Nagasaki is rich with influences from the Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese. With these cultures, comes a great fusion of traditional food and modern cuisine. When you happen to be in the area, do not forget to try the local food. Immerse yourself into the laid back lifestyle of Nagasaki and experience the taste and flavors of Asia. There are also restaurants and cafes that serve food for your Western taste.
Here are 10 best restaurants that we recommend:
1. Shippoku Hamakatsu
Shippoku Hamakatsu is a restaurant in Nagasaki just about 10 minutes away from the Nagasaki Dejima exit road. If you are using the JR railway, ride from Hakata Station and get off the Shianbashi tram stop. From the Shianbasi tram, it would take around 2-3 minutes to get to the restaurant. This restaurant is known for the Shippoku traditional style of meal seating arrangement. You will share with other guests the many dishes ranging from Japanese and Chinese cuisine served on a big red roundtable. For big families or if you come in with a large group, we recommend the Captain set and the children set.
Information
- Name: Shippoku Hamakatsu
- Address: 6-50 Kajiya-machi Nagasaki Japan
- Price: lunch/dinner from ¥1500 – ¥ 2940
- Opening hour: 11.30am-10pm
- Website: www.sippoku.jp
2. Yossou
Yossou is a famous restaurant in Nagasaki. It has a long history of perfecting Japan’s cuisine ever since 1866. To reach the restaurant, you can take the tram to the Kanko-dori station or the Nishiamanomachi. The Hamamachi area is full of shops and after three intersections from the tram stop. You will not miss this restaurant adorned with red lanterns. Yossou is best known for the best Chawanmushi in town. It is an egg custard flavored with pork, fish shrimps, and ground chicken. Be there early or call for reservations because Yossou fills up quickly with hungry patrons eager for a bite.
Information
- Name: Yossou
- Address: Hamamachi 8-9 Nagasaki City
- Price: Set meals from ¥1350
- Opening hour: 11am-8pm
- Holiday: New Year
- Website: www.yossou.co.jp/2/t/intro/inside.html
3. Soul Kitchen Japan
Soul Kitchen Japan is a restaurant in the center of Avila. It has a great location near Plaza del Mercado Chico. This restaurant offers an international menu to please the taste buds and for those who are not so familiar with the local cuisine. You can choose from the tasty menu of pasta, burgers, and steaks. You can find a fully stocked bar on the first floor of the restaurant. For a larger dining area, the second floor offers ample space.
Information
- Name: Soul Kitchen Japan
- Address: 6-2 Sasebo-shi Nagasaki 857-0872
- Price: ¥ 700 – ¥ 10000
- Opening hour: Mon – Sun 830 -630
- Website: www.soul_kitchen_japan@yahoojp
4. Nagasaki Mt. Inasa Hikari Restaurant
Mt. Inasa is a must- see destination when in Nagasaki. You can choose from taking the bus from Nagasaki City Center and JR Nagasaki Station. You will need to walk about 500 meters from the bus stop to reach the observation deck at the top. If you choose to go there via a taxi, it would cost around ¥2000 if you are coming from Chinatown. If you like adventure, you can ride the gondola cable car to reach the top. You can find the Hikari Restaurant on the second floor, below the observation deck. The Hikari Restaurant presents awesome dining with a 360-view of Nagasaki, the harbor, and the city lights. See the menu for the different dishes, snacks, and drinks. We recommend this place if you want to impress your date.
Information
- Name: Nagasaki Mt. Inasa Hikari Restaurant
- Address: 364 Inasamachi, Nagasaki 852-8001, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Price: ¥ 1000 – ¥ 2000
- Opening hour: Mon – Sun 11 am – 930 pm
- Website: www. inasayama-hikari.com
5. Mugal Mahal
Mugal Mahal is an Indian restaurant located 67 meters away from the Nishihamano-Machi bus stop. They specialize in Indian curry based cuisines that are will surely tempt your pallet. Try the Biryani Rice, Pita breads, and vegetarian dishes. Mugal Mahal is a great stop for lunch. You can have your meal at a reasonable price. Complete your meal with imported beer from India. For food on the go, the service is fast and easy. This restaurant will not disappoint you.
