9 gourmet specialties that Nobeoka City in Miyazaki Prefecture is proud of! From nationally popular delicacies to flavors that can only be found in Nobeoka!
Located in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, Nobeoka City faces the lush mountains, the pure Gokase River, and the beautiful Hyuga-Nada Sea. The food that this blessed geography has nurtured is truly diverse. It is the birthplace of a gourmet dish that has become famous nationwide, and is a gourmet town filled with incredibly fresh seafood and soul food that continues to be loved by locals. We will introduce 9 carefully selected gourmet dishes that you should definitely try when you come to Nobeoka.
Chicken Nanban
Chicken Nanban is now popular nationwide, but did you know that it originated here in Nobeoka City? There are two famous restaurants in the city that are essential when talking about this soul food. One is the original "Naochan," which uses chicken breast meat dipped in a secret sweet and sour sauce, resulting in a light flavor without tartar sauce. The other is "Aji no Ogura," which serves juicy thigh meat with plenty of tartar sauce. Although they are both chicken nanban, their styles are quite contrasting. If you visit Nobeoka, be sure to try both flavors and experience the depth of the authentic dish.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat Chicken Nanban ↓
The birthplace of Chicken Nanban ☆ Enjoy the authentic taste
As the birthplace of Miyazaki's signature local dish, Chicken Nanban, this restaurant has been loved by locals for many years. We are particular about our ingredients, and while preserving the traditional flavor, we are constantly training ourselves to create new Chicken Nanban dishes, striving to provide delicious food! Our hamburger steak, made with carefully selected minced pork and beef and topped with cheese, is absolutely delicious.
The original Chicken Nanban without tartar sauce is very popular!
The chicken nanban is characterized by its simplicity: chicken breast meat from the prefecture is coated in flour, dipped in beaten egg, deep-fried, and then topped with an original sweet and sour sauce. The rice, known for its deliciousness, is cooked in a pressure cooker, and the miso soup, made with dried dried sardines from Kitaura and dried shiitake mushrooms from Gyofu, doubles your appetite! The combination of chopped cabbage and the sweet and sour sauce is also outstanding.
Enjoy our exquisite dishes made with carefully selected local and prefectural ingredients!
辛麺
Along with Chicken Nanban, another gourmet dish that originated in Nobeoka is "spicy noodles." Its greatest feature is the so-called "konjac noodles," made from buckwheat flour and wheat flour. These noodles, with their unique texture, are exquisitely intertwined with the deliciously spicy soup, which combines chili peppers, garlic, chives, and beaten eggs. Many restaurants offer a choice of spiciness, so not only spicy food lovers, but even those who don't like spicy food will be captivated by the rich, full-bodied flavor if they choose a milder option. This energizing bowl continues to be loved by locals as a "finishing dish" after enjoying alcohol.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat spicy noodles ↓
This is a representative example of high-quality popular cuisine originating from Nobeoka. You'll definitely become addicted!
This is the flagship store for super spicy noodles, which originated in Nobeoka and have now become a gourmet dish representing Miyazaki. In addition to the standard chewy noodles made from buckwheat flour and wheat flour (commonly known as konjac noodles), you can also choose from fresh noodles, udon, or rice. You can choose from mild, medium, very, extra spicy, very spicy, and super spicy, and there are also various great value lunch sets available during the day that come with gyoza and a drink.
The spicy noodle flavor created by the original chef remains the same!
It was originally offered as a secret menu item at the small restaurant run by the original owner, but word of mouth led to a growing fan base and it became a signature dish.
This spicy noodle is still loved by many people today, and the recipe and ingredients remain the same as they were back then, preserving the same flavor as when the restaurant first opened.
We currently sell frozen spicy noodles and offer takeout options, and we are committed to making each one by hand so that our customers can enjoy the same taste as they would in our restaurant.
Enjoy fresh seafood that has just been caught!
Located right in front of Ichiburi Fishing Port in Kitaura Town, the restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including seafood set meals with freshly caught seafood and homemade dried fish, as well as Chinese set meals in the style of the Chinese restaurant opened by the first generation, and even charcoal grilled meats and stamina-boosting dishes, using carefully selected meat ingredients for the physically demanding fishermen who work at sea from early in the morning.
[Original spicy noodles]
Spicy noodles are a well-known gourmet dish in Nobeoka. Our original spicy noodles were created based on the ideal of "spicy noodles like this," and are gaining popularity. Made with a specially prepared chicken broth base, chewy konjac noodles, and plenty of minced meat, eggs, and chives. Many repeat customers are captivated by the depth and punch of the flavor!
