Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
Local Guide
6 Recommended Lunch Spots in Kanazawa’s Katamachi District: Famous Restaurants Frequented by Staff/Staff Members

Located in the heart of Kanazawa, Katamachi offers a wide variety of restaurants that offer unique gourmet foods, including restaurants boasting local delicacies, long-established restaurants that continue to be loved by local customers, and new restaurants that have recently opened. Here are some selected lunches in the Katamachi area, including some of the best restaurants you must visit if you travel to Kanazawa.

Collaboration of Katsu-don (pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice) and curry with pork cutlet

Mixed rice bowl
Mixed rice bowl" 1,000 yen, "Coquille roll (small plate)" 850 yen

The long-established Western-style restaurant, which has maintained its unchanged taste since its establishment in 1938, recommends the "mixed rice bowl. It is a great value dish that combines the famous "Sara Katsu Don" and the popular "Katsu Curry" in a single dish.
The sweet red bean paste mixed with onion and egg and the rich curry simmered for more than 8 hours go well together when mixed together. The deep-fried pork cutlet is crispy yet tender due to the ground meat inside. Another nice point is the reasonable price in spite of the generous portion.

A long-established Western-style restaurant with many fans from generations of parents and children

The reddish-purple colored chairs create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The reddish-purple colored chairs create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Don't forget to try the other specialty, the coquille roll. Inside the batter hides an egg cream sauce wrapped in pork loin. The nostalgic sweetness will make you addicted to it. The crispy batter, the elasticity of the meat, and the rich texture of the boiled egg and creamy sauce are a surprise.
The "Hanton Rice" and "Yakimeshi" are also popular. The restaurant has many fans from generations of parents and children, and there are constant calls of love from local customers who frequent the restaurant.


Local Guide

Currently, Chieko Nakamura, the fourth generation of the family, is preserving the traditional taste. Chieko's smiling face is soothing, and the atmosphere is also appealing.

Grill Nakamuraya
  • Address 4-20 Kakinokibatake, Kanazawa, Ishikawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 11 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Direction Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 4 minutes
  • Business Hours 11:00～14:30L.O.
  • Closed Thursdays, 1st and 3rd Wed.
  • Phone 076-221-3512
  • Parking None *Paid parking available nearby

Authentic Japanese cuisine in a casual setting. A hidden gem you’ll want to keep to yourself

“Yellowtail Steak Rice Bowl Lunch”
“Yellowtail Steak Rice Bowl Lunch”

A Japanese dining bar where the owner—who honed his skills at luxury ryokan and prestigious Japanese restaurants—showcases his culinary expertise. We aim to provide an authentic yet casual dining experience.The signature lunch dish is the “Yellowtail Steak Bowl.” The thick-cut yellowtail steak, coated in a sweet, house-made sauce that brings out the fish’s natural flavor, is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Since the dish features one slice each from the lean back and the fatty belly, you can enjoy the contrast in flavors.
All lunch sets come with two small side dishes, a tofu salad, clear soup, and pickles—making for a satisfying meal.

A lunch menu where you can casually enjoy seasonal seafood

“6-Variety Sashimi Platter Lunch”
“6-Variety Sashimi Platter Lunch”

As the restaurant prides itself on its seafood dishes, the “6-Variety Sashimi Lunch Platter” is also highly recommended. You can enjoy a generous selection of seasonal seafood caught in the Hokuriku region, including Kanazawa Port, such as striped jack and sweet shrimp.The menu also features the owner’s signature dishes, crafted with his expertise in handling fish, such as “Deep-Fried Local Sweet Shrimp” and “Braised Yellowtail Collar and Bones.”
The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to drop in even when dining alone, and its appeal lies in the ability to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices.The restaurant is located in Saiwaicho, about a 10-minute walk from Katamachi—one of Kanazawa’s most famous entertainment districts—making it a convenient spot to stop by while sightseeing.


Local Guide

In 2025, the restaurant relocated from Katamachi to its current location in Saiwai-cho and stepped up its game. You can enjoy authentic cuisine in a casual, izakaya-style atmosphere. Even during lunchtime, you can order additional à la carte dishes and enjoy a midday drink. It’s a hidden gem of a restaurant that you’ll want to keep to yourself.

