Best Restaurants in Fukuoka: Michelin Dining in Hakata, Tenjin

Fukuoka's Award-Winning Restaurants

Local cuisine is one of Fukuoka’s greatest charms. The city is world-renowned for its vibrant yatai (food stalls) in districts like Nakasu, Nagahama, and Tenjin. These stalls offer a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy local favorites such as Hakata ramen, savory mentaiko (spicy cod roe) dishes, and other beloved "B-grade" comfort foods.

However, Fukuoka also boasts a sophisticated fine-dining scene featuring numerous Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants. Thanks to its location on the Genkai Sea, the city serves world-class Kyushu-style sushi, alongside exquisite kaiseki, premium yakiniku grill cuisine, and tempura (deep-fried cuisine).

Discover Fukuoka’s best premium dining and special-occasion restaurants in our curated list below.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Chisou Nakamura: Two-Star Michelin Kyushu Kaiseki
• 2. Aji Takebayashi: Inventive Seasonal Kaiseki
• 3. Akasaka Fujita: Five‑Senses Kaiseki Dining
• 4. Nishimuraya: Taste Creative Ramen in Fukuoka
• 5. Shoku to Sake Nakamuta: Code Roe and Sake Pairings
• 6. Nakamoto: Delicious Sushi and Beef Courses
• 7. Tempura Tenkou: Sophisticated Deep-Fried Cuisine
• 8. Rikihanten: Masterfully Grilled Lean Wagyu Beef
• 9. Yakiniku COWSI: A5 Wagyu Beef Grill and Meat Sushi
• 10. AKAMIYA COWSI: The Art of the Aged Steak

1. Chisou Nakamura: Two-Star Michelin Kyushu Kaiseki

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Chisou Nakamura, located in Hakata, holds a distinguished two-star Michelin rating, placing it among Fukuoka’s elite culinary destinations. The dining experience at this restaurant blends exquisite Kyushu-style kaiseki cuisine with an atmosphere of refined elegance.

At the heart of the menu is a soul-warming dashi broth—crafted from Japan’s finest soft water, premium bonito flakes, and Rishiri kombu (kelp)—which serves as the foundation for the deep, authentic flavors of the region.

Each course is a celebration of the seasons, featuring succulent Kyushu seafood and meats paired with twenty carefully curated sake.

The dining experience culminates with a bowl of matcha tea, encapsulating the essence of Japanese tradition in a menu that changes with the seasons.

2. Aji Takebayashi: Inventive Seasonal Kaiseki

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Aji Takebayashi is a Michelin-starred restaurant in central Fukuoka where the elegance of authentic kaiseki meets modern innovation.

Having honed his craft at Osaka’s esteemed Aji Kitcho, Chef Yuzuru Takebayashi brings a master’s touch to every dish, personally selecting only the finest seasonal ingredients from the market.

While the menu is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition—featuring delicacies like spring wild vegetables, pike conger in summer, and pufferfish in winter—the chef isn't afraid to push boundaries.

By artfully integrating Western elements like malt vinegar and olive oil, he unlocks bold new possibilities within the classical framework. Whether for a refined lunch or a celebratory dinner, Aji Takebayashi offers a vibrant, evolving culinary journey perfect for any special occasion.

3. Akasaka Fujita: Five‑Senses Kaiseki Dining

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Located on Taisho Street, Akasaka Fujita is the best place to enjoy innovative Japanese cuisine in Fukuoka. With only nine counter seats, this serene space offers a sophisticated, front-row view of the chef’s artistry.

Each course is a sensory celebration of Japan’s four seasons, blending delicate traditional techniques with creative modern flair to elevate every ingredient. You can choose between omakase courses with or without sake pairings.

As night falls, the interplay of soft lighting and exquisite plating transforms a meal into a truly poetic experience—making it the perfect hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil yet deeply moving culinary journey.

4. Nishimuraya: Taste Creative Ramen in Fukuoka

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Nishimuraya is Chef Takahito Nishimura’s playful, genre-bending tribute to noodle culture. Led by the vision of a Michelin-starred chef, the restaurant centers on its inventive "Nishimura Noodle" and creative cuisine.

Signature dishes like the "Pork Creamy"—a bold dashi-and-bouillon base elevated with layered cheeses, green-onion oil, and two styles of char siu—showcase a brilliant fusion of flavors alongside modern starters and refined sweets.

The atmosphere is informal and lively, featuring an open kitchen with counter seating and simple wood tables. Nishimuraya is the perfect destination for adventurous diners seeking a spirited, unorthodox approach to ramen and contemporary fusion.

5. Shoku to Sake Nakamuta: Code Roe and Sake Pairings

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Located on a quiet alley in Hirao, Shoku to Sake Nakamuta is a tribute to the traditional flavors of the owner’s hometown, Fukuoka. The menu celebrates the seasons through dishes that are both rich and nourishing.

To enhance the experience, the restaurant features a curated sake selection with a special focus on atsukan (warm sake), perfectly paired to complement the meal's depth.

