Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants for an Unforgettable Dinner in Kanazawa (w/Area Guide)
Kanazawa strongly retains the essence of a castle town that flourished during the Edo period, with atmospheric historical buildings scattered throughout that evoke Japan's rich history. It's known as one of Japan's popular tourist destinations with numerous historical and traditional spots.
With tourists visiting Kanazawa throughout the week, you can enjoy illuminated sightseeing spots at night or experience bar-hopping in the entertainment district. The city offers different charms after dark, so when you travel to Kanazawa, be sure to indulge in its nightlife.
Looking ahead to Kanazawa Dinner 2025, we'll introduce genre-specific dinner spots where you can enjoy Kanazawa's exquisite cuisine.
3 Recommended Sushi Restaurants to Enjoy Kanazawa's Specialty "Excellent Seafood" for Dinner
Here, we'll introduce three carefully selected sushi restaurants where you can enjoy Kanazawa's specialty "excellent seafood" for dinner. You'll be able to savor the richly flavorful treasures from Kanazawa's sea that you'll want to brag about to others.
Otome Sushi
Source:Tabelog
Otome Sushi is a representative sushi restaurant in Kanazawa that once earned two Michelin stars. The sushi crafted by the chef features meticulous preparation that preserves the texture of ingredients with excellent grip technique. When the ingredients blend in your mouth, you can enjoy an exquisite taste experience.
I visited during lunch and ate the chef's selection of 8 pieces including tuna and sweet shrimp. The sea urchin is highly recommended – it's served in an unusual style, not as the typical gunkan-maki (sushi wrapped with seaweed) but with a generous portion of sea urchin atop vinegared rice. With one bite, the rich sweetness and oceanic aroma of the sea urchin fills your mouth, bringing an involuntary smile to your face. The sushi was so delicious that 8 pieces weren't enough, and I ended up ordering more.
Reservations are essential for this popular restaurant. Be sure to book in advance before visiting.
<Store Information>
Address: 4-10 Kikuramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 12:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00
Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays, Holidays
Phone Number: 076-231-7447
Official Website: None
Kourin Sushi
Source:Tripadvisor
Kourin Sushi is a long-established sushi restaurant founded in 1951, well-rated on travel sites for international travelers for its sushi made with fresh ingredients from the market. An attractive point is its reasonable prices, based on the desire "to spread the deliciousness of Japanese sushi to as many people around the world as possible."
The menu features a wide lineup including sushi sets, seafood rolls, seafood bowls, individual sushi pieces, and side dishes. They also offer vegetarian options such as "kappa" (cucumber roll) and "vegeta-bo" (egg and vegetable roll).
I've tried the "Master's Whim Assortment - 10 pieces" which included tuna, salmon, shredded crab meat, and horse mackerel. All pieces were thick-cut with rich fat content, allowing you to directly experience the taste of the fish.
The restaurant is located near tourist spots such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, making it convenient to visit while sightseeing.
<Store Information>
Address: 79 Bakuromachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:30-13:30, 17:30-21:30
Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays
Phone Number: 076-231-5964
Official Website: http://www.kourin1.com/
Sushi Kibatani
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Kibatani was opened in 2016 by a chef who trained at numerous distinguished sushi establishments. The restaurant, renovated from a traditional Japanese house, has an atmospheric interior allowing diners to enjoy meals in a calm environment. You can taste carefully prepared sushi made with fresh ingredients that the chef personally selects at the market every morning, using Kanazawa-produced rice, salt, and soy sauce.
The recommended menu is the "Omakase Course" which features 20-21 dishes depending on the day's ingredients. From elaborate appetizers to sushi showcasing seasonal ingredients, everything is exquisite, promising a blissful dining experience.
The selection of local sake and wine is also extensive, allowing you to fully appreciate Kanazawa's culinary attractions. In addition to counter seating, private rooms are available, so reserving a private room is recommended if you wish to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
<Store Information>
Address: 1-8-26 Hikoso-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 17:00-21:00
Closed: Sundays
Phone Number: 076-256-1218
Official Website: None
Exquisite Seafood Dinner Spots in Kanazawa with Unique Experiences
Welcome to the Kanazawa Dinner 2025 guide! Here, I'll introduce dinner spots where you can enjoy Kanazawa's exquisite seafood in unique ways. These innovative seafood menus are so creative that you'll definitely want to visit again.
TILE
Source:Official website
TILE is a popular seafood bowl (donburi) specialty restaurant housed in a 110-year-old renovated machiya (traditional Japanese townhouse with attached shop), known for its modern Japanese interior design that offers a unique dining experience.
