The seaside town of Shiogama is known as a fierce battleground for sushi, boasting one of Japan's highest catches of fresh tuna and production of fish paste products. In Shiogama, there are not only sushi restaurants but also many establishments that use local seafood and long-established gourmet spots that have been loved by the local people for many years. In this column, we will introduce five well-known popular gourmet spots in Shiogama. If you are looking for delicious restaurants for lunch or dinner in Shiogama, please refer to this guide.
An Italian restaurant located at the entrance of Marine Gate Shiogama, where you can enjoy the harbor view. The lunch menu offers a rich lineup, including about four types each of pizza and pasta sets, as well as meat/fish sets. The pasta and pizza generously use fresh seafood directly from Shiogama Market, allowing you to enjoy Blair Marina's original and creatively crafted dishes. When you order pasta, they even offer the stylish service of grating Grana Padano cheese right in front of your seat.
The restaurant was almost full, with many families and female customers, and the lively voices of people enjoying their holiday lunch never ceased, indicating its popularity. Although the hall staff seemed busy, constantly moving, their cheerful voices filled the restaurant, creating a pleasant atmosphere for dining. The hospitality of the staff at Blair Marina was also excellent; when I requested coffee after the meal, it was naturally served at the perfect time. I truly felt their attentive service, as if they were carefully observing each table.
In Shiogama, there are three ramen shops that are known as "the place to go for ramen!", and Rairaiken is one of them. This long-established shop has been in business for over 70 years and is loved by people of all ages, from local Shiogama students to families and elderly couples.
This Chinese soba shop is located about 1-2 minutes on foot from Hon-Shiogama Station's Shrine Approach exit, facing Route 3. I entered just after 11:00 AM, the opening time, but it was already full due to the peak hour.
The restaurant has thorough COVID-19 measures in place, with notices requiring masks when not eating and strict hand sanitization before seating.
Although the restaurant is packed during peak hours every day and the staff appear constantly busy, it is known for its very fast service, with orders typically served within about 5 minutes.
The Chinese soba and fried rice I ordered this time both had a simple yet carefully prepared, nostalgic taste. It seems there are regulars who come daily for this very flavor. With Chinese soba priced at 580 yen and fried rice at 600 yen, the exceptional cost performance makes it clear why it continues to enjoy strong support in Shiogama.
A sushi restaurant representing Miyagi Prefecture. Even locals recommend "If you're going to a sushi restaurant in Shiogama, go to Sushitetsu!" It's a famous restaurant that constantly attracts visitors from afar throughout the year.
This restaurant, a pioneer in spreading Shiogama sushi throughout Japan, is also featured in the book "Shiogama Sushitetsu Monogatari."
The menu features "Nigiri" and "Chirashi" ranked in four stages, along with à la carte dishes and rolls.
The "Nigiri" is served on a large Arita ware plate with red designs, featuring an array of nigiri, gunkan maki, and rolls.
In the "Chirashi," the artfully cut cucumber creates a stunning and impressive presence. This decorative cutting seems to be inspired by Matsushima. Both dishes are crafted to be visually enjoyable, making you excited even before you take a bite.
The seafood caught in the Sanriku sea offers a rich variety depending on the season. Among Sushitetsu's particular specialties are the local rice "Sasanishiki" harvested in the Osaki Plain in northern Miyagi Prefecture, and "fresh tuna" sourced from top-tier intermediaries. For gunkan maki, fragrant nori (seaweed) from local Matsushima Bay is used. Sushitetsu's characteristic is that it more than fulfills the three conditions for delicious sushi: "fish, rice, and nori."
Experience the deliciousness of Shiogama sushi, made with Sasanishiki rice from Miyagi, a rice-producing region, and abundant fresh seafood sourced from the Shiogama Wholesale Market.
This is one of Tohoku's leading conveyor belt sushi restaurants, ranking 6th nationwide in the November 2021 Tabelog conveyor belt sushi ranking.
It's a famous restaurant that has been featured numerous times on TV and in media, with Miyagi-born comedians Sandwichman recommending it as their favorite local sushi spot.
Our recommendation is the "Moukazarne no Hoshi (heart) sashimi," available only from autumn to the end of the year. It has no unpleasant odor, a soft yet elastic texture like botan shrimp, and is delicious with ponzu sauce.
When it comes to sweets in Shiogama, this is the place! It's a gelato specialty shop run by the second generation of a fruit store that has been in business for over 50 years. This authentic gelato, popular with locals, has been featured repeatedly on TV and in the media.
The menu seems to change seasonally, but there were so many intriguing flavors lined up, and the attractive variety made me hesitate, wondering which one to choose...
There are two ways to order: in a cup or a cone (+50 yen). Flavors are divided into premium and regular, and the price changes depending on the combination. ・Regular Single (¥410) ・Regular Double (¥464) ・Premium Single (¥507) ・Premium Double (¥615) ・Regular Premium Double (¥594)
After much deliberation, I ordered the Regular Premium Double this time.
《Cassata》 Cheese ice cream with dried fruits and nuts. It has a fragrant flavor and a crisp texture, with an elegant taste.
《Persimmon》 A rare flavor for fruit ice cream. It has no strong taste and a smooth texture like a ripe persimmon.
Gelato bars made with plenty of fresh fruit were also available. Be sure to visit for a sweet treat after your meal in Shiogama.
How did you find this column, which introduced a glimpse into Shiogama's gourmet scene? Amidst the fierce competition for sushi, there are well-known establishments that continue to shine, long-loved local eateries that offer more than just seafood, and many other restaurants that support Shiogama. Most are located within a 10-minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station, so you can discover wonderful places with just a short stroll. Please use this as a reference for dining during your stay in Shiogama.
FIND YOUR STAY
Feel free to contact us for inquiries regarding accommodation reservations, move-in consultations, viewing appointments, media coverage, etc.
Contact Us