Chicken dishes (charcoal grilled, seared, sashimi)
Chicken dishes are a signature dish of Miyazaki cuisine. Nobeoka City is also home to a number of renowned restaurants where you can fully savor the delights of chicken dishes. The charcoal-grilled thighs are grilled over a spectacular flame, imbued with the aroma of charcoal, making for a superb dish that bursts with flavor the more you chew. Additionally, the fresh sashimi and lightly seared tataki allow you to directly enjoy the natural sweetness and texture of the chicken. Enjoy a variety of simple yet profound chicken dishes to your heart's content in the original location.
Here are some restaurants where you can enjoy chicken dishes ↓
This is charcoal grilled local chicken Momomaru.
Once the chickens run out, the shop closes early.
On Sundays, reservations can be made by 12 noon.
We are currently accepting takeout orders and reservations for in-store dining.
We are currently accepting requests to participate in events!
We post information on Instagram!
Please check it out!
Founded in 1977, this restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled local chicken, and you can find its history and flavor here.
Local delivery and takeaway available.
Please feel free to call or visit us ♪
Try our famous dish, tonchan (horumon stewed in miso)
This long-established izakaya in front of Nobeoka Station was founded in 1954. It serves seasonal ingredients such as local seafood, free-range chicken, and Miyazaki beef. Popular dishes include the signature stewed offal (tonchan) and the hearty chicken nanban served with homemade tartar sauce. The restaurant has a wide selection of local alcoholic beverages, allowing you to enjoy tastings and comparing them, attracting repeat customers from both inside and outside the prefecture. Takeout is also available, allowing you to enjoy the restaurant's flavors at home. Barrier-free private rooms are also available, so even those in wheelchairs can enjoy their meals.
Enjoy your travel memories at home with Charcoal Grilled Chicken, the perfect souvenir
If you're looking for a souvenir from Nobeoka, we recommend charcoal-grilled chicken. Many butchers and souvenir shops stock vacuum-packed versions that preserve the authentic taste. The appeal is that you can easily recreate the taste of a specialty store at home by simply heating it in a hot water bath or microwave. Why not enjoy the fragrant flavor of chicken at home, whether as a drink accompaniment or as a meal?
鮎
The Gokase River, a clear stream, brings a bounty of sweetfish. In autumn in Nobeoka, the traditional sweetfish weir, with a history of over 300 years, is erected on the Ose River, part of the Gokase River system. The sheer scale of the weir, which is set up by damming the river, is said to be one of the largest in Japan, creating a breathtaking sight (usually from late October to early December). The best way to enjoy the caught sweetfish is simply grilled with salt. The fragrant, crispy skin and the delicate flavor of the plump flesh are a quintessential autumn treat in Nobeoka.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat ayu (sweetfish) ↓
A wild sweetfish specialty store with all private rooms!
The charming location and heartfelt hospitality are the main attractions of the autumn scenery of the water town of Nobeoka, featuring traps used to catch wild sweetfish. At Kagetsuryu, a wild sweetfish specialty restaurant with all private rooms, you can sit around the hearth and enjoy the taste and aroma of wild sweetfish grilled right before your eyes. We also recommend the kappo sake, which is warmed over the hearth and drunk from a bamboo pole, original dishes, and the country grandma's recipe for suiton!
Please make a reservation for the hearth seating (private room). *For groups of 4 or more
Table seats may be available without a reservation depending on availability. *One person is also welcome
A friendly restaurant where you can enjoy dishes that are like the chef's own staff meals.
Our motto is to offer authentic flavors at the most reasonable prices possible, without compromising the unique character of Kumanoe. We use plenty of ingredients nurtured by the nearby sea, mountains, and rivers to provide fresh and delicious dishes. Furthermore, with advance reservations, we can accommodate your budget for sashimi, kaiseki cuisine, and catering for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. We look forward to welcoming you!
Ayu Yana Sasaki
Located right next to the ayu (sweetfish) weir that is set up in late October, you can see the ayu being grilled and the structure of the weir up close.
Our signature ayu (sweetfish) dishes, such as salt-grilled and miso-grilled ayu, are prepared using the traditional, hand-grilling method.
Aerial footage of an ayu (sweetfish) fishing weir (produced by the Tourism Association)
spiny lobster
The Nichinan Coast, stretching across the northern part of Nobeoka City, is characterized by its complex ria coastline. It is in these rich fishing grounds, battered by rough waves, that the king of autumn delicacies, the spiny lobster, 'Ise-ebi', thrives. The strong ocean currents cultivate an incredibly firm flesh, resulting in a rich sweetness and a delightfully springy texture. From September, when fishing season opens, restaurants throughout the city offer a variety of dishes using fresh spiny lobster. You can enjoy this premium ingredient prepared in diverse ways, including sashimi, grilled lobster, and miso soup.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat spiny lobster ↓
A long-established restaurant founded in 1962, offering seasonal seafood and mountain delicacies.
