Kaga/Komatsu (Ishikawa)
Local Supporter
Recommended Lunch Spots in the Kaga Area (Around Yamashiro and Yamanaka Onsen)

Kaga's Yamashiro Onsen and Yamanaka Onsen are areas with many sights to see and a wealth of restaurants. There are many excellent lunch spots that allow you to enjoy local ingredients in a variety of styles. From famous restaurants loved by locals to popular spots that require reservations, here are our recommended lunch spots.

Enjoy seasonal local fish hand-selected by the chef

"Omakase Nigiri" from 4,400 yen. Enjoy local fish and seasonal seafood.
"Omakase Nigiri" from 4,400 yen. Enjoy local fish and seasonal seafood.

A long-established sushi restaurant in Yamashiro Onsen that was selected for the Bib Gourmand in the 2016 Michelin Guide Toyama-Ishikawa (Kanazawa). Currently, the second-generation owner runs the shop, personally visiting fishing ports such as the local Hashidate Port, as well as Kanazawa Port, Noto, and Himi, to source carefully selected seafood.
The nigiri is available only as an omakase course, offering the charm of tasting Hokuriku seafood such as whelk, gasu shrimp, and sweet shrimp. In addition, they use Koshihikari rice grown in the mountainous regions of Kaga for their sushi rice, and are particular about using locally produced soy sauce, salt, and vinegar, as well as Kutani ware for their dishes, proposing "sushi that can only be tasted in Kaga."

A cozy space that is easy to enter even for solo diners

Counter seats made of a single slab of zelkova wood finished with "fuki-urushi" (wiped lacquer).
Counter seats made from a single slab of zelkova wood finished with "fuki-urushi" (wiped lacquer).

The interior, renovated from an old folk house, has a Japanese-modern design, and the jazz background music invites a sense of comfort. During the day, they operate on a completely reservation-only basis, limited to three small groups, and individual guests are also very welcome.
At night, the counter is a special seat for individual guests, and conversations with the soft-spoken chef create an enjoyable time. There are also tatami rooms, allowing families and groups to dine in a relaxed atmosphere. Crab dishes are also a specialty in winter, with snow crab available from early November to mid-March, and kobako crab from early November to January. Fans visit from all over the country every year, so booking early is the best way to ensure a seat.

Kamezushi
  • Address17-8-2 Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus accessTake the Kaga Onsen Bus bound for Yamashiro Onsen/Yamanaka Onsen from JR Kagaonsen Station for about 15 minutes, and get off at "Yamashiro Onsen Bus Terminal," then walk for about 2 minutes.
  • Business hours11:30–13:30 (last entry 12:30) *Lunch is by reservation only, at least one day in advance. 17:00–21:00 (last entry 19:30)
  • ClosedMondays
  • TEL0761-76-0556
  • ParkingFree

A restaurant run directly by a fishmonger where you can enjoy fresh fish at affordable prices

"Sashimi Set Meal" (price varies by day). You can taste the recommended sashimi of the day.
"Sashimi Set Meal" (price varies by day). Enjoy the recommended sashimi of the day.

A dining spot attached to "Ueda Fresh Fish Store." With a motto of "providing good fish to locals at a low price," they offer set meals and rice bowls featuring seasonal fish at affordable prices during lunchtime. The menu changes based on the day's catch, so what is available is a surprise until you arrive. Popular items unique to a fish store-run restaurant include the limited-quantity "Bluefin Tuna Nakaochi Set Meal," where you scrape the meat off the tuna's backbone yourself. Additionally, their fried dishes, such as deep-fried horse mackerel and sandfish, are made with fish intended for sashimi, ensuring freshness and a fluffy, juicy texture that is addictive.

An uncompromising style of operating only on days when good fish is available

A down-to-earth, community-focused atmosphere. The blackboard is lined with over 20 menu items.
A down-to-earth, community-focused atmosphere. The blackboard features over 20 menu items.

"I want to please the locals, so I only open the shop when I can get good fish," says the owner. They may close for several days if the catch is poor or if they cannot source fish that meets their standards, but in return, they treat you to the best fish on the days they are open. The restaurant features a spacious tatami room where families can relax, as well as a counter where solo diners can eat comfortably. Note that they often close the day after bad weather because they cannot get fish, even if it is sunny. Please call to confirm before visiting on the day you plan to go.

Isaribi
  • Address46 Onsendori, Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus accessApprox. 15 minutes by Kaga Onsen Bus bound for Yamashiro Onsen/Yamanaka Onsen from JR Kagaonsen Station; approx. 1-minute walk from "Yamashiro Onsen Higashiguchi" bus stop
  • Business hours11:30–14:00, 18:00–21:00 *Closes when sold out
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL0761-76-0021
  • ParkingFree

Popular for its lunch menu, which is rich in variety and offers great value

"Japanese Set Meal" featuring 9 small side dishes centered on seasonal vegetables.
"Japanese Set Meal" featuring 9 small side dishes centered on seasonal vegetables.

A cozy, homey restaurant frequently visited by locals. The husband handles Italian cuisine while the wife handles Japanese cuisine, and their well-coordinated service creates a welcoming atmosphere. At lunchtime, they offer two types of lunch sets that change every two weeks. The Japanese set meal prepared by the wife is popular with women for its healthy content, featuring nine small side dishes made with local seasonal vegetables, served with multi-grain rice and miso soup. The pasta lunch prepared by the husband includes a choice of pasta, homemade focaccia, salad, and an appetizer, providing a satisfying volume even for men.

A town diner that has everything you could wish for

A retro and relaxing interior. The chairs are all different, full of playfulness.
A retro and relaxing interior. The variety of chairs adds a playful touch.

Located about a 20-minute walk from the center of Yamashiro Onsen, this restaurant is marked by its large garage. In addition to the main dining area, the interior features a glass-enclosed sunroom, allowing you to enjoy your meal in an open and airy atmosphere. At night, the menu focuses on creative cuisine based on Italian and Spanish dishes, with a wide selection ranging from small plates to pizza and grilled dishes. The most popular item is the "Seafood Paella," and the winter-only "Kobako Crab Paella" is also exquisite. It is a place where you can relax like a local, both day and night.

Hiruyoru Shokudo Ohata.
  • Address121-1 Ka, Ueno-machi, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus accessApprox. 15 minutes by Kaga Onsen Bus bound for Yamashiro Onsen/Yamanaka Onsen from JR Kagaonsen Station; approx. 14-minute walk from "Yamashiro Onsen Higashiguchi" bus stop
  • Business hours11:30–13:30 (L.O.), 18:00–20:00 (L.O.)
  • ClosedTuesdays and Wednesdays
  • TEL0761-76-3799
  • ParkingFree

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*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.