With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has seen an increase in overseas visitors. Among numerous Japanese tourist spots, Morioka in particular is gaining attention. It ranked 2nd in the New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2023." Here are 5 recommended restaurants in Morioka, which has been increasing in popularity. They are perfect to stop by during a Morioka trip!
Italian Cuisine - Ristorante SHIKAZAWA
Italian cuisine that incorporates Iwate ingredients and elements from local cuisine
Open the wooden door with its profound atmosphere and find an expansive, extraordinary space that sharpens the senses, which includes deep gray walls that have charcoal mixed with plaster. Inside, guests will be captivated by both the food and the plates. This restaurant takes great care to provide an Iwate feel, from the Nambu ironware, a traditional craft of the region, to the Noda ware plates, made in furnaces from Noda Village.
Ristorante SHIKAZAWA
Closed: * Lunch is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Average price: [Dinner] 18,500 JPY / [Lunch] 15,000 JPY
Access: 15 minutes walk from Morioka Station
Izakaya - Aisawa
A Japanese izakaya loved by local customers for over 30 years since its founding
From the signboard with the restaurant name written in large text and the restaurant curtain, open the sliding door to enter the restaurant. This home-like space, utilizing the warmth of wood, has a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. At the counter seats, guests can enjoy conversation with the restaurant head. They also have tatami seating with sunken kotatsu tables, so guests can spend time with enjoyable meals in accordance with their mood that day.
Aisawa
Address: B1F, AVAZ, 1-12-16, Saien, Morioka-shi, Iwate
Access: 10 minutes walk from Morioka Station
Italian Cuisine - CHATONS
An Italian restaurant where guests can taste high quality foods made locally for local consumption
CHATONS
Closed: On the second Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 20 minutes walk from Morioka Station
Japanese Cuisine - Japanese Cuisine Waso Senshin Kuga
Guests can enjoy seasonal dishes in their preferred style based on the theme of local production for local consumption
Japanese Cuisine Waso Senshin Kuga is a Japanese restaurant located a 15-minute walk from Morioka Station. Here, guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine made by the restaurant head, who has shown his skills for years at Japanese restaurants. They can enjoy cuisine as they like based on the theme of local production for local consumption, including Kaiseki cuisine and individual foods. Everything on the menu is not only delicious but also has gorgeous and beautiful arrangements that are truly dazzling.
Located on 2F of the building, this restaurant has a bright space with large windows. The inside has table seats and counter seats, in addition to three private rooms made with Japanese modern tastes. Each room can accommodate 4 guests, and adjusting the partition accommodates a maximum of 12 people. The guest will be truly happy to find out that there is no fee to use these private rooms.
Nihon ryori Wasosenshin KUGA
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 15 minutes walk from Morioka Station
Japanese Cuisine - Kaiunbashidori Kikka
Guests will smack their lips at the skillfully cooked Japanese cuisine using carefully selected ingredients
Kaiunbashi-dori Kikka
Address: 1F, Tamura Bldg., 1-40 Kaiunbashidori, Morioka-shi, Iwate
Access: 10 minutes walk from Morioka Station
