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Kanazawa, Japan, is a rising star on the travel scene—and it’s easy to see why! With its rich blend of history, culture, art, and exceptional seafood, this charming city offers something for every traveler. Known for its culinary delights, Kanazawa boasts a diverse range of gourmet dining options, from traditional local dishes to innovative fusion creations. The city’s menus feature a wide array of fresh, local seafood, meat, and vegetables that showcase the unique flavors of the region.
With so many amazing restaurants to choose from, narrowing down the best spots for dinner can be a challenge. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top dining spots in Kanazawa, recommended by locals, that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
- What is Kanazawa known for?
- 1. Kanazawa Kagami (Kanazawa Oden)
- 2. COIL (Temakizushi – Sushi Rolls)
- 3. Tsubame (Kanazawa Home-style Cooking)
- 4. Fuwari (Charcoal-grilled Seafood)
- 5. Kanazawa Machiya Hatch (Italian-Japanese Fusion)
- 6. Pizzeria Salina
- 7. AIPINI (Italian)
- 8. ORIENTAL BREWING (Local Craft Beer & Pub)
What is Kanazawa known for?
Kanazawa city is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, which is in central Japan. Known as a city with a rich history and culture, there are many historical districts and attractions have been preserved within the city. This includes Higashi Chaya District, with plenty of cafes and dessert shops, and Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan. For Japanese castle lovers, Kanazawa also offers Kanazawa Castle and the beautiful park surrounding it.
In terms of cuisine, Kanazawa is known as the city with the highest fresh fish consumption in Japan. Seafood is really the king here; it’s no surprise that many of the best restaurants in Kanazawa are seafood-based. One of the best things to do in Kanazawa is to visit Omicho Market, which has an astounding assortment of fresh seafood as well as other local cuisines to snack on.
Best accommodations in Kanazawa:
MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN KANAZAWA
Best Restaurants in Kanazawa: Where Locals Eat
To save you time while exploring Ishikawa Prefecture, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite dinner spots in Kanazawa City, handpicked by our local staff. Whether you’re craving traditional Japanese dishes or western-style cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients, there’s a restaurant here that’s sure to become your favorite, too!
Kanazawa Kagami (Kanzawa Oden)
What is Oden?
Oden is a beloved Japanese hot pot dish with a history that dates back centuries. Originally, it evolved from “dengaku”—grilled tofu skewers topped with miso. By the late 19th century, oden had transformed into a simmered dish with a light broth, gaining popularity in Tokyo. By the early 20th century, it had become a staple comfort food across Japan with many regional styles.
What is Kanazawa Oden?
Kanazawa, known for its refined culinary traditions, developed its own distinct style of oden. Unlike the soy-based broths common in other regions, Kanazawa oden features a clear, delicate broth made from bonito, kombu, and salt. This enhances the natural flavors of fresh, locally sourced ingredients—many of which are delivered daily from Omicho Market!
Kanazawa Oden at “Kagami”
At Kagami, Kanazawa oden is reimagined as an elegant kaiseki dining experience. Each ingredient is paired with a tailored broth to enhance its flavors, with seasonal highlights like the Hokuriku area’s famous fish, Nodoguro (Blackthroat seaperch) Oden. They offer kaiseki course menus that includes fresh sashimi, traditional Japanese side dishes, a meat dish, rice dish, and more. Guests can also enjoy à la carte oden selections for a deeper exploration of this regional specialty.
Set within a fully renovated 100-year-old machiya (traditional townhouse), Kagami offers a refined way to discover the delicate flavors of Kanazawa’s signature hot pot.
▶︎ Book a Kanazawa Oden Dinner Course for an Authentic Experience
| Kanazawa Kagami | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Chome-2-3 Honmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0853 |
| Book Now | Reservations Required. Book your table via MACHIYA LOCALS |
| Hours | 5:30PM~10:00PM (Last Order 9:30PM) Closed: Sundays |
Experience classic Japanese rolled sushi
Kanazawa Temakizushi COIL
To experience classic yet minimalistic Japanese cuisine, go out for a sushi dinner at COIL. This restaurant specializes in hosomaki sushi. The name means “thin roll” — it’s a kind of sushi roll that’s made with just one filling.
