When it comes to finding the perfect feast, Gifu has all the bases covered. From authentic street-style food to fine dining experiences even the most refined pallets are sure to be impressed. You can find restaurants where local specialties, such as Hida Beef (Japanese black cattle beef), are on offer.
Since all of these restaurants are extremely popular with locals, when the chance to visit returns be sure to book well in advance.
Japanese Restaurant Takada Hassho: A kaiseki (traditional Japanese cuisine) restaurant located in the backstreets of Gifu. The restaurant is run by the legendary Haruyuki Takada, a mentor to many young chefs including Michelin star winners, the restaurant itself having earned one. It offers traditional Japanese cuisine, but also adds new and innovative concepts to the dishes served. They gather fresh and seasonal ingredients from all over Japan, but are known to use local ones too, especially ayu sweetfish — representative of Gifu. Let them select the best Japanese sake, including Gifu-made brands, to accompany the great food.
Takumi Hirano: A traditional Japanese cuisine restaurant in Gifu City serves omakase (chef’s choice) courses, and some a la carte menus. Thanks to its sophisticated dishes and atmosphere, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2019. The owner/chef Koji Hirano trained and learned Kyo Ryori (Kyoto cuisine) at Takada Hassho in Gifu. The restaurant likes to use local ingredients. Chef Koji Hirano especially likes soba noodles and serves his own special version of them so be sure to order them if you are lucky enough to have secured a table.
For a full list of the best the region has to offer be sure to head here.
Best Food Experiences
Food this amazing should be experienced, not just consumed! Gifu has this covered thanks to their countless brewery tours, cooking classes and saké tastings. Saké Brewery Tours – discover how saké is made and taste the difference while there!
Saké Brewery Tour in Hida: Visit the historic Tenryo Saké Brewery, which is over 300 years old, making it one of the oldest sake breweries in Hida region. A saké brewer shows you the step-by step process of making saké. A highlight is being able to taste different sakés (thankfully, tastings are included).
Saké Brewery Tour in Takayama: With this tour visitors are treated to visiting the oldest and biggest brewery in Takayama, Hirase Shuzo Brewery. Tastings are included in the tour.
Mino Historical Cooking Experience: Learn how to create a healthy meal from the Taisho era (1912-1926), in an atmospherically calm, simple, and beautiful space, on the second floor of a 120 year-old townhouse from the Meiji era (1868-1912). The details of every small dish will not only taste delicious but uncover even more about the region’s culture.
Market Tour and Cooking Lesson in Takayama: Learn to cook the unique cuisine of Takayama from a local expert in her custom made cooking school. Not only is the school housed in a historic building, but students will get to visit a market to pick their ingredients. After learning to cook authentic dishes, the class can then enjoy a meal together. This is an ideal tour for keen home chefs and travelers who love good food.
Local Food Tour in Takayama: Enjoy tasting a variety of local food and saké in Takayama on this 2.5-hour tour. Visit local shops and learn about the culture and history related to them. A local guide will explain the culinary culture and history that developed in Takayama due to its isolated location. Explore the old town and discover the special fascination of rural Japan.
Foodie Walk in Hida: Escape tourist hotspots and spend a day exploring the local culinary scene in Hida. This guided tour means that the only getting lost travellers will be doing is in the delicious delicacies! Try multiple local specialties such as miso, beef croquettes, Japanese sweets, and tea. A highlight is visiting a sake brewery to learn about sake production and enjoy sake tastings.
