28 Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka — Curated by Cuisine

About the Fukuoka Area

Fukuoka is the bustling capital of Kyushu, attracting visitors from across Japan and abroad — especially from nearby Korea and China, thanks to convenient direct flights. The city is also renowned for its exceptional food scene.

Each neighborhood has its own distinct character: Hakata with its lively restaurant districts, Tenjin and Nakasu with their vibrant nighttime yatai (street food stalls), and hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

Fukuoka’s signature dishes include silky Hakata ramen, rich mentaiko (spicy cod roe), hearty motsu-nabe (offal hot pot), and comforting mizutaki (chicken hot pot). Surrounded by the Kanmon Strait, the Genkai Sea, and the Ariake Sea, the city also boasts some of Japan’s freshest seafood.

How to Savor Fukuoka’s Culinary Scene

No visit to Fukuoka is complete without indulging in its beloved B-grade gourmet — hearty, everyday comfort foods that locals can’t live without. Don’t miss the city’s signature specialties: rich tonkotsu (pork-bone-based noodle soup) ramen, flavorful motsu-nabe, and spicy mentaiko.

And since you’re in Japan, take the opportunity to experience authentic Japanese cuisine as well. In Fukuoka, top-quality sushi and elegant kaiseki (traditional multi-course dining) can often be enjoyed at far more reasonable prices than in Tokyo or Osaka — without compromising on craftsmanship or flavor.

Top 3 Luxury Sushi Experiences in Fukuoka

Thanks to its proximity to some of Japan’s richest fishing grounds, Fukuoka is celebrated for the exceptional quality of its seafood. Many of the city’s sushi masters honed their craft at prestigious restaurants in Tokyo before opening their establishments here — combining world-class technique with the bounty of local waters.

Best of all, compared to Tokyo or Osaka, this level of craftsmanship can often be enjoyed at a more approachable price. For sushi lovers, Fukuoka offers an indulgent yet surprisingly accessible gateway to Japan’s finest flavors.

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Nishimura (にしむら) / Hakata

At Nishimura, the refined artistry of Edo-style sushi intertwines with the elegance of traditional Japanese cuisine. Each sushi and seasonal dish is a testament to the chef’s mastery, honed through years of training at a Michelin three-star sushi restaurant and a venerable Japanese fine dining establishment.

Guided by the philosophy that “preparation begins with procurement,” the chef personally selects the day’s finest ingredients — from the bustling markets of Fukuoka to Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Market. In an intimate, immersive setting, guests are invited to savor a seamless harmony of tradition and innovation, where every bite engages all the senses.

Sushi Kubota (鮨 久保田) / Tenjin

Twice awarded a Michelin star, Sushi Kubota captivates guests with an approach that defies convention — never serving tuna, a rarity in the sushi world. The chef, trained at some of Tokyo’s most prestigious establishments, selects only the finest seasonal catch, preparing each with the precise techniques of Edomae-style sushi to reveal its purest expression.

Every piece is served atop aka-shari — rice seasoned with red vinegar — and presented across a pristine whitewood counter, each glistening morsel resembling a miniature work of art. Dining here is a serene celebration of craftsmanship, seasonality, and the beauty of restraint.

Sushi Kijima (鮨 木島) / Sakurazaka

Selected by the Michelin Guide in 2019, Sushi Kijima offers a distinctive Hakata-style sushi combined with kappo — a refined form of Japanese dining where the chef prepares and serves each course directly at the counter. The focus here is on the finest seasonal seafood from the waters around Fukuoka.

The chef, with over 20 years of training at a renowned Hakata restaurant, personally selects each ingredient with an expert eye. Every piece of sushi is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine. An extensive selection of sake and wines — each thoughtfully chosen to complement the sushi — invites guests to enjoy exceptional pairings that elevate the experience.

Top 3 Kaiseki & Japanese Fine Dining Experiences in Fukuoka

Kaiseki cuisine in Fukuoka often highlights the region’s bounty — from locally harvested vegetables to the freshest seafood from Kyushu’s coastal waters. Many chefs incorporate Fukuoka’s traditional dishes into their kaiseki menus, creating a dining experience that captures flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

Ippongi Ishibashi (一本木 石橋) / Yakuin

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2025)

Japan Restaurant Award, Bronze (2025)

A Michelin one-star recipient and award-winner on a leading gourmet review platform, Ippongi Ishibashi offers an exceptional course menu that seamlessly blends the elegance of Japanese kaiseki with the precision of Edomae-style sushi.

The chef, trained at renowned restaurants in both traditions, works only with ingredients to which he has a personal connection — a reflection of his deep respect for en (the meaningful ties that connect people, places, and food). In a warm, convivial setting filled with easy laughter, guests are treated to an experience that is both refined and deeply personal, enjoying artful kaiseki courses alongside masterfully crafted Edomae-style sushi.

