Kochi Recommended Restaurant Guide: 15 Must-Try Spots for Food Lovers

Kochi in Japan is a paradise for food lovers — from fresh seafood and sushi to mouthwatering Bonito(Katsuo), the list of delicious local specialties never ends.
In this guide, we introduce must-try gourmet spots covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner scenes.
From classic dishes like Seared Bonito(katsuo no tataki) to hidden local favorites, this guide will help you make the most of your time (and appetite) in Kochi.

Breakfast

Coffee Depot – Kyomachi Branch

Located in the center of Kochi City, Coffee Depot offers hearty and affordable breakfast sets.
You will find a unique combination of miso soup, rice balls, and toast — a set that even most Japanese people are not familiar with, but is considered a local classic here.
Fuel up with a big breakfast before setting out to explore the city.

• Kochi Breakfast Set (Part 4): 750 JPY
  
• Pancake Set: 750 JPY
  

Tanaka Sengyoten

About an hour’s drive from Kochi City, Tanaka Sengyoten is located inside the Kure Taisho Town Market.
Pick your favorite fresh fish from the seafood shop and have it turned into sashimi right there.
Purchase a rice and miso soup set to create your own fresh sashimi breakfast.
You can also try grilling Seared Bonito(katsuo no tataki) yourself — the owner, Mr. Tanaka, speaks both English and Chinese, making the experience accessible for everyone.

Sunday Market

Kochi’s Sunday Market, held weekly near Kochi Castle, is Japan’s oldest open-air market, dating back over three centuries.

Stretching more than a kilometer, it features around 300 stalls offering everything from fresh local produce and handmade crafts to beloved regional snacks like sweet potato tempura and country-style sushi.

In recent years, contemporary vendors have begun to appear alongside the more traditional stalls.

A standout is a well-regarded taco stand serving authentic, freshly made tacos. The owner speaks fluent English and is happy to walk visitors through the menu, making it a welcoming stop for international travelers.

The market offers a lively blend of history and modern flavor—perfect for those looking to experience Kochi’s culture in a single stroll.

MASACASA TACO: Special Tacos (Pork Intestine, Sweet Potato, Bell Pepper): 500 JPY / Mexican Soup: 400 JPY

Ohira Store: Sweet Potato Tempura: 400 JPY

Lunch

Hirome Market

Hirome Market is one of Kochi’s top attractions, loved by both locals and tourists.

With around 70 stalls offering everything from Seared Bonito(Katsuo no Tataki) to Indian curry and craft beer, it’s the perfect place to mix and match your favorite flavors.

Grab a seat at one of the shared tables, pick whatever catches your eye, and enjoy the lively, social atmosphere.

Below, you’ll find a few recommended stalls to help you make the most of your visit.

Yatai Gyoza Yasubee – Hirome Market Branch

Famous for its bite-sized gyoza, Yasubee has grown from a local favorite in Kochi to a well-known name with branches in cities like Tokyo.

The freshly grilled dumplings, paired with a cold beer, make for a satisfying and casual meal inside Hirome Market.

If you’re around in the evening, consider visiting the original street stall as well—its open-air, lively atmosphere captures the true spirit of Kochi’s night scene.

• Gyoza: 600 JPY

Myojinmaru

One of Kochi’s most iconic places to try Seared Bonito(Katsuo no Tataki).

At Myojinmaru, you can watch the dramatic straw-fire grilling process up close, as flames rise high and the fish is cooked in seconds.

The result is smoky, tender bonito—served fresh with salt and  garlic for a truly local experience.

Yairotei

A local favorite tucked inside Hirome Market, Yairotei proudly declares on its wall that they serve the “best Bnito(katsuo) in Kochi.”

Whether you choose their salt-grilled tataki or the traditional tataki set, the rich flavor and perfect sear make a strong case for that bold claim.

The relaxed, canteen-style setting adds to the charm—grab a cold drink, sit among locals and tourists alike, and enjoy one of Kochi’s signature dishes at its best.

Chinmido

Chinmido offers a wide selection of small dishes such as oden and deep-fried moray eel, loved by locals.
The colorful display of dishes at the front is inviting and makes it fun to choose.