As a long-established restaurant founded in 1962, we uphold our flavors and traditions while offering dishes and a space that will satisfy a wide range of customers, regardless of age or gender, based on the concept of "delicious food from Nobeoka." We also have plenty of private rooms, and our reasonably priced lunch is highly recommended.
From fresh seafood dishes to à la carte items, the chef's skills shine through!
This popular restaurant is frequented by locals. They offer a wide variety of dishes, from fresh, locally caught fish prepared using their live fish tanks, to appetizers perfect for pairing with drinks, and even sushi.
With counter seating, tatami rooms, and banquet halls of various sizes, our restaurant is perfect for solo diners, families, and even high-end business entertaining. Our lunch menu is also extensive!
oyster house
Oyster hut located inside Kitaura Seaside Park
Focusing on the Kitaura area, this shop offers a wide variety of fresh seafood caught locally, as well as dried and other processed seafood products made in the area. The taste is excellent, and the reasonable prices, thanks to being directly managed by the producers, are also a major draw.
Enjoy the best of seasonal spiny lobster at the "East Kyushu Spiny Lobster Road & Spiny Lobster Festival"
Every year from September to November, when the spiny lobster fishing season opens, the "East Kyushu Spiny Lobster Road & Spiny Lobster Festival" is held. This food festival allows visitors to enjoy special dishes made with freshly caught spiny lobsters at restaurants along the road (coastal area) from Nobeoka City to Saiki City in Oita Prefecture.
Mexicali
Locally known as "mehikari," this deep-sea fish is characterized by its large, shimmering blue-green eyes. The classic way to eat it is deep-fried, allowing you to enjoy the fluffy texture of its white flesh. This is a staple menu item available at almost all izakayas (Japanese pubs) in the city, and its popularity stems from the fact that you can eat it whole, bones and all. And if you visit Nobeoka, you should definitely try "mehikari sashimi," where freshness is key. Because it spoils easily, it is rarely found in the market, making it a truly unique local delicacy. The melting sweetness of its fat is an exceptional taste.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat mehikari ↓
The birthplace of the famous Mexicali dish. Enjoy the deliciousness that can only be found in Nobeoka.
This long-established restaurant was founded in 5. With the aim of "bringing seasonal delicacies that can only be enjoyed in Nobeoka to everyone", the restaurant offers a wide variety of seasonal delicacies, including its original Mexicali dishes, wild sweetfish, and oysters.
You can enjoy fried Mexicali, sushi, salt-grilled Mexicali, and more. We have a casual counter, private rooms where you can relax, and a large hall. Our original "Mexicali Fried Chicken Set" is also very popular! It's not just a souvenir, but can also be used for parties at home, as a dinner dish, and more!
Himuka Mackerel
Himuka Hon Saba, a premium brand of mackerel, is carefully raised using unique aquaculture techniques in Kitaura-cho, Nobeoka City, facing the Hyuga Sea. Its high quality is proven by the fact that it has received the Prime Minister's Award. Because it is raised under thorough management, there is little concern about parasites, and its greatest appeal is that you can enjoy the original deliciousness of the mackerel "raw". The sashimi, with its firm texture and the deliciousness of its high-quality fat that spreads throughout your mouth, is truly exceptional. In addition, "aburi" (seared) mackerel, where the surface is lightly grilled to bring out the aroma, enhances the flavor and is perfect as a snack with alcohol.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat Himuka mackerel ↓
Be sure to try the sushi, which showcases the chef's craftsmanship, as he says freshness is key.
Founded in 1976, the restaurant is currently run by the second generation owner behind the counter. The showcase is lined with a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the sushi expertly prepared by the chef captivates the taste buds of all who visit. With the desire to make it possible for even those who don't like fish to come and feel at ease, the restaurant also offers a variety of a la carte dishes, including tempura, grilled dishes, stews, and meat dishes in addition to sushi, with no compromises made.
Enjoy fresh seafood from the Hyuga Sea and Japan's best Miyazaki beef!
"Shunsen Kobo Genta" – this name embodies our strong commitment and message to our customers: to offer fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared by our culinary masters. We use mainly local ingredients, carefully selecting fresh seasonal produce from the sea, mountains, and rivers. From regional cuisine to set meals, sushi, and course meals, people of all ages can enjoy the heartfelt dedication and masterful skills of our chefs.
"All of our chefs and staff feel fortunate to have met you and to be able to serve you our dishes. We hope you enjoy the flavors prepared by our master chefs and that it will leave you feeling refreshed!"
Enjoy fresh seafood caught in Kitaura, and sea urchin and fatty tuna delivered directly from Tsukiji Market!
