Not Sure Where to Eat? 13 Amazing Restaurants and Izakaya in Kumamoto Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: May 16 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Not Sure Where to Eat? 13 Amazing Restaurants and Izakaya in Kumamoto

Located in the Kyushu region, Kumamoto is packed full of world-class sightseeing spots, such as the caldera volcano, Mt. Aso. This article will introduce 13 restaurants and izakaya (Japanese pubs) that you can visit while touring around Kumamoto!

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Kumamoto.

1. Beef Marche (Karashimacho / Western Cuisine)

This French yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant has a lovely white-colored theme and a classy atmosphere. Come here to satisfy your desire for Japanese meat such as wagyu (a type of high-quality beef/cattle), or herb chicken, among others! The delicious [Wagyu Roast Beef Don] (rice bowl dish) is particularly highly recommended – a generous amount of Akagyu Beef is spread over rice and covered in an exquisitely light sauce. The wagyu sirloin and fatty pork yakiniku dishes are also very popular. Those worried about the smoke or the smell of yakiniku restaurants need not to worry - smokeless roasters are installed throughout the restaurant. An array of brand wines from around the world are also available – why not try a few to compare?

Beef Marche

Open: 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: A3 - 3F, Karna, 1-9, Shinshi-gai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)

2. Joan (Express Bus Mashiki Inter-guchi / Italian Cuisine)

Joan is located in a quiet suburb of Kumamoto. The abundance of greenery at the entrance, the open terrace where customers can gaze at the starry sky, and the high ceiling of the open interior will no doubt take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The sophisticated interior is almost like that of a resort, and is ideal for romantic occasions! All the cuisine served here is seasonal and incorporate healthy ingredients. Their meatloaf topped with raclette cheese and the lunch plate featuring 8 different kinds of flavors are just some of their popular dishes. They also have over 200 bottles of wine in stock, so you can pick one that best suits your meal.

Joan

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY
Address: 3-11-95, Sadowara, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

3. Gohoudai (Hanabatacho / Japanese Cuisine)

Relax in the Japanese-style environment of Gohoudai! A wide variety of Japanese cuisine, made using ingredients that have been carefully selected by the owner, is served here. Their wild soft-shelled turtle cuisine is particularly recommended. Have it in a variety of ways, including karaage (deep-fried), sashimi, and nabe (hot pot). The specialty of this restaurant is the springy [Maru Ko-age], which is a dish inherited from the previous owner of the restaurant. It is made by deep frying balls of seasoned, minced pike conger. Also highly popular is the melt-in-the-mouth marbled horse meat and steak of the rare Kumamoto-bred Ajisai beef.

Gohoudai

Open: 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
*1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 3F, TM21 Bldg., 1-9-10, Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)

4. Kumamoto Nurubon Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch (Yamamuro / Yakiniku)

Located at the top of a small hill, this restaurant offers a fantastic view from their windows. Why not come here to enjoy the beautiful view while savoring some delicious meat cuisine? Living by the motto of “local production for local consumption,” customers can rest assured that all the food served at this restaurant comes from Kumamoto itself. A wide variety of dishes are available, from a platter of different cuts of Wao beef (a Wagyu brand) to sukiyaki (hot pot stew) made with domestic beef. There is even a reasonably priced all-you-can-eat course where customers can enjoy as much high-quality meat as they want! You'll also find a variety of wine, including some rare ones that you rarely see in other restaurants.

Kumamoto Nurubon Garden Yamamuro Okubo Branch

Open: [Tuesday - Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
*Closed the following day instead if Monday falls on a national holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,980 JPY / [Lunch] 1,980 JPY
Address: 1-125-70, Yamamuro, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)
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5. Aging Beef MIZUKI (Karashimacho / Yakiniku)

This restaurant is, as the name suggests, a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant specializing in aged meat. The bright and chic American-style interior has such a casual atmosphere that even those visiting alone would feel at ease. Come and enjoy the rich aroma, unique umami (Japanese savory taste), and the texture of the aged meat, along with some wine! A wide variety of cuts are available here, from standard parts like tongue and ribs to rare pieces like chuck tender and special tenderloin. They have a selection of luxurious items as well, including sirloin of aged Kuroge Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef)!

Aging Beef MIZUKI

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (Food L.O. 2:00 pm, Drink L.O. 11:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm, Drink L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (Food L.O. 2:00 pm, Drink L.O. 11:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 2F, Amenity Shinshigai, 12-10, Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)

6. Suizenji Sakaba Sakanaya (Shin-Suizenji / Japanese Izakaya)

This relaxing izakaya with a wooden interior caters to gatherings of any size, from solo diners to large groups. Both meat and seafood dishes are available, all of which use top-quality Japanese ingredients. The [Yakitori] (grilled chicken skewer) is particularly popular. It is grilled in a way to leave the inside rare. Its soft texture and exquisiteness make it distinctive from any yakitori you might have had in other places. Also highly recommended is the [Chicken Sashimi], which is a dish which requires exceptionally fresh, high-quality meat. There is also an extensive alcohol menu that's primarily focused around local Kumamoto shochu (a type of Japanese alcohol). Why not pick the drink that best suits your meal?

Suizenji Sakaba Sakanaya

Open: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 1-15-2, Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)

7. Shundokoro Toki (Hanabatacho / Japanese Cuisine)

Shundokoro Toki is particular about serving Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. Over 80% of the menu changes every season, with the head chef carefully selecting each ingredient himself. Everything served here is of superb quality, and each dish is prepared with close attention to detail, including horse meat cuisine, which is a famous Kumamoto dish. Foodies are always particularly impressed by the [Chawanmushi of the Day] (savory steamed egg custard). Various ingredients are mixed in with the egg and dashi (broth), and this mixture is only steamed upon order, ensuring a deliciously wobbly result. Their alcohol menu, which includes a selection of fruit wines that changes seasonally, is also quite popular.

Shundokoro Toki

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
*Closed the following day instead if Sunday falls on a national holiday
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 2F, Kumamoto Green Hotel, 12-11, Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

8. Yakitori no Gunroku (Suidocho / Japanese Izakaya)

This yakitori restaurant has a relaxing, sophisticated atmosphere. With a theme of “yakitori and wine”, customers can expect to enjoy wine selected by an experienced sommelier alongside their delicious yakitori, all made with fresh, branded chicken. What’s more, they use binchotan (premium ubame oak charcoal) for grilling, which makes each piece deliciously crispy on the outside, but succulent and tasty on the inside. With a unique and addictive cartilage texture, the [Tsukune] (chicken meatballs) is particularly recommended for those drinking wine. The menu also has a wide range of other skewer items to suit all tastes, such as the [Pumpkin Croquette Skewer]. This lightly sweetened dish is very popular among their customers.

Yakitori no Gunroku

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 6:00 - Last Order
[Sunday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: B1F, Doro Bldg., 4-3, Suido-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)

9. Cafelista (Musashizuka / Cafe)

The modern brown interior of Cafelista exudes a relaxing atmosphere. The extensive menu includes dishes like hamburg steak, pasta, and omurice (omelet filled with rice). Their [Beef Steak and Cheese on Stone-baked Rice], which has an aroma of scorched shoyu (soy sauce) and chili oil, as well as their homemade [Beef Stew] (available only in the autumn and winter), consisting of Aka beef stewed with 18 different ingredients, will no doubt pleasantly whet your appetite! From parfaits to pancakes, a wide range of desserts are also available. There are several seating options, such as private rooms and terrace seats, so it’s ideal for any occasion, including lunch, dinner, and a relaxing break!

Cafelista

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Monday] 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm)
Closed: None
*If Monday falls on a national holiday, then the next day's dinner service will be cancelled
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 7-8-15, Kusunoki, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto (Map)

10. Kakure Sabou Sakura Kumamoto Branch (Karashimacho / Izakaya)

This stylish restaurant filled with retro-modern furniture mainly serves authentic Italian cuisine. They have gained a fantastic reputation among locals. Their [Sakura Lunch] is particularly popular and consists of only the freshest, most delicious ingredients of the day, handpicked by the chef. A casual cafe menu is also available. Their cappuccino, wherein milk is poured into espresso to create a design, not only tastes amazing, but looks great as well!

Kakure Sabou Sakura Kumamoto Branch

Open: 11:30 am - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: None
*May close during the beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 980 JPY
Address: 6-6, Shinshigai, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

11. Kumamoto Baniku Yokocho (Hanabatacho / Izakaya)

Healthy, nutritious Kumamoto horse meat can be enjoyed at this restaurant at a price that will not break the bank. They prepare the meat in a variety of ways, from grilling it, to having it lightly seared or even raw. The [Yokocho Teppan Steak] is a recommendation that you can't miss! The delicious, tender cuts of fillet in this dish go amazingly well with the garlic sauce. They have a wide range of seating options available, from large group seating to counter seats. Whether you are going out for a meal with your family and friends or on your own, this restaurant is a great place to sample some delicious horse meat.

Kumamoto Baniku Yokocho

Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Saturday, National Holidays] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Sunday] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Kai Bldg., 1-11-8, Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

12. Umazakura (Torichosuji / Creative Japanese Cuisine)

Umazakura is a horse meat specialty restaurant that takes great care over serving incredibly fresh meat, be it a standard cut or a rare one. The creative cuisine served here is all overseen by the distinguished horse meat chef, such as the [Fillet Steak] and the [Stewed Horse Burger Steak]. Classic dishes in which the deliciousness of the meat itself can be enjoyed, such as [Horse Meat Sashimi] and [Shabu-shabu] (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables), are also available. The refined, sophisticated interior has both spacious horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu tables), as well as counter seats with a view of the bustling shopping district, so it’s perfect for any occasion.

Umazakura

Open: [Weekdays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Address: 3F, Ginza Place Kumamoto, 1-10-3, Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

13. Izakaya Kan (Hanabatacho / Izakaya)

This izakaya is popular among tourists visiting Kumamoto. The calming wooden interior, illuminated by gentle lighting, has private rooms with horigotatsu and counter seats, as well as other kinds of seating. The menu features seafood freshly caught from the major ports of Kyushu, Kumamoto-bred horse meat, and more. You'll find dishes from all over the world, such as Japanese, yoshoku (Japanese-style Western cuisine), and Chinese. Recommendations include the steak made with Aka beef loin - a difficult cut to procure - and regional Kumamoto dishes like [Mustard Lotus Root], and [Taipien] (vermicelli soup). 250 types of shochu are also available, so why not taste and compare some for yourself?

Izakaya Kan

Open: 6:00 pm - Last Order
Closed: None
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Nishi-Ginza Chohan Bldg., 1-11-20, Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

Are you intrigued by any of the restaurants listed in this article? If you are sightseeing around Kumamoto, use this article to guide you in your exploration of the local cuisine!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.