The rolls are simple but delicious, with dozens of options to choose from. The ingredients offered range from salmon and natto to jellyfish and Camembert cheese, and so much more! The best part is you can choose the fillings yourself and also roll your own sushi.
To get the best selection, order the Hosomaki Sushi Set, which comes with a variety of fresh seafood, meats, fried egg, and more. Some meal sets also come with tea, tempura, Nodoguro soup (made with a rare fish that’s a specialty of Kanazawa), or a combination. If you’re looking for a meal that’s more then a meal, then the experience here at COIL is for you!
| Kanazawa Temakizushi COIL | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2F Kanazawa Hakomachi 1-1, Fukuromachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0909 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/o8dyJkPaB6EFJAdz6 |
| Hours | 11:00AM～9:30PM (Last order 8:30PM) |
Kanazawa “home-cooking” using local foods
Tsubame
Even on a night out, sometimes you just want a dinner that tastes like home. Although the home cooking you’re used to might not be the same, in times like those, Tsubame is the place to be. Even just the location makes you feel comfortable; this family-run restaurant is located in a renovated machiya house in a residential neighborhood. You’ll experience a true Japanese-style home-cooked meal here.
The item we recommend from Tsubame’s menu is their “Ohitsu” rice set meal. The rice is served in a traditional wooden bowl, along with delicious and well-seasoned side dishes that differ from day to day,
Beyond the main courses, Tsubame is also famous for their desserts, especially their picture-perfect candied apples.
| Tsubame | |
|---|---|
| Address | 11-1 Yamanouemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0816 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/mmMwAbGyeMfmMRze7 |
| Hours | 11:30AM～10:00PM Closed Mondays and Thursdays |
Charcoal grilled fresh local seafood
Fuwari
Get a taste for Kanazawa’s true local food scene at Fuwari. This cozy restaurant is located in a historical Japanese house in a quiet back alley.
For food lovers eager to sample the city’s fresh seafood but looking for something beyond sashimi, sushi, or kaisendon, Fuwari is the perfect spot. Specializing in charcoal-grilled fish, this hidden gem is just a stone’s throw from Omicho Market, making it no surprise that seafood takes center stage on the menu.
We highly recommend their charcoal-grilled platter, where the aromatic scent of sizzling fish is enough to make your mouth water. If you’re a fan of sashimi, their sashimi platter offers some of the freshest cuts you’ll find in the city. Popular with both locals and tourists alike, Fuwari is a must-visit—just be sure to book a reservation in advance, as the space is small and fills up quickly!
| Fuwari | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-6-57 Owari-cho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0902 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJ9dPwiu1Zqz4aPh8 |
| Hours | Tuesday~Sunday (closed Monday) 5:00PM～11:00PM (Last order 10:30PM) |
Italian-fusion restaurant just 5-mins from Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa Machiya Hatch (Haachi)
Hatch, or Hacchi, is a fusion restaurant that serves Italian cuisine made with local, Japanese ingredients. Located in a stylish renovated townhouse with a courtyard, this restaurant is just a 5-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. If you find yourself near the station after a day of sightseeing and are looking for a delicious restaurant nearby, then Hatch is the perfect choice. Inside, there are counter seats on the first floor and tables on the second floor. The vibe is great for a date or a girls’ night during your Japan travels.
The chef’s specialty is Noto pork, a kind of pork that is exclusive to Ishikawa Prefecture. We recommend trying the Noto pork stew. It”s creamy and has a meaty sweetness to it, the special fond de veau sauce makes each bite irresistible. We also recommend the Noto pork pizza, which pairs amazingly with some of the delicious Japanese sake available on the menu.
| Kanazawa Machiya Hatch (Haachi) | |
|---|---|
| Address | K-2 West Building 2F,1 chome -5-35 Kitayasue, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0022 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/uDifopJ6VVZfTWk58 |
| Hours | Tuesday~Sunday (closed Monday) 6:00PM～11:00PM (L.O. 10:00AM) |
Authentic Italian Pizza beloved by locals
Pizzeria Salina
Authentic, Italian pizza is always a good dinner option — even in Japan! Pizzeria Salina offers Naples-style, wood-fired pizza. You can be sure of the quality, since the restaurant has been certified by the True Neapolitan Pizza Association.
