Where to Eat in Kanazawa: 10 Best Restaurants
Kanazawa isn’t just about samurai districts and gold leaf – it’s a city packed with incredible flavors waiting to be discovered.
Foodies flourish here from freshly caught seafood straight from the Sea of Japan to exquisitely prepared classic cuisine. Every Japanese food menu at both classy kaiseki restaurants and small izakayas has something remarkable.
10 Best Restaurants in Kanazawa
So, ready to explore Kanazawa’s culinary gems? Let’s get started on the 10 best restaurants in Kanazawa!
1. Kourin Sushi
- Price Range: ¥1,000–¥5,000
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Closed Sundays and Wednesdays)
- Location: 79 Bakurocho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Kourin Sushi is a secret treasure for sushi buffs visiting Kanazawa. Celebrated for its fresh, locally grown fish, this tiny restaurant offers a true Edomae-style sushi buffet. By carefully cooking every item, the chef emphasizes their natural flavors.
Because of its simplicity, Kourin Sushi is perfect for everyone seeking a quiet, enjoyable meal.
2. Fuwari
- Price Range: ¥2,000–¥6,000
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Location: 2-6-57 Owaricho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Combining fresh local foods with modern techniques, Fuwari presents a creative variation on classic Japanese cuisine. It’s also a nice place for a laid-back evening due to its friendly atmosphere.
Their well-chosen sake complements their hallmark meals, which consist of delicate grilled meats and exquisitely presented sushi. Fuwari is a favorite among both residents and visitors since the staff’s hospitality and meticulousness improve the whole Japanese food experience.
3. TILE
- Price Range: ¥3,000–¥6,000
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: 4-18 Konohanamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
TILE is known for its modern, chic approach to Japanese cuisine. While the menu emphasizes seasonal foods and artful presentation, the clean decor and open kitchens produce a lively eating experience.
We especially love their inventive tiny dishes, which mix Western ideas with Japanese food tastes. TILE promises a sophisticated but approachable dining experience, regardless if you’re looking for unique drinks or a multi-course meal.
4. Barrier Kanazawa
- Price Range: ¥6,000–¥8,000
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: 2-14-21 Owaricho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
One of the few cafés-restaurants with vegetarian and vegan cuisine is Barrier, stylized as ‘barrier’.
Emphasizing fresh, organic foods, they create exquisitely presented cuisine to suit a range of dietary choices. Their seasonal salads and veggie curry as well as the homemade sweets are really advised. Lunch or a light dinner would be well suited here given the laid-back vibe and polite service.
For those who are health-conscious, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
5. Coil
- Price Range: ¥2,000–¥4,000
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Location: 1-1 Fukuromachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Coil modernizes Kanazawa’s classic tastes while also honoring them. It’s most popular among young diners and families for its laid-back, cheery atmosphere.
Along with unusual sweets, the menu offers artistic interpretations of Japanese foods such as tempura and sushi rolls. Coil is a great place for lunch or dinner since the open-concept arrangement accentuates the lively vibe.
Make sure you don’t miss their distinctive roll, a regional variation on traditional sushi!
6. Carlo Centro
- Price Range: ¥2,000–¥5,000
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
- Location: 2-2-2 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
With authentic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and antipasti, Carlo Centro offers authentic Italian tastes to Kanazawa.
For a laid-back dinner, this is an excellent pick because of the courteous personnel and comfortable inside. Locals love their home-style pasta, particularly the carbonara, which goes rather well with their large collection of wines.
For all it’s worth, Carlo Centro offers a delicious flavor of Europe in Japan. An amazing choice for Italian comfort cuisine or commemorating life events.
7. Plat Home Kanazawa Kitchen
- Price Range: ¥5,000–¥8,000
- Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Location: 1-3-4 Hisokomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
A cozy bistro combining Western and Japanese cuisine, Plat Home Kanazawa Kitchen is known for its locally grown fresh food.
This Japanese food menu varies seasonally to highlight area delicacies. The delicate grilled meats and delicious stews have guests raving. Perfect for a laid-back lunch or dinner, the rustic décor and courteous service of the restaurant foster a welcoming environment.
This is one of the best restaurants in Kanazawa if you want an authentic farm-to-table experience.
8. Aashirwad
- Price Range: ¥1,000–¥3,000
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Location: 1-4-59 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Serving a range of curries, tandoori meals, and freshly made naan, Aashirwad gives Kanazawa real Indian tastes.
Among those who enjoy spices, it’s a favorite because of the bright interiors and kind welcome from the staff. There are several vegetarian choices, and the staff is more than happy to change spice levels to suit your taste.
Aashirwad is a great dinner place in Kanazawa if you’re in the mood for strong, savory cuisine.
9. Mori Mori Sushi Kanazawa Ekimae
- Price Range: ¥3,000–¥4,000
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: 3-1 Horikawashimmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Mori Mori Sushi Kanazawa Ekimae is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant known for its fresh and affordable options. Perfect for a fast, great lunch, it’s accessible to commuters coming from the Kanazawa Station.
From innovative rolls to traditional nigiri, the range of sushi guarantees something for everyone. The interactive eating experience and quick service is valued by guests.
For first-time tourists, it’s a great introduction to Kanazawa’s seafood cuisine.
10. Sushi Ippei
- Price Range: ¥2,000–¥3,000
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Closed Sundays)
- Location: 1-5-29 Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Sushi Ippei provides an excellent sushi experience in a small, personal setting. Every piece of sushi made by the chef is a masterpiece because she is dedicated to using the freshest ingredients.
Sushi Ippei, with its omakase menu, is a great choice for those seeking a personalized dining experience. Ideal for a special occasion or a one-of-a-kind gastronomic trip in Kanazawa, the cheerful, attentive service and serene atmosphere make a lot of sense.
Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Kanazawa
The best restaurants in Kanazawa show that its culinary scene is as rich as its history. Offering everything from fresh seafood to elegant kaiseki dining, this area’s certainly worth a visit if you’re intersted in Japanese food culture!
And of course, for more food adventures across Japan, check out our curated Japanese food guides and restaurant lists here at Jasumo!
