[Carefully Curated] 7 Must-Try Gourmet Spots in Kurashiki♪ Savor Delicious Meals in Stylish Settings

Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture is renowned for its charming townscape, including the historic Bikan Historical Quarter. While exploring these scenic spots, why not treat yourself to a delicious lunch? Kurashiki offers a variety of gourmet options, from Italian cuisine and trendy cafés to traditional Japanese dishes. Here are our top recommendations for must-visit gourmet spots in this picturesque city.

• Sanin/Sanyo
• Okayama
• Lunch

[Okayama] Introducing Stylish Lunches in Kurashiki City by Genre

Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture has a rich history as a shogunal demesne under the direct control of the Edo Shogunate. Today, its stylish streets, preserved in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, remain a vibrant attraction, drawing countless visitors year-round. The area is also blessed with abundant treasures from the sea and mountains, which are crafted into delightful gourmet dishes.

In this feature, we introduce charming restaurants where you can enjoy a stylish gourmet lunch in Kurashiki. Please note that the information provided is accurate as of January 2024. Be sure to check the official websites of the establishments for the latest updates before visiting Kurashiki.

A Must-Visit Gourmet Spot in Kurashiki: café cascade

The main street of Kurashiki, Chuo-dori, stretches from the south exit of JR Kurashiki Station to the Bikan Historical Quarter. Along this charming street, you’ll find café cascade, a cozy café housed in a traditional-style building adorned with beautiful wisteria flowers. As Kurashiki’s official city flower, these wisterias add a unique touch, creating a picturesque scene ideal for social media.

Wisteria-Filled Interior Perfect for Social Media

The charm of café cascade doesn’t stop at its exterior. The interior is tastefully designed, featuring white furnishings and wisteria decorations on the walls and ceiling. These flowers come in various colors—purple, pink, and white—giving the space a vibrant and cheerful ambiance. Whether you’re seated at the counter, a long table, or a sofa, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning décor.

Savor a Vibrant Plate Lunch and Local Sweets

The "plate lunch" is especially recommended for a gourmet lunch in Kurashiki. This plate lunch is a popular choice because it includes a hamburger steak, salad, and other items on a single plate, and it is a great way to eat a lot of vegetables. It looks very colorful, and you can enjoy a little bit of everything.

French toast is also famous. As is typical of Okayama, a fruit-growing area, colorful fruits are arranged like a flower garden, making it very attractive. If you want to enjoy Kurashiki's fruits and gourmet foods fully, try this dish.

Restaurants and cafés in Kurashiki also offer "Kurashiki Afternoon Tea," a Kurashiki twist on afternoon tea. It is known for its abundant use of fruits and other ingredients and is exquisite in appearance and taste. You can also enjoy it here.

A Must-Visit Gourmet Spopt in Kurashiki:Kurashiki Yoimachi GARDEN café

Located in the heart of the Bikan Historical Area, Kurashiki Yoimachi Garden is a cultural complex that offers more than just sightseeing. With features such as a bamboo garden, outdoor event spaces, and gourmet dining options, it’s a destination in itself. The bamboo garden is open for leisurely strolls and becomes especially enchanting when lit up at night, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. It’s also an ideal spot for a refreshing break during your stroll through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area.

Within the complex, Parlor Fruits Komachi and Hoshi no Hikari showcase Kurashiki’s rich culinary offerings. Using fresh, local ingredients, these restaurants serve menus that highlight the flavors of Okayama, making them especially recommended for those looking to indulge in Kurashiki’s gourmet delights. At Parlor Fruits Komachi, the waitstaff's Taisho-era inspired uniforms, featuring kimono paired with aprons, are popular for their charming and nostalgic appearance, adding to the historical ambiance of this must-visit spot.

Sone met options, such as Italian cuisine, cafés and traditional Japanese dishes in Kurashiki

Within the complex, Parlor Fruits Komachi and Hoshi no Hikari showcase Kurashiki’s rich culinary offerings. Using fresh, local ingredients, these restaurants serve menus that highlight the flavors of Okayama, making them especially recommended for those looking to indulge in Kurashiki’s gourmet delights. At Parlor Fruits Komachi, the waitstaff's Taisho-era inspired uniforms, featuring kimono paired with aprons, are popular for their charming and nostalgic appearance, adding to the historical ambiance of this must-visit spot.