I ordered the "Kanazawa Yakumi Seafood Bowl" where you can choose your favorite toppings from about 30 menu items including seafood, meat, and pickles. The tray arrived with small plates beautifully arranged like a work of art, each containing toppings paired with matching condiments. You enjoy the fun of creating your own dish by placing these ingredients on top of the rice. Not only is it visually stunning, but the taste is also first-class – I was so absorbed in savoring the flavors that I forgot the conversation with my friend.
This is recommended for people who want to try creative seafood dishes that differ from conventional options.
Store Information:
Address: 4-8 Konohana-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 076-255-2802
Official Website: https://tile-japan.jp/
Coil
Source:Official website
Coil is a unique establishment where you can select your favorite ingredients and make your own thin rolled sushi. A wide variety of toppings is available, from standards like tuna and salmon to unique items like prosciutto and Camembert cheese.
I've tried the set that includes tempura and a choice of 6 types of toppings. You can arrange the thin rolls freely, either as individual items or mixed, making it fun to imagine flavors and create combinations. At their tea tasting stand, you can brew and enjoy several types of Japanese tea such as sencha and hojicha using dedicated tea utensils. Try all varieties and compare the tastes!
This is an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese food culture. Visit and discover the depth of Japanese cuisine during your Kanazawa Dinner 2025 experience.
Store Information:
Address: 1-1 Fukuro-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:00-21:30
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 076-256-5076
Official Website: https://coil-japan.jp/
Enjoy Dinner with a Local Guide
Another great option is enjoying dinner with a local guiding you to restaurants. The Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour takes you to 3 carefully selected restaurants and bars with unique characteristics.
The restaurants offer menus unique to Kanazawa, such as seafood dishes using fresh fish caught in nearby waters and oden (Japanese dish where ingredients are simmered in broth). Enjoy pairing these dishes with alcohol. You can also experience "kiki-sake," where you can taste 3-5 types of unique sake, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Kanazawa's drinking culture.
Another attractive feature is strolling through the historical samurai district while moving between restaurants. Join the tour and enjoy Kanazawa's nightlife!
Information:
- Meeting Place: BEAMS (Korinbo Ramoda)
- Tour Area: Kanazawa
- Start Time: 18:00
3 Recommended Izakayas for Enjoying Both Kanazawa's Exquisite Cuisine and Alcohol
Here are three recommended izakayas for those wanting to enjoy both Kanazawa's exquisite cuisine and drinks simultaneously. They offer dishes that pair perfectly with alcohol, guaranteeing a satisfying drinking experience.
Itaru Mainstore
Source:Tripadvisor
Itaru Mainstore is a popular izakaya with many local repeat customers where you can thoroughly enjoy fresh seafood and carefully selected drinks.
The recommended menu item is the "Japan Sea Sashimi Barrel Platter," where fresh seafood directly delivered from Shinminato (a famous fishing area in Toyama Prefecture) is generously arranged in a wooden barrel. The seafood is chosen from the day's recommendations, making each visit a new surprise. Also, their specialty "Mentaiko Dashi-maki Tamago" was exquisite – the spiciness of mentaiko (spicy cod roe) perfectly complementing the fluffy rolled egg with rich dashi flavor!
For drinks, try Tengumai's unpasteurized mini-tank sake from Ishikawa Prefecture! Since it's not bottled but directly poured from a mini-sized tank at the restaurant, you can enjoy its exceptionally fresh taste.
Indulge in their fresh cuisine and quality drinks during your Kanazawa Dinner 2025 visit.
Store Information:
Address: 3-8 Kakikinohata, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 17:30-23:00
Closed: Sundays
Phone Number: 076-233-1147
Official Website: https://nodoguro-itaru.com/
Shokusaiizakaya Enishi
Source:Hot Pepper Gourmet
At Shokusaiizakaya Enishi, you can enjoy additive-free meals using local seasonal ingredients and organic vegetables, along with more than 80 types of carefully selected alcoholic beverages from across Japan.
The menu includes rice bowls and individual dishes, but the banquet course is highly recommended as it allows you to enjoy various dishes in a balanced way. It's a great value as it includes 6 courses (appetizer, sashimi, fried food, grilled food, rice, and dessert) with 90 minutes of all-you-can-drink. The drinks are semi-self-service, so you can refill your favorite beverage as much as you like whenever you want.
Why not experience the perfect pairing of exquisite dishes centered on Kaga cuisine with fine sake?
