Fukui City Restaurants

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

BAKERIES

POIRE
Amazing breads and pastries daily. Excellent deli sandwiches as well. The items vary daily so you may have to drop by a couple of times to figure out their menu. (quiche, baguettes, cibatas, BLT etc) YUM.
Located on Matusmoto Dori, east of Awarakaido Dori (route 5)

TANE TO HAPPA
That's what it says on the front of the building, but I'm not actually sure that's the name. What I am sure of is that the bakery inside could melt hearts. The owner puts together an amazing array of breads and donut type things, making it next to impossible to choose just one. Also try the lunch sets: They come with salad, a basket of assorted breads, some kind of soup or curry that's perfect for dipping the bread into, a little dessert and a drink. Located on the south side of Sakura Dori just about half a block West of Route 8.

LES PLAISIR
One of the best bakeries in Fukui City, just ask those who have been there. If you have a hankering for European style bread (baguettes, ciabattas, etc), mouthwatering sandwiches, awesome bagels and incredible donuts this is the place for you. They also carry a selection of fine wines and beers, and their own brand of nihonshu. It's open 8am-6pm and gets quite packed, especially during the lunch hours. If you go between 8am-10am and 3pm-5pm, a free cup of Americano will be given to you but if you prefer another coffee drink, it will be at a discount price. Located in the western end of town, towards Shimizu cho. To get there, take Rt 28 (aka Koen Dori) towards Shimizu Cho. When you see Mos Burger on your left, you will see Les Plaisir on your right.
http://www.les-plaisir.com/

CAFES

BON COFFEE
A great hangout for people who like jazz with their java. The menu features coffee by country as well as a few nice sandwiches. The location is in the ekimae shopping area South of Fukui Station just off the one way alley with wide pedestrian walkways.

QUILTS CAFE
This is a wonderful sandwich shop in Fukui's eki mae which plays Beatles songs sung by Snoopy characters, and has a poster for a hardcore (but mainstream) film on the wall. The sandwiches are bloody amazing. The BLT and the spicy chicken are my personal favorites. The ladies working are very funny, and have fairly impenetrable Fukui-ben, and the decor is also wonderful. The shop is opposite Seibu, slightly to the left of the space-age clock which marks the road between the two halves of Seibu. The cafe usually has a chair (maybe yellow?) outside, but I have no idea on the name. It is possible to enter on both sides, it being in the island between the two roads leading away from the station. Go and eat there. Support a lovely local independent business, and grow fat on good food.

SALUT
Located on the west end of Asuwayama down the street from Balba. Serves a wonderful lunch set served on beautiful Echizen pottery. They also have a great selection of delicious desserts and coffee.

SEEK CHOICE CAFE
If you are looking for somewhere a little more “oshare” (Japanese for chic), try SeekChoice Cafe, just outside of the Motomachi Gallery shopping arcade across from the pachinko parlor. The menu is on the standard side, with tuna, egg salad, ham, and other varieties made on your choice of wheat bread or a baguette and served with chips and potato salad. I always get the vegetable sandwich, but friends who've tried the others were not disappointed. There are also hot sandwiches and some tasty bagels, including a nice melted camembert and mushroom one, The atmosphere makes it a great place to spend a quiet afternoon. They also have a decent coffee selection.

CHINESE

OSHO
This place is “hungry bachelor central” in Fukui and the closest thing to the fast food Chinese restaurants from home. It's very cheap (180 yen for 6 gyoza and 700 yen for main dishes). It's definitely a cholesterol booster, but it's gooooood!
Three locations in Fukui City:
1) Across the street from the Atom Sushi on Phoenix and Rt 416 (Fujishima Dori)
2) West end of Matsumoto Dori, on the left hand side just before you reach Akaribashi dori.
3) at south end of the Nishikanjosen, across from 100yen Matsuri Sushi

MORITA
Good Chinese food at reasonable prices. Some staff members know a little English to help those who have trouble reading the menu. Good and relatively cheap lunch sets. To get there go north on Phoenix dori. It's located 2 lights north of Matsumoto dori, the first block past the railroad crossing on the right side. It's beside Hokuriku High School. The address is Bunkyo 1-5-10. ( 0776) 22-5813. Open 11:00am-3pm and 5pm-9pm. Closed Wednesdays.

