Sushi Taro すし 太郎 @ Takamiya, Fukuoka

Sushi Taro is a 1 Michelin starred sushi ya located right smack between Gion and Gofukumachi train stations.  Priced reasonably, the chef serves quite mixture of small dishes and nigiri sushi. It is known that Hakata sushi is extremely different from Edomae sushi. Instead of merely using shoyu, Hakata sushi tends to deviate by using a mix of sauces, marinades and toppings, and just like the other Sushi Yas that I blogged about in Fukuoka, Sushi Taro did just that when I dined here in September 2017, although in a more discrete manner (like putting spices between the fish and rice so that it can't be seen).

Aji Takebayashi Kaiseki 味 竹林 @ Akasaka, Fukuoka

Aji Takebayashi is a Kaiseki restaurant specializing in vegetable / plant dishes grown from the Kyushu region. It may sound like a turn off at first since it's technically rabbits' food, I myself was very skeptical at that point in time. However, this meal reminded me of just how good the Japanese are; they can turn any kind of ingredient into something delicious and creative. That being said, don't worry there are also fish and meat dishes served.

Motsunabe Shoraku もつ鍋 笑楽 @ Hakata, Fukuoka

This post is regarding the branch over at Hakata Station; there are quite a few outlets for Motsunabe Shoraku, in fact, it even its own building in Tenjin. Honestly, I'm not really sure how to write this post because I've eaten lots of motsunabe and to me, they either taste the same or the differences are so subtle that it goes unnoticed, especially to a foreigner like me. Just like any other popular motsunabe restaurant like Yamaya or Yamanaka, Shoraku does not disappoint in their menu selection, taste and overall dining experience. Here are some pictures of my meal:

Sushi Aso 鮨 麻生 平尾山荘 @ Nishitetsu Hirao, Fukuoka

Sushi Aso is a sushi ya that is a little out of the way from the main Hakata Station area but not as far as Osamu. Having said that, it is located in a housing estate so if you do not intend on getting lost, PLEASE TAKE A TAXI; now's not the time to cheap out on transport. Anyway, I came here for lunch sometime in September 2017 and yes it was another great lunch and another restaurant to add on my list of good Japanese restaurants. The restaurant is located on the 2nd level of what appears to be someone's house. You will have to press the buzzer and indicate your reservation name (don't worry they can speak English) before they unlock the door for you. Look out for the restaurant sign:

Kawataro 河太郎 中洲本店 @ Hiton Sea Hawk Hotel, Fukuoka

Live squid sashimi or Ika Ikizukuri is known delicacy in Fukuoka; almost every Izakaya or seafood restaurant serves this dish. One of the more popular restaurants that specializes in squid dishes is Kawataro. There are a few Kawataro restaurants scattered across Fukuoka but this blog post will be based on the branch located in Hiton Sea Hawk. I came here for lunch with my aunt and we both ordered the same set lunch including a portion of whale bacon. If some of the servings in the pictures seem rather big, be reminded that it is for two people like the picture above.

Seimon Barai せいもん払い @ Nakasu, Fukuoka

If you are looking for an Izakaya restaurant in Fukuoka that serves high quality dishes at very reasonable prices, then this place is a must for you. Introducing Seimon Barai, a very popular Izakaya restaurant located in Nakasu; yes it's near the red light district fyi. Do make a reservation if you want to come here because it is always packed. Let's have a look at some pictures of my meal:

Sushi Osamu 鮨 おさむ @ Takamiya, Fukuoka

Although located quite a drive away from the main Hakata area in Fukuoka, Sushi Osamu is a foreigner-friendly sushi ya that serves Hakata-style sushi where condiments play a big role in elevating the overall taste of different sushi neta (toppings). Out of the many restaurants that I went to in Fukuoka, Osamu-san is definitely the most friendly and entertaining sushi chef. Let's have a look at the pictures of my meal shall we:

Sushi Ryu すし割烹 鮨隆 本店 @ Hakata, Fukuoka

Yari Ika / Squid

Sushi Ryu is one Sushi Ya in Fukuoka where you can sit down and order whatever you want. It serves semi high end Hakata-style sushi at a slightly higher price than most Sushi restaurants. However, the sushi pieces are bigger and usually decorated with different garnishing or condiments; all of which contribute immensely to the flavor of the sushi neta. Here are some pictures of my meal here: