This time, we’d like to take you off the beaten path to some gems tucked away in areas that usually don’t get as much traffic. For this reason, we will be heading to some of the popular restaurants in the Ropponmatsu and Minato areas. To help us, influencer DELIVA will be paying these places a visit. Tune in for some lesser-known ways to enjoy nighttime in Fukuoka! 

First up: two stores in the Ropponmatsu area!

The first place that DELIVA visits is Ropponmatsu, an area located in Fukuoka’s Chuo-ku. 

“Ropponmatsu 421” is a large commercial facility that was opened on the site of the former Kyushu University campus and connects directly to the Ropponmatsu subway station on the Nanakuma line. It takes roughly five minutes to walk there from the center of the area.

Ropponmatsu 2-chome is slightly removed from all the glamour of the modern station area. After 6:00 p.m., lanterns are lit throughout the street, attracting the attention of passersby.

Amidst the clusters of old stores and eateries, the lingering scent of the Showa era permeates the air. 

◆ Robata no Itookashi 

In this deep dive of a locale with its distinct sense of nostalgia, DELIVA decides to pay a visit to “Robata no Itookashi”. The Itookashi group owns four restaurants across Fukuoka, and all of them share the theme of “elevating the value of fish”. 

In this Ropponmatsu location, the restaurant specializes in robata-yaki, or food that is grilled in front of customers. 

The restaurant is counter-seating only, and the grills are built into the counter itself. This proximity allows guests to witness the technique and performance of the staff as they cook their meals. 

First things first- a nice mug of beer to begin the repast. Sipping on your beer, you take a look around and take in the care taken in every aspect of the interior of the restaurant. The warm colors of the restaurant help you feel cozy by the time your first course arrives.

The first dish is a plate of 3 kinds of carefully selected sashimi. The plate is not limited to the best fish of the day either, but also features a variety of garnishes as well. 

The second plate is a plate of grilled cod millet topped with grated house-made karasumi, or Japanese bottarga. 

The unique texture of the millet has a great affinity with the robust umami of the karasumi, and the flame of the grill adds the perfect accent to this luxurious dish. 

The orders continue, with DELIVA ordering an assortment of tuna, and grilled conger eel to top it off. Delighted, DELIVA exclaims “The seafood in Fukuoka is delicious and there’s so much variety! It’s not fair!”

Robata no Itookashi
Address: 2-3-13 Ropponmatsu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-406-8690
Hours: Breakfast: 8:00 – 13:00 (Not available on weekends or holidays)・Dinner: 17:30 – 23:00
HP：https://itookashi.co.jp/robata_itookashi/

◆ Vietnamese cuisine at Xinchao

The second stop on DELIVA’s tour of Ropponmatsu 2-chome takes him to an area known as Kyogokumachi. Kyogokumachi is a small neighborhood that is home to a wide variety of restaurants and bars. After eating some Japanese seafood, the next restaurant “Vietnamese Cuisine Xinchao” promises to offer some flavors from abroad. Here, diners can enjoy the flavors inherited from (a chef who’s) parents who run a historic Vietnamese restaurant in Fukuoka. Apart from staples such as Banh Mi and Pho, there are plenty of local delicacies that stray from the conventional.

DELIVA decides to go with a certified Vietnamese classic: the Summer Roll! 

This dish, is made with your choice of chicken or beef and plenty of vegetables wrapped in chewy rice paper. The menu is filled with different things to try, and the presence of some healthier options is a welcome discovery. Make sure to try the dipping sauce and take a big bite out of your roll when you get it! 

Next up DELIVA orders the Meat-stuffed Tomatoes. This is an example of a beloved traditional Vietnamese dish that can be eaten here in Fukuoka.

The texture and sweetness of the cooked tomato pairs excellently together with the juicy ground meat. 

To close off his meal DELIVA elects to go with another classic: Pho. Here, diners can choose between adding chicken, beef, or shrimp to their bowls.

The texture and sweetness of the cooked tomato pairs excellently together with the juicy ground meat. 

To close off his meal DELIVA elects to go with another classic: Pho. Here, diners can choose between adding chicken, beef, or shrimp to their bowls.