Japanese Dining Shirobe
  • Address 2-2 Saiwaicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus Direction Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station and get off at “Saiwaicho”—it’s right there
  • Hours of Operation 11:30 AM–2:00 PM (last order), 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (last order)
  • Closed Mon.
  • Phone 090-9607-8815
  • Parking Free

An impressive dish that brings out the best of the ingredients

Legendary Lettuce Fried Rice
Legendary Lettuce Fried Rice" 1,650 yen, "Zenryo Gyoza" 660 yen

Founded in 1990. This is a famous Chinese restaurant that was established in 1990. You can fully enjoy the unique taste of this restaurant, which uses a variety of local ingredients such as Kaga vegetables and fresh Hokuriku seafood.
The "Legendary Lettuce Fried Rice," which has sold over 2 million servings, is a luxurious dish that uses a whole cup of red snow crab. The airy, melt-in-your-mouth fried rice is accented with the crunchy texture of lettuce, making it an exquisite dish. Enjoy a dish that will impress you with every bite.

1.5 million "Zensho Gyoza" sold in the past 50 years!

Take your time to savor at the counter in the open kitchen
Take your time to savor at the counter in the open kitchen

Zen Laughing Gyoza," which was voted "the best ordered gyoza in Japan" by gyoza fanatics and was the talk of the town on TV, has been receiving an endless stream of phone calls immediately after the broadcast, and is so popular that 3,000 gyoza were sold out in three minutes. The handmade dough is filled with a filling of vegetables, and the sweetness of the vegetables is well worth the effort. The sweetness of the vegetables can be felt in the filling, which is a nice touch.
The taste that can only be achieved by sticking to handmade products is a must-try. The live performance from the open kitchen is also a must-see, and you can feel the excitement even before the food is served.


Local Guide

Each dish is generous in volume, so we recommend sharing if you want to eat a lot. The "Mapo Tofu" and "Shrimp Chili" are also excellent. In the evening, half-size portions are also available for solo diners.

50-year old gyoza and addictive mapo tofu All open mouth laughs
  • Address 5-7 Kakinokibatake, Kanazawa, Ishikawa MAP
  • Direction About a 12-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Direction Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 4 minutes
  • Business hours 11:30-14:00, 18:00-21:30
  • Closed Mon.
  • Phone 076-222-4262
  • Parking None *Paid parking available nearby

Authentic flavors at a long-established restaurant famous for “Kanazawa Curry”

“L Set Curry” (Medium). Choose from small, medium, large, or extra-large portions
“L Set Curry” (Medium). Choose from small, medium, large, or extra-large portions

“Kanazawa Curry” is beloved as the soul food of Kanazawa residents. Served on a stainless steel plate, it features a rich, thick curry sauce topped with a sauce-drizzled pork cutlet and shredded cabbage—typically eaten with a fork or a fork-and-spoon combination. This restaurant, founded in 1971 (Showa 46), is a pioneer in the field.The “L Set Curry,” lavishly topped with pork loin cutlet, wieners, and hamburger steak, was created by combining items that were originally served on separate plates—and is considered the origin of the current Kanazawa curry presentation style.

Worth the wait! A traditional flavor

The interior features mostly counter seating. Place your order at the ticket machine in front of the restaurant
The interior features mostly counter seating. Place your order at the ticket machine in front of the restaurant

The original sauce poured over the freshly fried, aromatic pork loin cutlet is rich yet mild. Furthermore, the curry sauce—accented by a subtle kick of spice—pairs perfectly with the cutlet, rice, and shredded cabbage. If you’re trying Kanazawa curry for the first time, we also recommend the “Pork Loin Cutlet Curry,” which allows you to fully savor this harmonious blend of flavors.Since the restaurant operates exclusively within Ishikawa Prefecture, many tourists visit specifically to experience the authentic flavors of Kanazawa Curry. While there may be lines during lunchtime, the restaurant has a fast turnover, so you can usually get seated relatively quickly.


Local Guide

Each restaurant has its own unique twist on the rich curry sauce and the sauce served with the pork cutlet. Starting with this spot, it’s fun to try comparing different places.

