Itaru Honten
A highly-rated Izakaya in Kanazawa, renowned for its top-quality, fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. Reservations are key!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Itaru Honten
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A highly-rated Izakaya in Kanazawa, renowned for its top-quality, fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. Reservations are key!
"The best dinner in Kanazawa, with every dish made with top-quality ingredients and a lively atmosphere."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits. Be prepared to wait if you don't have one.
Arrive Early
To secure a table more quickly, consider visiting during off-peak hours or arriving early.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Izakaya
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 76-221-4194
Address
3-8 Kakinokibatake, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0999, Japan
Website
itaru.ne.jp/honten.htmHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Seafood Delights
Savor top-quality sashimi platters and expertly grilled fish, showcasing the freshest catches from local waters.
Lively Izakaya Atmosphere
Experience a vibrant dinner ambiance with friendly staff, perfect for enjoying good food and drinks.
Unique Menu Offerings
Discover unexpected delights like sweet potato fries and the intriguing olive oil ice cream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits. Be prepared to wait if you don't have one.
Arrive Early
To secure a table more quickly, consider visiting during off-peak hours or arriving early.
Counter Seating Experience
Sit at the counter for a dynamic view of chefs preparing your meal right before your eyes.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the mackerel, Hokuriku fish, deep-fried tofu, and the unique deep-fried fish bones.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits. Be prepared to wait if you don't have one.
Arrive Early
To secure a table more quickly, consider visiting during off-peak hours or arriving early.
Counter Seating Experience
Sit at the counter for a dynamic view of chefs preparing your meal right before your eyes.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the mackerel, Hokuriku fish, deep-fried tofu, and the unique deep-fried fish bones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Itaru Honten is celebrated for its exceptionally fresh seafood, particularly the sashimi, and a lively, friendly atmosphere that makes for a great dining experience. While many praise the high quality of ingredients and efficient service, some negative experiences highlight issues with specific dishes and staff attitude. Overall, it's considered a top izakaya for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.
"So many dumb tourists leaving 1 star reviews, claiming racism against foreigners for not getting a table. First of all, like ANY good restaurant in ANY country, you NEED a reservation. If you don’t have a reservation, then you wait until a table is free. Stop whining like a victim and prepare better. Those “empty” seats aren’t empty, they’re reserved for those who planned ahead better than you. The food is excellent and well priced, an extensive sake menu and very attentive, helpful staff, some do speak a little English. Have already made a reservation to return."
Tim W.
"We were very lucky to find this place on our walk back from the castle. The food was absolutely incredible and such good value. We had the sashimi, grilled chicken, plum fried chicken (excellent!) and the Japanese omelette.
After finishing the mackerel sashimi they brought us back the deep fried bones of the rest of the fish to eat - and it was absolutely delicious.
The chefs are incredibly skilled and friendly, and the waiting staff are really helpful. This place is 10/10 and I cannot recommend it enough. Great taste and great value. We spent about 4000Y each here but we had dessert and drinks and half the menu."
P Cow
"Itaru is a highlight Izakaya in a trip full of Izakayas. A lovely place with excellent vibes and delicious food, I wish I lived here so I could visit more often.
Among my favourites were the sashimi platter, with very generous portions of good fish, the sweet potato fries which were addictive and the olive oil ice cream, which was very good."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and queues can be long.
Popular choices include sashimi platters, mackerel, deep-fried tofu, and unique items like sweet potato fries.
Yes, sitting at the counter offers a unique opportunity to watch the chefs prepare your meal live.
Yes, the restaurant offers an English menu, and some staff members speak English.
Itaru Honten is known for its lively and friendly izakaya atmosphere, especially during dinner.
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Featured in these publications
The Top 10 Restaurants In Kanazawa, Japan
Itaru Honten has been in business for a number of years and has become known as one of the best restaurants in the city. However, it maintains a service-based attitude and an atmosphere that is welcoming. All of the seafood is incredibly fresh, coming from local waters.
Seafood & Seaside: Kanazawa's Best Seafood Restaurants
Said by many locals to be the best izakaya in Kanazawa, Itaru Honten is just as famous for its incredibly long lines outside as it is for its amazing food. Many visitors to Kanazawa have also caught wind of its reputation, which doesn’t help the queue times. Located just a short walk from the southwestern side of the Kenroku-en Gardens, it’s a popular spot to go for dinner after a day of walking — if you’re not already interested in one of the many restaurants within its walls, such as Kenrokutei.
Where To Eat In Kanazawa, Japan
There is no better place in Kanazawa to enjoy seafood than at Itaru Honten. The store is often flocked by locals as well as foreigners looking to indulge in tasty fish specialties, squid, and their special duck dipped in an aromatic sauce. The restaurant also serves traditional crab and snail delicacies for the most daring.
Kakinokibatake Shopping and Dining Area – Kanazawa Station
Itaru Honten is the main branch of the local Itaru chain of restaurants – and the most popular. It’s a casual and friendly izakaya style tavern serving fresh seafood, local specialties and fine sake in a cozy wood-furnished shop. However, because of its high reputation, this restaurant is always full.
30 Things to Do Kanazawa
Ikaru Honten is a bright and cheerful restaurant located in Kanazawa with lots of fresh sea foods with rice. When you go there, be sure to check out their special dishes like mackerel and Hokuriku fish. The staff is quite friendly and speaks both English and Japanese.
The 10 Best Must-go Local gourmet in the ancient city, Kanazawa!
Itaru Honten” is a Japanese style pub with a compact entrance with a white shop curtain and a lantern, located at the back of the Kanazawa City Hall. It has both counter and table seats, which makes you enjoy your meal in a relaxing atmosphere.
Kanazawa Higashi Chaya and eating Oden
After eating the version at Itaru Honten, I was looking forward to this dish. While it was good here, the lighter batter and expert frying technique at Itaru Honten was a much better version. I still think about it to this day.
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