From long-established restaurants to popular spots with queues: Local gourmet spots in Kochi City recommended for lunch
Surrounded by the sea and mountains, Kochi Prefecture is rich in food culture. A diverse culinary culture has blossomed here, thanks to the variety of seafood brought by the Kuroshio Current on the Pacific side, and the river and mountain delicacies nurtured by clear streams like the Shimanto and Niyodo Rivers. In this article, we introduce gourmet spots in Kochi City where you can easily enjoy Kochi's fine cuisine for lunch. We have carefully selected only the most popular establishments, ranging from soul food loved by locals to local cuisine from long-established shops with over 100 years of history.
1Nabeyaki Ramen Senshu
Piping hot nabeyaki ramen served in an earthenware pot
A specialty shop for Nabeyaki Ramen, a local gourmet dish said to have originated in Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture, shortly after the war. Nabeyaki Ramen is a dish with a somewhat nostalgic flavor, featuring a soy sauce-based soup made from parent chicken bones, firm thin noodles, and topped with parent chicken meat, a raw egg, and chikuwa. It is also characterized by being served piping hot in a clay pot, and is known as the hottest ramen in Japan. The soup has a light mouthfeel while still offering a solid, rich flavor. The slightly acidic pickles served on the side help cleanse the palate.
Rice is a must with nabeyaki ramen. Enjoying them together makes it even more satisfying.
The menu is extremely simple, consisting only of Nabeyaki Ramen, rice, and changja. The shop's recommended way to eat Nabeyaki Ramen is to open the lid the moment it arrives at your table and dig in while it's piping hot. Since the chewy, firm noodles tend to soften quickly, you should first fully enjoy the noodles and soup. After that, you can break the raw egg to enjoy the flavor, or add rice to make it like a rice porridge.
It is a deeply flavorful dish with a soup that has the rich depth and umami unique to parent chicken, accented by a sharp soy sauce. Its addictive deliciousness will make you want to drink every last drop.
Local
Supporter
For those with a smaller appetite, we recommend ordering the regular-sized nabeyaki ramen with a small bowl of rice. The true deliciousness of nabeyaki ramen is best enjoyed when paired with rice.
- Nabeyaki Ramen Senshu
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2-15-11 Shin-honmachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 4-minute walk from JR Kochi Station
11:00–15:00 (L.O.), 18:00–21:00 (L.O.)
Mondays *Open if it is a public holiday, closed the following day
088-823-0007
None
2Manshu Main Store
The deliciousness doubles when eaten with rice. Enjoy the new sensation of Jan-men noodles.
"Jan-men," created with the concept of ramen that goes well with rice, is a popular side dish at "Manshuken," a long-established yakiniku restaurant in Shimanto Town, Kochi Prefecture. "Manshu Main Store" opened in 2015 as a shop specializing in Jan-men.
Jan-men is a hearty, satisfying dish consisting of thin, straight Chinese noodles topped with a generous amount of thick sauce containing offal, egg, garlic, garlic chives, and chili peppers. While it may look spicy at first glance, the umami of each ingredient infuses the sauce, and the addition of fluffy egg makes the spiciness mild enough even for children to enjoy.
Izakaya menu items are also available at night.
In addition to the standard Jan-men, there is a variety of menu items using the thick soup, such as "Egg-drop Jan-men" with a raw egg added, "Jan-udon" which uses udon noodles instead of Chinese noodles, and "Jan-han" which uses rice instead of noodles. For all of these, you can choose a half-portion of noodles or rice, and customize it to your liking by adjusting the spiciness or adding extra offal or green onions.
An izakaya menu is also available exclusively at night, featuring dishes that go well with alcohol, such as stir-fried offal, stir-fried chicken neck, and motsunabe (offal hot pot). You can enjoy hearty and satisfying meals both day and night.
Local
Supporter
The hidden gem on the menu, "Columbus Egg Over Rice," is also exquisite. It uses "Columbus Tea Eggs" from Kochi Prefecture, laid by hens raised on a diet of tea leaves. The yolks are rich and free of any off-flavors, making it a dish that will make you love egg over rice even more.
- Manshu Main Store
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9-3 Shiromi-cho, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 8 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Tosaden Kotsu Hoeicho Station
Take a local bus from JR Kochi Station and get off at "Saienba", then walk for about 4 minutes
11:00–14:45 (L.O.), 17:00–21:00
*Lunch on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays is 11:00–15:00
Wednesday
088-855-5889
Free
3Shidashi no Ando Hirome Market Branch
The grilled mackerel sushi made by this long-established catering shop is a must-try.
Founded in 1961, this is a long-established restaurant specializing in Sawachi cuisine. Sawachi cuisine refers to a type of banquet dish where a variety of Kochi delicacies, such as sashimi, sushi, fried foods, and simmered dishes, are served on large platters.
