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Where to Eat in Yokohama: 10 Must-Try Restaurants for Yakiniku, Izakayas, Unique Dining & More

Where to Eat in Yokohama: 10 Must-Try Restaurants for Yakiniku, Izakayas, Unique Dining & More

Date published: 4 March 2024

Yokohama, a vibrant city 20-30 minutes from Tokyo, offers a distinct historical and cultural experience with attractions like Yamashita Park and Sankeien Garden, along with shopping and dining options. Our guide highlights ten must-visit restaurants in Yokohama, ranging from barbecue spots to izakayas and Chinese restaurants.

For special occasions, upscale dining and shipboard experiences are recommended, especially during the busy cherry blossom season in March and April, when making reservations online in advance is advisable.

(Photos: top left, Shonan Bar Hanatare The Fish and Oysters; Top right: Kamakurayasai to Seiromushi Izakaya HANAICHI; Bottom left: Hotel Okura Restaurant Yokohama Chinese Cuisine Tohgen; bottom right: YAKINIKU CENTER)

Table of Contents
  1. Recommended Yakiniku Restaurants in Yokohama
  2. Unique Dining Experiences in Yokohama
  3. Recommended Izakayas in Yokohama
  4. Western Restaurants in Yokohama
  5. Chinese Restaurants in Yokohama
  6. Can't Decide Where to Eat? Check Out These Food Areas!

Recommended Yakiniku Restaurants in Yokohama

When in Japan, it's a must to savor some grilled meat! Yokohama is home to numerous yakiniku restaurants that specialize in Japanese wagyu beef dishes. Whether you're craving an all-you-can-eat feast or a hearty meat-lover's experience, you're sure to find satisfaction here.

In addition to well-known yakiniku chains, Yokohama also hosts several hidden gems known to locals. For those seeking top-notch quality yakiniku, Yokohama is undoubtedly the place to be!

1. Yakiniku TORAJI

Photo: kkday
Photo: kkday

Founded in Ebisu, Tokyo in 1995, TORAJI has become a beloved yakiniku chain with restaurants all across Japan. Their commitment to providing beautifully presented dishes made from high-quality, fresh ingredients that promote health led them to establish TORAJI FARM. Starting from the rearing process, they produce delicious beef with a focus on safety and quality.

TORAJI boasts an efficient logistics system, ensuring that meat reaches each of their restaurants via the fastest route possible. With no freezing involved, their meats are guaranteed to be fresher and have a superior taste!

Hana's Notes:
  • Yakiniku TORAJI is a restaurant my Japanese friends often book for anniversary celebrations. They offer set menus that include appetizers, yakiniku, and desserts at reasonable prices. Despite being affordable, the quality of the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef is exceptional. I highly recommend visiting with your significant other!
  • The new Yokohama branch of TORAJI features a decor dominated by natural wood, creating a stylish and inviting ambiance. There are also seating areas where you can enjoy night views, making it a fantastic spot for an evening visit!

1. YAKINIKU CENTER

Photo: Gurunavi
Photo: Gurunavi

For those seeking authentic Japanese Wagyu beef, look no further! Even premium cuts of Japanese Black wagyu beef are affordable!

Located a 5-minute walk from Yokohama Station, YAKINIKU CENTER offers meticulously selected cuts of Yamagata beef, Kuroge wagyu belly, domestic beef offal, and various rare cuts. Don't be misled by the affordable prices - the quality is top-notch, ensuring even the most discerning diners leave satisfied.

Not only does the restaurant prioritize the quality of its meats, but it also serves premium Grade A rice, "Haenuki," from Yamagata Prefecture. The sweet fragrance of the white rice complements the richness of the juicy beef seamlessly!

Hana's Notes:
  • On weekdays, they offer yakiniku rice bowl lunches starting from 1,050 yen, perfect for those who want to fuel up before hitting the shops again!
  • In addition to beef, the restaurant also has all-you-can-eat Korean-style grilled pork belly sets, providing an extra option to enjoy!
Location Information

Unique Dining Experiences in Yokohama

Who says dining has to be a sit-down affair? In Yokohama, you can embark on a unique culinary adventure! A renowned port city, Yokohama's harbor welcomes numerous ships from Japan and abroad throughout the year.

If you have the chance, besides taking a sightseeing boat for a different perspective of the city, you can also dine aboard a dedicated dining ship, enjoying a meal while admiring the city's beauty from the water. Some food tour groups even offer guides to delve deeper into Yokohama's unique culinary culture!

1. Marine Rouge

Photo: Klook
Photo: Klook

For a special and romantic time with your loved one on White Day, why not board the 'Marine Rouge' in Yokohama for an unforgettable cruise and dining experience! With over 30 years of history in Yokohama, the Marine Rouge is a reputable tour boat service that boasts many repeat customers. The spacious vessel can accommodate over a hundred people and is divided into different dining and viewing areas.

Guests can enjoy stunning views of the harbor, Yokohama Bay Bridge, and more from large windows in the restaurant area. They can also step out onto the open-air deck to feel the sea breeze and take in a 360-degree view of Yokohama's beauty. During afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner, guests can indulge in luxurious French cuisine on board while enjoying the scenery. Whether celebrating an anniversary or proposing, there's no doubt that this experience will leave your significant other deeply touched!

Hana's Notes:
  • If you provide advance notice in the remarks section when making your reservations, the cruise company can also accommodate requests for vegetarian lunch or dinner.
  • One of my favorite features is their special cruise schedule at 5 PM, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful sunset over Yokohama Bay. It's incredibly romantic!

2. Local HAMA-WINE and Sushi Making Workshop

Photo: Viator
Photo: Viator

Sushi is undeniably Japan's national dish, and as a result, whether it's a high-end shop or a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, they are easily found in every prefecture and city. However, for those who might no longer see sushi as a novelty, the Local HAMA-WINE and Sushi Making Workshop might bring a fresh twist to your dining experience!

During this approximately 2.5-hour interactive meal, participants not only get to make sushi rolls with a chef but also taste wine produced by a local Yokohama winery. It's an excellent opportunity to savor delicious sushi while enjoying perfectly paired wine for a unique perspective on sushi culture!

Hana's Notes:
  • The meeting point is conveniently located at Exit 5 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station, so you can easily get there by train without worrying about getting lost. Before or after, you can also explore and shop for souvenirs near Chinatown, making it very convenient!
  • The venue is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that guests using wheelchairs can also participate without any inconvenience.

Recommended Izakayas in Yokohama

When visiting Yokohama with a large group of friends, dining at an izakaya is highly recommended! Plenty of izakayas are near Yokohama Station, Minatomirai Station, and Sakuragicho Station. Popular chain izakayas such as Torikizoku, Tsukada Nojo, and Isomaru Suisan offer a variety of delicious dishes, such as grilled chicken skewers and seafood, at affordable prices.

In addition to a wide selection of food, izakayas are known for their variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, shochu, and sake. It's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a few drinks with friends after a day of exploring.

1. Kamakurayasai to Seiromushi Izakaya HANAICHI

Photo: Gurunavi
Photo: Gurunavi

If you're feeling like traditional izakaya fare—grilled and fried dishes—might be a bit heavy and unhealthy, especially after indulging in rich foods for several days during your travels, consider giving HANAICHI a try. This izakaya specializes in steamed dim sum dishes, offering a lighter alternative.

Their specialty, the "Kamakura Vegetable Steamed Dim Sum," prominently features vegetables sourced from the Kamakura region. Additionally, dishes like the three-layer steamed "Sagami Pork and Kamakura Sausage and Bacon" utilize ingredients from Kanagawa Prefecture. Steaming not only provides a healthier cooking method but also allows diners to appreciate the original flavors of the fresh ingredients to the fullest.

Hana's Notes:
  • This izakaya serves "Dassai," a well-known sake. For sake enthusiasts like me, this is definitely a plus. And, their "Dassai Steamed Abalone" is a standout dish and a must-try specialty!
  • In addition to steamed dishes, the restaurant also offers seafood options like Misaki tuna. If you're looking to soothe your tired body and stomach with some healthy food during your journey, this restaurant is definitely the top choice!
Location Information

2. Hokkaido Gourmet Dining 'Hokkaido' Yokohama Sky Building

Photo: Gurunavi
Photo: Gurunavi

Even those who haven't been to Hokkaido should know that it's a culinary paradise known for its wide variety of dishes. For friends who haven't had the chance to visit Hokkaido yet or those who have been a few times and want to relive the gourmet experience, Hokkaido Gourmet Dining Hokkaido is the place to be!