Turban Curry Main Store
  • Address 1-1-48 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Direction Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korinbo,” and walk about 3 minutes
  • Business Hours 11:00-20:00 (L.O.19:30)
  • Closed Year-end and New Year's holidays
  • Phone 076-265-6617
  • ParkingNo parking *Pay parking is available nearby.

Surimi dishes that offer an encounter with the unknown are a must-try!

Akehaha Gozen
Akehaha Gozen" 2,000 yen

A restaurant specializing in surimi dishes, where there is always a long line of customers. Surimi, which often plays a supporting role, becomes the star here, captivating the hearts of visitors while drawing out the rich potential of surimi.
There is only one purpose for visiting the restaurant at lunch time: to try the famous "Kaisen Manju" (seafood bun). The "Ageha Gozen" includes the famous "Kaisen Manju", Satsuma-age, sashimi, seafood kimchi, a small bowl of cooked food, rice, and soup. The "Kaisen Manju" can be ordered separately. The ingredients of the manjuu change with the seasons, and you can enjoy elaborate flavors such as "Shiroebi Kakiage Manju" and "Marron Shrimp Manju".

No wonder people have to wait in line. Take your time to savor every last bite!

The food is exceptional when enjoyed in conversation with the owner, who is full of good humor.
The food is exceptional when enjoyed in conversation with the owner, who is full of good humor.

The "Satsuma-age" is freshly fried and hot, and you will be surprised at its high quality. The fluffy texture and mouth-watering flavor will surely become addictive. The fresh sashimi made from locally caught fish is just as delicious as the surimi.
Free refills of rice are available. We recommend that you refill your rice and eat it as dashi chazuke with more leftover seafood kimchi. Conversation with the talkative owner is also a specialty of this restaurant, making it a unique place where you can enjoy your meal.


Local Guide

During major holidays, the store has sold out with only a long line of customers waiting in line before opening. Be aware that the store is closed on many days due to the owner's schedule. It is better to call before visiting.

Ageha
  • Address 1F Hirosaka Palace, 1-1-28 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa MAP
  • Direction About a 12-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Direction Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Korimbo,” and walk about 4 minutes
  • Business Hours Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11:30am - 3:00pm (close as soon as all the food is gone)
    Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 18:00-22:00 (reservation required)
  • Regular holiday Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday *Closed irregularly
  • Phone 090-8260-2995
  • Parking None *Paid parking available nearby
  • Memo Reservations required for dinner

Enjoy our reasonably priced pasta lunch.

Lunch Menu
Lunch Menu" 1,300 yen

This Italian restaurant is prepared by a chef who has accumulated training in the real world while touring Rome, Milan, Tuscany, and other parts of Italy. The "Lunch Menu" is an authentic Italian meal that includes pasta, salad, homemade focaccia, and an after-meal drink for a very satisfying and unbeatable 1,300 yen.
You can choose from two types of pasta, which change weekly. The restaurant offers reasonably priced yet carefully prepared work without pretense, and is popular among local residents as an office lunch.

Upgrade a little for a rewarding lunch!

Relaxing counter seating made of a single piece of wood
Relaxing counter seating made of a single piece of wood

Other options include an assortment of appetizers, choice of pasta, dessert, and an after-lunch drink. Lunch set (700 yen) is also popular (reservation required).2, 700 yen) is also popular (reservation required). For those who want to enjoy a leisurely and luxurious lunch alone, we recommend the counter seating. The open kitchen is a perfect place to enjoy a quiet lunch in a chic and relaxing atmosphere.


Local Guide

For dinner, you can enjoy a la carte and course menus that use locally caught wild game and local products, as well as authentic Italian cuisine.

ASCOLTO
  • Address 2-12 Kakinokibatake, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 12-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at "Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" and walk about 4 minutes.
  • Business Hours 11:30 - 14:30 (L.O. 13:30), 17:30 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
  • Closed Days Sundays
  • Phone 076-260-0838
  • Parking None *Paid parking available nearby

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Properties
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*The information provided is current as of the article’s update date. Please check in advance before visiting, as details are subject to change.