What is an Izakaya?
About Izakayas
An izakaya is a type of informal Japanese pub that serves alcoholic drinks and a variety of small, inexpensive dishes. These establishments are central to Japanese social culture, providing a casual atmosphere where friends, colleagues, and families gather after work or on weekends. Unlike formal restaurants, izakayas encourage sharing plates and prolonged conversations over drinks. The atmosphere is typically lively and welcoming, with patrons often greeting staff with enthusiastic “Irasshaimase!” calls. Menu items range from grilled skewers (yakitori) and fresh sashimi to hearty hot pots and creative fusion dishes, all designed to complement beer, sake, shochu, and other beverages.
Fukuoka’s Izakaya Scene
Fukuoka’s izakaya culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in the region’s rich culinary traditions and access to fresh local ingredients. Thanks to its location on the Genkai Sea, the city enjoys a steady supply of fresh seafood. At local izakayas, you can savor regional specialties such as goma saba (mackerel with sesame sauce), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and motsunabe (a hearty hot pot made with beef or pork offal), often paired with local shochu or sake.
The Nakasu and Tenjin neighborhoods are especially known for their high concentration of izakayas, where the streets come alive in the evening with people enjoying drinks, food, and bar-hopping. It’s common to visit multiple spots in a night to experience different atmospheres and dishes.
Fukuoka is also famous for its street food stalls, or yatai, particularly around the Nakasu area. These open-air stalls serve a range of casual dishes like ramen, yakitori, and tempura, and are a beloved part of the city’s nightlife for both locals and visitors alike.
Top 15 Fukuoka Izakayas
1. Yamachan Nakasu Store (やまちゃん 中洲店)
Yamachan Nakasu Store (Yamachan 中洲店) offers a distinctive fusion of casual izakaya dining and Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. Originating from the long-established Nagahama yatai tradition, it preserves a street-stall atmosphere in its dedicated storefront. The menu combines classic izakaya dishes—such as grilled skewers and fresh seafood—with their signature light but flavorful pork-bone ramen.
Details:
- Address: 2-4-18 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Nakamura Building Nishiki-koji 5
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Airport Line)
- Hours: 6:00 PM - 3:00 AM (Last order 2:30 AM)
- Closed: Sundays and Mondays
2. Kiharu no Gomasabaya（きはるの胡麻鯖や）
Kiharu no Gomasabaya is renowned as one of Fukuoka’s top destinations for mackerel lovers. The restaurant specializes in ultra-fresh saba, served in signature dishes such as sesame-marinated goma-saba, sashimi, and seared mackerel. The cozy interior and focused menu create an authentic and intimate Japanese dining experience. Their dedication to freshness is so strong that they may close early once the day’s supply of mackerel runs out.
Details:
- Address: 2F, 3-21-28 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 5-minute walk from Tenjin-Minami Station (Nanakuma Line)
- Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Last order 10:00 PM)
- Closed: Sundays (varies on holidays)
3. Warayaki Mikan (藁焼 みかん)
Famous for its theatrical straw-grilling performances, this izakaya brings the traditional cooking methods of Kochi Prefecture to Fukuoka. Diners watch as skilled chefs use blazing straw fires to sear fresh bonito and other seafood, creating a smoky aroma that permeates the entire restaurant. The late-night hours and energetic atmosphere make it a favorite among young professionals and tourists seeking an memorable dining experience. Their extensive sake selection perfectly complements the bold flavors of straw-grilled cuisine.
Details:
- Address: 2-12-20 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 7-minute walk from Watanabe-dori Station (Nanakuma Line)
- Hours: 6:00 PM – midnight
- Closed: Sundays
4. Sakana to Sakana Itookashi（魚ト肴いとおかし）
Sakana to Sakana Itookashi is a seafood izakaya that operates in two shifts: morning and evening. In the morning, it opens from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM (last order at 11:30 AM), offering breakfast-style dishes such as sashimi sets and seafood bowls. In the evening, it reopens from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM (last food order at 10:00 PM, last drink order at 10:30 PM), serving a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes.
One of the restaurant’s highlights is the live fish tank behind the counter, where customers can watch the chefs skillfully prepare the seafood right in front of them—an experience that emphasizes the freshness of the ingredients. With its casual atmosphere and seafood-focused menu, Itookashi is popular among both locals and tourists. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesday mornings, but remains open during the evening.
Details:
- Address: 3-25-27 Harunyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 5-minute walk from Tenjin-Minami Station (Nanakuma Line)
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (Wednesday morning closed)
- Closed: None (except Wednesday mornings)
5. Sakana no Maruta (魚のまるた)
Tucked away in a quiet back alley of Fukuoka’s Chuo Ward, this seafood-focused restaurant offers only one option: a chef’s choice course. The lineup includes a variety of fresh dishes such as sashimi, sushi, grilled and simmered fish, and creative seafood specialties—all tailored to the day’s catch.
