Sendai

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

Restaurants

Types of dining establishments in Sendai, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining, and what to expect when dining out.

Sections

1. Local Specialties and Recommended Restaurants

Gyutan (Grilled Beef Tongue)

Gyutan is Sendai's most famous dish, originating in the city in the 1940s. It is typically served as a set meal with barley rice, oxtail soup, and pickles.

  • Kisuke (็‰›ใŸใ‚“็‚ญ็„ผ ๅˆฉไน…)

    • Description: One of the most famous gyutan chains in Sendai, known for its tender and flavorful beef tongue.
    • Locations: Multiple branches, including one in Sendai Station (ideal for travelers).
    • Price Range: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000 per person.
    • Dining Tip: Order the classic gyutan set meal for the full experience.

  • Aji Tasuke (ๅ‘ณๅคชๅŠฉ)

    • Description: The original gyutan restaurant, established in 1948. It offers a more traditional and slightly smoky flavor.
    • Location: Near Jozenji-dori Avenue, a scenic boulevard in central Sendai.
    • Price Range: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ3,500 per person.
    • Cultural Note: This restaurant is often busy, so arriving early or making a reservation is recommended.

Zunda (Sweet Edamame Paste)

Zunda is a sweet paste made from edamame (green soybeans) and is used in desserts like mochi and shakes.

  • Zunda Saryo (ใšใ‚“ใ ่Œถๅฏฎ)
    • Description: A popular cafรฉ specializing in zunda-based desserts, including the famous Zunda Shake.
    • Locations: Inside Sendai Station and at AER Building near the station.
    • Price Range: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000 per item.
    • Dining Tip: Try the zunda mochi (rice cakes topped with zunda paste) for a traditional treat.

Seafood

Sendai benefits from its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, offering fresh seafood such as sushi, sashimi, and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls).

  • Sushi Tetsu (ๅฏฟๅธๅ“ฒ)

    • Description: A high-end sushi restaurant offering fresh, seasonal seafood.
    • Location: Near Sendai Station.
    • Price Range: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per person.
    • Dining Tip: Opt for the omakase (chefโ€™s choice) menu for the best experience.

  • Kaisen Ichiba Nokke-don (ๆตท้ฎฎๅธ‚ๅ ดใฎใฃใ‘ไธผ)

    • Description: A casual seafood market where you can build your own kaisendon by selecting fresh toppings.
    • Location: Near Sendai Asaichi Morning Market.
    • Price Range: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,500 per person.
    • Cultural Note: This is a self-service style, so enjoy the interactive experience of creating your own bowl.

Other Local Dishes

  • Sendai Miso Ramen: A rich and hearty ramen made with miso paste from Sendai.

    • Rikyu Ramen (ๅˆฉไน…ใƒฉใƒผใƒกใƒณ): Located near Sendai Station, offering a unique gyutan ramen.
    • Price Range: ยฅ800โ€“ยฅ1,500 per bowl.

  • Imoni (Taro and Meat Stew): A traditional Tohoku dish, often served in autumn.

    • Restaurant: Seasonal availability at local izakayas (Japanese pubs).

2. Price Ranges

  • Budget (ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,500): Casual eateries, ramen shops, and zunda cafรฉs.
  • Mid-Range (ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ5,000): Gyutan restaurants, sushi chains, and izakayas.
  • High-End (ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ15,000): Fine dining sushi, kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meals), and upscale gyutan establishments.

3. Dining Procedures and Cultural Tips

  • Reservations: High-end restaurants and popular gyutan spots may require reservations, especially during weekends or holidays.
  • Ordering: Many restaurants have picture menus or English translations, especially near Sendai Station. Pointing to the menu is perfectly acceptable.
  • Payment: Cash is still widely used, though credit cards are accepted at most mid-range and high-end restaurants.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan. Instead, express your gratitude by saying "Gochisousama deshita" (Thank you for the meal) when leaving.
  • Shoes: Some traditional restaurants may require you to remove your shoes before entering. Look for a designated area to store them.

4. Restaurants Near Notable Attractions

Sendai Station Area

  • Kisuke and Zunda Saryo (mentioned above) are conveniently located here.
  • Hokushinzushi (ๅŒ—่พฐๅฏฟๅธ): A sushi restaurant inside the station offering quick and fresh meals.

Jozenji-dori Avenue

  • Aji Tasuke: Perfect for a meal after strolling along this tree-lined street.
  • Cafรฉ Mozart: A cozy cafรฉ with a European vibe, ideal for coffee and dessert.

Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle)

  • Restaurant Aoba-tei (้’่‘‰ไบญ): Offers gyutan and other local dishes with a view of the city.
    • Price Range: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ4,000 per person.

Matsushima Bay (Day Trip from Sendai)

  • Matsushima Sushi: Known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the bay.
    • Price Range: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per person.
  • Kakigoya (็‰ก่ ฃๅฐๅฑ‹): A casual oyster shack where you can enjoy grilled oysters, a local specialty.
    • Price Range: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ3,000 per person.

5. Practical and Cultural Information

  • Language: While many restaurants in Sendai have English menus, learning a few basic Japanese phrases (e.g., "Sumimasen" for "Excuse me") can be helpful.
  • Seasonal Foods: Sendaiโ€™s cuisine changes with the seasons. For example, oysters are best in winter, while imoni is popular in autumn.
  • Local Markets: Visit Sendai Asaichi Morning Market for fresh produce, seafood, and snacks. Many stalls offer ready-to-eat items.

6. Final Tips

  • Timing: Lunch is typically served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Some restaurants may close between lunch and dinner.
  • Crowds: Popular restaurants near Sendai Station can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Arrive early or make a reservation.
  • Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but can be found at some cafรฉs and international restaurants. Always ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Sendai offers a delightful mix of traditional and modern dining experiences, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether youโ€™re savoring gyutan, indulging in zunda desserts, or enjoying fresh seafood, youโ€™re sure to find something memorable in this vibrant city!