Hakatarou
Fukuoka is famous for its abundance of affordable and tasty eateries, but many of these places fall into the traditional izakaya category: colorful, compact and literally hives of energy, they can be a bit too noisy and too casual for certain occasions. This issue we introduce you to Hakatarou loca... Read more...
Yanagibashi Shokudo
Often warmly referred to as "Fukuoka's Kitchen", the Yanagibashi Fresh Food Market is one of the Fukuoka's most colorful and fascinating places for foreigners to visit. Famous for its dozens of butchers and fresh fish and vegetable shops, it's where many of Fukuoka's top chefs can be foun... Read more...
Rakuten-an
It's said the origin of tempura, one of Japan's most widely recognized cuisines, dates back to the mid-sixteenth century when early Portuguese and Spanish missionaries and traders introduced batter-coated deep-fried fish. After centuries of refinement one would think that every means of enjoying te... Read more...
Mana Burgers in Tenjin Area
Far from just another faddish foodery, the surf-styled Mana Burgers is serious about their "Natural Junk" concept, with a "no-BS, no-MSG" approach. Macrobiotic devotees themselves, partners Hideki and Aki don't intend to preach. "'Macrobiotic' has a stern, drab image" ... Read more...
Jet Diner in Tenjin Area
Daimyo, Fukuoka's mini-Shibuya, is packed with achingly hip fashion stores, restaurants and bars, but where's the beef? Not counting the obligatory KFC it's always been surprising that there's nowhere in Daimyo to grab a quick burger. You guessed it: there is now. Jet Diner, located just off Nishi-... Read more...
La Casa di Nao in Tenjin Area
After more than two decades away, honing his skills overseas and in Japan, Naoyuki recently returned to Fukuoka to open, appropriately enough, "La Casa di Nao," (Nao's house) on Josui-dori just a few kilometers from where he grew up. After graduating from a culinary school in Osaka, Nao g... Read more...
The Faces Hakata in Tenjin Area
A venue with so many looks, The Faces Hakata is aptly named. It's just as ideal for a light breakfast, a leisurely lunch, quiet coffee, delicious dinner, or as a sophisticated spot for drinks and snacks in the evening. Located on the ground floor of the exclusive Eeny Meeny Miny Mo shopping center,... Read more...
Kiwamiya - Takatori Branch in Tenjin Area
Located along a quiet stretch of the Fujisaki shopping arcade, Kiwamiya's bright and boldly painted exterior is impossible to miss. So is the sweet scent of smoke from succulent barbecued beef billowing out of their chimney. Warning! Kiwamiya is so popular that reservations are strongly advised, an... Read more...
Karinto in Tenjin Area
Named after the tower which appears in the popular <i>manga</i>, Dragonball, Karinto, located on the third floor of a modern building near the Kego four-way intersection is an unique small diner that offers tasty original dishes in a friendly and <b>playful atmosphere</b>. W... Read more...
Nihao! in Nishi Area
A popular Ropponmatsu-based Chinese restaurant for more than 20 years, Nihao is run by a father and son-in-law duo hailing from Beijing. Featuring a wide selection of dishes, including vegetables, seafood, beef, pork, tofu, soup, rice, and noodles, the menu is simple yet packs a strong punch. Also,... Read more...
The World Gourmet Aletta Premium in Tenjin Area
"Travel abroad by tasting the foods of world". That's the concept of this upscale smorgasbord restaurant located on the sixth floor of Solaria Plaza. The stylish interior reflects images of five of the six continents. Ensuring both optimal freshness and quality, all dishes are hand-made b... Read more...
Udon Kimura in Tenjin Area
Most udon (wheat-based noodle) shops cater to those on the run, looking for fuel for their busy days. The vibe here, however, is much more mellow. The simple, yet carefully produced interior is a blend of modern and traditional Japanese. A few small tables and a simple counter bar overlooking the k... Read more...
Fasika Ethiopian Dining
Kyushu's first Ethiopian restaurant, decorated with pan-African art, opened this June on the third floor of a modern building in Daimyo. Owner, Ohta-san, who went to college in America and spent six months in eastern Africa, hopes Fasika (an Ethiopian festival) will become a center for people inter... Read more...
Burgers in Minami Area
After several "research" trips to America during which he claims to have had many three-burger days, owner and proprietor Jogo Yosaku set up his own burger shop in Okinawa in 2002 where he catered to burger-loving US military personnel. The shop was a success, but two years ago Jogo packe... Read more...
Naminori Santa in Tenjin Area
Fukuoka is famous for delicious fresh fish; but finding an affordable and casual spot to feast is not easy. Naminori is a no-frills izakaya conveniently located just off of Nishidori in Daimyo that specializes in reasonably priced seafood. You'll have three options for seating: the counter borderin... Read more...
Farm in Tenjin Area
Somewhere between Keyaki-dori and Kegohon-dori, there stands a large country-style A-frame structure that seems a bit out of place amidst its urban surroundings. This is "Shokurakukobo Shizenshokuhin no Mise - Farm," normally, and thankfully, simply referred to as "Farm." The fi... Read more...
Jan Jan in Tenjin Area
Jan Jan, one of our favorite spots for a spicy meal in Fukuoka, will soon celebrate its tenth anniversary, and we're pleased to report that a good place has just become even better! Jan Jan used to serve only Indian and Nepalese foods, but recently, Thai and Sri Lankan curries have been added to th... Read more...
Natural Cafe Vege Garden in Minami Area
Thanks to the big green sign, it's easy to find this bright and airy cafe located along Takamiya-dori between Hirao and Takamiya stations. Shelves of carefully selected health foods, books, and cooking accessories form a mini-shop at the entrance. Enter further and pull up a seat at one of the wide... Read more...
Akomenohama in Nishi Area
In a renovated 100-year-old house just a few minutes walk from Meinohama Station Inenaga-san and staff prepare gorgeous gourmet-style okonomiyaki. Closer to Kansai-style than Hiroshima, the okonomiyaki served here are light, almost fluffy in texture. The lightness is partially attributed to a healt... Read more...
Wan Ochazuke Dining in Tenjin Area
For the uninitiated, ochazuke is a simple Japanese dish made by pouring green tea, dashi, or hot water over rice and garnishing with savory toppings. Tsukemono (pickles), umeboshi (sour plums), nori (seaweed), and shake (salted salmon) are some of the most popular toppings. Usually enjoyed towards ... Read more...