Shirokane Nishida (白金にし田) / Tenjin

Awarded a Michelin star, Shirokane Nishida is helmed by a chef who trained at prestigious Japanese restaurants in both Kyoto and Fukuoka. Through his cuisine, he conveys the beauty of Japan’s seasons and cultural traditions.

In order to preserve the natural character of each ingredient, the chef avoids unnecessary embellishment — letting the flavors speak for themselves. His seasonal multi-course menus showcase the artistry of Japanese culinary technique and the elegance of meticulous presentation. Every dish invites guests to experience the blessings of the season with all five senses.

Chisou Nakamura (馳走なかむら) / Hakata

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2023)

Japan Restaurant Award, Bronze (2023, 25)

A two-time Michelin star recipient and celebrated on a leading gourmet review platform, Chisou Nakamura is a destination for refined kaiseki dining. The chef, with experience in both Japanese fine dining and specialty fresh fish shops, crafts seasonal multi-course menus that highlight the pure essence of each ingredient.

Every detail is considered: dishes that honor natural flavors, a diverse selection of exquisite tableware, and delicate floral arrangements. Together, they create a harmonious experience where cuisine, setting, and atmosphere blend into a single, unforgettable moment.

Top 3 Yakiniku Restaurants in Fukuoka

Yakiniku is especially popular among Korean visitors, though the Japanese take on grilled meat differs from what you might be used to in Korea. While Korean BBQ often features marinated pork belly slices called samgyeopsal, which diners cut with scissors themselves, Japanese yakiniku typically involves grilling thinly sliced, beautifully marbled beef.

In Japan, you grill the meat yourself at the table, turning the meal into an interactive dining experience that’s as much about the cooking as the eating. This hands-on style offers a fun and delicious way to enjoy some of Japan’s finest beef in a lively atmosphere.

Rikihanten (力飯店) / Tenjin

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2020, 21, 22, 23, 24)

Recognized among the Top 100 restaurants on Japan’s leading gourmet review site from 2020 to 2024, Rikihanten is a standout yakiniku destination specializing in tender, flavorful lean beef known as tender beef.

The restaurant prides itself on sourcing its meat through exclusive channels, focusing on carefully raised cattle to ensure exceptional quality. Rikihanten also offers rare cuts of beef that rarely make it to market, making it a must-visit for fans of premium lean meat.

Yakiniku COWSI (ヤキニクコウシ) / Tenjin

Yakiniku COWSI offers expertly aged beef tenderloin and tongue at approachable prices, using premium Kyushu-raised Kuroge Wagyu beef.

As the restaurant is operated by a butcher, the quality of the meat is guaranteed. Each cut undergoes carefully tailored aging to remove excess moisture and concentrate flavor.

The finishing touch is expertly handled by skilled ‘meat masters,’ who grill each cut to its optimal state.

COWSI CAMP (コウシキャンプ) / Tenjin

Leveraging its direct connection to a butcher shop, COWSI CAMP serves premium Kuroge Wagyu beef alongside wild game sourced from trusted hunters, delivered in peak condition.

A standout feature is their use of an open wood fire at the center of the restaurant. The moisture in the burning logs creates steam that locks in the meat’s juices, resulting in tender, flavorful cuts. The rising flames and fragrant smoke evoke the nostalgic warmth of a campfire, offering a unique and immersive dining experience.

Top 3 Izakaya in Fukuoka

Fukuoka’s vibrant izakaya (Japanese gastropubs) culture is legendary — so much so that many Japanese associate the city with its bustling nightlife and drink streets. Alongside Tokyo’s Kabukicho and Sapporo’s Susukino, Fukuoka is one of Japan’s three major entertainment districts.

The izakayas here are known for their outstanding motsu-nabe (offal hot pot) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). If you see these on the menu, be sure to give them a try for an authentic taste of Fukuoka’s lively dining scene.

Sakebaro Fukuoka Nakasu (sakebaro 福岡中洲) / Nakasu

Sakebaro Fukuoka Nakasu offers an exclusive, members-only sake dining experience where a skilled sommelier curates premium sake selections to perfectly complement inventive, thoughtfully crafted dishes. The bar introduces a novel appreciation of sake — encouraging guests to savor its smooth throat feel, elevating the tasting beyond the palate.

The serene interior provides a tranquil escape from the city’s energy, highlighted by a rare polished tin mirror counter that reflects bottles and glasses with a captivating, almost magical glow. This elegant setting invites guests to unwind and enjoy Japan’s finest sake in a uniquely immersive atmosphere.

Nishimuraya (西村や) / Tenjin

Led by a Michelin one-star chef, Nishimuraya offers a creative multi-course dining experience featuring the signature “Nishimura noodles.” These innovative ramen dishes incorporate French culinary techniques, resulting in complex and deeply layered flavors.