CHINA TABLE
This is rumored to be very tasty, but also quite expensive. It's located on the 5th floor of the Washington Hotel. (0776) 28-1363. Open 11:00am-11:00pm.

INDIAN

GANGA
Among the local favorites is the generous buffet at Ganga. There are three locations now. One can be found in Lpa, on the first floor near Korona World, a 2nd can be found on Rt. 8 heading south from Lpa, and the third is in AOSSA just behind the Fukui Station.

NEW DELHI
As authentic as it gets in Fukui City, New Dehli is run by actual Indians. Their wide selection of delicious curries are a far cry from the insipid brown gravy most Japanese places dare to call by the same name. There's a huge menu, including many vegetarian options and the staff all speak a little English. Go for the reasonably priced lunch set if you're on a budget or splurge on the larger selection available at dinner.

GROVE
A combination store and restaurant with a fabulous atmosphere. They have a limited menu, but the chicken curry set is great at 900 yen and their chai (Indian tea) is a must! Every 3rd Saturday from 6:00-10:00 they have a live music night. The cover is 1500 yen and that includes 1 free drink. It's great fun, give it a whirl! Located on Kitanosho, behind Seibu, next to the Sakai parking station. It's in a small building on the 2nd floor. Monday-Saturday 11:00-9:00, Sunday 11:00-7:00. Closed Tuesdays. Good shopping for ethnic and interesting items as well.

HALF
Half is a small coffee shop on Jonohashidori that serves a great chicken curry. It is the master's special curry. The master is a really funny and gruffy old man from Osaka. He may not be the most eloquent man but he is a really nice guy. He studies English although he doesn't let it on. Try not to bring too many people at one or else he gets a little flustered. Also, his menu is simple so don't expect to have too many choices.

ITALIAN

CIAO
Good Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. It costs probably 1200-1800 yen for a good meal. It's located on the street in front of the train station. Head left down the street and it will be on the right hand side, close to the bridge. The address is Chuo 1-22-8. (0776)23-0617. Open 11:00-2:00, 5:00-10:00.

PESCE CUCINA
Pesce Cucina is an Italian and Mediterranean food in a cheerful atmosphere. A European lunch and a pasta lunch are offered at 750 yen. It's on the 2nd floor Yoshida Bldg (above Bistro Goto) The address is Chuo 1-19-20. Phone: (0776) 24-8803. Open 11:30-2:00 and 5:00-10:00. It's closed Tuesdays (unless it is a holiday or the day before a holiday)

PASTA CLUB
A reasonable Italian fare behind Phoenix Plaza. It's located one block west of Phoenix Plaza in the middle of the block. The address is Bunkyou 3-14-1. (0776) 25-2616. It's open weekdays 11:00-3:00, 5:00-9:00, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11:00-9:00. Closed Monday.

MANHATTAN CAFE
Offers a wide selection of Italian food, in a young, hip, lounge-like atmosphere. They have a few comfortable leather couches in a withdrawn dining area (unfortunately they're usually occupied on weekends, but they can be reserved in advance). They have a constantly changing special recommendations (osusume) menu, which uses seasonal ingredients. Any of the cream sauce pastas come recommended. They also have a pretty impressive wine selection.

Lunch from 11:30-14:00.
Dinner from 17:00-2:00 am.
Location: Fukui-shi, Takagi-cho, 84-1

Near Route 8 and the 416 (Fujishima street). It's north-west of the intersection. On the same street as the Joshin grocery store (just west of it). If you are going east on the 416, turn left at the light just before route 8, and go straight. At the first light, turn left again, and go straight about 4 blocks. Manhattan Cafe will be on your left.

PINOLI
Pinoli is a great restaurant with good wine selection, funky menu choices, and affordable lunch sets. It is located just off of Rt 416, turn right at the big grocery store and you will see it on your left. You can easily miss it so if you pass the Mister Donuts you went to far.