Vietnamese Cuisine Xinchao
Address: 1F 2-3-17 Ropponmatsu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 080-3229-2479
Hours: 11:00 ~ 14:00/18:00 ~ 23:00 (closed on Thursdays)
HP：http://xinchao-fukuoka.com/

A sense of nostalgia radiates amidst the elegant townscapes of Ropponmatsu. For those seeking an unseen side of Fukuoka, definitely consider paying Ropponmatsu a visit. 

Discovery! Two more famous stores in Fukuoka’s Minato area!

Next up on DELIVA’s itinerary is the Minato area. He decides to begin his journey from Kamome Plaza, located directly to the west of the Hakata Fishing Port. Kamome Plaza is located directly next to the fishing port, and at night the surface of the water glows with the glimmering lights of Tenjin and the Urban Expressway. 

The massive murals gracing the walls here are also not to be missed. Make sure to keep an eye out for them!

Apart from being a popular spot for photographers wishing to capture the scenery, Minato is also home to some terrific restaurants and bars. What will DELIVA find waiting for him there? Let’s find out!

◆ GAMBA

The first establishment DELIVA finds is “GAMBA”, a taqueria established by an owner who has lived in Mexico. 

The interior of the shop features counter seating that surrounds the kitchen, with the tacos made in the middle where everybody can watch them. The store offers authentic flavors while also being accessible to Japanese diners. 

First up is the Special Chili Cheese Fries. 

The carefully selected Irish Cobbler potatoes are fried twice, giving them a terrific texture. On top of the fries rests a layer of beans and cheese sauce, with a garnish of pickles and vegetables that is then topped off with hot sauce. With so many interplaying flavors, this is a must-order.

DELIVA orders a Margherita to pair with the fries. This cocktail is made by mixing a passionate tequila with a hint of white curacao. A dash of lime juice adds a refreshing touch. 

As he sips on his beverage, the tacos arrive.

First up are proprietor’s personally recommended Birria Tacos. For those who aren’t aware, “birria” refers to a traditional kind of Mexican stew. At “GAMBA”, diners are served their tacos together with an incredibly beefy soup to dunk them in. 

After the Birria Tacos DELIVA orders the Custom Taco Platter. Here one can mix-and-match the tacos that pique their appetite for a plate tailor made to their liking. 

While the tacos are certainly delicious, being able to watch the chef build them in front of you is part of the fun. If you’re in the mood for authentic tacos, “GAMBA” is the place to go!

GAMBA
Address: 2-3-17 Minato, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
TEL: 050-5593-4541
Hours: (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) 12:00 ~ 15:00/17:00 ~ 22:00 (Saturday and Holidays) 12:00 ~ 22:00 (closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/gambaminato/

◆ Minato Izakaya Treasure House

Last on DELIVA’s tour of the Minato area is “Minato Izakaya Treasure House”. The menu consists primarily of elevated and unique takes on izakaya classics. Yet, of all the goodies on their menu the most famous is the appropriately named Treasure Chicken.
 

While they may look like any other ordinary chicken wings, just one bite and the meat simply slides right off the bone. As far as fried chicken goes, this spectacular texture is a first. Apparently, the chicken wings are stewed to the desired softness before being battered and deep-fried.

DELIVA is stunned by the second-to-none texture of the wings. Realizing that beer would be the perfect pairing he hurriedly orders a refill. It’s now or never!

Not to be outdone by the quality of their food, “Treasure House” also makes notably good drinks. In particular, the sours made with seasonal fruits are very popular. At the time DELIVA visited, they were offering kabosu sours, with kabosu being a kind of citrus fruit famous in Oita Prefecture. The kabosu sour uses one whole fruit, helping provide a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness.

After enjoying his wings, DELIVA proceeded to order some sashimi, oden, ajillo, and a kind of fritter in which natto is wrapped in seaweed then fried. By the end of the night though there were still plenty of interesting items on the menu that he wanted to try. It is hard to get through the whole menu in just one night, so for those interested in coming, make sure to plan a return trip in advance!

Minato Izakaya Treasure House
Address: 1F Elgracia Marina III, 2-4-23-1 Minato, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 050-5590-1276
Hours: 17:00 ~ 00:00 (closed on Sundays and holidays)

Slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the main downtown areas, Minato is the perfect place to unwind. With beautiful nighttime scenery and tasty food and drinks, please enjoy an evening of luxury off the beaten path.