Among the standout creations are a creamy take on Fukuoka’s famous tonkotsu ramen and a luxurious ramen featuring succulent lobster. Immerse yourself in the chef’s imaginative world, where tradition meets bold innovation.

Gohanya Hansuke (ごはんや 飯すけ) / Ohori-koen

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2024)

Ranked among the top 100 on Japan’s renowned gourmet review site, Gohanya Hansuke is a specialty seafood restaurant celebrated for its fresh, seasonal fish. The owner, a seasoned expert in selecting fish, carefully sources premium catch from multiple suppliers.

Each fish is prepared with techniques tailored to its species and size, expertly bringing out its natural umami. This is the perfect place to fully savor the rich flavors of Fukuoka’s bountiful seafood.

A Highly Recommended Tempura Restaurant in Fukuoka

Using exquisite seafood and vegetables sourced primarily from Kyushu, the tempura (crispy battered deep-fried delicacy) here is truly exceptional.

Tempura Tenkou (天冨良 天孝) / Yakuin

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2023)

Ranked among the top 100 restaurants on Japan’s leading gourmet review platform, Tempura Tenkou masterfully preserves the tradition of Edomae-style tempura. The chef personally selects the finest seafood from Fukuoka’s markets and sources fresh vegetables directly from their places of origin.

Each piece of tempura is fried to perfection in a delicate, thin batter and lightly seasoned with refined, clear sesame oil, allowing the natural umami of the ingredients to shine through. Dining at the counter provides an immersive experience, where the chef’s expert technique transforms every bite into a celebration of craftsmanship and flavor.

A Highly Recommended Fugu Restaurant in Fukuoka

Thanks to its proximity to Shimonoseki — Japan’s fugu (blowfish) capital — Fukuoka offers authentic blowfish cuisine that’s a must-try. Fugu sashimi has a subtle, clean flavor with a deep umami richness, making it a unique delicacy you should experience while in Japan.

Hakata Izumi (博多 い津み) / Hakata

Awarded one Michelin star, Hakata Izumi is a venerable fugu specialty restaurant with over 100 years of history. The signature technique here is nimai-biki (double slicing), where the fugu sashimi is sliced thinly once, then carefully cut again to stretch the flesh even thinner.

This method not only creates a visually stunning, flower-like presentation but also allows the ponzu sauce and condiments to cling beautifully to each delicate slice. Highly recommended for those seeking to savor the finest wild torafugu (tiger blowfish) in a refined setting.

Top 2 French Restaurants in Fukuoka

Experience exquisite French cuisine that highlights the best of Kyushu’s local ingredients. The chefs at these high-end restaurants have trained in renowned kitchens in France and Tokyo, ensuring authentic French flavors with a unique regional twist.

le sud (ル・シュッド) / Yakuin

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2023, 25)

Twice awarded on Japan’s leading gourmet review site, le sud offers elegant southern French cuisine. The chef, with experience cooking in France, focuses on seafood and vegetables, crafting healthy dishes that highlight fresh produce. Light vegetable sauces and vinegars add delicate balance, and seafood soups reflect a refined Japanese sensibility. Enjoy the harmonious blend of Southern France and Kyushu flavors in a sophisticated yet approachable setting.

AIGNON (アニオン) / Tenjin

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2021, 23)

AIGNON is a celebrated restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide and a leading Japanese gourmet site. Led by a chef trained in Fukuoka’s French culinary scene, AIGNON focuses on accessible French dining. Menus are designed to be simple and memorable, encouraging guests to enjoy meat and vegetables heartily without formalities. It’s the perfect spot to savor French cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Top 3 Ramen Shops in Fukuoka

For many, Fukuoka is synonymous with Hakata ramen — a rich, pork-bone-based noodle soup that has become a symbol of the city. While Ichiran is especially popular with international visitors, Fukuoka is home to countless hidden gems. In the nightlife districts, you may also spot yatai, where the steaming bowls taste even better in the lively, open-air atmosphere.

Ichiran (一蘭) / Hakata

Ichiran is one of Japan’s most famous tonkotsu ramen chains, known for its unique solo dining booths that let you focus entirely on your ramen. Each counter seat is fully equipped with water, tissues, and condiments, and diners customize their bowl to taste using an order sheet. This combination of privacy, convenience, and customization has made Ichiran a favorite among visitors from around the world.

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Hakata Issou (博多一双) / Hakata

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2020-24)

Hakata Issou has ranked among the Top 100 on Japan’s leading gourmet review site for five consecutive years. The chef, trained at one of Hakata’s legendary ramen shops, is celebrated for a signature broth that is rich and creamy yet remarkably free of any harsh aroma. Its subtly sweet, mellow flavor pairs perfectly with the shop’s thin, flat noodles.

