The best restaurants and cafes to visit in Kanazawa
- Published on : 17/07/2025
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Origo, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
The standout geography of Ishikawa Prefecture is a major contributor to its renowned food culture, and the capital city of Kanazawa is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes the area has to offer!
Hokuriku is a region consisting of some of the most dynamic geography throughout the Japanese archipelago, blessed with rolling mountains on one side and the dynamic Sea of Japan on the other. It’s because of this geography that the region is also blessed with some of the best cuisine in all of Japan, utilizing the diverse, high-quality produce found in abundance here.
Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and the largest city in Hokuriku, and with a strong history of artistry and craftsmanship, there is no better way to describe it than as a place that appreciates beautiful things. This extends to the city’s cuisine as well, boasting some of the most beloved specialties in the country along with being host to one of the most prolific contemporary dining cultures.
From time-tested staple establishments to world-class dining championing both Kanazawa’s traditional and contemporary sensibilities, take a look at some of our favorite restaurants in Ishikawa’s colorful capital.
Fuwari
- 5:00PM-11:00PM
- Closed Mondays
- 〒920-0902 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Owaricho, 2 Chome−6−57
Fuwari is located just 2 minutes away from Kanazawa’s Omicho Market, a central hub for the city that features vendors selling high-quality produce, including many dishes ready to eat right then and there. Carrying the spirit of the market with a focus on local ingredients and cuisine, Fuwari is a staple of Kanazawa’s izakaya scene.
With a big focus on seasonality, the menu emphasizes charcoal-grilled delicacies, with menu items like fresh seafood, chicken, pork, and vegetables perfectly roasted and adorned with different accoutrements. The chicken necks in particular are a great choice, with a tender but fruitful bite and sharp, salt-forward umami flavor. Other izakaya staples like fresh sashimi and fried goods are also beloved, prepared simply to emphasize the true flavors of the quality, often locally sourced produce.
Fuwari, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Fuwari, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Fuwari, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Fuwari, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
The exterior and atmosphere of the restaurant embody the traditional end of Kanazawa, with largely wooden construction and a glowing lamp signifying the entrance. A well-kept garden surrounds the restaurant that is able to be viewed from outside the restaurant windows.
Kourin Sushi
- 11:30AM-1:30PM/5:30PM-9:30PM
- Closed Wednesday and Sunday
- 79 Bakuromachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0903
Located nearby the grounds of Kanazawa Castle and Omicho Market, Kourin Sushi is one of the best locations for indulging in some of Ishikawa’s local delicacies at an affordable price! The nigiri sets in particular are known as a great deal, with a 10-piece offering coming in at 1,320 yen! But don’t let the price fool you, as Kourin Sushi sources their seafood from Omicho Market, ensuring that quality comes in at no compromise.
Also not limited to just sushi, other notable dishes include the mini unagi bowl, indulgent, sweet, and savory, as well as the seasonal crab dishes. Kourin Sushi is also a great spot to try out one of Kanazawa’s most famous delicacies: nodoguro, known as blackthroat sea perch in Japanese.
Nigiri- Kourin Sushi, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Makizushi/tamagoyaki- Kourin Sushi, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
With a rich, fatty white meat, it is best enjoyed lightly seared or grilled whole with just salt, and both iterations plus more are available at the restaurant! In general, Kourin Sushi’s seared options, such as the yakisaba or aburi salmon, are great bites.
The Kourin Sushi storefront is very unassuming, being a small building with a blackboard outside displaying the daily specials and features. Its close proximity to some of the major attractions in Kanazawa makes it a great spot for lunch on a day of sightseeing.
Ushioya
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM)
- Closed Tuesdays
- 1 Chome-7-9 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831
Ushioya is a gem of the storied Higashi Chaya, located near the traditional Geisha’s district’s entrance but with an unassuming storefront. It serves as one of Kanazawa’s premier spots for a daytime meal and specializes in showcasing Ishikawa’s delicious seafood in an unapologetically simple way.
The restaurant’s calling card is their array of different seafood bowls (known as kaisendon in Japanese) that feature different kinds of fish. In particular, the offering consisting of 3 different types of fish is a favorite, often consisting of white fish, tuna, and salmon or trout. The city’s famous Nodoguro also finds itself in many dishes throughout the menu! Seasonal dishes rotate throughout the year, such as Buri Shabu in winter that consists of locally-sourced amberjacked served alongside a light broth for poaching.
