5 Premium Izakaya in Fukuoka You Must Reserve! Exquisite Omakase Courses [Kiyokawa / Keigo / Nakasu / Hakata]

Too luxurious to be called an “izakaya” — Fukuoka is dotted with renowned establishments that make you feel this way. Enjoying a night at the counter where seasonal natural fish, Hakata ingredients, and the skills of artisans intersect, savoring an omakase course one dish at a time. If you can make a reservation, that alone becomes the purpose of your trip. In this article, we will introduce five representative high-end izakayas in Fukuoka along with videos.

Sake and Hakata Small Plates Tanakada (Formerly: Hakata Tanakada)｜Kiyokawa ── A legendary restaurant that established the genre of “high-end izakaya” in Fukuoka

“No prices on the menu” — as this style suggests, Tanakada is a legendary restaurant that pioneered the genre of “high-end izakaya” in Fukuoka. With a renewal in 2025, it has become even more refined as “Sake and Hakata Small Plates Tanakada,” maintaining a unique worldview that offers Hakata’s fresh ingredients in an unpretentious izakaya style.

The luxury of having the finest natural fish, seasonal Hakata ingredients, and local sake from Fukuoka served as a surprise may feel more like “entrusting” rather than “going to eat.” There is also a location in Nishiazabu, Tokyo, but experiencing Tanakada in the vibrant atmosphere of its home, Hakata, is in a league of its own.

Address: 3-16-19 Kiyokawa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture ／ Business Hours: 17:00〜24:30 (L.O. 23:30) ／ Sundays and Holidays 17:00〜23:00 ／ Closed: Mondays (irregular holidays may apply) ／ Budget: 15,000 yen〜25,000 yen

Izakaya Kinoshita | Roppongi ── A hot topic in English-speaking countries! A reservation-only hideaway in a renovated traditional house

Quietly standing in a residential area of Roppongi, Izakaya Kinoshita is a traditional house renovated from a grandparent’s home. Although it is called an “izakaya,” the offerings are akin to high-end kaiseki. Its style of serving the finest natural fish in a completely reservation-only manner has made it a famous restaurant, attracting reservations from both domestic and international customers after being featured on overseas YouTube channels.

In a space filled with a sense of privacy, the time spent facing dishes carefully prepared by artisans is pure luxury, detached from everyday life. “A kaiseki in the guise of an izakaya” — there are few places where this phrase fits so well.

Address: 4-5-35 Roppongi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture / Business hours: 18:00〜 (Reservation only) / Regular holidays: Irregular (confirmation required) / Budget: 10,000 yen〜15,000 yen

Sakana | Kego ── A master of dual-wielding magic unleashes a lively kaiseki izakaya

The “dual-wielding” technique of simultaneously preparing fish with the right hand and vegetables with the left — the craftsmanship displayed by the master of Sakana is breathtaking when viewed from the counter seats. Dishes meticulously prepared from 5 AM often feature rare fish species such as shark sole, Spanish mackerel, and bluefin, making it not uncommon to encounter unique offerings.

The “dual-wielding” cuisine, which skillfully handles everything from sushi to yakisoba and pasta, makes the cooking scenery seen across the counter itself an entertainment. Open until late at night, it serves as a companion for adults in Fukuoka from the first stop in the bustling district to the last.

Address: 2-15-20 Kego, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Madoka Building 102 / Business Hours: 18:00 to 3:00 the next day (may vary depending on reservation status) / Closed: 1st and 3rd Mondays, 3rd Sundays (irregular holidays may apply) / Budget: 8,000 yen to 12,000 yen

Hakata Kappo Kaji Main Store | Nakasu ── Enjoy the Night View of Nakagawa with 50 Years of Tradition, Proudly Serving Squid and Fugu

Located along the Nakagawa River in Nakasu, Hakata Kappo Kaji Main Store is a long-established kappo restaurant with over 50 years of history. The thinly sliced natural tiger pufferfish, live squid, and rockfish—ingredients representing the seafood of Hakata—are prepared by skilled artisans in the best condition. The seats by the window overlooking the Nakagawa River offer a special space where you can enjoy not only the cuisine but also the night view of Nakasu.

This is a place you can trust. Ideal for business meetings, meals with loved ones, or guiding tourists visiting Fukuoka. With over 50 years of maintaining authentic craftsmanship by skilled artisans, it boasts the most significant presence in Nakasu.

Address: 2-3-11 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture ／ Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM) ／ Closed: Only on New Year’s Day ／ Budget: 8,000 yen – 15,000 yen

Sumikakoi｜Hakata Station Chikushiguchi ── A renowned creative cuisine restaurant in the Hakata Station area, shining with the sense of a female manager

Located within walking distance from Hakata Station Chikushiguchi, Sumikakoi is a place known for its attentive service by a female manager and creative dishes utilizing charcoal grilling. Dishes like “Drunken Potato Salad,” “Motsu Tofu,” and “Grilled Sardines with Mentaiko” are perfect for pairing with drinks, making it hard to stop once you start.

While being the most accessible in price among the five establishments, the seriousness of the cuisine shows no compromise. It’s easy to understand why it’s favored by executives finishing work and adults who want to enjoy a relaxed drink. I can confidently recommend it as the first stop on a night in Fukuoka.

Address: 1-2-3 Hakataekiminami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 1F Hakata Ekimae Daiichi Building ／ Business Hours: 17:00〜24:00 (L.O. 23:00) ／ Closed: None (except for New Year’s holidays) ／ Budget: 6,000 yen〜9,000 yen

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

Fukuoka High-end Izakaya 5 Stores Comparison Summary

Summary: Choose from Fukuoka’s High-End Izakayas by Budget and Purpose

From the moment you order “omakase,” the evening’s direction is handed over to the chef. The thrill of not knowing what will be served, the craftsmanship unfolding before your eyes, and the ingredients nurtured by the sea and land of Hakata—this is the essence of Fukuoka’s high-end izakayas.

Please choose from five establishments according to your budget and mood. Each place is truly worth visiting, even with a reservation, and is a genuine pride of Fukuoka.