Top 9 Must-Visit Izakayas in Kanazawa for 2025: Savor Local Flavors & Hidden Gems
Kanazawa, known as the largest city in the Hokuriku District, is a popular destination among tourists with many traditional houses still remaining from ancient times. Kanazawa, which developed from a castle town that flourished during the Edo period, is known as a city with particularly many historical and traditional spots in Japan.
Additionally, Kanazawa is well-equipped with Japanese-style restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish caught in the Japan Sea and traditional cuisine. There are many establishments that use old houses reminiscent of the Edo period, making it the perfect city for those who want to experience good old Japan.
This guide presents the best izakaya Kanazawa 2025 has to offer, introducing establishments where you can enjoy exquisite cuisine and delicious sake, along with their respective charms.
3 Must-Visit Establishments with Exquisite Cuisine and Sake When You Come to Kanazawa
Kanazawa, known as the largest city in Hokuriku, has many establishments with exquisite cuisine and sake that you should visit at least once. Here, we will introduce three particularly recommended establishments among the best izakaya Kanazawa 2025 selections.
Itaru Mainstore
Source:Tripadvisor
Itaru Mainstore has been beloved by tourists and locals as a representative izakaya of Kanazawa since its opening in 1964. The cuisine is prepared by craftsmen who train daily, and the attractive point is that you can enjoy the finest dishes regardless of the season.
The recommended dish is Nodoguro, a fish known as Kanazawa's representative seafood delicacy, which can be enjoyed as mixed rice. There are also other dishes such as thick omelet with rich dashi flavor and sashimi dishes made with fish caught in the Japan Sea, making it an establishment where you can fully enjoy Japanese cuisine to your heart's content.
They keep 30 varieties of sake available at all times, allowing you to enjoy all kinds of flavors. The interior has a charming atmosphere filled with nostalgic sentiment, and you can leisurely dine in the store interior that exudes the warmth of wood. Weekends get crowded, so make sure to make a reservation before visiting.
- Address: 3-8 Kakinokibatake, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 17:30-23:00
- Closed: Sundays (Mondays when Sunday and holidays are consecutive)
- Phone: 076-221-4194
- Official Website: https://nodoguro-itaru.com/
Shokusaiizakaya Enishi
Source:Hot Pepper Gourmet
Shokusaiizakaya Enishi is located in the Katamachi District, where particularly many izakayas gather in Kanazawa City. Although it's a small establishment with relatively short business hours, the quality of the cuisine is excellent, and they provide carefully crafted dishes.
The popular menu item is a course meal featuring 7 dishes, and which dishes you can enjoy depends on the day's ingredients. All ingredients use fish caught in Hokuriku and seasonal vegetables, which can be enjoyed together with self-selected sake.
They have a strong commitment to ingredients, thoroughly adhering to being additive-free and using seasonal ingredients. The establishment operates on a complete reservation system, so make sure to make a reservation when visiting.
- Address: Social Le Jacques Building 4F, 2-31-30 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Mon-Wed, Holidays, Day before holidays 12:00-24:00 / Thu, Fri 12:00-2:00 / Sat 19:00-2:00 / Sun 19:00-2:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 090-2090-1727
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/shokusaiizakayaenishi/
Kuroya
Source:Google Maps
While Kanazawa has many izakayas where you can drink delicious fish and sake, Kuroya is particularly popular as an establishment with a good reputation even among locals. They serve dishes using abundant local ingredients, and especially the sashimi served in wooden tubs and nodoguro are exceptional.
The must-try dish when visiting Kuroya is the limited-quantity beef stew. This dish uses high-quality Japanese black beef and fresh vegetables caught in Hokuriku, creating the perfect match between the tenderness of the beef and the texture of the vegetables.
They also offer a rich variety of Japanese food menu items that pair well with sake, and everything is so delicious that you'll want to visit every day. This is definitely an izakaya you'll want to visit when you come to Kanazawa.