Savor Okayama Fruits at This Charming Café

Indulge in Okayama's Finest Fruits at Parlor Fruits Komachi Okayama, often called the “Fruit Kingdom,” is famous for its high-quality fruits, and Parlor Fruits Komachi offers the best way to enjoy them.

Their signature soft-serve ice cream is luxuriously infused with fresh fruit juice, delivering a rich and refreshing flavor. Other standout items include pancakes and parfaits adorned with colorful, seasonal fruits, each a feast for the senses.

If the weather permits, savor your meal on the terrace overlooking the bamboo grove for a tranquil experience. This combination of fresh flavors and beautiful surroundings makes your visit to Kurashiki truly unforgettable.

A Must-Visit Gourmet Spot in Kurashiki: LUCIAS (café)

Opened in February 2023, LUCIAS is a café combined with a boutique, offering a unique experience for both dining and shopping. Created with the concept of revitalizing the food industry impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides an inviting space where visitors can enjoy meals from breakfast to teatime. Its long opening hours make it a convenient stop for tourists exploring Kurashiki.

Explore a Versatile and Trendy Menu

This café is recommended not only for its long business hours but also for its wide variety of gourmet menus. It is an easy place to use for various occasions, such as "enjoying morning breakfast" before going sightseeing in Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter or "taking a break during sightseeing in Kurashiki.

Inside the store, you can enjoy window shopping while waiting or after eating, as it sells fashionable clothes, bags, shoes, and other miscellaneous goods imported from all over the world. The white and brown walls and glass exterior are perfect for social networking.

Lunch plates are plentiful and filling.

The "Lunch Plate" comes highly recommended. While the menu changes daily, each plate includes over 10 different dishes, from main courses and vegetable sides to 16-grain rice and desserts, offering a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

The café menu is also diverse, with highlights like their rich, traditional-style pudding topped generously with vanilla ice cream—a favorite among both adults and children. Whether you’re in Kurashiki for a hearty lunch or just looking for a relaxing break, this is a must-try experience.

A Must-Visit Gourmet Spot in Kurashiki: Restaurant Felicion (French cuisine, café)

If you’re looking for an elegant dining experience in Kurashiki, Restaurant Felicion is a must-visit. Opened in September 2022, this restaurant is part of a wedding hall and features a stunning, palace-like exterior that is sure to catch your eye. Conveniently located along Chuo-dori Avenue, which connects JR Kurashiki Station to the Bikan Historical Quarter, it’s an ideal stop during your sightseeing journey.

Mainly Featuring Course Meals, with Stunning Presentations Perfect for Social Media

Located within a wedding hall, this restaurant specializes in course meals for lunch, café, and dinner, offering a variety of options at different price points. Each dish is beautifully presented, featuring premium ingredients from Okayama’s rich culinary traditions.

The stunningly plated dishes not only look exquisite but also offer a luxurious taste experience. While the prices are on the higher side, it’s a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a refined dining experience during their visit to Kurashiki. Combine your meal with sightseeing for an elegant and memorable day.

Relax with Afternoon Tea or a Casual Café Experience

For a lighter option, the café menu offers an array of baked goods, cake sets, and the highly popular Kurashiki Afternoon Tea. This indulgent set features abundant use of Okayama’s famous fruits, providing both a visual and flavorful treat.

Served in four 1-hour-and-45-minute sessions, the afternoon tea is in high demand, so reservations are recommended to secure your spot.

A Must-Visit Gourmet Spot in Kurashiki: Koten (café)

Located in the northern part of downtown Kurashiki, Sakatsu is a serene area where the Takahashi River flows into the city and is famous for Sakatsu Park, a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing. Here, you'll find Koten, a stylish café with a cozy atmosphere.

This café is renowned for its Japanese-style breakfasts and lunches, featuring ingredients sourced from Okayama and Kurashiki. The menu is praised for being comforting and nourishing, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy local cuisine in a casual setting. Situated close to AEON MALL Kurashiki, it’s also an ideal stop during a shopping trip.

