5 Recommended Goma Saba in Fukuoka | A Comprehensive Guide to Popular Shops Where You Can Taste Hakata’s Specialty

Hello, I’m Shiro. One of Fukuoka’s representative local gourmet dishes is “goma saba.” It’s a simple dish of fresh mackerel mixed with a special sesame sauce, but its freshness and flavor are exceptional experiences that can only be found in Fukuoka. The goma saba made from mackerel caught in the Genkai Sea and prepared the same day harmonizes beautifully with the rich fat and fragrant sesame flavor, creating an unforgettable taste once you try it.

This time, I will introduce five carefully selected restaurants known for goma saba in Fukuoka that have become popular on YouTube and social media. From the famous restaurant hailed as “the most delicious goma saba in Fukuoka” to a beloved establishment for over 30 years, and a great value all-you-can-eat set meal, there is a diverse lineup. I’ve summarized the characteristics, access, and budget of each restaurant, so if you want to taste authentic goma saba in Fukuoka, please use this as a reference.

1st: Seafood Restaurant Hajime no Ippo (Hakata Ward, Hakata Station Front)

This is a restaurant that has been endorsed by Koji Nakajima’s channel as “goma saba that is not an exaggeration to say is the most delicious in Fukuoka.” As shown by the tens of thousands of views, it is widely known among goma saba lovers in Fukuoka. The meticulous preparation focused on the freshness of the ingredients and the unique sesame sauce creates a flavor that makes you feel “this is the real deal” the moment you take a bite.

Attraction of the Restaurant

The biggest charm of this restaurant is the high freshness of the goma saba made with fresh natural mackerel delivered directly from their own live fish tank. The flavor of the sesame sauce and the sweetness of the mackerel fat intertwine exquisitely, making it a taste that you can’t stop enjoying with rice or sake. The reputation of being “the best in Fukuoka” is well-deserved, and it is highly recommended for local foodies and travelers seeking goma saba in Fukuoka. It also provides a significant emotional experience for inbound customers as a “Fukuoka soul food experience.”

Restaurant Information

• Address: 3-7-15 Hakataekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Shono Building 1F
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR/Subway “Hakata Station”
• Business Hours: 17:00–23:00 (※ Please check with the restaurant for the latest operating status)
• Regular Holidays: Irregular holidays
• Visiting Tips: Due to the focus on freshness, it is busy with many customers every day. It is strongly recommended to make a reservation in advance to ensure entry.

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

2nd: Goto Saba and Kyushu Delights Kiharu (Chuo Ward, Haruyoshi)

When it comes to “goma saba at a seafood izakaya” in Fukuoka, Kiharu in Haruyoshi is always mentioned. While it has an izakaya style, it offers authentic Goto saba, making it perfect for those who want to thoroughly enjoy Fukuoka’s seafood culture for dinner. The charm lies in enjoying real goma saba with local sake in a casual atmosphere.

Attraction of the Restaurant

The biggest charm of this restaurant is that it uses the highest quality “Goto saba” shipped directly from the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The goma saba made with tightly firm mackerel is of exceptional quality as a dish. For inbound customers who want to enjoy the local flavors while experiencing the atmosphere of Hakata and Haruyoshi at night, it is a highly satisfying authentic izakaya experience.

Restaurant Information

• Address: 3-21-28 Haruyoshi, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Romanesque Resort Nishi-Nakasu 2F
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Subway Nanakuma Line “Tenjin Minami Station”
• Business Hours: 18:00–24:00
• Regular Holidays: Sunday
• Visiting Tips: Known as a super popular restaurant that is difficult to reserve. Once your travel dates are set, it is essential to call and make a reservation a few weeks in advance.

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

3rd: Tonkatsu Maguro Don Izakaya Tettei (Hakata Ward, Hakata Station Front)

“Tettei,” introduced on Hakata’s Oba-chan channel, is a long-established popular izakaya with over 30 years of history, located just a 5-minute walk from Hakata Station. Its reliable taste, loved by local customers for many years, is highly regarded as a representation of Fukuoka’s goma saba culture.

