The Flavor of Fukuoka: Exploring the Eateries in the Riverfront Area Vol. 2

In this article we will be taking readers to slightly more upscale, luxurious locations. As with the restaurants featured in volume 1, these are all popular establishments. Some of them will require reservations, so please keep this in mind as you decide on where you’d like to go!

Ristorante Tsurunosou

Ristorante Tsurunosou is an Italian fine dining establishment that continues the legacy and style of the original Tsurunosou restaurant that existed in the Yakuin area until 1952. 

With the original Tsurunosou’s clientele consisting of literary masters and financiers, the identity and culture of that establishment were taken up by the owner of the new Ristorante Tsurunosou, when he opened it in 2018. 
 

 
The first floor is a restaurant and the second floor is a bar where you can enjoy wine and cocktails.

The restaurant is run via the combined efforts of the owner who acts as both the restaurant’s manager and sommelier, and the chef, a veteran with experience at other fine dining establishments. 

The food is of exceptionally high quality, to say nothing of the warm and cozy atmosphere of the interior. The food and service on offer are sure to enchant all five senses. 

An example of the dinner course.

All of the food is prepared course-style, with the lunch coming to 6,820 yen and the dinner 15,730 yen respectively (service included). Having been featured in a noteworthy culinary magazine in 2019, here you can enjoy the flavor of one of Fukuoka’s famous restaurants.

 

Italian Restaurant Tsurunosou
Address: 3-5 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Tel: 092-791-9120
Business hours: Lunch 12:00 - 15:00 (L.O. 13:00), Dinner 17:30 - 22:30 (LO 20:30), BAR 19:00 - 3:00 the next day
Holidays: Closed on Sundays, Mondays of holidays (closed on Mondays when consecutive holidays fall on Sunday or Monday), and irregular holidays
Homepage⇒https://tsurunosou.com/

Fourth Generation Unagi Specialist Kikugawa, Nakasu Haruyoshi Location

With bincho charcoal the eel’s exterior is fragrant, the interior fluffy and tender

At this restaurant diners can witness the unagi eel prepared before them as it is then grilled to perfection on a bed of bincho charcoal, the rich aroma combining with the pleasant sound of juice popping on the surface of the meat. The ambiance of the experience is itself part of the package.

The renowned single eel rice bowl 5,170 yen.
There are private rooms with views over the river.

Fourth Generation Unagi Specialist Kikugawa, Nakasu Haruyoshi Location
Address: Heisuke Fude Fukokodo Bldg. 1F, 3-3-9 Haruyoshi, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-406-5560
Business hours: 11:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00
Closed: Mondays, open on Mondays if Monday is a national holiday
Homepage⇒https://www.local-sustainable.com/kikukawa-nakasu/

 

Teppanyaki Ishida

For those seeking teppanyaki, or hot steel plate-grilled steak and other ingredients, look no further than Teppanyaki Ishida. Diners here are treated to not only the supreme in flavor, but to a tableside performance that is sure to make the night one to remember. 

The A5 Grade Wagyu is richly marbled, the flavor and texture sublime as the delicate meat melts in your mouth… While wagyu is the specialty, there are plenty of seafood and vegetable dishes that exhibit the same quality and freshness and also come highly recommended. 

As for seating, of course we must recommend the seating proximate to the chef, who treats all sitting there to a culinary performance as he prepares the dishes. The chef’s technique and power of the flambé are sure to make this meal even more memorable!

For customers seeking a bit of privacy, there are also private rooms designed with a warm and cozy interior to fit that of the rest of the restaurant, perfect for dates and other occasions. 

Teppan-yaki Ishida
Address: No.4 Line Bldg. 2F, 3-2-5 Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-282-4414
Business hours: 18:00-23:00 (Food L.O. 22:30, Drink L.O. 22:30)
Closed on Sundays
HP⇒https://teppanyaki-ishida.owst.jp/

Niku no Kuta

The next restaurant also primarily features beef on its menu. At Niku no Kuta diners will be able to order and grill a selection of some of the finest wagyu. Customers can pick from a variety of cuts such as the sirloin and chateaubriand, all finely marbled and delectable in their own ways. 

 
The beef they used is aged in order to more fully concentrate the umami.

The restaurant offers not only meat, but also a wide variety of creative Japanese dishes such as fresh seafood platters from the market, sushi, seasonal tempura, and other dishes that go beyond yakiniku.

One of the other dishes featured on the menu.

In the classy and refined interior of the restaurant there is both counter and table seating available. Private rooms can also be booked upon request.

 
There is also a caviar set available. Why not order a bottle of wine to accompany it?

Niku no Kuta
Address: 2-5-1 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Tel: 092-739-0102
Business hours: 17:30 - 2:00 (L.O.: 1:00)
Closed: Sunday
HP⇒http://www.ku-ta.net/niku/

This is the second volume introducing readers to the flavor of Hakata that can be found in the eateries of Fukuoka’s Riverfront Area. For volume 1 please click here.