A signature highlight is the handmade spicy cod roe (mentaiko). Lovingly prepared using a blend of premium chili peppers, savory kombu, and fragrant yuzu, it strikes a sophisticated balance between delicate spice and refined umami.

The culinary journey concludes with rice steamed to perfection in a traditional earthenware pot, served alongside house-made pickles and miso soup for a comforting finish. With its welcoming, homey atmosphere, Shoku to Sake Nakamuta offers a truly authentic and soulful dining experience.

6. Nakamoto: Delicious Sushi and Beef Courses

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At Nakamoto, guests can enjoy an exquisite balance of traditional sushi and refined seasonal small plates. Each course is a showcase of handpicked ingredients from across Japan, transformed through masterful techniques into delicate appetizers, pristine sashimi, and charcoal-grilled delicacies.

Available for both lunch and dinner, the seasonal menus are designed to capture the fleeting essence of each ingredient.

To elevate the meal, the sake selection is updated monthly to mirror the changing flavors of the cuisine; guests are even encouraged to consult with the chef for personalized pairings.

Seated at the intimate counter, you can watch the chef’s precision unfold in an atmosphere of quiet serenity—a sophisticated setting where every detail celebrates the peak of Japanese seasonality.

7. Tempura Tenkou: Sophisticated Deep-Fried Cuisine

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An award-winning destination for true food connoisseurs, Tempura Tenko brings the refined artistry of Tokyo’s Edo-mae tradition to the heart of Fukuoka.

The chef’s mastery is defined by a thin batter that delicately wraps Kyushu’s finest seafood—ingredients so fresh they could be served as sashimi—locking in their natural umami and aroma.

The secret to Tenko’s blissful, light texture lies in its bespoke frying medium: a blend of fragrant, thick white sesame oil and premium salad oil. This specialized technique ensures each piece is fried to a golden, crispy perfection that highlights, rather than hides, the ingredients' purity.

Within the restaurant’s elegantly designed Japanese interior, guests can witness this "work of art" unfold, enjoying a sophisticated dining experience that honors both Fukuoka’s local bounty and classical Japanese technique.

8. Rikihanten: Masterfully Grilled Lean Wagyu Beef

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Founded in 1962, Rikihanten is a Michelin-selected restaurant that specializes in rare, premium lean Wagyu—a prized alternative to the heavily marbled beef usually found in Japan. By eschewing excessive fat, Rikihanten focuses on wholesome, nutrient-rich cuts that boast a complex depth of flavor.

The chefs personally travel across the country to partner with trusted producers, hand-selecting only the finest lean beef that meets their standards.

This dedication to purity is mirrored in the restaurant’s refined interior, which is elegantly adorned with vintage Joseon Dynasty elements. In this serene and soulful setting, discerning diners can rediscover the elegance of Wagyu through a healthier, more flavorful lens, making every bite a truly exceptional experience.

9. Yakiniku COWSI: A5 Wagyu Beef Grill and Meat Sushi

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Yakiniku COWSI transforms the traditional barbecue experience into a refined, chef-led dining experience.

In an intimate setting of just six counter seats and select private tables, "Meat Masters" expertly grill premium A5 Japanese Black Wagyu and bone-in aged cuts to perfection.

The meticulously curated courses journey from delicate meat sushi to signature grilled sequences of aged fillet, tongue, and loin, often culminating in their famed aged-beef hamburger.

With staff handling the grilling and a boutique selection of fine wines and sake to lift the flavors, COWSI offers a sophisticated celebration of provenance, aging, and culinary precision.

10. AKAMIYA COWSI: The Art of the Aged Steak

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Located in the heart of Hakata, AKAMIYA COWSI is a premier steakhouse dedicated to the art of dry-aging and the rich flavors of Kyushu red meat.

In a calm, sophisticated dining room, the kitchen showcases bone-in cuts aged from 30 to 120 days—a meticulous process that transforms texture and concentrates deep, savory umami.

The menu is designed for sharing, featuring a celebration of regional standouts chosen for their buttery tenderness. Guests can indulge in charcoal-seared T-bones, chateaubriand-style steaks, and wagyu tongue, followed by signature garlic rice or a decadent steak sandwich.

To elevate the experience, a curated list of fine wines and seasonal sakes is specifically chosen to complement the robust character of the beef. Consistently recognized among Japan’s top 100 restaurants, AKAMIYA COWSI turns every communal meal into a memorable celebration of provenance and craft.

Enjoy Michelin-Starred Cuisine in Fukuoka

Fukuoka’s dining scene combines seaside freshness with the rich terroir of Kyushu. Whether you are enjoying a humble bowl of Hakata ramen, a ritualistic kaiseki course, feather-light tempura, or deeply aged Wagyu, these ten spots offer memorable premium dining.

Because many of these exclusive restaurants are highly sought after, we recommend booking well in advance. Explore thoughtfully, and you will soon discover why Hakata and Tenjin have become Japan’s essential culinary destinations.

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