10 Recommended Restaurants: From Casual Cafe Restaurant to Stylish French Cuisine and Anime-Themed Cuisine

• Table of Contents
• Pirate Cuisine: Aman no Shokutaku
• Breathtaking Ocean Views and Unique Cuisine: miele
• Exquisite Japanese Cuisine: SEIKAIHA - Aonoya
• Become a Sake Expert: SEIKAIHA - Koshunoya
• A Farm-to-Table Experience: Farmhouse Restaurant: Haru  San San
• Enjoy the Prestigious and Rare Awaji Beef: Ocean Terrace
• Hello Kitty Show and Vegan Cuisine: Hello Kitty Show Box
• A CulinaryParadise for Food Lovers: Awaji Chef's Garden by PASONA
• French Cuisine and Ghibli-inspired Atmosphere: Auberge "French Forest"
• Anime-themed Cuisine: Mori no Terrace at Nijigen no Mori
• Closing

Pirate Cuisine: Aman no Shokutaku

Aman no Shokutaku offers a unique dining experience spread over two floors. On its first floor, Utage, guests can try pirate cuisine, a cherished tradition deeply rooted in Awaji Island's cultural heritage. Awaji Island, said to be the birthplace of Japan by the myth in ancient records, holds historical significance, making pirate cuisine a proud representation of authentic Japanese culinary roots.

Among their signature dishes, the"Awaji Chicken Sanzokuyaki" stands out, featuring slow-grilledchicken seasoned with sansho pepper, soy sauce, and a special marinade. Equallyenticing is the "Awaji Island Whole Mackerel Kaizokuyaki", where awhole mackerel is prepared in the traditional pirate style. Additionally, theirsashimi platters are a delight, generously showcasing fresh seafood withcreative pirate-themed presentations.

Reservations for Aman no Shokutaku

Aman no Shokutaku

656-1726 1042 Tokiwa Nojima, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Legend lies at the heart of Aman no Shokutaku, meaning “The Dining Table of the Sea Gods.” In Japan’s mythology, Awaji Island was the first island created, home to a sea people called "Ama." Ancient records extoll the outstanding seafaring abilities of the Ama, who became a vital support to nobility in the capital. Revolutionary skills of the day from metalwork to salt production, ushered in a new era. Aman no Shokutaku honors this illustrious past with seafood and mountain produce of Awaji Island, known as "Mikketsukuni" (Food Country) since time immemorial.

Breathtaking Ocean Views and Unique Cuisine: miele

miele is a trendy café nestled on AwajiIsland, celebrated not only for its breathtaking ocean vistas, especially atsunset—one of "Japan's Top 100 Sunsets", but also for its culinaryofferings that draw global acclaim.

Their standout dish is their unlimitedwhitebait topping pizza, where staff continuously add whitebait until youindicate they should stop, ensuring a satisfying and indulgent toppingexperience. 

Matcha Pizza (seasonal)

Their dessert pizzas are equally popular,featuring seasonal variations like matcha, Mont Blanc, or strawberry—innovativeand unexpectedly delicious creations that delight the senses.

miele

785-9 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721

miele, meaning “honey” in Italian, is known for its cuisine and sweets made with fresh, local ingredients and 13 kinds of honey produced on Awaji Island. Try the pizza topped with an unlimited amount of the popular local delicacy of boiled fish known as "shirasu" (whitebait) or slices of onion, Awaji’s specialty, which are poured over until you say “stop”! miele also offers unique dessert pizzas and homemade honey-flavored pizzas, all of which come highly recommended for your trendy experience. What makes miele, situated right at the ocean side, so unique is that you can savor all of them while gazing at one of “Japan’s Top 100 Sunsets”.

Exquisite Japanese Cuisine: SEIKAIHA - Aonoya

SEIKAIHA Aonoya is a well-regardedsushi/tempura restaurant known for its emphasis on fresh, straightforwardcuisine. Highlighting the best seafood sourced from Awaji Island, they expertlycraft sushi and tempura dishes that deliver exceptional flavors through theirsimplicity.

Guests are seated at tiered counters, wherethey can take in an expansive ocean view that spans from floor to ceiling. Asnight falls, the restaurant transforms with a mesmerizing projection-mappingart display, showcasing a stunning firework show against the backdrop of thenighttime ocean scenery.

Reservations for SEIKAIHA - Aonoya

SEIKAIHA - Aonoya

70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723

Every seat at this Japanese restaurant has breathtaking views of the open kitchen and ocean waves. Savor sushi, tempura and other classics of “washoku” made with seafood freshly caught at the nearby Yura Port, and produce harvested on the island, on Aonoya’s own farm! Tiered counter seats make this restaurant a theater where the star of the show is the amazing sunset view seen through floor to ceiling windows. After dark, enjoy a multimedia projection-mapping art show of fireworks against the background of the Seto Sea. Renowned as one of Japan’s finest sushi restaurants, Aonoya offers simple yet exquisite Japanese dishes that bring out the best in top quality local ingredients. Special delicacies of each season are celebrated in rare dishes such as pike conger or blowfish.