Enjoy Edo-style sushi and sashimi made with fresh seafood from Kitaura, nurtured by the Kuroshio Current, such as Himuka mackerel and Nada horse mackerel, as well as sea urchin from Hokkaido and tuna delivered directly from Tsukiji Market. We also have a wide selection of side dishes, including Nobeoka's specialty, deep-fried mehikari fish and tempura!
Rock Oysters
In Nobeoka, the king of flavors from early summer to summer is the "rock oyster," grown in the nutrient-rich Nichinan coast. Compared to ordinary oysters, it is large and characterized by its rich and creamy taste. This rock oyster, in particular, is said to be plump, with the size of the meat being about twice the size of the shell. By slowly cooking it over charcoal, the meat becomes even plumper and more elastic. Enjoy the concentrated umami while it's still piping hot.
Fried noodles with thickened sauce
Ankake yakisoba is a local comfort food that has been loved by residents for many years. The defining characteristic of Nobeoka's ankake yakisoba is the noodles. Medium-thick noodles are boiled once, then pan-fried in lard or similar to make the surface crispy and fragrant. This unique texture, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, is irresistible. Topped with a rich and flavorful sauce made from pork bones and chicken stock. A generous amount of vegetables, seafood, and pork are mixed with the sauce and the noodles, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat Ankake Yakisoba ↓
A famous restaurant in Nobeoka specializing in "ankake yakisoba" (stir-fried noodles with thick sauce) ☆ Extremely popular for its affordability and generous portions.
A pioneer of Nobeoka's famous "ankake yakisoba" (stir-fried noodles with thick sauce). Founded in Yanagisawa-cho in 45, the restaurant has since moved to Shinmachi, Furukawa-cho, and Midorigaoka. The exquisite soup, made from a blend of pork and chicken broth simmered for a long time, is topped with a delicious sauce containing 12 to 13 ingredients including cabbage, Chinese cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, onions, wood ear mushrooms, green onions, and squid. The generous portions that fill the large plates attract loyal fans.
Enjoy fresh seafood that has just been caught!
Located right in front of Ichiburi Fishing Port in Kitaura Town, the restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including seafood set meals with freshly caught seafood and homemade dried fish, as well as Chinese set meals in the style of the Chinese restaurant opened by the first generation, and even charcoal grilled meats and stamina-boosting dishes, using carefully selected meat ingredients for the physically demanding fishermen who work at sea from early in the morning.
[Original spicy noodles]
Spicy noodles are a well-known gourmet dish in Nobeoka. Our original spicy noodles were created based on the ideal of "spicy noodles like this," and are gaining popularity. Made with a specially prepared chicken broth base, chewy konjac noodles, and plenty of minced meat, eggs, and chives. Many repeat customers are captivated by the depth and punch of the flavor!
This long-established restaurant, run by the fourth generation of the family, continues to be a beloved local eatery.
This long-established restaurant has been in business for four generations, and boasts a large hall on the second floor! We offer everything from lunch to large banquets and catering for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. Our dishes use local ingredients, primarily fresh local fish caught right in front of you, and everything is handmade!
Additionally, the "Champon" and "Ankake Yakisoba," which are only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during "Noodle Day," are so popular that they have a large number of repeat customers.
Kamaage udon
Miyazaki Prefecture has cultivated its own unique "kamaage udon" culture, and many udon specialty restaurants are scattered throughout Nobeoka City. The basic style is to eat the noodles, boiled in a pot, by dipping them in broth. Each restaurant puts its own effort into creating flavorful broths, and the soft noodles have a very gentle taste. Another pleasure for connoisseurs is to dilute the remaining dipping sauce with the boiling water (udon water) and drink it after finishing the noodles. It also remains a popular "finishing touch" after drinking, as it soothes a tired stomach.
Here are some restaurants where you can eat kamaage udon ↓
An exquisite combination of thin noodles and light broth
With the motto of "Delicious, Cheap, Fast," the restaurant uses a unique system to produce noodles in its own factory every day, always served fresh from the boiling water in a pot. The unique thin noodles are perfectly matched with the light yet flavorful broth. Once you try it, you'll be hooked. The "Oden" that is available all year round is also popular.
In addition to udon and soba, we also offer many other izakaya menu items.
We source fresh fish, meat, and vegetables and serve dishes that make the most of these ingredients.
If you have any requests, we will do our best to accommodate them.
We look forward to your visit.
Summary
Embark on a journey to Nobeoka, a city renowned for its gourmet food, to discover unforgettable "delicious!" moments.
From nationally renowned gourmet dishes to rare seafood that can only be tasted in Nobeoka, and beloved local soul food, Nobeoka City is truly a treasure trove of culinary delights. We invite you to visit Nobeoka City and enjoy the flavors nurtured by its rich natural environment to your heart's content.