While the term omakase often brings to mind high-end dining, this spot offers a more casual, all-you-can-eat format, providing both quality and volume that consistently impress diners.
Details:
- Address: 3-2-21 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Streamline Maizuru 1F
- Access: 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station (Subway)
- Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM / Saturday 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays and public holidays
6. Tori to Sakana Furuya (鶏と肴 フルヤ)
Tori to Sakana Furuya is a cozy izakaya located in a quiet alley of Fukuoka’s Hirao neighborhood. Specializing in premium Takasaka jidori chicken, the restaurant offers expertly prepared dishes such as grilled skewers and chicken sashimi. The warm wooden interior and intimate seating create a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of rural Japan.
Details:
- Address: 1-9-6 Hirao, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 7-minute walk from Hirao Station (Nishitetsu)
- Hours: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Last order 11:00 PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
7. Onokoro Hanjyo（おのころ五合）
Onokoro Hanjyo is a relaxed yet refined izakaya tucked in Chuo‑ku, Fukuoka, beloved by sake lovers for its well‑curated selection of Japanese rice wines. The menu emphasizes traditional sake accompaniments—think fresh sashimi platters, grilled fish, and carefully prepared small plates—designed to enhance the drinking experience. Friendly and knowledgeable staff offer personalized sake recommendations, making it welcoming to both newcomers and aficionados.
Details:
- Address: 1-4-24 Minato, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Grace T&T 1F
- Access: 5-minute walk from Ohori-Koen Station (Subway)
- Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
8. Tsukune Seisakusho（捏製作所）
Tsukune Seisakusho is a reservation-only izakaya in Fukuoka’s Fujisaki neighborhood. The restaurant specializes in steamed tsukune (chicken meatballs), offering five different creative varieties each week, such as basil & nuts or seaweed & capers. These weekly selections can be enjoyed as a tasting sampler or a full platter. With a casual and welcoming interior featuring counter and table seating, it’s ideal for relaxed dining.
Details:
- Address: 1-14-5 Fujisaki, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 7-minute walk from Fujisaki Station (Subway)
- Hours: Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Last order 5:00 PM) / Wed 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last order 4:00 PM) / Fri 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Last order 7:00 PM)
- Closed: Thursdays and irregular holidays
9. Hyakushiki (百式)
Hyakushiki is a stylish robatayaki izakaya in Fukuoka’s Yakuin/ Imaizumi area. At the open counter, diners can watch the charcoal-grilled robata dishes and watch earthenware pot rice being slowly prepared, providing an engaging and theatrical dining experience. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients, with dishes such as grilled seafood, vegetables, and specialty rice set meals.
Details:
- Address: 1-4-25 Imaizumi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Summit Tenjin-Minami 1F
- Access: 6-minute walk from Tenjin Station (Nishitetsu) / 5-minute walk from Yakuin Station
- Hours: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
10. Amano (あまの)
Amano is a refined seafood izakaya located in Fukuoka’s central Nishi-Nakasu district, just a 3-minute walk from Tenjin-Minami Station. Known for its traditional Japanese interior and calm atmosphere, the restaurant features counter seating, sunken floor tables, and private rooms. With an exceptional variety of seafood dishes—including live fish prepared to order, seasonal sashimi, grilled specialties, and sake-pairing small plates—Amano is considered one of the most comprehensive seafood-focused izakayas in Fukuoka. It accommodates both casual diners and special occasions, offering smooth service and expertly crafted cuisine.
Details:
- Address: 9-4 Nishi-Nakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 3-minute walk from Tenjin-Minami Station (Subway)
- Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM (Non-smoking seats)
- Closed: Sundays and public holidays
11. Osake to Hakata Kozara TANAKADA (お酒と博多小皿 たなかだ)
Located in Kiyokawa, central Fukuoka, Osake to Hakata Kozara Tanakada offers refined izakaya dining with a focus on seasonal seafood, Kyushu wagyu, and inventive small plates. Guests can choose to sit at the lively counter and watch the chefs at work, or enjoy a more private experience in hori-kotatsu-style tatami rooms.
Dining is reservation-based and begins with a set course, with additional orders available as desired. All items are clearly priced, and the curated selection of Japanese sake and domestic wines is on par with a sommelier-level experience, making it ideal for both casual evenings and special occasions.
Details:
- Address: 3-16-19 Kiyokawa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 10 minute walk from Nishitetsu Hirao Station
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 12:30 AM / Sunday & Holidays 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays (plus irregular holidays)
12. Seimon-Barai (せいもん払い)
Seimon-Barai is a lively fisherman-style izakaya in Fukuoka’s Nakasu-Kawabata area, known for its ultra-fresh seafood and energetic market-like atmosphere. The restaurant features large tanks holding live fish and shellfish, including transparent live squid from Yobuko, as well as sesame mackerel, whitebait, abalone, and other seasonal specialties from across Kyushu.