BARN'S CAFE
Barns Cafe has a nice lunch set with a tasty mustard or garlic steak and garlic bread. This little Italian restaurant closes early but has some great dishes. Generally their daily specials are delicious. The service here is good and it's in a nice area (ekimae). To find it, go down the street in between the Loft and Seibu and turn left at street before Seattle's Best Coffee. Walk down a bit and you will soon see a sign for it on the right. It is on the 2nd floor.

L'AMORE
Located next to Starbucks in the LPA parking lot. They have a nice lunch set for two with pizza, salad, and pasta.

OCEANS
It's very hard to beat Oceans, where the friendly staff tends to speak English and the food is phenomenal. It's a bit of Italian/Asian seafood fusion and it never fails to please. It has a very nice atmosphere as well, making it a good spot for a date.

IZAKAYA

DONCHAYA
This is a small, very Japanese place that specializes in sake. After you tell the enthusiastic owner whether you prefer dry or sweet sake, he'll explain the origins of your selection (he has sake from all over the country) and he'll set you up with your own overflowing glass placed on top a saucer. Slurp the saucer first, then relax with your glass. Menu is written in Japanese on pieces of paper on the wall, so a Japanese speaker/ reader would be helpful the first time you go. If price is no object, the sashimi moriawase is always a good choice and usually includes some rather interesting selections (fish testicles, anyone?). The yakisakana (grilled fish) has never disappointed either -- just let the owner or his wife choose the fish for you. Gets pretty crowded so going early or making reservations (in Japanese) is a good thing. Located near the Sakura Dori entrance to Katamachi, on the left.

CHATTA
The owner of this tiny izakaya in katamachi doesn't speak a word of English, but she will kindly chatter at you as long as you are there and she never forgets a face. The menu is entirely in Japanese, so the best bet is just to let her choose for you. Accept whatever she suggests -- she loves making recommendations based on her freshest ingredients and spot on preparations. If you want to make a few of your own decisions, the sashimi moriawase is always fresh, the nasu dengaku (eggplant with broiled with sweet miso) is rich and creamy and the any seafood selection will always be delicious. The hot fugu sake is a fun, if not funky, choice to wash down all the good eats. (Actually the taste is quite funky!) To get there: Take a left into katamachi from Sakura Dori under the big red sign, go left at the first street and right at the next. Chatta is the first building on the left.

AKIYOSHI
As evening deepens in Katamachi, things get busier and busier and the flames from the grills can be seen through the windows at Akiyoshi, a restaurant that specializes in yakitori (charcoal broiled skewers of chicken). There is a simple point and shoot picture menu. There are many locations, but a favorite one is right in the heart of Katamachi. Look for the trademark red lantern sign that hangs at the entrance, and delicious smelling smoke pouring from the building. (0776) 21-3573. Open 17:00-02:30. Closed Mondays.

WARAJI
Located 3 blocks behind Fukui station. It's an izakaya specializing in seasonal seafood. Ask the person behind the counter to recommend the freshest items of the day. A dish of assorted sashimi (raw fish) is generous in volume and costs 1400 yen. (0776) 26-7890. Open 17:00-23:00. Closed Sundays.

FAMILY RESTAURANTS

COCO'S
Not the kind you find back home (if you are from Cali). You won't find that yummy chocolate cake in a cake display in front of the counter. This is your typical family restaurant and you can find some good deals on food. They even have a chicken quesadilla on the menu along with a taco salad. They try but it's what you can get around here. There are several locations around the city: 1) west side of the city on Nishikanjosen near Undo Koen 2) on the south side of the BELL shopping area 3) on the northern end of akaribashi dori 4) on 416 closing in on rt 8

GUSTO / SKYLARK CAFE
A typical “family restaurant”that is fairly cheap (800-1000 yen for a meal), the food isn't gourmet great, but they have some good staples. Many items are pictured, but not all. Bonuses are that they are open very late (until 4:00 or 5:00 am) and they have a drink bar (i.e. refills on coffee, juice, etc). Located on Matsumoto Dori (the street name changes to Nagamoto), east of the train tracks, on the right hand side. If you go under Route 8, you've gone too far.

TOMATO ONION
Essentially, a family restaurant that specializes primarily a steak and hamburg place, but you can also get pizza and pasta. The food is good, but count on spending 1500yen if you want to leave full. Try one of the steak sets, or a pizza set, which includes pizza (personal size), salad, and a drink for about 1100 yen. Nice atmosphere and a picture menu. One is located on Jonohashi Dori, further away from downtown than the Route 8 overpass, near Saiseiki Hospital. Another is just past UNIQLO on Nishikanjosen, near Undo Koen. Open until 1:00 a.m.

FRENCH

QUEUE
A French restaurant, pronounced Koo by those in the know (Japanese people) and highly recommended by a good number of Fukui JETs(read Mike Maher-King's review on it in JETfuel). Newly remodeled, you can find it by heading North on Rt 8 and turning left at the light after you pass Nitori (ニトリ). A Nissan dealership will be at that corner. Go down this street and you will soon see a Circle K and a hair salon called Destin. Turn left at Destin and then turn right at Miss Flower. You will find Queue next to Miss Flower.

ST. MARC
On the bottom floor, it is a bakery, offering pastries, croissants and cakes. On the second floor it is an upscale French restaurant that is a bit on the expensive side. Choose from the sets available, and get unlimited fresh baked breads (at least five varieties), soup, salad, main course, and dessert. If you make reservations, you'll be seated near the piano player. Lunch for around 3000 yen a person. Located on Awara Kaido, near Fukui University. It is just south of the railroad tracks; pass Hachi Ban Ramen on the right and it will be a little further up on the left hand side.

ALCHEMIST
Amaxing French food. Order the rabbit! Elegantly casua dress code. if you go in jeans and flip flops you'll feel out of place. At least wear shoes.
Lunch from 12.00 - 2.00
Dinner from 7.00 - 10.00

FUKUI SPECIALTIES

EUROPE-KEN (YOROPAKEN)
This Katsu place is located in Katamachi, 2 blocks behind the Palace Inn. It's the originator of “sauce-katsudon”, a dish that has come to be associated with Fukui. Europe-Ken now has 20 chain stores in the prefecture. Try the original katsudon at 750 yen. You can order red, black, and white varieties. Red is slightly spicy, black is original, and I don't know about white. Order at your own risk. (0776) 21-4681. Open 11:00-20:00. Closed Tuesdays.

ECHIZEN TSURUKISOBA
Here they serve up hearty, handmade Echizen soba in a rustic atmosphere accented by traditional folk crafts. The coarse, chewy noodles are perfect with grated daikon radish and dried bonito in a lightly seasoned soup (450 yen). Although it's everywhere in Fukui (3 downtown) one is pretty close to the FIA. If you walk towards the Hani supermarket on Osensui-dori, you pass the supermarket and at the next stop light, turn right and walk down the street. It'll be on your right. It's a small two story concrete building across the street from a little park.. Open 11:00-21:00.

MALAYSIAN
RASA SAYANG
North on Osensui Dori, near the old PIA shopping center, and right next to the IC, this is the only Malaysian place in all the prefecture. If you like naan bread, you have to try roti. The owner speaks terrific English and there is an English menu available. The a la carte menu is extensive -- good if you're on a budget or not so hungry, but if you want the full experience, go with some friends and choose one of the course menus (1500 to 2500 yen).

FILIPINO
KAMAYAN
Located in Katamachi, to find it, enter on the Sakura dori side and turn right at the first street. You will see it on your left just before a big parking lot. It has a yellow sign with a lobster/shrimp on it. They offer an all you can eat deal on Friday and Saturday nights for only ￥1000. They also sell filipino goods.

THAI

MONNA LISA
Chian, the English speaking cook at this Thai restaurant, serves delicious green or red curry with the option of making it vegetarian. You can also order a vegetarian pad thai -- He substitutes the chicken and shrimp with tofu. Many ALT tabe houdai parties have been held here and we still come back. Located just on Phoenix Dori and Chuo.

PHUKET
This has a more home cooking like taste than Monna Lisa does. Green Curry is spicy hot, hot, hot and the pad thai is packed with flavor. You will have lots to choose from in their menu so go check it out. Located in Katamachi, if coming from the Sakura Dori entrance, turn right down the first street just after Color. You will see a sign for it on your right in Katakana (フケット)

KAORI BANA
This is a very small resturant, but it has a large variety of foods. You can get Indian, Mexcian, Thai, among others. It is open from 5:00 and is closed on Wednesdays. To get there, head north of Pheonix Dori and turn left at the intersection with a gas station and the Baskin Robbins. Then turn left at the Fukui Bank. Kaori Bana is on the corner of the next intersection.

KEBABS

CAPTAIN KEBAB
This sHOP is like a cafe in the day then a bar at night. It's open everyday of the week from 11 am to 2 am. On the weekends it's open until 4. The staff is great and the owner speaks English. The main food they sell is kebab sandwiches. They also have pizza, pasta, and rice dishes. It's located right on Matsumoto Dori and Kagetsubashi Dori across from the Kagetsu Branch of Fukui Bank.

OKONOMIYAKI

BOTEJAKO
Regular okonomiyaki place. It's on Phoenix dori. The address is Chuo 1-6-23. (0776) 23-8675. Open 12:00pm-10:00pm. Closed every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday.

KAZE NO MACHI (風の街)
One of the favorite okonomiyaki restaurants frequented by the soccer team. Great choices of okonomiyaki and cheap drinks. They also do mochikaeri (take away) - check the menu on their website. Phone: (0776) 34-0866. Located in the west end of Fukui, just across the street from ACOOP on Nishikanjosen.
http://www.kazenomachi.com/

TAKOHACHI
An okonomiyaki restaurant famous in Fukui. Located across the street and a little north of Fujishima High School. The owners are extremely cool! The address is Omiya 2-8-5. Phone: (0776) 22-2562. Open 11:00-11:00. Closed Wednesdays.

RAMEN

RAIRAITEI
Rairaitei, on the corner of Sakura Dori and Route 8, has great ramen in a lively atmosphere. There's a picture menu for set meals. Try the miso ramen with thick noodles (ask for futomen) and a little white vinegar (included in the condiment tray). Addictive!

IWAMOTOYA 岩本屋
A ramen shop on Akaribashi dori just south of Sakura Dori gives you tons of choices, which can be daunting to navigate without a little Japanese. Possibly the best ramen in Fukui-ken. Prepared by ramen artists, not your average part-timers. To observe them do their ramen-work is like watching the gracefully coordinated movements of a ballet. Some have said that these particular ramen masters are actually legendary ramen heroes out of mythological times, who have lived for thousands of years by transferring their souls from one human vessel to another, in order to perfect their ramen skills. They have palms warmer than average human palms, which are also capable of summoning swirling balls of immense chakra energy, ideal for kneading and spinning the delicate dough of ramen noodles. These are called the palms of the sun, and they were endowed upon them by the Sun Goddess Amaterasu herself at the beginning of time. They also have jars full of tiny chips of dried garlic, which are quite delicious.

Iwamoto-ya has plenty of options for toppings for example: boiled egg, green onions, garlic chips etc. but one of these is a must eat: menma. Bamboo strips that are uniquely prepared by pan frying them. Also, you may want to try their “iwa-nori”, a kind of bushy, porous seaweed, on your ramen.

You order from a vending machine (if you know hiragana you'll be ok). The staff will then ask you for the desired firmness of your noodles, thickness of your broth, quantity of your green onions, and other such technical things, but if Japanese is a problem, you can just say “zenbu futsuu de” (“I'll have the regular for everything”).

SUSHI

ATOM KAITEN SUSHI
A mid-range sushi chain, with cheap sushi that isn't particularly great or bad. There is a conveyor belt that passes all of the tables- you simply grab what you like as it comes by and then you pay at the end according to how many plates you took. Prices range from 100-500 yen per plate (indicated by the plate color) depending on the contents. Several locations around town including one on the 1st floor of Bell shopping center, another in Lpa, one across the street from the Uniqlo on Nishikanjosen, and THE very first Atom sushi restaurant at the intersection of Phoenix Dori, Fujishima Dori and Osensui Dori. Open 11:00am-1:00am.

