Food and Restaurants

Yokohama has one of Japan's most diverse culinary traditions. From Chinatown to Noge's tiny eateries, there is something for everyone.
Visit one of the world's largest Chinatowns or izakaya pubs in Noge where you can enjoy yakitori and Japanese sake. You can also choose from Michelin-rated high end Japanese or Western restaurants, trendy cafes, or value restaurants like ramen or okonomiyaki.

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Born and raised in Yokohama

Yokohama is a treasure trove of firsts in Japan in terms of foods because it was among the first cities in the country to open its doors and accept Western culture. In addition to Western imports like ice cream and beer, Yokohama also has a number of Yokohama things that were actually invented right here.

Experience Japan's Cultural Awakening with Gyu-nabe

Ohtanawanoren

Ohtanawanoren, a restaurant in the city, continues to serve gyu-nabe, a hot pot, and Japanese take on beef stew, made with beef cubed like dice, miso and green onions all stewed over an earthen charcoal brazier in a specially made shallow pot. Other long-storied restaurants famous for their gyu-nabe include Janomeya and Arai-ya, first established in the late 1800s.

Yokohama is where Napolitan and Seafood Doria were invented

Coffee House The Cafe

Napolitan is a popular pasta dish created in Yokohama. The dish is said to have been first invented by the Shigetada Irie, Head Chef of Hotel New Grand, a classic hotel and symbol of the city. After the end of World War II, the chef saw Occupation Forces pour ketchup over boiled pasta, so he came up with an idea to make the dish more appetizing by adding garlic and onions that go perfectively with tomato sauce. The chef named this dish Spaghetti Napolitan. As with Napolitan, Seafood Doria was also a dish invented at Hotel New Grand by the hotel's first Head Chef, Saly Weil. The dish features butter seasoned rice topped with a hearty helping of shrimp cream stew. Over the years Seafood Doria has earned countless fans across Japan for its thick and rich seafood flavors. You can try both Napolitan and Seafood Doria for yourself at Coffee House The Cafe.
(Coffee House The Cafe)

Bashamichi Ice - A Taste of Meiji Era

Yokohama Bashamichi Ice

Ice cream in Japan is said to have started as "Aisukurin" made by Fusazo Machida at Bashamichi in Yokohama back in 1869. Today's recipe for Bashamichi Ice, which is adjusted a bit for modern pallets, features a simple taste that is somehow nostalgic at the same time.
(Yokohama Bashamichi Ice)

Yokohama Beer

Yokohama Beer

Yokohama is where beer was first introduced to Japan and in 1995 a local microbrew appeared on scene in the city. This beer is made with four types of yeast and offers a rich aroma like the beers of Germany or the Czech Republic as well as a full body rich and bitter taste. Today various types of beers are made in the city including pilsner, weissbier, and alt.
See Bars and Nightlife for list of bars.

Taste the Original Yokohama Cocktail

Taste the Original Yokohama Cocktail

Louis Eppinger, Manager of the Grand Hotel, invented Japan's first original cocktail called the Bamboo in 1889.
See Bars and Nightlife for list of bars.

Ramen-Japan's Soul Food

Ramen Amusement Park (Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum)

Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

Experience the world's first food amusement park. Inside you can try ramen from across Japan in a retro townscape circa 1958, when instant ramen was first released in Japan.

Iekei Ramen

Iekei Ramen

This ramen, born in Yokohama, features thick and straight noodles served in a tonkotsu (pork bone) and soy sauce soup. Toppings include spinach, cha-shu pork, and seaweed. Yoshimura-ya, a ramen shop near Yokohama Station, is considered the birthplace of Iekei Ramen, and today it is served at a large number of ramen shops that dot the city with the suffix "ya" attached to the end of their restaurant name.

Sanma-men - A popular value ramen

Gyokusentei

Tatsuo Ida, the second generation owner of Gyokusentei, a three generation Chinese restaurant in Naka Ward, is believed to have come up with the Sanma-men. The name of this ramen means raw vegetables in Chinese. Sanma-men features "ankake" stir fried vegetables like bean sprouts and cabbage placed on the ramen as a topping in a perfect blend of Japanese and Western cuisine. On hot days locals line up to get a bowl of Sanma-men. In addition to well-known Gyokusentei, located in Isezakicho, you can also try Sanma-men at well-established Chinese restaurants and local ramen shops as well.

10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Yokohama

Introducing renowned restaurants serving a variety of food including sushi, tempura, yakitori, and other types of Japanese cuisine.