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Explore Onomichi City’s unique dining culture
We know how overwhelming it can be to visit a new place and not even know where to begin when it comes to finding something to eat- especially if Japanese is not your first (or even second!) language.
We are certain you’ll want to have a wander around the shotengai shopping arcade and have a meal or a drink at one or two of the places you may have passed by on your walk to our little house.
We’ve compiled a small list of our good friends who run various cafes, restaurants and food shops- we hope you’ll drop in and say hello to them during your stay!
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.
What kind of food do you usually eat when on holiday- are you more of a home comforts kind of person, or are you looking for something new and exciting? Do you like to dress up and dine out, or are you one to bring everything back for your own version of an omakase pajama party?
Whatever you enjoy, we are certain Onomichi will provide it for you. After all, everyone here knows there’s nothing more important than fuelling your body before (and after) a long day spent exploring the winding streets of this beautiful city.
Breakfast
ANTENNA COFFEE Freshly brewed coffee, handmade sandwiches and light eats set to a backdrop of jazz and stylish retro interior- best of all, it’s only a few steps away from the house!
PANYA KORO Get here early for the best picks of freshly baked bread. Be sure to try each one to find your own personal favourites!
POUR SPECIALTY COFFEE Coffee lovers rejoice at this pour bar where you can choose from a huge variety of specialty roasts to drink immediately or bring home with you.
U2 BUTTI BAKERY A fabulous array of pick and mix bread, pastries and sandwiches to have in or take away. Also a hero of local artisanal produce and sundries.
Lunch
KEIMA KAMABOKO A heritage fishcake shop with an abundance of options to bring home with you. Feeling peckish in the queue? Order a couple of toasty ‘Keima Dog’ corn dogs- you won’t be disappointed!
FUWARI ONIGIRI Home made hand crafted rice balls, chirashi rice bowls and (if you’re there before they sell out) ohagi sweets! An if-you-know-you-know favourite of the locals, it’s well worth waking up early to get your riceball fix.
ESORA SOBAYA Another hidden secret of Onomichi, Esora soba will serve hand cut buckwheat noodles in a beautiful ambient room. Order one bowl each and a few small sides for a delicious, relaxing lunchtime treat.
TACOS HARU Traditional Oaxacan faire may not be what you’d expect in Onomichi, but you’ll be wanting to go back for thirds at this lively one counter bar. Book ahead the day before and have some of the most sumptuous small plates with a little tequila on the side to spice up your day.
MIYACHI A famous Onomichi Ramen restaurant; you’ll want to sample their specialty dish, tempura chuka, which usually sells out almost immediately after they open! Expect a queue, but also expect a delicious and filling bowl of ramen with an old school retro atmosphere.
HOLLAND VILLAGE CAFE Aesthetically pleasing lunch spot that specialises in organic farm-to-table faire. A great place for those of us who are health conscious and perhaps looking for something light yet delicious to settle the stomach and cleanse the palate after indulging in too many treats!
Elevenses
YUYAKE DONUTS Sweet tooths abound at this charming and hip donut shop. Choose from an adorable display of freshly baked soy donuts, garnished and glazed to perfection; the cinnamon sugar in particular pairs perfectly with an iced coffee when sat on a nearby bench, looking out at the sea.
UN! Love all things sweet potato? We have the place for you! Choose from modestly baked, gently seasoned, generously topped or in sweet caramelised crepe form and sit on the veranda for a perfect view of Onomichi’s sparkling horizon.
IMAGAWA CHAHO An old style Japanese tea shop with a sommelier service where you can have a blend made up for you to bring home and enjoy, curled up with a good book. If you’d like an introduction to Japanese tea but aren’t sure where to start, this is the place for you!
ONOMICHI ROMAN A long time establishment with a few locations dotted around Onomichi, this pleasing retro diner restaurant has well crafted waffles, sweets and desserts that are perfectly paired with their famous dark roast coffee.
NAKAYA OMANJUTEN An institution well loved by locals, enter this old-school sweets shop to sample an array of traditional Japanese mochi and rice cakes, including their famous kibi daifuku and sought-after kujira yokan. Sells out fast, so be sure to pop in early!
CAFE PARAISO Walk up the stairs into a delightful coffee shop filled with antique furnishings that serves handmade basque cheesecake. Spend a comfortable time here browsing their picture books and soaking in the eclectic atmosphere of this hidden gem!
TXARCOAL Laid back Spanish tapas and small plates await you in this beautifully peaceful restaurant overlooking the sea. Locally sourced sea and farm fresh produce is used and both sake and wine pairings will also be carefully suggested along with your meal if requested.
PINO Delicious Italian food with locally sourced ingredients, with a spectacular array of wine pairings. Small plates are carefully considered and beautifully arranged in a course format- a treat for those of us who wish to indulge in a more thoughtful meal.
MATSUMOTO CHUGAKURYORI A delightful chinese restaurant with an incredible array of speciality dishes- we can recommend them all, each as delicious as the next. This place is popular with locals and tourists alike, so be sure to reserve in advance or go as soon as it opens!
TAKAHARA SEIKICHI SHOKUDO A stylish and ambience filled Japanese restaurant that echoes with stylish ease. Order a la carte or indulge in a set course meal and drink in not only a vast array of sake but the fabulous vibes in this gorgeously atmospheric restaurant.
Dinner
Find all of the aforementioned places (and many more) on our Onomichi Map!
We’ve compiled all of our favourite places in Onomichi into a community driven map. Find all manner of fun discoveries like cafes, bookstores, restaurants, art galleries, shrines and antique stores all in one handy form that is accessible from your phone.
Need more help?
Do you have allergies or dietary restrictions that may make dining out difficult or daunting? Check out our guide to Japan for some handy hints, or get in touch for more specific help and recommendations.