The interior of the restaurant combines both the charm of the Higashi-Chaya district and contemporary sensibilities, with largely wooden construction and furnishings. On the walls, unique art pieces are hung around the restaurant. Also be sure to take a look at the sake selection as well as other take-home goodies available for sale!
Menya Uguisu
- 11:30AM-2:30PM/6PM-2AM (next day)
- Closed Sundays
- 1 Chome-5-32 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0981
In one of the alleys nearby Kanazawa’s commercial-centric Tatemachi area, Menya Uguisu serves up some of the city’s best ramen! The shop also has a secondary location nearby Kanazawa Station called Menya Shirasagi. Uguisu in Japanese is the name for a nightingale, and shirasagi is the name for a white heron.
The shop specializes in toripaitan, a type of ramen featuring a silky broth made of chicken bones. As toppings, the shop is very well-known for their chashu, with both pork shoulder and chicken cooked sous vide for incredible tenderness. Staples like simmered bamboo shoots and spring onions offer great textural variance. The perfectly salted, umami-filled broth has a layer of glistening fat. Be sure to take a spoonful of the soup before anything, and order your noodles katame (Japanese for al dente) for the ultimate bowl!
The shop is counter-seating only, and on weekends, there is an occasional wait. The menu is quite simple, with only a handful of options with some customization with toppings, but otherwise, this ramen-ya is beloved for its simple yet well-executed menu that is sure to keep you satiated throughout the day.
Ramen Uguisu, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Sushi Ikuta
112:00PM-1:30PM/6:00PM-8:00PM
Closed Tuesdays
- Reservation required
1 Chome-4-4 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0981
Right across from Menya Uguisu is Sushi Ikuta. Outfitted in the traditional sushi-ya fare—largely wooden construction, a stylized sign featuring the shop’s name in calligraphy, and a cloth noren curtain in front of the door—there is no doubt that Sushi Ikuta is an establishment that knows what it’s doing. Headed by Chef Takeshi Ikuta who was born and raised in Kanazawa, the shop features the best of the best when it comes to Ishikawa’s world-class seafood.
Staple ingredients of the nearby waters and fields of Ishikawa find themselves on the menu. Delicious nodoguro selected for optimal flavor and texture are seared and served upon glistening sushi rice.
Aburi nodoguro nigiri- Sushi Ikuta, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Otoro nigiri- Sushi Ikuta, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Tsubugai nigiri- Sushi Ikuta, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Masu nigiri- Sushi Ikuta, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Akaika nigiri- Sushi Ikuta, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Kohada nigiri-Sushi Ikuta, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Local squid is prepared in a unique manner where it is scraped with a knife and made into nigiri, the translucent appearance of the squid blending in with the rice below it. This piece has a unique, gummy texture with a solid bite. Other offerings change up through the seasons, with fattier fish in winter and leaner meats in the warmer months. Ishikawa-made sake is the highlight of the drink menu. The interior of the restaurant consists of a 7-seat counter and then more seating upstairs. Golden lighting illuminates and adds coloration to the decor and the tableware consists of a lot of locally sourced ware, many of which are Kutani plates, a famous form of pottery from the Kanazawa area. Dinner is reservation only with irregular closures. Both lunch and dinner are available.
Origo
- 6:00PM-10:00PM
- Closed Sundays
- Reservation Required
- 10-1 Kasaichimachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0851
Origo embodies Kanazawa’s appreciation for beauty and aesthetics while also serving as one of the city’s most standout tasting menus. Opened and operated by Chef Matteo Alberti, who originally hails from Italy, Origo’s cuisine utilizes the signature ingredients of Ishikawa Prefecture prepared with authentic Italian recipes and techniques.
Chef Alberti’s presentation of his dishes is largely inspired by nature, elegantly incorporating wood, stone, moss, and more. The menu changes monthly and emphasizes seasonality. For the dishes themselves, local fish, mountain vegetables, and artisanal tomatoes are highlights. Handmade pastas are accented with Japanese ingredients, and in particular, Chef Alberti looks to promote the high-quality game meat that is sourced within Japan, such as venison and boar, often sourced from right within Ishikawa. For the drinks, Chef Alberti sources quality offerings straight from his home country of Italy.