Chonmage Ramen – Kochi Main Store

This ramen shop is famous for its special egg fried rice.
While it looks simple, the flavor is extraordinary.
The menu offers various ramen flavors like soy sauce, salt, and miso, and ordering both ramen and fried rice is the classic way to enjoy it Japanese-style.

Ryotei Kagetsu

About a 90-minute drive from Kochi City, Ryotei Kagetsu is known for its kinmedai (golden eye snapper) rice bowls.

High-quality seafood at an excellent value.

The restaurant’s peaceful, traditional setting and fresh, locally sourced fish make it worth the journey for seafood lovers.

• Mini Muroto Kinmedai Don: 1,200 JPY (~270 NTD)
  

Unagi HASHIMOTO

Kochi is also known for its eel, prepared in a style distinct from the sweet, glazed version popular in Tokyo.
The result is a firmer texture and a more savory, nuanced flavor that sets it apart.
In addition to classics like unaju (eel over rice) and shirayaki (grilled without sauce), adventurous eaters can try rare skewers featuring liver, intestines, fins, and other flavorful cuts.

Kaneharu

If you’re looking for delicious yet affordable eel dishes, Kaneharu is the place to go.

This long-standing local favorite serves authentic Kochi-style eel with a firmer texture and savory flavor—without breaking your budget.

It’s by no means a fancy restaurant, but the classic unaju delivers genuine taste and excellent value in a relaxed, no-frills setting.

Dinner

That evening, I truly dove into the magic of Tosa cuisine — Kochi’s proud local food tradition.
Fresh seafood, unique flavors, and warm hospitality created a dinner experience I won’t forget.

Tosa Ryouri Tsukasa – Kochi Main Branch

If you want to taste the very essence of Kochi, Tosa Ryouri Tsukasa is the place to be.
The Tosa Sharing Platter offers a grand selection of Kochi’s coastal bounty: fresh sashimi, grilled seafood, local vegetables, and traditional side dishes, all artfully arranged.
Every bite feels like a tribute to the sea.
Their katsuo no tataki, seared over straw fire, is especially memorable.

• Tosa Sharing Platter for 2: 10,000 JPY
  

Hirosumeya

Hirosumeya is a cozy izakaya tucked away on a quiet street.
It is beloved by locals for its garlic chive stir-fried yakisoba, which is packed with savory, salty flavor and just the right touch of garlic aroma.
The chewy noodles and crisp vegetables are perfect with an ice-cold beer.
The mixed okonomiyaki, loaded with pork, shrimp, and squid, is also a favorite for group diners.

• Garlic Chive Yakisoba (Large): 1,200 JPY

• Mixed Okonomiyaki: 1,200 JPY
  

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a laid-back night out.

Tanishi

Step back in time at Tanishi, a retro-style izakaya that has been loved for decades.
With its wooden interior and nostalgic decor, it feels like a trip to the Showa era.
Tanishi’s oden — daikon, boiled eggs, fish cakes simmered in a light broth — is pure comfort food.
Their katsuo chazuke (rice with bonito and green tea) makes a perfect light meal to finish the night.

Perfect for a relaxed evening soaking up local charm.

Yukiya

If you ask the locals where to find the best katsuo in Kochi, many will point you to Yukiya.
Their carefully prepared katsuo no tataki and sashimi have a smoky, tender texture that stands out.
Even with little English spoken, the menu has photos, and the friendly staff will make you feel welcome.

Highly recommended for true sashimi lovers.

Habotan

Opening from early afternoon, Habotan is a lively izakaya where locals gather to eat and drink.
By nighttime, it becomes even more vibrant, filled with laughter and conversation.
With over 100 menu items ranging from simple grilled fish to hearty katsuo dishes and simmered foods, you are sure to find something you will love.

Final Tip

In Kochi, eating is about more than just food — it is about experiencing the spirit of the region, the friendliness of the people, and the natural bounty of the land and sea.
Take your time, chat with the locals, and savor every moment.

Happy eating in Kochi!