Four local picks from people who actually live here
At our COLIVE Fukuoka panel, “Why We Came, Why We Stayed, and What Comes Next,” we talked about what it means to build a life in Fukuoka.
There’s no shortage of information about where to eat, drink and explore here. So instead of another “best of Fukuoka” list, we asked each member of the panel to recommend one personal favorite: somewhere they genuinely like, and somewhere you might not discover on your first visit.
Nick Szasz
CEO & Publisher, Fukuoka Now
Nick’s pick: Oshi no Chiitama
“I love this place because it feels very Itoshima. It’s run by the same family behind Mataichi no Shio, and they’ve taken something as simple as salt noodles and made it completely their own. The soup is delicate but full of flavor, the ingredients are mostly local, and there’s a real sense that every detail has been thought through. I’ve taken quite a few people here, and it always feels like I’m letting them in on something special.”
Why go: It’s ramen, but you won’t feel guilty after.
Where: A few minutes on foot from Chikuzen-Maebaru Station in Itoshima.
More: mataichi.info/oshinochiitama
Connect with Nick: @nickszasz | Fukuoka Now
Douglas Weber
Founder & CEO, Weber Workshops
Doug’s pick: Fuglen Keyaki Dori
“Great neighborhood, great coffee, world-class cocktails. Brings all the class of Oslo and coolness of Tokyo to one of the most understated but lovely neighborhoods of Fukuoka.”
Why go: Great coffee, great cocktails.
Where: Akasaka
More: https://www.fuglen.live/Fuglen-Keyaki-Dori
Connect with Douglas: @weberworkshops | Weber Workshops
Micaela Braithwaite
Content Creator & Japan Travel Storyteller
Micaela’s pick: NICO APPARTEMENT
“In the trendy neighborhood of Daimyo, Nico Appartement provides a grungy, gritty back corner to enjoy ‘French bistro’-style game meat dishes and wines from across the country. It’s hidden in a side alley, tucked away from the main road, but still in the center of the energetic nightlife. You can book your course online, and then just show up. Just bring a curious palate, no Japanese required. Side note: wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit smelly — the smoke can accumulate.”
Why go: Game meat from around Japan, wine and local vibes.
Where: Daimyo / Tenjin / Akasaka
More: https://nicoappartement.owst.jp
Connect with Micaela: Instagram: @mikaeradesu | Kyushu Ultimate
Jean-Pierre Villeneuve
Founder & CEO, New Town Technologies
JP’s pick: Kawaya Kego
“Crispy chicken-skin yakitori, cooked and marinated for days to achieve perfection on a stick. The best thing that has ever gone with a beer or highball. And if you need a good nijikai, Ninoni is across the street. For anyone who wants real Hakata food but shies away from seafood or motsu, it can’t be beat.”
Why go: Tasty beyond belief. True izakaya experience.
Where: Kego, with other locations around Fukuoka.
More: Google Maps
Connect with JP: New Town Technologies | LinkedIn
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About the panel
Why We Came, Why We Stayed, and What Comes Next
COLIVE Fukuoka 2026
Produced by Fukuoka Now