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Hakata Genki Ippai!! (博多元気一杯!!) / Hakata

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2019-24)

Hakata Genki Ippai!! has been ranked among the Top 100 on Japan’s premier gourmet review site for six consecutive years. Known for its classic tonkotsu ramen, this beloved shop serves a bowl crafted by a self-taught chef whose signature is a strikingly white broth. Creamy and rich, yet free from any porky odor, it’s a pure expression of Hakata’s ramen tradition.

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Top 3 Motsu-nabe Restaurants in Fukuoka

After ramen, motsu-nabe is one of Fukuoka’s most famous local dishes. This hearty hot pot is made by simmering carefully cleaned beef offal with vegetables in a flavorful broth. While many specialty shops serve it, you can also find it at izakaya across the city.

Motsu-nabe Senmon Ten Ganso Motsu-nabe Rakutenchi (もつ鍋専門店 元祖 もつ鍋 楽天地) / Hakata

At Ganso Motsu-nabe Rakutenchi, you can enjoy a mountain of motsu made from six types of fresh offal. Cut into bite-sized pieces, the motsu soaks up the flavors of their secret broth. With 150 seats, this spacious restaurant makes it easy to secure a reservation.

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Hakata Motsu-nabe Ooyama Hon Ten (博多もつ鍋おおやま) / Hakata

Ooyama’s motsu-nabe uses only premium small intestine, prized for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The offal is cut into perfectly sized 10g pieces to achieve the ideal springy bite, then simmered in a signature miso broth blended from several varieties for depth and balance.

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Hakata Motsu-nabe Yamanaka Hakata Ten (博多もつ鍋 やま中) / Hakata

Known as the birthplace of miso motsu-nabe, Yamanaka keeps its miso sauce recipe strictly secret. The broth pairs perfectly with fatty, high-quality domestic beef small intestine, with no other cuts added to maintain a clean, rich taste. Expect a harmony of sweetness, depth, and robust umami in every bite.

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Top 3 Udon Restaurants in Fukuoka

While Kagawa may be Japan’s most famous udon (white wheat noodles) prefecture, Fukuoka has its own beloved udon culture. Locals eat it often, and Fukuoka-style udon is known for its softer texture compared to the firm, chewy noodles of Kagawa.

Kamakiri Udon (釜喜利うどん) / Akasaka

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2017, 18, 19, 20, 24)

A five-time Best 100 award winner on Japan’s leading gourmet review site, Kamakiri Udon is as much a place to enjoy drinks as it is to savor udon. With over 20 varieties ranging from classics to seasonal specialties, it’s loved for its plump, springy house-made noodles and refined bonito-based broth.

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Hagakure Udon (葉隠うどん) / Hakata

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2018,19, 20, 22, 24)

A five-time Best 100 honoree on Japan’s leading gourmet review site, Hagakure Udon serves Fukuoka’s signature soft-style udon. The flat, tender noodles have a distinctive mouthfeel, complemented by a savory broth made from bonito and round herrings for a deep, comforting flavor.

Suke San Udon (資さんうどん) / Hakata

Originating in Kitakyushu, Suke San Udon is a beloved udon chain known for being open year-round, 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy delicious udon anytime. With over 100 menu items, it’s a place everyone can enjoy — from children to seniors. One of its charms is the all-you-can-add toppings, such as tororo kombu (thinly shaved kelp) and tenkasu (crunchy tempura bits).

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Top 3 Yakitori Restaurants in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is famous for yakitori made with premium Kyushu brand chicken. With many yakitori restaurants catering to a wide range of groups, you’re sure to find the perfect spot that suits your taste and occasion.

Yakitori Mako (焼鳥 まこ) / Yakuin

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2024)

Selected as one of the Best 100 on Japan’s top gourmet review site in 2024, Yakitori Mako specializes in yakitori made with premium local chicken from Fukuoka. They source exclusively from farms raising long-term-fed breeds such as Kuro Satsuma and Kosho chicken. Each skewer is packed with concentrated umami that showcases the true flavor of the meat.

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Kagonma (かごんま) / Hakata

With over 50 years of history in Hakata, Kagonma is a beloved yakitori spot serving rare cuts like sagari (hanging tender) and seseri (neck meat), perfectly grilled liver, and gizzard skewers paired with sweet onion. Their secret tare sauce enhances the natural taste of the chicken, creating a rich, satisfying bite you won’t find elsewhere.

焼とり 鳥次 (ちょうじ) / Ohori-koen

Japan Restaurant Award, Best100 (2023,24)

Featured in the Michelin Guide and multiple gourmet award listings, Yakitori Choji is a rare place where you can enjoy fresh chicken sashimi alongside expertly grilled skewers. The owner, licensed in poultry processing, butchers each bird in-house, allowing access to rare cuts that seldom reach the market.

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