Pasta- Origo, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Origo, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Inoshishi- Origo, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Origo, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Origo, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Origo is located out of a historic building in Kanazawa that served as a fishing net workshop back in the day. The exterior is very modest, with a small gold panel signifying the entrance on a very unassuming, residential street. The ceilings are high and on the second floor is a lodging room that can be booked for accommodation. During the day, the front portion of the restaurant is a cafe known as Angolo, with authentic Italian espresso-based drinks and sweets.
Gelateria Ritorta
- Open 12PM-7PM
- Closed Tuesdays
- 2 Chome-12-15 Korinbo, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0961
Still within the realm of Italian cuisine’s presence in Kanazawa, Gelataria Ritorta is the perfect spot for a midday snack on a hot day! Owner Eriko spent some time in Italy, and during her time there, she lived on a street named Ritorta, for which she named her shop. Located in the picturesque Korinbo area of the city, it's a charming spot offering both authentic Italian staple flavors as well as ones with distinct Japanese flair.
Eriko’s time in Italy contributes to her dedication to quality and authenticity, to the point where Gelataria Ritorta will make the gelato for the previously mentioned Origo’s desserts. The stracciatella, vanilla-based gelato with chocolate chips, is a mainstay, but much like many other places in Kanazawa, seasonality plays a big role on the menu, with new and cycling flavors throughout the year.
Gelataria Ritorta, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
With cute, minimalist decor and branding, the shop’s environment is charming, a great reflection of Kanazawa. The quaint Korinbo area is home to a number of other great restaurants and cafes. It is also nearby the historic samurai district of Kanazawa, the Nagamachi Buke Yashiki. Be sure to stop by Ritorta while exploring the area!
Cafe Tamon
8h00-17h00
1 Chome-27-7 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831
Kanazawa’s Higashi cha-ya district is like stepping back in time, with much of its wooden structures original to the Edo Period. Small shops, museums, and cafes occupy these buildings, making it a great spot to wander and explore, and towards the back of the area, away from most of the crowds, is Cafe Tamon. Cafe Tamon specializes in refreshments and desserts, with their Japanese-style soufflé pancakes and kakigori (shaved ice) being the primary specialties.
As is the trend with many of Kanazawa’s best restaurants and cafes, seasonality is the name of the game, and through the seasons, the shop’s signature offerings feature different toppings, such as fresh fruits in spring and summer and sweet potatoes and nuts in the autumn and winter. The drink catalog is also a standout, with coffee-based drinks, artisanal sodas, and top-tier, Ishikawa-sourced teas being the perfect accompaniment to the desserts.
Cafe Tamon, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
The cafe is located across from Utasu Shrine, a five-minute walk from the main road that leads into Higashi Cha-ya. The exterior of the building blends in seamlessly with the surrounding traditional architecture, with contemporary decorative nods inside. During hot summers in Japan, a stop by Cafe Tamon for their kakigori and cold drinks is a great way to refresh!
Kesaran Pasaran
- 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Closed Monday and Friday
- 3 Chome-17-3 Shintatemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0995
On the modest Shin Tatemachi shopping street is Kesaran Pasaran, an espresso bar that isn’t afraid to insert a bit of pizzazz in everything they do. From the menu items to the decor to the branding, the shop is teeming with character inspired by the eclectic husband-wife owners.
As a cafe, the drink menu presents the shop's most famous offerings, consisting mostly of espresso. Staple beverages like lattes, Americanos, and cappuccinos are classic and reliable, but some more standout choices like the magic, made famous by Australia, as well as the small yet sharp piccolo, also find themselves on the menu.
Kesaran Pasaran is just as famous for its high-quality desserts, with the rare cheesecake being both delicious and photogenic, as it is made to look like Swiss cheese! Additionally, the gorgonzola cheesecake is a customer favorite, with a prominent funky flavor that is perfectly mellowed out by rounded sweetness and a creamy texture. The tiramisu is also a staple, presented in a fun round shape and occasionally featuring different flavors!
Kesaran Pasaran, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Kesaran Pasaran, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Matcha tiramisu- Kesaran Pasaran, Kanazawa
@Japan Experience
Both seasonal drinks and seasonal desserts find themselves on Keesaran Pasaran’s menu, making it great for visiting throughout the year.
The shop has two floors with counter seating and some tables on the first floor. The second floor is all tables with sleek metal paneling. On the walls of the shop, pieces from local artists are showcased. The exterior features charming wooden accents painted in calming shades of cream and evergreen. On weekends, it’s a popular spot for locals, so there may be a line, but to try some of the best desserts and drinks in the city, it is well worth the wait!