With 125 seats, the space offers counter seating, hori-kotatsu-style tatami rooms, and private rooms for groups of 10–20. The warm wooden interior and the constant flow of customers—both locals and travelers—give the place a distinctly authentic, old-school charm.
Details:
- Address: Shateau Kawabata 1F, 5-107 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 2-minute walk from Kushida-jinja-mae Station / 8-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 11:45 PM (Last order 11:00 PM)
- Closed: Sundays
13. Suzaki-Yatai KAJISHIKA (須崎屋台 かじしか)
Recreating the authentic spirit of Hakata’s famous yatai street stalls in a permanent location, this innovative izakaya specializes in creative vegetable and fruit-wrapped kushiyaki, including their signature mentaiko-cheese lettuce rolls. The interactive dining experience features colorful glass cases displaying Kyushu vegetables and locally caught seafood. The lantern-lit counter and small tatami room maintain the intimate street-stall atmosphere while offering modern amenities.
Details:
- Address: 5-14 Narayamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 7-minute walk from Gofukumachi Station / 8-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM (Last order 11:30 PM)
- Closed: Sundays
14. Daidokoro (大どころ)
Daidokoro is a creative Japanese restaurant located in a residential neighborhood of Imaizumi, Fukuoka. The young chef crafts a refined omakase course that blends Kyushu-sourced seafood with subtle French influences, delivering a thoughtful and visually striking dining experience.
The course typically includes 5 to 6 seasonal dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Guests dine in an intimate space designed for close interaction with the chef, allowing them to appreciate the care and detail behind each plate.
Details:
- Address: Pure Tenjin 1F, 2-3-38 Imaizumi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 4-5 minute walk from Yakuin-Odori Station
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays (plus occasional irregular days)
15. Oryori Yamanokuchi (お料理 山乃口)
Oryori Yamanokuchi is a small, 12-seat Japanese izakaya tucked away in an alley in Fukuoka’s Haruyoshi neighborhood. Led by a chef with kappo training, the menu changes daily to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients. The experience often ends with a warm touch—a delicately prepared fluffy rice ball served as a quiet finale.
With its intimate counter setting and thoughtful hospitality, the space is ideal for solo diners or small groups seeking a calm and refined atmosphere.
Details:
- Address: 2-7-18 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
- Access: 11-minute walk from Kushida-jinja-mae Station / 8-minute walk from Tenjin-Minami Station
- Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Last order 11:00 PM)
- Closed: Sundays
Tips for Enjoying Izakayas
Choosing the Right Time
Izakayas tend to be busiest during early evening (around 5:00 PM–7:00 PM) and later in the evening (approximately 7:00 PM–11:00 PM). Especially on Friday nights and weekends, many places may impose a two-hour time limit when crowded. For a more relaxed experience, visiting before peak hours or making a reservation is recommended.
Ordering Methods
Most izakayas expect you to order drinks first, followed by a few dishes to share. It’s customary to order items gradually throughout your visit rather than all at once. Look for the day’s recommendations (本日のおすすめ) written on wall menus or blackboards. Don’t hesitate to ask servers for their suggestions – phrases like “Osusume wa?” (What do you recommend?) are always welcome.
Etiquette
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted with “Irasshaimase!” – no response is necessary. Remove your shoes if directed to a tatami area. It’s polite to order a drink for everyone at the table before focusing on food. When toasting, say “Kanpai!” and try to clink glasses at a level lower than any seniors present. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice and passing food directly between chopsticks.
Payment Methods
Most traditional izakayas charge an otoshi (お通し) seating fee, which comes with a small appetizer—typically ¥200–¥700 per person. While many chains now accept credit cards or electronic payments, traditional establishments often remain cash-only. No tipping is expected (and might cause confusion). Unless advised otherwise by staff, pay your bill at the register near the exit rather than at your table.
Summary
Fukuoka’s izakaya scene offers an authentic glimpse into Japanese social culture, combining excellent food, drinks, and atmosphere in casual settings. From specialized mackerel restaurants to late-night ramen spots, each establishment provides a unique experience while maintaining the welcoming spirit that defines izakaya culture. Whether you’re seeking fresh seafood, creative fusion dishes, or traditional favorites, these fifteen izakayas represent the best of what Fukuoka has to offer. Remember to embrace the social aspect of izakaya dining – these venues are designed for lingering conversations and shared experiences. With this guide, you’re ready to explore Fukuoka’s vibrant nightlife and create lasting memories in these beloved local institutions.