At 'Shidashi no Ando,' in addition to a la carte dishes that pair well with alcohol, they also offer rice dishes that will leave you feeling full. Among them, one of their signature items, the 'Grilled Whole Mackerel Sushi,' is a dish with a loyal following, featuring a perfect harmony between the fatty mackerel and vinegared rice seasoned with Kochi's unique yuzu vinegar (yunosu). The savory aroma of the seared mackerel is sure to whet your appetite.
There is a wide variety of menu items perfect not only for meals but also as snacks for drinks.
Since the shop is located in Hirome Market, it offers a wide variety of Kochi-style dishes using whale, moray eel, and bonito. The 'Whale Sashimi Yukhoe,' made with rare parts of whale that are seldom found on the market, is a dish you should definitely try if you find it. There are also menu items using bonito, such as 'Katsuo no Tataki' (seared bonito) and 'Tosa-maki' (bonito sushi rolls), so it is also recommended to combine your favorite items to create a lunch set. There are also highballs and sours made with Kochi's specialty citrus fruits like yuzu, bushukan, and konatsu, so it's a great idea to toast with a refreshing drink.
Local
Supporter
Mackerel sushi is arguably the star of Tosa's sawachi cuisine. The grilled mackerel sushi, a specialty of Shidashi Ando at Hirome Market, is extremely popular and often sells out early. We recommend aiming for around 12:00 PM when the selection is at its best.
- Shidashi no Ando Hirome Market Branch
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Inside Hirome Market, 2-3-1 Obiya-machi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 8 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Tosaden Kotsu Ohashidori Station
Take a local bus from JR Kochi Station, get off at "Ohashidori," and walk for about 3 minutes
11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:30; Saturdays and Sundays 10:00–21:00
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
088-883-1000
Paid parking available (Hirome Market)
4Ichiba Restaurant Nishimura Shoten
Be amazed by the bold and beautiful presentation. A sashimi set meal with exceptional freshness.
A restaurant with a reputation for serving hearty, high-value set meals. They offer around 50 different set menu items featuring fresh fish caught in local waters and local brand-name meats.
Among the many items on the menu, the "Sashimi Set Meal" is highly recommended. The moment it is served, you will be amazed by the spectacular presentation of the whole fish sashimi. Each slice of sashimi is very thick and satisfying. The four types of sashimi change daily, and sometimes include bonito. What seasonal fish you will get is a surprise to look forward to when you visit.
Achieving high quality at reasonable prices through unique procurement routes.
The interior is very spacious, with about 100 seats including counter seats, which are great for solo diners, and table seats for groups. On weekends, it is bustling with families.
"Ichiba Restaurant Nishimura Shoten" has three affiliated locations, and thanks to their unique distribution routes, they are able to purchase large quantities of fresh fish and other items three times a day—morning, noon, and evening—after they are auctioned at the market. This ensures not only freshness and quality but also reasonable prices. The many set meal options that satisfy both your stomach and your heart can be ordered at the same price for dinner as they are for lunch, making this a reliable spot when you want a hearty meal.
Local
Supporter
The main dishes for the set meals, such as chicken nanban and Shimanto pork ginger stir-fry, are also available as à la carte items. You can enjoy them with a drink, or order a set meal when you want a hearty dinner. This versatility is one of the reasons for its popularity.
- Ichiba Restaurant Nishimura Shoten
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2-7-20 Kazurashima, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
Approx. 2 minutes on foot from Tosaden Kotsu Kenritsu Bijutsukan-dori Station
Take a local bus from JR Kochi Station and get off at "Nishitakasu-dori," about a 1-minute walk.
11:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:30), 17:30–20:30 (L.O. 20:00)
*Open until 21:00 (L.O. 20:30) on Saturdays.
Tuesday dinner
088-855-8794
Free
5Benibuta Porco Rosso
The tonkatsu made with 'Shimanto Pork Komebuta' has sweet fat and is moist and juicy.
A tonkatsu specialty restaurant that uses Kochi Prefecture's brand-name pork, "Shimanto Pork Kome-buta." Raised on the brand-name "Niida Rice," Shimanto Pork Kome-buta is characterized by the aroma and sweetness of its fat, as well as the tenderness of its meat.
The tonkatsu comes in three varieties: rib roast, loin, and fillet. The pork is cut after the order is placed, coated in specially developed breadcrumbs, and deep-fried slowly in low-temperature oil for about 15 minutes. Because the frying oil is 100% lard, the flavor and aroma are in a league of their own. The surface is crispy, while the inside is moist and juicy. You can enjoy it with four types of salt, wasabi, or pomelo mustard.
Open only for lunch. Be prepared to wait in line when you visit.
Since opening in 2021, it has quickly become a popular restaurant. While there are days when lines form as soon as it opens, you can reserve a table only for 11:00 AM arrivals.
In addition to tonkatsu, the menu features other fried dishes you might want to add to your meal, such as fried oysters, fried head-on shrimp, minced meat cutlets, and crab cream croquettes. It is also great that the tonkatsu comes in three sizes—large, medium, and small—so you can choose according to how hungry you are. Although they are only open for lunch, this is a famous restaurant you should definitely make time to visit.
