Kanazawa, Japan, is a rising star on the travel scene—and it’s easy to see why! With its rich blend of history, culture, art, and exceptional seafood, this charming city offers something for every traveler. Known for its culinary delights, Kanazawa boasts a diverse range of gourmet dining options, from traditional local dishes to innovative fusion creations. The city’s menus feature a wide array of fresh, local seafood, meat, and vegetables that showcase the unique flavors of the region.

With so many amazing restaurants to choose from, narrowing down the best spots for dinner can be a challenge. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top dining spots in Kanazawa, recommended by locals, that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Kanazawa city is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, which is in central Japan. Known as a city with a rich history and culture, there are many historical districts and attractions have been preserved within the city. This includes Higashi Chaya District, with plenty of cafes and dessert shops, and Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan. For Japanese castle lovers, Kanazawa also offers Kanazawa Castle and the beautiful park surrounding it.

In terms of cuisine, Kanazawa is known as the city with the highest fresh fish consumption in Japan. Seafood is really the king here; it’s no surprise that many of the best restaurants in Kanazawa are seafood-based. One of the best things to do in Kanazawa is to visit Omicho Market, which has an astounding assortment of fresh seafood as well as other local cuisines to snack on.

Even on a night out, sometimes you just want a dinner that tastes like home. Although the home cooking you’re used to might not be the same, in times like those, Tsubame is the place to be. Even just the location makes you feel comfortable; this family-run restaurant is located in a renovated machiya house in a residential neighborhood. You’ll experience a true Japanese-style home-cooked meal here.

The item we recommend from Tsubame’s menu is their “Ohitsu” rice set meal. The rice is served in a traditional wooden bowl, along with delicious and well-seasoned side dishes that differ from day to day,
Beyond the main courses, Tsubame is also famous for their desserts, especially their picture-perfect candied apples.

Get a taste for Kanazawa’s true local food scene at Fuwari. This cozy restaurant is located in a historical Japanese house in a quiet back alley.

For food lovers eager to sample the city’s fresh seafood but looking for something beyond sashimi, sushi, or kaisendon, Fuwari is the perfect spot. Specializing in charcoal-grilled fish, this hidden gem is just a stone’s throw from Omicho Market, making it no surprise that seafood takes center stage on the menu.

We highly recommend their charcoal-grilled platter, where the aromatic scent of sizzling fish is enough to make your mouth water. If you’re a fan of sashimi, their sashimi platter offers some of the freshest cuts you’ll find in the city. Popular with both locals and tourists alike, Fuwari is a must-visit—just be sure to book a reservation in advance, as the space is small and fills up quickly!

Hatch, or Hacchi, is a fusion restaurant that serves Italian cuisine made with local, Japanese ingredients. Located in a stylish renovated townhouse with a courtyard, this restaurant is just a 5-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. If you find yourself near the station after a day of sightseeing and are looking for a delicious restaurant nearby, then Hatch is the perfect choice. Inside, there are counter seats on the first floor and tables on the second floor. The vibe is great for a date or a girls’ night during your Japan travels.

The chef’s specialty is Noto pork, a kind of pork that is exclusive to Ishikawa Prefecture. We recommend trying the Noto pork stew. It”s creamy and has a meaty sweetness to it, the special fond de veau sauce makes each bite irresistible. We also recommend the Noto pork pizza, which pairs amazingly with some of the delicious Japanese sake available on the menu.

Authentic, Italian pizza is always a good dinner option — even in Japan! Pizzeria Salina offers Naples-style, wood-fired pizza. You can be sure of the quality, since the restaurant has been certified by the True Neapolitan Pizza Association.

We recommend trying a classic Margherita pizza made with Agehama salt from Suzu City, which is also in Ishikawa Prefecture. Their Biancaneve pizza is amazing, too! They also have a small menu of desserts including homemade gelato, tiramisu, and catalana.

Pizzeria Salina is conveniently located near the Nagamachi Samurai Residence, a popular tourist destination. The pizzeria isn’t just popular with tourists, though; plenty of locals frequent the restaurant, as the pizza is just too good!

One of the best things to do in Kanazawa is experience the local drinking scene. You can go bar-hopping, but make sure to include a stop at Oriental Brewing. It’s the only pub in Kanazawa that has its own brewery!

Oriental Brewing offers freshly made craft beer that you can only taste in Kanazawa, including Kaga Bocha Stout and Yuwaku Yuzu Ale. If you want to try a bit of everything, order the Flight Set, which comes with four different beers for you to enjoy.In addition to beer, the menu also has a selection of meals and quick bites that perfectly complement the beers that are offered, including pizza.