Kanazawa, Japan is a tourist destination steadily growing in popularity, and its popularity is well-deserved! There are so many great things to do in Kanazawa; it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for history, culture, art, and delicious seafood in Japan. As it’s known for having great food, Kanazawa has many gourmet restaurants. They range from local to foreign to fusion cuisine, using a wide variety of local seafood, meat, and vegetables that you can only taste in Kanazawa, Japan.

With so many great restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down! We’ve narrowed down our top 7 best restaurants in Kanazawa city to visit for dinner, chosen by locals, that we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting the city! Better yet, many of these restaurants are also open for lunch!

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.

Kanazawa is very easy to navigate, even for a tourist, since there is a tourist bus route. The train line is also convenient, and there is a dedicated sightseeing train that runs from the main Kanazawa Station.

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 down-to-earth restaurant is located in an unassuming historical house in a quiet back alley. For foodies who want to get a taste of the local Kanazawa seafood, but want to try something other then sashimi, sushi, or kaisendon, this is the place to visit as this restaurant specialized in charcoal-grilled fish.

Fuwari is near Omicho Market, so it’s no surprise that fresh seafood is the star of the menu. We highly recommend their charcoal-grilled platter. The smell of the fragrant charcoal-grilled fish is enough to make your mouth water. For those that enjoy sashimi, their sashimi platter is some of the freshest we’ve had! Locals love this restaurant as much as tourists, so it is a popular spot . As it’s quite small, be sure to make a reservation before visiting!

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.