Local
Supporter
There is olive oil on the table. In fact, a recommended way to enjoy tonkatsu even more is to add olive oil and salt. You might think it would be greasy, but it is surprisingly refreshing. Please give it a try.
- Benibuta Porco Rosso
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20-34 Takasone, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
About a 20-minute walk from JR Kochi Station
About a 6-minute drive from JR Kochi Station
Take a local bus from "Kochi-ekimae" and get off at "Minamikawazoe," about a 6-minute walk.
11:00–14:00 (L.O. 13:30) *Closes when sold out.
Sundays, Mondays, and other irregular holidays
080-9839-2099
Free
Reservations are accepted by phone or via Instagram. We cannot answer the phone during business hours.
6Tosa Ryori Tsukasa Kochi Main Store
A famous restaurant with over 100 years of history where you can enjoy the tradition and history of Tosa cuisine.
Founded in 1917 (Taisho 6), this is a famous restaurant that every local knows. It is also known for coining the term "Tosa cuisine" to collectively refer to Kochi dishes, such as seared bonito and "sawachi" dishes, which feature a variety of delicacies from the sea, mountains, and rivers.
At lunchtime, they offer set menus so you can enjoy Tosa cuisine casually. The "Kuroshio Set Meal" allows you to taste a little bit of many items, including their signature seared bonito, as well as seared moray eel, bonito croquettes, and whale cutlets or simmered whale. It offers a reliable, delicious taste loved by people of all ages, showcasing the solid skills and discerning eye that only a long-established restaurant can provide.
A prestigious interior that lets you feel the history and traditions of Tosa
For those who want to enjoy Tosa cuisine more thoroughly, there is also a special lunch course called "Tosa Nikki" (requires a reservation at least 2 days in advance, for 2 or more people). It is a luxurious meal consisting of about 7 dishes, from appetizers to dessert. You can take your time and fully enjoy the seasonal flavors of Kochi.
The building is a five-story structure with Tosa plaster walls. The interior is also filled with traditional craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere of prestige. In addition to table seating, there are various types of seating available, including private rooms that can be used by two or more people, allowing you to choose according to the occasion.
Local
Supporter
With its formal and calm atmosphere, this famous restaurant is even used locally for important dining occasions such as celebrations, anniversaries, and special events. If you want to taste traditional Tosa cuisine that has been loved by locals for a long time, this is the first place you should visit.
- Tosa Ryori Tsukasa Kochi Main Store
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1-2-15 Harimaya-cho, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 12-minute walk from JR Kochi Station
Approx. 1-minute walk from Tosaden Kotsu Harimayabashi Station
Take a local bus from JR Kochi Station, get off at "Kita-Harimayabashi," and walk for about 3 minutes
12:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:30), 17:00–21:30 (L.O. 20:30)
*Lunch on Sundays and holidays starts at 11:30
Irregular holidays
088-873-4351
None
7Torishin Main Store
Enjoy Kochi's hidden specialty, "Chicken Nanban"
"Chicken Nanban" is a soul food for the people of Kochi Prefecture. While Miyazaki's chicken nanban is generally more famous, it is actually a highly popular menu item in Kochi as well, and its biggest characteristic is that it is served with aurora sauce instead of tartar sauce.
Among the restaurants that serve chicken nanban, "Torishin Main Store" is by far the most popular. Their famous "Chicken Nanban" uses a whole chicken thigh. After being breaded and fried until the skin is crispy and fragrant, it is dipped in sweet vinegar and topped with plenty of aurora sauce. The umami and refreshing acidity harmonize in your mouth, whetting your appetite.
The time spent waiting in line is also an essence of the deliciousness
This popular restaurant has lines every day, and especially at lunch, the queue can stretch all the way outside. If you are coming for lunch, we recommend visiting right after opening or slightly outside of peak lunch hours.
In addition to the most popular chicken nanban, they offer a variety of chicken dishes, such as the second most popular "sudare" (fried chicken topped with soy vinegar sauce and condiments), "sudori" (a chicken version of sweet and sour pork), and "karaage" (deep-fried chicken) which is chunky and satisfying. Takeout is also very popular with the locals. Be prepared to wait in line to taste the delicious chicken nanban that has captured the hearts and stomachs of the people of Kochi Prefecture.
Local
Supporter
The restaurant has about 70 seats, so the line sometimes moves surprisingly quickly. Furthermore, the basic rule is to serve dishes within about 10 minutes of receiving an order (depending on the situation). Even if the line is long, it is worth the wait.
- Torishin Main Store
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15-3 Minamikawazoe, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 7 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
Take a local bus from "Kochi Ekimae" and get off at "Kitagoza," then walk for about 1 minute.
11:00–14:00 (L.O. 13:45), 17:30–21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
Wednesday
088-883-8501
Free



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