- Address: 2-6-24 Honmachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 18:00-23:00
- Closed: Sundays, Wednesdays
- Phone: 076-262-0940
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/kuro_ya968/
Izakayas & Sushi Restaurants Serving Exquisite Sushi Made with Kanazawa's Finest Seafood
Kanazawa, facing the Japan Sea, is a city where you can enjoy fresh fish year-round at izakayas and sushi restaurants. Here we introduce recommended izakayas and sushi restaurants where you can taste exquisite sushi made with Kanazawa's finest seafood - truly representing the Best Izakaya Kanazawa 2025 dining scene.
Otome Sushi
Source:Tabelog
Famous as one of Kanazawa's representative sushi restaurants, Otome Sushi is a renowned establishment that earned 2 Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Hokuriku in 2021. Every piece of sushi served is highly artistic, offering flavors that will move you once you taste them.
The cuisine is served in a style that separates individual dishes from sushi, featuring seasonal Hokuriku fish such as shimmering Pomfret, Crab, Sea Urchin, and Nodoguro served one after another. The Beer and Sake enjoyed alongside are delicious, guaranteed to put you in a blissful mood.
The Sushi not only delivers umami flavors but also has a rich, tongue-coating taste that is absolutely exquisite - making this the perfect restaurant for those seeking Authentic Sushi. For first-time visitors, reservations must be made by phone 2 months in advance.
- Address: 4-10 Kikura-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Hours: 12:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00
- Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays, holidays
- Phone: 076-231-7447
Kourin Sushi
Source:Tripadvisor
Kourin Sushi is a renowned sushi restaurant representing Kanazawa with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Popular among foreign tourists, the restaurant offers menus not only in Japanese but also in 4 foreign languages with photos, making first-time visitors feel at ease.
The lunch menu is extensive, offering various options including Nigiri Sushi, Chirashi Sushi, and Grilled Salmon. Both lunch and dinner are reasonably priced, making this the recommended restaurant for those wanting to enjoy delicious Sushi at affordable prices.
Individual dishes typically served at izakayas, such as Sashimi and Nodoguro, are also excellent, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely drink. This is a must-visit restaurant for casually enjoying Sushi in Kanazawa.
- Address: 79 Hakurou-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Hours: 11:30-13:30, 17:30-21:30
- Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays
- Phone: 076-231-5964
- Official Website: http://www.kourin1.com/
Sushi Kibatani
Source:Tabelog
Located in Kanazawa's Chaya District, Sushi Kibatani is a renowned restaurant that food enthusiasts visit from all over the country, known as a place where reservations are nearly impossible to secure. The cuisine using seasonal fish and ingredients abundantly is exceptional, fully bringing out the deliciousness of the ingredients.
These uncompromising flavors have been highly acclaimed, earning 1 Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Hokuriku in 2021. The sushi ingredients center around fish caught in Himi, Toyama, with Flounder, Filefish, and Firefly Squid being particularly exquisite.
The interior features a cozy setting with 9 counter seats and one semi-private room, allowing you to dine in a calm atmosphere. This is an absolute must-visit restaurant when you want to enjoy the finest Sushi.
- Address: 1-8-6 Hikoyama-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Hours: 17:00-21:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone: 076-256-1218
To Fully Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Cuisine, Have a Local Expert Guide You Through the Restaurant Districts
If you want to fully enjoy Kanazawa's delicious ingredients, participating in the Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is highly recommended. This gourmet tour allows you to explore Kanazawa's streets with a guide who knows the local area inside and out, visiting 3 carefully selected izakayas.
The restaurants you visit are hidden gems known only to locals, where you can enjoy meals leisurely away from the city's hustle and bustle. The tour's charm also includes exploring the area where Samurai Residences are concentrated in the Katamachi District while moving between izakayas.
This tour is recommended for those who want to thoroughly enjoy Kanazawa, a treasure trove of gastronomy, representing the Best Izakaya Kanazawa 2025 experience.