Many of the dishes offered at the restaurant use ingredients sourced from Hokkaido, like Hokkaido crabs, onions, potatoes, sausages, cheese, and more, guaranteeing an authentic flavor. Not only is the food enticing, but the restaurant is also located on the 29th floor of the Yokohama Sky Building, offering fantastic views. It's sure to be a romantic experience for couples!

Hana's Notes:
  • Every year, I make one or two trips to Hokkaido just to indulge in its delicious cuisine. It's incredible to think that now I can enjoy various Hokkaido delicacies right here without having to board a plane. It's truly a blissful experience!
  • For friends who enjoy drinking, this restaurant also offers a wide selection of Hokkaido sake. Don't miss out on trying them!
Location Information

Western Restaurants in Yokohama

In the late 19th century, Yokohama opened its doors as a trading port, attracting a large number of foreign merchants and missionaries who settled here and built residential areas, schools, and churches. Today, the city is dotted with Western-style buildings, adding a unique charm to Yokohama's urban landscape. Alongside these Western architectural influences, Yokohama features many authentic Western cuisine restaurants from French and Italian to Spanish and more, allowing visitors to experience Yokohama's Western influence not only visually but also through taste!

1. Cuore Forte

Photo: Gurunavi
Photo: Gurunavi

Cuore Forte is an Italian restaurant with an incredible atmosphere. With only ten counter seats, the ambiance is intimate and perfect for couples to enjoy a romantic evening together. The restaurant offers three different set menus, including appetizers, pasta, main course, and dessert, starting from 8,800 yen.

For special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, you can also reserve an Omakase course directly prepared by the chef, featuring dishes made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. They also offer a variety of à la carte dishes, including fresh fish with olive oil sauce, Tajima Kuroge wagyu beef shoulder, and penne pasta with arrabbiata sauce, catering to seafood, meat, and pasta lovers alike!

Hana's Notes:
  • This restaurant is very close to Yokohama Station, just a 3-minute walk away. If your accommodation is near the station or if you plan to catch a train back to Tokyo after dinner, dining at this restaurant is very convenient.
  • With over 300 varieties of Italian and French red wines available, wine enthusiasts are sure to enjoy their dining experience here!
Location Information

2. Le Repertoire

Photo: Gurunavi
Photo: Gurunavi

For foodies who may often indulge in Italian cuisine, have you ever tried dishes from southern Italy? At Le Repertoire, a restaurant themed around "A Tour of Europe," they specialize in authentic Sicilian cuisine. Dishes like homemade sardine spaghetti, garlic-flavored tuna caviar spaghetti, and herb-breaded red shrimp are unique Sicilian delicacies that might be hard to find elsewhere.

In terms of ingredients, the restaurant primarily sources fresh seafood and vegetables from Misaki Port in the Miura area of Kanagawa Prefecture. They incorporate the seasoning techniques of southern Italy and use salt from Sicily to enhance authenticity, instantly transporting diners to the Mediterranean!

Hana's Notes:
  • If you're only staying in Yokohama for half a day, consider having lunch at this restaurant. For as low as 1,430 yen, you can enjoy a pasta or risotto set meal with a drink included. The portions are generous, flavors are excellent, and the value is outstanding!
  • This restaurant offers plenty of seafood and salad options, so friends with different dietary preferences can dine here with peace of mind.
Location Information

3. Shonan Bar Hanatare The Fish and Oysters

Photo: Gurunavi
Photo: Gurunavi

Kanagawa Prefecture is a region abundant with both mountains and sea, offering a variety of mountain delicacies and seafood. Shonan Bar Hanatare takes advantage of this by daily sourcing the freshest Shonan vegetables and delicious fish from Sajima Fishing Port in Kamakura and Miura Peninsula.

With such a wide array of dishes available, if you're unsure what to choose, we recommend trying their "Recommended Set Menu." Priced at 4,990 yen, it includes 9 signature dishes like Shonan sardines, Miura vegetable salad, and fish with olive oil sauce, offering a truly satisfying and diverse dining experience.