We recommend trying a classic Margherita pizza made with Agehama salt from Suzu City, which is also in Ishikawa Prefecture. Their Biancaneve pizza is amazing, too! They also have a small menu of desserts including homemade gelato, tiramisu, and catalana.
Pizzeria Salina is conveniently located near the Nagamachi Samurai Residence, a popular tourist destination. The pizzeria isn’t just popular with tourists, though; plenty of locals frequent the restaurant, as the pizza is just too good!
| Pizzeria Salina | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Chome-12-39 Korinbo, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0961 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/7je2NkK3U5JaLtbi6 |
| Hours | Monday~Friday (closed on Thursday) 11:30AM~2:30PM, 5:30PM~9:30PM, Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays 11:00AM~2:30PM, 5:30PM~9:00PM |
Italian cuisine using local Kanazawa ingredients
AIPINI
There’s another Italian restaurant that ranks high on our list of the best restaurants in Kanazawa, Japan. It’s AIPINI, within walking distance of Kanazawa Station and Kanazawa’s famous Omicho Market, making it perfect to visit after sightseeing in the city.
AIPINI has a very calm atmosphere that pairs well with its sophisticated menu made of local, seasonal ingredients. The most popular items are their appetizers, especially the 10 varieties of bruschetta using 5 kinds of bread. You can sample some of them in a bruschetta platter — each one has a unique taste and texture. We also recommend trying the pasta!
| AIPINI | |
|---|---|
| Address | 18-35 Yasuecho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0854 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/T5BTuhTfwjivM9kM6 |
| Hours | Lunch 11:00AM～3:00PM （L.O. 2:00PM） Dinner 5:00PM～11:00PM （L.O. 22:00PM） |
Fresh Local Craft Beers in Higashi Chaya District
ORIENTAL BREWING
One of the best things to do in Kanazawa is experience the local drinking scene. You can go bar-hopping, but make sure to include a stop at Oriental Brewing. It’s the only pub in Kanazawa that has its own brewery!
Oriental Brewing offers freshly made craft beer that you can only taste in Kanazawa, including Kaga Bocha Stout and Yuwaku Yuzu Ale. If you want to try a bit of everything, order the Flight Set, which comes with four different beers for you to enjoy.In addition to beer, the menu also has a selection of meals and quick bites that perfectly complement the beers that are offered, including pizza.
| ORIENTAL BREWING | |
|---|---|
| Address | 3 Chome-2-22 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/VcmTaBr6Q35fBU4j9 |
| Hours | 11:00AM～10:00PM |
Locals top picks for the best restaurants in Kanazawa
No matter if you’re craving a home-style meal in Japan or seafood freshly caught in the area, one of our top picks of best restaurants in Kanazawa to visit for dinner is sure to do the trick. Be sure to also check out our other articles on Kanazawa city, as we have articles on our favorite lunch spots in the Kanazawa Station area as, a list of the best breakfast places in Omicho Market, and even the best places to visit in Higashi Chaya Tea District for travelers with a sweet tooth!
Where to stay when in Japan
Stay in a Traditional Japanese Machiya
MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS offers over 100 traditional Japanese accommodations welcoming guests in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama. At the heart of our approach is the restoration and revival of machiya, traditional Japanese townhouses shaped by the history, architecture, and culture of their local communities.
Our accommodations include restored traditional machiya as well as properties that revive the character of machiya architecture through traditional design, local craftsmanship, and techniques connected to each region.
Stay in a private machiya holiday house, where you can have an entire traditional Japanese home to yourself, or choose a room in one of our boutique machiya hotels. From architectural details and Japanese gardens to tatami rooms and local craftsmanship, each stay offers a closer connection to Japanese design and the destination around it.
Find your machiya accommodation and book through the MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS official website for exclusive offers and our best available rate.
