The Best Restaurants for International Food in Kumamoto

Oct 25, 2024

The Best Restaurants for International Food in Kumamoto

Even though Japanese food is delicious, you may not want to eat it every single day. The good news is Kumamoto has a number of restaurants serving international cuisine from all over the world.

Mampukutei

If you fancy a steak, look no further than Mampukutei. Since this is a specialty restaurant, expect all of the cuts to be prepared to perfection. As it’s only a small establishment (with just one table and some bar seating), it’s worth making a reservation. Perhaps plan to fit in a visit when you’re in the Kogai shopping district.

Where: 8-37 Higashi Kokai-machi, Chuo Ward (map)
Open Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday to Monday

Restaurant Cow Bell

Another spot with meaty options is Restaurant Cow Bell. Here, you’ll find all sorts of steak dishes (available with your choice of sauce) as well as the signature pork bowl and a daily lunch special. Accompaniments range from Japanese (like miso soup) to international (like kimchi).

Where: 6-3-54 Sakuragi, Higashi Ward (map)
Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday

Open Terrace Kokyo

Located next to the Kase River and close to Lake Etsu, Open Terrace Kokyo offers a beautiful setting to enjoy a high-end Italian meal. This is a top choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with options including pasta, cold soup, meat, and fish. All the dishes have stunning presentation, which makes them ideal for photos — the staff will also be more than willing to take your photo with your food.

Where: 6-73 Kuwamizu-honmachi, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

Jolly Pasta

Of course, Italian food isn’t just for fine dining. Jolly Pasta is a chain restaurant where you can enjoy pizza, pasta, seafood, and wine for an affordable price in a relaxed atmosphere. You order with a touchscreen, which makes the service extra fast, including if you arrive late in the evening.

Where: 2-14-1 Kami-kumamoto, Nishi Ward (map)

Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. daily

Royal Host

Another chain restaurant in Kumamoto is Royal Host, which is particularly ideal for families. If you miss western-style breakfasts, order pancakes or the morning plate: it has toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. For later in the day, there are options like club sandwiches, chicken steak, and hamburger stew.

Where: 10-62 Hotakubo-honmachi, Higashi Ward (map)

Open Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily

Tortacos

You may think it’s impossible to find authentic Mexican food anywhere in Japan, but Tortacos will prove you wrong. The restaurant serves delicious tacos (including vegetarian and vegan options) with all the extras — guacamole, beans, and chips. Plus, its extensive drinks menu includes Mexican beers and margaritas.

Where: 73 Renpeicho, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday

Although Kumamoto is only a small city, you should be able to find a restaurant serving whatever type of cuisine you’re craving.

Comyu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons