Ramen Kamen 55 (Paha Paha)
Ask somebody to name a famous food from Fukuoka, and they’ll most likely reply “ramen”. These noodles in soup are certainly hugely popular here, but this month we showcase a restaurant that adds a little ethnic twist to this most Fukuokan of dishes. The creatively-named Ramen Kamen 55 was set up... Read more...
Sushi-zanmai Tenjin
As all connoisseurs know, the best kind of sushi is the type that doesn’t come round on a conveyor belt. Having it made in front of you by a master sushi chef doesn’t come cheap though – the price can often be as eye watering as the wasabi. Sushi-zanmai, however, is a nationwide chain of 46 sush... Read more...
Frisco Burger
Burger restaurants have a tendency to be either cheap fast food joints or gourmet places that unnecessarily mess with a classic formula for the sake of originality. Frisco Burger, however, is different. Serving up classic American-style hamburgers, they moved into the Maizuru area of Fukuoka fro... Read more...
Hakata Hanamidori Tenjin
Hakata is well-known for its many local delicacies such as Hakata ramen noodles and motsunabe (offal hotpot – much nicer than it sounds!). Mizutaki (chicken broth hotpot) is another, which has been popular since way back in the Keio era (1865–8). No seasonings are added to the broth, which draw... Read more...
Bar Sadi Dakar
Bar Sadi Dakar is a stylish new establishment in Imaizumi run by Sadi from Senegal and Kyoko from Japan. The interior design concept is billed as “cool Africa” and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The artwork of Senegalese artist Amadou Tounkara features prominently while the background playlist... Read more...
Le Breton
Travelling provides a chance to try new, often memorable foods in unfamiliar surroundings. Mizoguchi, the owner of Le Breton, is no stranger to such experiences. As a pâtissier working actively in Tokyo and Fukuoka, he decided to visit Europe to discover what a galette really tasted like. A type... Read more...
New Smile
If you spent your childhood in Japan during the 70's ~ 90's, the classic food replicas in New Smile’s front window will bring back memories. Such replicas were once a familiar sight in restaurants, department stores and cafes. Even if you’re not Japanese, the nostalgic atmosphere of this delight... Read more...
Jerusalem Shisha-Bar
This month Avi Ashkenazi and his two partners have solidly filled one of the rare gaps in Fukuoka’s international restaurant scene, with the opening of Jerusalem Restaurant and Shisha Bar. Less than ten minutes by car from Hakata Station, near the Minoshima intersection, the effort required to f... Read more...
Bakery Kitchen Raggruppi
A short walk from Ohori Park, this “bakery kitchen” is so-named for the belief that bread can be an integral part of a meal. The 1st floor houses a bakery shop, while upstairs is a fashionable café space modeled on a New York-style studio. All lunches served in the café come with the option of r... Read more...
Chuchuya Pura vida!
When it comes to food, Kyushu is a big place, and although Miyazaki and Fukuoka may be next to each other, the taste of each prefecture’s cooking is completely different! Luckily, you can sample Miyazaki’s characteristically sweet, rich flavor without leaving Fukuoka by heading to Pura Vida in D... Read more...
Papparayray
Located one block over from Keyaki-dori, the exterior of this café and bakery resembles that of a traditional Japanese house. The interior has been beautifully renovated with airy high ceilings, concrete walls and floors that contrast marvelously with wooden beams, pillars and handmade wooden fu... Read more...
Ganso Hakata Mentaiju
This stylish restaurant serves the type of traditional Fukuoka food that has been loved by locals for generations. The most popular dish on the menu is, of course, Hakata mentaiju (¥780), from which the restaurant takes its name. It consists of a box of rice topped with a layer of seaweed, on wh... Read more...
Yabukin
Ask a local where to go for great soba (buckwheat noodles) in Daimyo, and they’ll most likely point you in the direction of this 60-year-old restaurant. Last July, Yabukin relocated to the ground floor of a grand old building and the traditional courtyard gives you the feeling that you’re steppi... Read more...
Danshiro Kitchen
Located on the 10th floor of the recently-opened JR Hakata City building, this restaurant serves up tasty Okinawan fare. Popular dishes such as Goya Chanpuru (stir-fried tofu, meat, vegetables and bitter melon) and Soki Soba (noodle soup with stewed pork ribs) are on the menu, as well as some mo... Read more...
Bistro la Tortue
Tatsuya Yamaguchi, the owner and chef of this tiny two-story bistro located on a narrow alley in Sumiyoshi, runs a one-man show, and a popular one at that! Yamaguchi apprenticed in French restaurants here in Fukuoka and for three years in France, mostly in Alsace and Bourgogne. The first floor i... Read more...
Shungetsu-an
This noodle restaurant was established way back in 1890, near to the supposed birthplace of Japanese udon noodles, Jotenji Temple. The techniques they use are even older, dating back to the 13th century. This strict adherence to tradition is one of the reasons for the restaurant’s popularity, wi... Read more...
Kaisendon Hinode
Fukuoka may be known for its delicious seafood, but it’s still rare to find a restaurant serving the freshest fish at bargain prices. Kaisendon Hinode, happily, is just such a restaurant, offering fish dishes sure to please your taste buds and your wallet. The seafood rice bowls start at ¥880 (o... Read more...
Zelliges
Located on a quiet street connecting Keyaki-dori and Kego-hondori, Zelliges’ bright yellow building stands out noticably. And it deserves to because this little place is a gem! The owner and chef Mizuta has combined years of experience cooking both French and Vietnamese cuisine with his latest ... Read more...
ELLE CAFÉ
Text: Jamina Ovbude Newsflash! ELLE magazine has opened its first ever café for the fashion, tea and macaroon lover in us all. Yes, my friends, if you’ve been looking for that perfect coffee shop to sit and sip among some of Hakata City’s most chic, search no longer. Simply head to the 4th... Read more...
Telas & Mico
This small, blue and cream-painted building along the Nakagawa River seats five at the counter downstairs and 11 at tables upstairs. Owner and chef Mr. Kubota opened here last year, having previously worked in London at the ultra-famous Japanese restaurants Nobu and Zuma, popular with celebritie... Read more...