AJI SUSHI BAR
This is a great sushi bar to go to for the rotating experience. The food here is decent (as are the prices) and the staff here are especially nice. Expect to pay about 1500 Yen for a satisfying meal. To find it go behind Seibu and make a left at the first street alongside LOFT.

PIZZA

TEXAS HANDS
The toppings can be...interesting, but you can always get a cheese pizza and order toppings a la carte. The price is half what's listed if you get it yourself. You can find the sit down restaurant right off Phoenix just north of Matsumoto. There is another location on Sakura Dori near Fukui High School that does mainly take outs. Save yourself some money and pick up the pizza yourself! (0776) 26-1181. Open 11:00-11:00. Last order is 10:45. There is a new location right across from Pario on Rt. 8, but beware, you may hear "I'll Make Love to You" by Boyz II Men on loop.

POP'S
On Sakura Dori just past Kagetsubashi Dori heading East. There is a big sign out front so you can't miss it. It has gotten very good ALT reviews for being more American style than Texas Hands. (0776) 22-2010. Open 11:00-11:00. Last order is 10:45. Closed 3rd Thursday of each month.

HAWAIIAN

OLU OLU
A Hawaiian restaurant that's located above the Harley Davidson store on Route 416, just one street light west from Rt 8. A Spam lovers' dream, this cute place also has other western food and fantastic fruity cocktails (complete with fruit, flowers and little umbrellas). There's a deck with tiki torches that's open in nice weather.

Steak 1
The food is quite good and there is an all you can eat salad bar. The prices are very reasonable. It's only about 700 yen for a smallish meat dish and that includes the all you can eat salad bar which has lots of toppings plus fruits, soups and rice. For an additional 200 yen or so there is an all you can drink bar (choose hot or cold). Definitely one of the cheapest places to go to get really full. Go south on Route 8 from Sakura 10-15 minutes. Pass two golf ranges, Steak 1 (the sign is in katakana) is on the left. There is another branch in the SW corner of town. Going south on Phoenix dori turn right at the intersection before Bell shopping center. Continue along this road for a good while. Steak 1 is on the left. It's barn-like stature is hard to miss.

Bistro Goto
Bistro Goto is serious in its pursuit of distinctive, unique flavors and a healthy, original menu. Six course meals start at 2800 yen. The popular ladies' dinner is 3500 yen and a filling lunch dish is 700 yen. It's worth every penny! 1st floor Yoshida building, 1 block North of the river and one block East of Phoenix Dori on the right hand side. (0776) 23-8488. Open 11:30-1:00 and 5:00-9:00. (5:00-9:00 only on Sundays and holidays). Closed Mon.

YAKINIKU
STAMINA TARO
For a big appetite, try out this place. It features a Viking or buffet, and meat you cook at your table. 1050yen for lunch on a weekeday!! You can eat til you puke, and then some. From Route 8, go east on Rt. 416

KARUBI DAISHO
You can't miss this loudly colored building at the corner of 416 and Route 8. Grill your own meat at the table from a huge selection of different cuts and flavors of meat. Large menu also includes a lot of tasty salads, etc. The touch screen is a nice “touch”, no need to worry about ordering in Japanese, just point and click. Order as much or as little as you want, the screen keeps track of your total.

NIKU NO HANAMASAIS
A yakiniku restaurant located on Itagakibashidori. It offers all you can eat yakiniku for 1300 yen and an extra 880 yen gets you an hour all you can drink.

ICE CREAM

HAAGEN DAAZ
An excellent way to escape the heat of summer! It has a great toilet, too! It's 3 lights north of Matsumoto dori on Awara kaido, on the right side. The address is Omiya 3-13-1. (0776-25-3010). Open 11:00am-11:00pm.
Every 5, 15, and 25 of the month, they have a special: 5 scoops of ice cream for 650 yen!

BASKIN ROBBINS
31 delicious flavors of ice cream! It's one light north of Fujishima dori on Phoenix/Osensui Dori. It's on the NW corner (left side). The address is Ikushiro 2-1401. (0776)25-1031. Open 11:00am-10:00pm.