Attraction of the Restaurant

The charm of Tettei lies in its consistent taste that has remained unchanged for over 30 years and its high convenience being so close to Hakata Station. The careful preparation of the sesame sauce unique to long-established shops combined with fresh mackerel makes you feel “the authentic taste” in one bite. The friendly atmosphere where local regulars come multiple times after work leaves a lasting impression on foreign travelers as a “local Hakata food experience.” Its location just a 5-minute walk from Hakata Station is also ideal for meals before and after transfers.

Restaurant Information

• Address: 3-23-12 Hakataekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kowa Building 1F
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR/Subway “Hakata Station”
• Business Hours: 11:15–14:00 / 17:00–23:00 (only at night on Saturdays)
• Regular Holidays: Sundays and public holidays
• Visiting Tips: Being close to Hakata Station makes it convenient for meals before and after departure. Lunchtime is bustling with local businessmen, so adjusting your timing a bit will make it smoother.

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

4th: Hakata Goma Saba Shop (Chuo Ward, Maizuru)

Hakata Goma Saba Shop, frequently featured on YouTube, is a specialized goma saba shop located in Maizuru, Chuo Ward. As the name suggests, it stands out for its commitment and cost performance unique to specialized shops. It is steadily gaining fans among food enthusiasts and young people in Fukuoka.

Attraction of the Restaurant

Hakata Goma Saba Shop is a specialized shop focusing on goma saba, with no compromises in all processes from ingredient selection to preparation. Additionally, when you order a set meal, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat mackerel nanban-zuke as a surprising service, which significantly enhances customer satisfaction. Its location in Maizuru, close to the Tenjin area, makes it easy to visit during sightseeing, and its visually appealing presentation is also popular on social media. It is a restaurant that is easy to introduce to inbound customers as “the essence of Hakata gourmet.”

Restaurant Information

• Address: 1-2-11 Maizuru, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Ogawa Building 1F
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Subway Airport Line “Akasaka Station” / About a 10-minute walk from “Tenjin Station”
• Business Hours: 11:00–14:00 / 17:00–22:00 (※ Ends when sold out)
• Regular Holidays: Sunday
• Visiting Tips: There will definitely be a line during lunchtime, but it is worth waiting in line due to the quick turnover. Be sure to enjoy the all-you-can-eat nanban-zuke as well.

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

5th: Hakata Seafood Restaurant Kisuimaru Hakata 1-Bangai Store (Directly Connected to Hakata Station)

Kisuimaru, located in the basement of JR Hakata City, has gained attention for its unbeatable combination of “goma saba set meal × all-you-can-eat mentaiko.” It is perfect for those who want to enjoy goma saba while fully experiencing Hakata’s specialties, and it is a very popular restaurant proposing a new way to enjoy goma saba set meals.

Attraction of the Restaurant

The biggest strength of Kisuimaru is that when you order a fresh “goma saba set meal,” you can enjoy unlimited servings of their homemade mentaiko, spicy takana, and even rice, which is an overwhelming service. It opens from 7:30 AM, making it the only place where you can enjoy exquisite goma saba and mentaiko for breakfast. It is also suitable for groups and families, making it the best option for travelers to complete their “Hakata food” experience all at once. The direct connection to Hakata Station provides peace of mind for foreign travelers.

Restaurant Information

• Address: 1-1 Hakata Station Chuo Street, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, JR Hakata City B1F Hakata 1-Bangai
• Access: Directly connected to JR/Subway “Hakata Station” (underground)
• Business Hours: 7:30–23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
• Regular Holidays: None (subject to facility regulations)
• Visiting Tips: Since it operates continuously from morning to night, you can easily stop by during waiting times for the Shinkansen. Pile mentaiko on rice and indulge in it luxuriously with goma saba.

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

Comparison Table of 5 Restaurants

Conclusion

The five restaurants introduced this time represent the diverse goma saba scene in Fukuoka. From the famous restaurant hailed as “the most delicious in Fukuoka,” to enjoying exquisite Goto saba at an authentic seafood izakaya, the long-loved Tettei for over 30 years, the pride of a specialized shop at Hakata Goma Saba Shop, and the unbeatable cost performance of Kisuimaru with all-you-can-eat mentaiko, you can choose according to your purpose and scene.

If you are traveling to Fukuoka, please include “goma saba” as a candidate alongside ramen and motsunabe. The simple yet profound taste created by fresh mackerel from the Genkai Sea and sesame sauce is a culinary delight that can only be experienced in Fukuoka.