20 great places to eat in Fukuoka
Manda Udon
豊前裏打会 萬田うどん
This Yakuin area udon restaurant is my top choice in Fukuoka. There was usually a small lineup whenever we went usually for lunch so we tried to go there a bit before noon or else late afternoon. We tried their udon with various tempura, soupless udon and also katsudon. The restaurant has a small waiting area with seating where you can browse the menu beforehand.
Korean House Koen Inazuki
Korianhausukoen Inatsukiten | コリアンハウス洪苑 稲築店
This korean barbeque restaurant in Kama, Fukuoka is a great place to visit for a family or larger group. We went a few times with family that lived nearby. They have a discounted price for weekend afternoons. The meat and also the sides are great and the draft beer always served with an ice cold glass. This place is mostly locals as Kama is a bit of a trek from the city but, definitely worth the trip.
map for Korean House Koen Inazuki
Katsu eda
味のかつえだ
This is a homey place for delicious champon and katsu in the Hirao area of Fukuoka. It's a bit out of the way so mostly locals here but, worth the visit. Busy but, rarely encountered a lineup.
Tempura Hirao
天麩羅処ひらお
A tempura restaurant with several locations across Fukuoka. You buy your tempura at a kiosk near the entrance and then wait in the lineup. You'll get rice, miso soup and ika no shiokara, which is small fermented squid, with your tempura. I would also suggest a draft beer as well. We tried it multiple times at the Acros location and once at the Tenjin location. For the Acros location, you have to walk down a few flights of stairs. The last time we visited during a weekend, we had to wait about 90 min so may want to try off hours on a weekday. Read more about Hirao
map for Tempura Hirao (Acros building)
map for Tempura Hirao Daimyo location
Spaghetti Pancho
Supagettinopancho | スパゲッティーのパンチョ
This napolitan restaurant is on the 8th floor of the Hakata Bus Station beside Hakata Station. Must try with a fried egg. It was never busy when we went so a bit of a hidden gem since you wouldn't normally come across it if you're at Hakata Station since it's next door at the bus station building. More about Pancho
Pork Tamago Onigiri
ポーたま
This is a fast casual spam onigiri sandwich restaurant in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka. Order at counter and they have a few tables to eat at. The onigiri is made to order so it always tastes fresh. Kushida Shrine is just a short walk down the street. Tochoji Temple is also nearby.
il FORNO del MIGNON
ミニヨン
This mini croissant place is in the middle of the ground floor of Hakata station. It typically has about a line-up of about 10-20 people but, it moves very quickly. The plain, chocolate and sweet potato croissants are popular. The croissants are often fresh out of the oven as they are baked onsite and re-filled often. It's best to eat them while they're hot. Here are some reviews from Tripadvisor
Nagata Bakery Hakozaki
ナガタパン
This quaint bakery is located opposite the Hakozaki Shrine. They had a seasonal chestnut pastry that was so good in the fall. Cheese and milk pan and pretty much everything we've tried there is also very good. They have a pot of complimentary coffee at the bottom of the stairs to the 2nd floor which has cozy seating with a street view of the historic Hakozaki Shrine. More info about Nagata
Ippachi ramen
18いっぱちラーメン
This ramen place is a bit out of the way in Iizuka. We have family nearby so we try to stop by whenever we're in the area. The ramen is simple yet delicious. It's only about 300 yen but, one of my favourites. Try it with the pickled ginger and sesame seeds provided at the table. You may want to get the kae-dama (extra noodles) as well since it's a little light. Mostly locals, service is fast but, friendly. Order at the kiosk and wait to be seated.
Kura sushi
くら寿司
A fun conveyor belt sushi chain restaurant in Fukuoka and also across Japan. This location was above the Don Quijote store in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka.
Kaiseki Teuchi Soba Kyoya
会席手打ちそば 京や
This soba noodle shop is located in Koishiwara village in Fukuoka. Koishiwara is known for it's traditonal pottery so you may want to stop by some nearby pottery shops for some beautiful dishes (we love ours and use them regularly). Hikosan is also a short drive from this soba shop. You'll likely need a car to get here but, worth the stop especially if you're planning a visit to Hikosan. May also want to stop by for some apple picking at Hikosan Ringoya if you make the trek out there.
map for Kaiseki Teuchi Soba Kyoya
Houraku Manjuu
蜂楽饅頭
This is the Hakata Station location in the basement. You can watch the manju being made as you wait in line. Best to eat this while it's warm..would suggest trying a the red and white bean manju.
Ichiran
一蘭
This tonkotsu ramen chain originally started in Fukuoka. The ramen is simple yet consistently good. It's probably more popular among tourists than locals but, it offers an interesting experience. You get a ticket from a vending machine and then get seated at bar style seating with privacy dividers. Then you can customize your ramen with paper and pencil provided at the booth and hand it over to the server. There's also a privacy divider between you and the server as well..just enough space to serve the ramen.
map for Ichiran Hakata location
Gyukatsu Motomura
牛かつもと村
This beef katsu place is delicious and has a nice atmosphere. It's located close to the Tenjin area of Fukuoka.
Kua 'Aina
This hamburger restaurant is on the 7th floor of Solaria Plaza in the Tenjin area of Fukuoka. It's originally from Haleiwa, Hawaii but, has several locations across Japan. This location has plenty of comfortable seating and great burgers, sides and beer.
Ignition Switch
Great lunch place if you're looking for a change of pace with a North American style sandwich with wedge fries and coleslaw. Comfortable atmosphere with spacious tables and interestingly usually has some American cartoons playing in the background.
Ippudo
一風堂
Another famous tonkotsu ramen chain that originates from Fukuoka. I found Ippudo to have some heartier ramen options with lots of veggies.
KAKA
A small cheesecake place we came across in Fukuoka. We've tried it a few times whenever we were in the area and all the cheesecakes are delicious. They have a few cozy tables that were usually available. Try a couple different cheesecakes with some coffee.
Bake Cheese Tart
Good place to pickup a variety of cheese tarts if you're walking throught the Tenjin underground.
Quil Fait Bon Fukuoka
キルフェボン 福岡
This tart shop located in the heart of Tenjin in Fukuoka offers a nice selection of fresh fruit tarts. Delicious although they are a bit on the pricey side. I always did takeout but, they do have seated tables. They have a nice display where you can take a good look at the available tarts while you're lined up. You also may want to checkout some nearby stores and shopping plazas nearby like Don Quijote, Muji (this location also has a nice cafeteria with wifi) and Solaria Plaza.
Karaageya
からあげ屋
This karaage place is another family favourite that's probably out of the way for most visitors since it's out in Keisen, Fukuoka. But, would suggest getting some takeout karaage if you're driving through the area.