As 2016 comes to a close, Fukuoka Now looks back at some of the many great places we’ve visited. Here’s just a handful of the standouts. Head to our website for more than 200 restaurants, cafes, noodle shops and bars. Itadakimasu!
1. Samurai Udon
Shop-owner Hiroyuki Soma shows his samurai spirit in every detail of his wonderfully creative udon dishes, from his hand-made noodles, to the fresh seasonal veggies. English menus available!
• 4-36-20 Hakata-ekimae, Hakata-ku
• 092-483-6300
• Original report, with more photos and information, here.
2. Bunryu
Location isn’t everything – taste is! Deceptively simple, Bunryu’s tonkotsu ramen is made with super-thin, hand-made noodles in a light yet richly-flavored broth. Well-worth the journey.
• 4-2-8 Nanotsu, Chuo-ku
• 090-2588-7691
• Original report, with more photos and information, here.
3. Saison d’Or
Enjoy Kyushu-French cuisine at one of Fukuoka’s most chic, creative kitchens. The restaurant’s expert-chef, Maeyama, combines seasonal, local ingredients with low-heat steaming.
• 1F Takamiya Oak Mansion Ⅱ, 1-3-32 Takamiya, Minami-ku
• 092-524-0432
• Original report, with more photos and information, here.
4. Umeyama Teppei Shokudo
Centered around twenty varieties of market-fresh fish, this friendly shokudo (canteen) serves delicious and healthy, locally-sourced meals. Their saba (horse mackerel) is a must!
• 3-6-1 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku
• 092-715-2344
• Original report, with more photos and information, here.
5. Cafe Tonerico
Hard to find, but oh, so worth it! The rural, south-of-France style interior and garden are very peaceful, but their handmade, cafe-style lunch and cheesecakes are why we return time after time.
• 3-6-37 Akasaka, Chuo-ku
• 092-771-2347
• Original report, with more photos and information, here.
6. Sanatorium
Sanatorium’s all-white interior features anatomical models, medical instruments, the owner’s art and a unique gallery/cafe. Weird? Who knows? You might just feel right at home.
• 3-3-23-3F Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-791-5477
• Original report, with more photos and information, here.
Originally published in the Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn216, Dec. 2016)