Information
- Name: Mugal Mahal
- Address: 1-2 Dozamachi Nagasaki Nagasaki Japan
- Price: ¥ 1000 – ¥ 2000
- Opening hour: Mon – Sun 11 am – 10 pm
- Phone: +81 95-823-7728
6. Azzurro Mare The Villas
Azzurro Mare offers a great view of the marina while you are dining. You can take a 10-minute car ride from the JR pass from the Nagasaki Station. If you are using the Nagasaki Expressway, that would be a 30-minute car travel from the Nagasaki Interchange. You can also take the bus heading to the Fukuda Sunset Marina from the Nagasaki Shinchi bus depot. You will not miss this restaurant nestled by the bay. The buffet serves Western, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and vegetarian. The menu is available in English to cater the foreign guests. So if you want big eats, bring yourself to this all-you-can-eat buffet.
Information
- Name: Azzurro Mare The Villas
- Address: Nagasaki sunset marina 2F, 1892, Fukudahonmachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 850-0068
- Price: ¥ 1000 – ¥ 4000
- Access: Wheelchair accessible, Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Opening hour: Mon & Wed -Sun 1130 am- 3 pm – 530pm-10pm
- Holiday: Year end & New Year holidays(December 29, 2015 – January 1,
- Phone: 095-834-4155 (+81-95-834-4155)
7. Ooyama
For a great hotpot dining venue, try Ooyama Restaurant. It would only take you a 5-minute walk from the JR Nagasaki Main Line Nagasaki Station 5 to reach it. The hotpot soup is very popular among the diners. This comfort food has been around for over a 1000 years. With a boiling stockpot on the center of the dining table adorned by many condiments and fresh ingredients, guests would definitely slurp the soup straight from the bowl!
Information
- Name: Ooyama
- Address: amyupuraza 5F, 1-1, Onouemachi, Nagasaki-shi Nagasaki, 850-0058
- Price: ¥ 990 – ¥ 3000
- Opening hour: Mon – Sun 11 am 11 pm
- Phone: 095-808-1530 (+81-95-808-1530)
8. Shikairō
Shikairō creates history by introducing Champon, a Nagasaki regional cuisine. This Chinese restaurant in Nagasaki has been around since 1899. Champon, which is Shikairō’s brainchild, is now an extra miler as it is also a famous dish around Asia and it started here. This is cooked with careful preparation by frying the pork, vegetables, and seafood in lard first. The distinctive taste of pork and chicken is from the broth. If you want to feel stuffed without feeling guilty, then try this dish. Shikairō Restaurant is a freestanding restaurant with giant red pillars near the Glover Garden. You cannot miss it!
Information
- Name: Shikairō
- Address: 4-5 Matsugae-machi, Nagasaki 850-0921, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Price: ¥ 1000 – ¥ 1500
- Opening hour: Mon – Sun 1130 am – 3 pm – 5 pm – 9 pm
- Phone: +81 95-822-1296
9. The Kitchen Best Western Hotel
The Best Western Hotel’s restaurant called ‘The Kitchen’ offers a buffet feast that is great for big parties or family outings. The food is a mix of traditional Japanese and other dishes from around the world. The hotel is perfectly located nearby other tourist spots like the Peace Park and the Dutch Slope. When you get to the hotel, go to the 15th floor to find this big restaurant. Fill your empty stomach and enjoy the stunning view of the city while dining.
Information
- Name: The Kitchen
- Address: 2-26 Takaramachi, Nagasaki Nagasaki, 850-0045 Japan
- Price: ¥ 1000 – ¥ 4000
- Opening hour: 7 am – 10 am – 11:30 am – 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Phone: 095-820-1810 (+81-95-820-1810)
- Website: www.bestwestern.com
10. Café de Bijoux
What completes a full meal? The Dessert. After traveling around town for the best ramen, tempura or burgers in Asia, you can finally have your after-meal coffee and sweets. Visit Café de Bijoux located on the first floor of the Best Western Premier Hotel. A nice and relaxed meeting place that offers tea or coffee. Savor the delicious pastries and cakes. Sip your tea or coffee while lounging on the comfortable chairs. Just enjoy the day and go back to the list above to think about dinner.
Information
- Name: Café de Bijoux
- Address: 2-26 Takaramachi | 1F Best Western Premier Hotel Nagasaki, Nagasaki 850-0045, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Price: ¥ 1000 – ¥ 3000
- Opening hour: 10 am – 9 pm
- Website: www.bestwestern.com
Nagasaki is a big place with people with big hearts. Along with it comes big eats. Actually, both locals and tourist show great appreciation on Nagasaki’s culinary. You will often find a long line of diners to get their taste of the house’s specialty. If you are an avid fan of food and you are open to the tastes of the world. Explore the streets and do not be afraid to open your senses to the spices and smells. Nagasaki has a lot to offer.
Have a good trip and travel!