- Meeting Point: In front of Korinbo Lamoda Building
- Tour Area: Kanazawa
- Start Time: 18:00
Restaurants in Kanazawa Where You Can Enjoy Authentic Japanese Cuisine, Beloved by Locals - Best Izakaya Kanazawa 2025
Kanazawa, with its many remaining historical structures and buildings, offers numerous establishments that utilize these buildings to serve authentic Japanese cuisine, making them popular among locals as well. Here we introduce restaurants beloved by locals where you can taste authentic Japanese food, representing the best dining experiences Kanazawa has to offer in 2025.
Tsubajin
Source:Official website
Known as Kanazawa's oldest traditional restaurant, Tsubajin is a renowned establishment founded in 1752. The restaurant's appearance embodies Kanazawa's history and tradition, and the refined service and tatami room atmosphere are exceptional - perfect for those who want to leisurely dine in a traditional Japanese setting.
Their specialty is Kaiseki Cuisine, which is not only delicious in taste but also artistic in presentation, so wonderful that it moves you to tears. Kanazawa's local dishes are also excellent, with seasonal offerings like steamed Nodoguro and Steamed Lotus served according to each season.
At Tsubajin, you can enjoy not only the cuisine but also Tatami Play with Geisha. Experience the ultimate luxury at this restaurant representing Japan's finest dining tradition.
- Address: 5-1-8 Teramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 076-241-2181
- Official Website: https://tsubajin.co.jp/
Kappou Takeshi
Source:Tabelog
Kappou Takeshi is a kappo-style restaurant located in Katamachi, known as Kanazawa's largest entertainment district, where you can luxuriously enjoy seasonal ingredients. With 11 private rooms total, it's recommended for group dining, but there's also a counter, so small parties are welcome too.
The recommended option is the course menu where you can eat Nodoguro to your heart's content. There are three types of courses, so you can choose according to your preference.
The courses offer unlimited enjoyment of Sashimi, Grilled with Salt, Tempura, and Shabu-Shabu. In the premium course, Kanazawa's famous Gold Leaf is placed on top of the Sashimi. If you want to enjoy Kanazawa's flavors at a reasonable price, this restaurant comes highly recommended for the best izakaya experience in Kanazawa 2025.
- Address: 2-32-4 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 17:30-22:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone: 076-234-2121
- Official Website: https://kappoutakeshi.owst.jp/
Kappou Tanaka
Source:Official website
Kappou Tanaka is a Kappou Restaurant that serves dishes using many seasonal ingredients from Kanazawa. Kappou is a restaurant style where chefs who prepare the dishes serve each course one by one at counter or table seating.
The recommended course is the Kaiseki course, which transforms seasonal ingredients into exquisite dishes like Tempura for customers. The Sashimi is also colorfully vibrant, and with attention paid to both vessels and presentation, you're guaranteed to be moved by its beauty.
There are six types of course meals, and depending on the season, you can also enjoy Crab dishes and Pufferfish dishes. Why not try exquisite Kappou cuisine together with Kanazawa's delicious Sake, making it one of the best izakaya experiences Kanazawa offers in 2025?
- Address: 2-30-7 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 17:30-22:00
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 050-5485-4852
When You Come to Kanazawa, a City Where Japanese Tradition and History Live and Breathe, Enjoy Exploring the City Along with Food
This tour is a half-day walking tour of Kanazawa's major tourist attractions with a tour guide. You can enjoy Kanazawa's popular spots in a short time, including the 300-year-old Omicho Market, Kenrokuen, and Kanazawa Castle.
The tour includes a visit to the Wagashi Museum where you can learn how to make traditional Japanese sweets. For lunch, enjoy local cuisine while viewing the beautiful garden at Kenrokuen's restaurant.
Finally, visit Higashi Chaya District and walk through the traditional streetscape. This tour is recommended for those who want to sightsee Kanazawa in a short time, perfectly complementing your best izakaya Kanazawa 2025 dining experiences.
- Meeting Point: Omicho Market
- Tour Area: Kanazawa
- Start Time: 10:00 AM