Become a Sake Expert: SEIKAIHA - Koshunoya

Koshunoya, located within the SEIKAIHArestaurant complex, introduces you to an array of meticulously chosen vintagesake, shochu, and plum wine sourced from over 100 prestigious Japanesebreweries.

Located on the second floor, the restaurantand bar feature dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, expertlypaired with vintage sake curated by a knowledgeable sommelier. Each sake hasbeen matured for more than a decade, offering exquisite aromas and flavors fora distinctive dining adventure.

Additionally, the shop on the first floor offers theopportunity to engage in sake tasting and even create your own bespoke sakeblend, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.

SEIKAIHA - Koshunoya

70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723

Take your exploration of Japanese liquors one step further by sampling aged sake, shochu and plum wines paired with Japanese and Western cuisine. Entrust your palate to the expertise of a Sommelier, and choose from over 42 kinds of sake, shochu, and plum wine selected from more than 100 breweries throughout Japan. Aged more than 10 years, each one is imbued with exquisite aroma and flavor. Sipping your way through the assortment of 5 to 10 different liquors in the Degustation Set will make you a true sake connoisseur! The stunning ocean view from the 2nd floor bar is one of Japan’s best kept secrets. With a little luck, you may even catch some live music. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of your favorite vintage at the shop before you leave.

A Farm-to-Table Experience: Farmhouse Restaurant: Haru  San San

Awaji Island has diverse landscapes thatcater to a wide range of agricultural activities. From fertile plains torolling hills, the island's microclimates foster a rich variety of crops.Embracing a self-sufficient farming approach, Awaji Island has established aclosed-loop system that encompasses cultivation, processing, and direct salesof produce.

Haru San San is a farmhouse restaurant that embodies the concept of “from farm to table,” offering a unique dining experience with a focus on freshly harvested vegetables from its own farm and carefully selected ingredients from local producers.

The restaurant takes pride in its dishes that make the most of the natural flavors of the ingredients, allowing you to enjoy seasonal ingredients while they are still fresh, and savor the flavors of Awaji Island ingredients.

Designed by world renowned architectShigeru Ban, the restaurant is an ode to sustainability with a thatched roofsupported by pillars made of paper tubes. 

Reservations for Haru San San

Haru San San

656-1726 1510-4 Tokiwa Nojima, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Experience the epitome of farm-to-table dining at Haru Sansan where dishes are made from freshly picked vegetables grown in the restaurant's own fields along with ingredients lovingly cultivated by producers on Awaji Island. Enjoy sophisticated vegetable-focused cuisine surrounded by glorious natural scenery. Workshops, such as vegetable harvesting experiences, are also held each season at the restaurant's own 38,000 square meter farm in the mountains of northern Awaji Island.

Enjoy the Prestigious and Rare Awaji Beef: Ocean Terrace

Awaji gyu (beef), an esteemed brand, is reserved for cattle meeting strict pedigree and genetic criteria. Only those meeting even more rigorous certification standards earn the prestigious title of "Awaji Beef", known for its exceptional scarcity and reputation as "phantom beef".

Ocean Terrace offers a unique diningexperience with a self-roasting style using a lava stone grill located at thecenter of the restaurant where you can savor this rare delicacy while enjoyingbreathtaking views of the ocean.

Reservations for Ocean Terrace

Ocean Terrace

816 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721

Ocean Terrace on Awaji Island is one of the few restaurants with Awaji Beef Certification. True to its name, “Ocean Terrace” offers outdoor seating with prime ocean views overlooking the clear blue sky and glittering Seto Inland Sea. At dusk, enjoy what has been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Sunsets.” Awaji Beef is one of the rarest of all Japanese meats, with only 200 heads of the best cattle chosen each year as worthy of the designation. Diners can choose to grill their own, or have their steaks prepared by expert chefs. Unlike regular BBQ, the lava stone grill drives heat to the center of the meat, ensuring perfectly even cooking that locks in maximum flavor.

Hello Kitty Show and Vegan Cuisine: Hello Kitty Show Box

HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is not just arestaurant but a unique opportunity to meet Hello Kitty herself. The belovedattraction offers lunchtime and café time shows with live music and dances,featuring Hello Kitty. You can even greet Hello Kitty on the stage and take acommemorative photo together!  Moreover, you can indulge in adorable HelloKitty-themed dishes while enjoying captivating jazz performances.

Don't miss such a delightful experienceperfect for both children and adults! Additionally, visitors can explore a shopoffering exclusive Hello Kitty and other Sanrio-created characters'merchandise.

© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L650085

Reservations for HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX

HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX

656-1724 177-5 Nojima Hirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture

This one-of-a-kind theater restaurant promises endless surprises, serving sophisticated, delicious vegan cuisine to timeless tunes and thrilling dance performed live by Hello Kitty herself and her jazz band! After the show, step up on stage in the Greeting Time to say hello and take a photo with HELLO KITTY herself. The entertainment extravaganza also features multi-media creations of 3D holographic starring the one and only HELLO KITTY. Different shows are featured at lunchtime and café time. But the latest buzz is all about HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE on the front lawn. Inside is a 360-degree theater, while up above, the rooftop observation deck offers a view of not only the sparkling sea, but also the roof of the adjacent theater designed in the shape of HELLO KITTY’s face. True fans will be in paradise at the shop, surrounded by a treasure trove of HELLO KITTY goods and other Sanrio character souvenirs, which are exclusively available at HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX on Awaji Island.

A CulinaryParadise for Food Lovers: Awaji Chef's Garden by PASONA

Imagine a complex where you can savor over50 restaurants offering a wide array of cuisines, including Japanese, Western,Vietnamese, and more. Set amidst the stunning backdrop of the beautiful ocean,it's ideal to dine outside and sample diverse dishes from various eateries.

Awaji Chef's Garden by PASONA

57-3 Okawa Nojima, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-1723

The best cuisine from across the country come together at this outdoor resort! Whether American, Asian, European or South American, there’s something for every taste served up from brightly colored shipping container shops. Chefs from all over Japan make the most of the wide variety of locally grown foods on Awaji Island, a legendary treasure trove of ingredients. Take a seat on the seaside terrace with friends, loved ones, or family and marvel at a spectacular view selected as one of the "Top 100 Sunsets in Japan."

French Cuisine and Ghibli-inspired Atmosphere: Auberge "French Forest"

Auberge "French Forest" stands asone of Awaji Island's most beloved dining destinations. This luxurious hoteland restaurant complex features three distinct chalets, each offering a uniqueculinary journey. La Rose harmonizes French cuisine with Japanese nuances,Grand Baobab blends French and Italian influences, and Prince Etoile showcasesa captivating fusion of French and Basque gastronomy.

Following a delightful dinner, retreat tothe comfort of your spacious room on the second floor. Open the window toembrace breathtaking views of the island's rolling hills. Here, amid thisserene island landscape, time slows down, offering a rare escape from everydaylife.

Reservations for "La Rose"

"Grand Baobab" Reservations for Grand Baobab"

"Prince Etoile" Reservations for "Prince Etoile"

Auberge "French Forest"

2593-8 Kusumoto Aza Banaka, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301

Follow your feelings and choose from three variations of French cuisine, any of which is sure to delight your senses with a parade of innovative dishes both beautiful and delicious. Each one of the three chalets is under the mastery of its own Head Chef utilizing the full force of their imagination, experience and technique to bring out the best in the local produce, seafood and meat from Awaji Island. A wide selection of wine complements your dining experience amid the tranquil natural setting along the mountain ridge. A tasty trio of French cuisines to choose from: La Rose: French X Japanese by Ryotaro Murakami Grand Baobab: French X Italian by Tsutomu Ohashi Prince Etoile: French X Basque by Kazumasa Ikeda

Anime-themed Cuisine: Mori no Terrace at Nijigen no Mori

Nijigen no Mori is an anime theme parklocated on Awaji Island, featuring attractions from popular franchises likeNaruto, Dragon Quest, Godzilla, and more. One of the highlights inside the parkis Mori no Terrace, a restaurant offering collaboration foods inspired by thesebeloved franchises.

Whether you're a fan looking to immerseyourself in themed cuisine or simply seeking unique dining experiences, Mori noTerrace is the perfect place to explore and enjoy Awaji Island.

Nijigen no Mori

2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301

The world of anime and pop culture comes to life at Nijigen no Mori Anime Theme Park on Awaji Island! Jump into the worlds of all kinds of anime stories at Nijigen no Mori, an experience found nowhere else. From taking on a ninja challenge at NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO or tackling obstacle courses with Crayon Shin-chan, to jumping into the RPG world to embark on adventures in the world of "Dragon Quest," or zooming straight into the colossal stomach of Godzilla, there’s something for everyone here! Anime themed food, souvenirs and workshops also abound in this wacky, wonderful world. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. © ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX ©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ ©臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・ADK

Closing

As you explore the culinary delights ofAwaji Island, you'll find an abundance of restaurants that not only showcasethe island's fresh, local ingredients but also offer unique dining experiences.From seaside cafés with stunning ocean views to farm-to-table establishmentshighlighting seasonal produce, Awaji Island's dining scene promises to satisfyevery palate. Visit Awaji Island and find its appealing gourmet charm!