Hana's Notes:
  • I think this restaurant not only focuses on delicious food but also pays great attention to its interior design. To create a New York-style ambiance, they've adorned the place with numerous artworks from New York. It would be a great spot for gatherings or birthday parties, with plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos!
  • The restaurant operates not only in the evening but also offers generous lunch portions. During afternoon tea, you can indulge in desserts or enjoy some appetizers to go with your drinks!
Location Information

Chinese Restaurants in Yokohama

In Japan, it's all about Japanese cuisine, right? Well, local insiders know that Chinese cuisine is actually trending at the moment. So, when you're in Yokohama, opting for Chinese food is a unique and sophisticated way to experience the city, setting you apart from the typical tourist crowd.

In this diverse international city, you can find a variety of Chinese food ranging from Sichuan, Hunan, and Cantonese. Utilizing local Japanese ingredients, the flavors and styles might have a slight twist compared to restaurants in China, but experiencing these cultural and flavor differences is part of the fun when visiting Yokohama!

1. Hotel Okura Restaurant Yokohama Chinese Cuisine Tohgen

Photo: Gurunavi
Photo: Gurunavi

In Japan, Chinese cuisine is known for its high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and luxurious presentation, giving it an air of sophistication. Tohgen inherits the taste of the Hotel Okura Yokohama's previous Chinese restaurant and both the decor and culinary craftsmanship exude a sense of luxury.

The restaurant offers a subdued atmosphere with seats and private rooms overlooking the beautiful Yokohama night view. Whether it's a romantic date or a family gathering, the ambiance caters to all occasions. As for the cuisine, the restaurant highly recommends its signature dish, "Braised Shark's Fin."

Prepared with unique cooking methods and seasoning techniques, the premium shark's fin is brought to its fullest flavor potential, offering a rich, profound taste that leaves a lasting impression. For those looking to treat loved ones to a special meal, consider visiting this Chinese restaurant with excellent ambiance and cuisine!

Hana's Notes:
  • Besides à la carte options, the restaurant also offers various set menus. Around 15,000 yen allows you to taste premium ingredients such as shark's fin, Ise lobster, and Ezo abalone in one go.
  • The restaurant carefully selects beverages to complement Chinese cuisine. Enjoying fine food with excellent drinks is undoubtedly the epitome of indulgence!
Location Information

Can't Decide Where to Eat? Check Out These Food Areas!

Apart from the 10 establishments mentioned above, Yokohama Station and its surroundings boast numerous shopping malls and department stores. Within Yokohama city, there are also towering buildings housing offices and shopping centers. These places offer not only shopping but also a variety of dining options. If you're undecided about where to eat, why not take a stroll inside the malls? Shopping and exploring different food options simultaneously could be a great way to solve your dining dilemma!

Of course, there's the famous Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse - a complex that combines food, culture, art, and shopping. Inside, you'll find plenty of unique souvenir shops, as well as well-known eateries like Bills for pancakes, the renowned Western-style restaurant Yokohama Tachibanatei, and the authentic Spanish seafood rice specialty shop MARIO, among many others!

While at first glance Yokohama might seem like just another big city, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, international vibes, and stunning seaside scenery that you won't necessarily find in Tokyo.

When you're on a free-spirited trip to Tokyo, it's a must to spend a day or two exploring Yokohama Chinatown, the Yamate area, Minatomirai, and the Red Brick Warehouse. Take your time to soak in the city's distinct architectural styles and diverse culinary scene.

Keep in mind that the restaurants mentioned above might be crowded during holidays and cherry blossom season. So, if you're planning a special meal, be sure to book in advance to fully enjoy your culinary adventure!

*The information provided in this article is based on January 2024 data. For the latest updates, please refer to the official websites.

Written by:

Wong Man Yee

Wong Man Yee

Man Yee has been residing in Tokyo since 2016. With a keen interest in Japanese travel and translation, she holds JLPT N1 and Kanji Kentei Level 2 qualifications. She has explored all 47 prefectures of Japan and penned over 300 articles to date. Skilled in discovering novelties in lesser-known suburban areas of Japan, she writes from a Hongkonger's perspective, aiming to boost their popularity and revitalization. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to different Japanese cities and has a penchant for Japanese curry shops, having visited over 100 of them across Japan.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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