Store Information:
Address: 2-31-30-4F Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 12:00-15:00, 19:00-24:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 090-2090-1727
Official Website: https://katamachi-denma.com/
Fuwari
Source:Gnavi
Fuwari is a charcoal-grilled restaurant housed in a renovated traditional Japanese building, which has earned a reputation for its quintessential Kanazawa atmosphere. The menu offers standard dishes plus daily specials, and the drink selection features a wide array of local sake including limited-time offerings, allowing guests to enjoy the pleasure of choosing their perfect meal.
The most popular item is the assortment of charcoal-grilled dishes prepared using two types of Binchotan charcoal (specially selected for cooking). This assortment allows you to sample various cuts and ingredients in small portions – I personally enjoyed comparing the different textures and flavors while savoring the charcoal-grilled delicacies.
Inside, you'll find counter seats offering an immersive view of the chef's craftsmanship, spacious table seating, and private rooms accommodating up to four people. For those wanting to dine without worrying about others, I recommend reserving a private room.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-6-57 Owaricho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: 17:00-22:30
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 076-207-3417
Official website: https://r667300.gorp.jp/
Three Areas to Enjoy Kanazawa Dinner 2025
There are three main areas in Kanazawa where you can enjoy dinner. Each area is packed with diverse restaurants, ensuring you'll find one that suits your taste.
Omicho Market
Source:Official website
Omicho Market has been Kanazawa's kitchen for over 300 years and is affectionately known as "Omicho." The market features approximately 170 shops selling fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and souvenirs, always bustling with activity.
Beyond selling ingredients, the market also houses restaurants where you can eat in and enjoy seafood bowls, sushi, oden, and grilled dishes. I ordered the most popular "Omicho Seafood Bowl" at "Hirai Donburi Restaurant," which offers about 20 different seafood bowl options. The visual presentation is appetite-stimulating, with 14 types of seafood and garnishes overflowing from the bowl! The balance between the fresh sashimi and vinegared rice was superb, and I finished it in no time.
While the market offers many takeout items, please note that eating while walking around is prohibited.
<Store Information>
Address: 50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: Varies by shop
Phone: 076-231-1462
Official website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Chuo Mishokugai
Source:Daimaru-an
Chuo Mishokugai is a deep, atmospheric drinking district in Katamachi, Kanazawa's entertainment area, characterized by its retro ambiance. This street has been beloved by locals since the 1950s, and stepping into it feels like time-traveling to a retro Japan, with its unchanged scenery.
The roughly 20 establishments are all cozy and intimate, allowing for close interaction with the proprietors. This makes them approachable even for first-timers.
As a beer enthusiast, I've visited "Biadar bj." The shop exclusively serves Heartland beer, and you can enjoy the perfect glass poured by the owner who has thoroughly researched quantity, glass type, and pouring techniques. Their particular approach results in fine-bubbled foam and a smooth mouthfeel unlike anything I've experienced before – it was so delicious that I ordered three refills.
Every establishment has a homey atmosphere, so why not enjoy drinks while communicating with locals?
<Store Information>
Address: 2-13-8 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: Varies by shop
Phone: Varies by shop
Official website: https://mishokugai.com/
Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa Station serves as Ishikawa Prefecture's gateway, with arrivals and departures of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, express buses, and limousine buses to Komatsu Airport. Due to its bustling nature, many restaurants have congregated in the surrounding area.
The directly connected Kanazawa 100th Street features various dining options, including conveyor belt sushi, set-meal restaurants using abundant seafood from Noto, and Japanese restaurants where you can enjoy branded Noto beef. All these establishments showcase the culinary attractions of Ishikawa Prefecture, making Kanazawa Station a great choice if you're having trouble deciding where to eat.
The appeal lies in its immediate accessibility from the station, making it convenient to drop by when using Kanazawa Station. Many restaurants operate continuously from lunch through dinner, offering excellent versatility.
<Store Information>
Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: Varies by shop
Phone: Varies by shop
Official website: None
When visiting "Kanazawa," a city breathing with Japanese tradition and history, enjoy exploring the city along with its cuisine
When visiting Kanazawa, a city breathing with Japanese tradition and history, enjoy exploring the city along with its cuisine. The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour allows you to visit Kanazawa's historic sites with a local guide in half a day.
The tour visits five tourist spots:
- Omicho Market
- Kanazawa Castle Park
- Kenrokuen Garden
- Wagashi (Japanese Confectionery) Museum
- Higashi Chaya District
This tour efficiently covers must-visit locations in half a day, making it perfect for first-time visitors to Kanazawa. Why not join the tour and experience Kanazawa's food, history, nature, and culture firsthand?
<Information>
- Meeting point: In front of FamilyMart + Drug Comeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Kanazawa
- Start time: 10:00
