Nagasaki Restaurants Best Places to Eat

Nagasaki, a city with a rich culinary history influenced by its trading port past, offers a diverse and vibrant food scene that reflects its unique cultural blend. From traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine, Nagasaki's restaurants provide a gastronomic experience unlike anywhere else in Japan.

Traditional Nagasaki Cuisine

Champon

One of Nagasaki's most famous dishes is Champon, a noodle dish packed with vegetables, pork, and seafood in a rich, creamy broth made from pork and chicken bones. This dish was created during the Meiji Period by a local Chinese restaurant to provide a nutritious and affordable meal for Chinese students. Today, it is a staple in Nagasaki, loved by both locals and tourists. Shikairou, a revered restaurant opposite Oura Cathedral, is credited with inventing this dish and remains a top place to try it.

Sara-udon

Another local specialty is Sara-udon, which features vegetables and seafood mixed in a thick, creamy sauce served over either thin, crispy noodles or regular champon noodles. This dish is a variation of champon but offers a different texture and flavor profile.

Shippoku Cuisine

Shippoku cuisine is a traditional style of dining in Nagasaki that combines elements of Japanese, Chinese, and European cuisine. This banquet-style dining involves generous portions of local ingredients heaped on plates for sharing. Kagetsu, a restaurant that opened within the Hiketaya brothel in the 17th century, is one of the best places to experience shippoku ryori, with dishes such as tai fin soup, braised pork, and tempura.

Local Delicacies

Omura Sushi

Omura Sushi is a vibrant and colorful dish originally served to feudal lords returning from victorious battles. It consists of layers of sweet vinegared rice alternating with slices of fish, finely chopped vegetables, and seasoned omelet. Today, it is enjoyed at many restaurants and is often served at special occasions.

Guzoni

Guzoni is a Shimabara specialty made with mochi rice cakes and approximately ten kinds of fresh local ingredients cooked in a light yet flavorful broth. This dish was created during the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637 and is known for its nutritional value. It is a beloved local dish that can be tried at many restaurants in the Shimabara region.

Modern Fusion Cuisine

Sasebo Burger

The Sasebo Burger, introduced by American sailors, is a famous American-Japanese fusion burger. The people of Sasebo adapted the recipe to create their own unique style, and today there are many registered Sasebo Burger restaurants in the region.

Toruko Rice (Turkish Rice)

Toruko Rice, despite its name, is not inspired by Turkish cuisine but is a unique Western-inspired dish created in Nagasaki City. It consists of pilaf rice, spaghetti, and pork cutlets covered in various sauces such as demi-glace or curry. Each restaurant offers its own variation, making this dish a must-try for its eclectic mix of ingredients.

Lemon Steak

Lemon Steak, originating in Sasebo, features thinly-sliced beef seared on a hotplate and served with a soy sauce-based lemon sauce. This dish emerged under the influence of the US Navy and suits the Japanese palate.

Popular Restaurants

Shikairou

Located opposite Oura Cathedral, Shikairou is an iconic restaurant credited with inventing champon. It offers a traditional dining experience with a rich history.

Kagetsu

Kagetsu, opened within the Hiketaya brothel, is known for its shippoku ryori cuisine. This restaurant survived the 1945 atom bomb and remains a top destination for experiencing Nagasaki's culinary heritage.

Tsuruchan

Tsuruchan, the oldest known café on the island of Kyushu, is famous for its Toruko Rice. This café has been serving this unique dish for over 50 years and is a must-visit for those looking to try something distinctively Nagasaki.

Unryutei

Unryutei, located in Shianbashi, is dedicated to hitokuchi gyoza, bite-sized dumplings that offer the convenience of fast food without the mess. This tiny restaurant is known for its crispy dumpling skin and flavorful pork and garlic filling.

Fresh Seafood and Local Ingredients

Kaisen Ichiba Nagasaki Port Shinchi Restaurant

This restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood from the sea near Nagasaki and local ingredients directly delivered from farmers. The large fish tank is filled with seasonal seafood, and the restaurant offers various rice bowls made with plenty of seafood from different places.

Glover Garden Café

For a more leisurely dining experience, Glover Garden Café offers a serene setting overlooking Nagasaki's bay. It is the perfect spot to try traditional desserts like kakigōri, a shaved ice dessert with flavors such as green tea and condensed milk.

Unique Snacks and Desserts

Kakuni Manju

Kakuni manju, a modern twist on Nagasaki's shippoku ryori cuisine, features thick pieces of pork belly wrapped in fluffy steamed buns and seasoned with yellow mustard. Iwasaki Honpo, near the Nagasaki Chinatown entrance, is a recommended place to try this delicious snack.

Castella Cake

For those with a sweet tooth, Fukusaya offers castella cake, a Portuguese-inspired dessert that has been a Nagasaki favorite for centuries. This beautifully wrapped cake is a chic present or souvenir.