-1-8 Teramachi, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 11:30-14:00 (L.O. 13:00) / 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 19:00)
- Closed: Wednesday
- Phone Number: 076-241-2181
- Official Homepage: https://tsubajin.co.jp/en/
Kanazawa Curry
"Kanazawa Curry" is a local curry characterized by a rich roux with effective spices. Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) is placed on top of rice covered with curry, and finely shredded cabbage is served on the side. Using stainless steel plates and forks with bifurcated tips is also a distinctive feature.
It began as a way to quickly provide nutritionally balanced meals for busy working people. Kanazawa Curry, beloved by locals, has many specialty shops throughout the city.
Turban Curry Main Store
Source:Tabelog
"Turban Curry," established in 1971, is a popular Kanazawa Curry specialty shop among locals. The moderate spiciness and complex spice flavor create an enchanting taste that makes you want to eat it again. The refreshing shredded cabbage provides a nice accent.
The most popular "L-set Curry" is a hearty plate topped with tonkatsu, hamburger, and sausage. Summer-limited eggplant curry and winter-limited fried oyster curry are also highly recommended.
My favorite topping is fried shrimp, but raw egg is also popular among locals. When you want to eat your fill, please try the curry from this popular shop that has been loved in Kanazawa for many years!
- Address: 1F Unashin Building, 1-1-48 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 11:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone Number: 076-265-6617
- Official Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/turban_curry_kanazawa/
Let's Also Enjoy the "Sweets" That Kanazawa Boasts the Highest Consumption of in Japan!
After enjoying Kanazawa's local gourmet cuisine, please also savor the exquisite sweets that can only be eaten in Kanazawa. It's not widely known, but Kanazawa has the highest consumption of fresh Japanese sweets and chocolate in Japan.
From traditional Japanese sweets to visually beautiful authentic Western confections, the city has various sweet shops throughout. This Kanazawa Food Guide 2025 presents an exciting culinary journey through the city's most beloved dessert destinations.
Here we introduce two famous Japanese sweet shops that have been loved by sweet-loving Kanazawa citizens for many years.
Kintsuba Nakataya Higashiyama Chayagai Store
Source:Official website
"Nakataya" is a famous Kintsuba specialty shop in Kanazawa. "Kintsuba" is a traditional Japanese sweet made by wrapping sweet bean paste solidified with agar in a thin skin made from wheat flour. Since no unnecessary ingredients are used, you can taste the simple and elegant original deliciousness of azuki beans.
At the store in Higashiyama Chayagai, which is popular for its atmospheric streetscape, you can sample before purchasing. Nakataya's Kintsuba is considered one of the "Three Great Kintsuba of Japan," and is characterized by its subtle and gentle sweetness and the texture of chunky sweet bean paste.
At the cafe on the second floor, you can enjoy Kintsuba as well as Japanese-style tarts and roll cakes. Please try using it for a break during your sightseeing!
- Address: 1-5-9 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 9:00-16:30 (L.O. 16:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 076-254-1200
- Official Website: https://www.kintuba.co.jp/wami/
Enpachi
Source:Google Maps
Speaking of Kanazawa's Japanese sweets, "Ankoro-Mochi," which is mochi wrapped in sweet bean paste, is also famous. The Ankoro-Mochi from the long-established Japanese sweet shop "Enpachi" is a local beloved confection that is said to be something "no Ishikawa Prefecture resident has never eaten."
Enpachi's sweet bean paste uses high-quality azuki beans from Hokkaido and is cooked over three days. It is characterized by carefully repeating processes such as steaming and boiling. After wrapping soft mochi with the carefully made sweet bean paste, each piece is carefully wrapped in bamboo skin.
The soft serve ice cream made with the specially crafted sweet bean paste is also my recommendation. It also comes with two Ankoro-Mochi, so you'll feel like you're getting a good deal.
Please enjoy Enpachi's Japanese sweets that have been loved in Kanazawa for many years!
Enpachi Kanazawa M'ZA Store
- Address: 15-1 Musashi-machi, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 076-260-2184
- Official Website: https://www.enpachi.com/company/
Enpachi Hakusan Main Store
- Address: 107 Narimachi, Hakusan City
- Business Hours: 8:00-17:30
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 076-275-0018
If You Come to "Kanazawa," a City Where Japanese Tradition and History Are Alive, Let's Also Enjoy Strolling Around the City Along with Food
Strolling through the city full of history and tradition is also one of the real pleasures of Kanazawa travel. If you participate in a tour guided by local guides, you can efficiently visit popular spots in half a day.
Walking through atmospheric back alley streets with the guide's explanations allows you to experience Kanazawa's charm more fully. Furthermore, being able to enjoy gourmet food as well is an attractive point of this tour.
My recommended "yummy" points:
- Local cuisine lunch enjoyed at a restaurant overlooking Japan's oldest fountain
- Matcha & Japanese sweets in a tea house district with over 200 years of history
Recommended for people who want to fully enjoy Kanazawa's charm in a short time.
- Meeting Point: Family Mart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour Area: Omicho Market - Kanazawa Castle Park - Kenrokuen Garden - Japanese Sweets Museum - Higashi Chaya District
- Start Time: 10:00