The "Koten Set Meal" – A Solid and Perfect Japanese Lunch

One of the highlights at Koten is its namesake Koten Set Meal, a daily-changing menu crafted entirely by hand. This traditional Japanese set includes rice, miso soup, a main dish, two side dishes, and pickles. Packed with seasonal ingredients from Okayama and Kurashiki, the meal offers a home-cooked flavor that is both satisfying and balanced. Be sure to check the menu for the day's offerings.

The Gentle-on-the-Body Sweets Menu is Also Worth Trying

Koten also excels in its dessert offerings. The café serves a variety of sweets, including cakes made with health-conscious ingredients such as ginger. These desserts strike the perfect balance between flavor and wellness, offering a guilt-free indulgence.

Additionally, Koten serves breakfast until 11:00 a.m., including a comforting set of rice balls and miso soup packed with hearty ingredients. This makes it an excellent choice for fueling up before exploring Kurashiki or a busy day of shopping.

A Must-Visit Gourmet Spot in Kurashiki: Kurashiki Shirakabe (Japanese cuisine, Kaiseki)

The beloved Setouchi seafood restaurant Kurashiki Shirakabe, cherished by Kurashiki residents, underwent a renovation in 2021. Conveniently located on the first floor of the Gran Cocoe Kurashiki hotel, just a 3-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station.

True to its setting within a hotel, the restaurant exudes a calm and elegant atmosphere. Inside, a large aquarium allows guests to enjoy the sight of various fish swimming. Among Okayama’s culinary offerings, this is a must-visit spot for savoring the rich bounty of Setouchi’s seas.

Indulge in Luxurious Setouchi Cuisine Showcasing the Craftsmanship of Skilled Chefs

When people think of Okayama and Kurashiki, they first think of fruits, but Kurashiki is also a place to enjoy the rich bounty of the Seto Inland Sea. Gourmet dishes using such fresh, live fish are sure to please even the most discerning palates. In addition to sashimi, sushi, and other raw foods, the "Aradaki-gozen" (a set meal featuring simmered fresh fish parts such as the head and bones) is a menu that can be enjoyed only in a place where fish are fresh and abundant. The ability to taste the whole fish is one of the gourmet pleasures unique to this area.

Enjoy Setouchi Cuisine with Daily Specials and Mini Rice Bowl Meals

The daily specials and mini rice bowl meals are especially popular for their relatively reasonable prices, offering a taste of Setouchi's gourmet delights. These menus, featuring a variety of ingredients, have a touch of luxury and allow you to indulge in a satisfying and elegant dining experience. It’s no surprise that these meals often sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

For a more refined dining experience, consider the lunch kaiseki, ideal for a special occasion or a memorable meal with someone important. These beautifully presented dishes are not only stylish but also rich in dashi flavor, fully bringing out the essence of each ingredient. It's a perfect choice for savoring the unique culinary charm of Kurashiki.

Recommended Gourmet in Kurashiki: Sawaraya - Local Sake and Cuisine

A Unique Culinary Experience in a Renovated Traditional Japanese Home

Offering a luxurious experience, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients paired with an excellent selection of local sake. Delight in the bounties of the Seto Inland Sea, with sawara (Spanish mackerel) featured not only in classic dishes like sashimi and grilled preparations but also in unique specialties exclusive to this restaurant, such as straw-grilled dishes, rare cutlets, and shabu-shabu. Pair your meal with over 20 varieties of carefully curated Japanese sake. For beginners, the restaurant provides a “Japanese Sake Guidebook” to enhance the experience. Dining by the window with views of the garden allows you to fully savor the traditional Japanese charm of the Bikan Historical Quarter.

Enjoy an elegant moment around Kurashiki Station and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter!

Kurashiki City in Okayama is a renowned destination for sightseeing, with the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter at its heart. The city is also home to a rich variety of gourmet delights. Crafted with exceptional skill and attention to detail, these culinary creations are an essential part of the Kurashiki experience. We invite you to savor the diverse and flavorful offerings that make Kurashiki a true gastronomic gem.