10 Great Restaurants in Shirahama

Ikesu Warouda takes its name from the Warouda Stone in Kumano. Even before your meal, the open space with counter seats and small upper floor seats surrounding a huge fish tank set the scene perfectly.

Since opening in 2017, this restaurant has become famous for its fresh seafood, including Shirahama specialities such as longtooth grouper, sea bream, and abalone, and it’s particularly popular for its ikizukuri (sashimi prepared from live seafood). There’s also an ocean-view sushi restaurant called Yata at the same location.

Sushi Kappo Kozushi is a rightly famous restaurant in Shirahama. You’ll need to book if you want to try the kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) and special multi-course meals, which feature seasonal nigiri (hand-shaped sushi) and exquisite dishes made from local fish, but it’s well worth making the effort.

The fresh kutsuebi (blunt slipper lobster), wild longtooth grouper, scabbard fish, and sea bream are unforgettably tasty. This restaurant is a little pricey, but you won't regret it. And it's a great choice even if you have children. If you're visiting as a family, perhaps opt for the relatively affordable lunchtime option.

Kagerou Café is attached to the main shop of Fukubishi, a confectioner established in 1933 and known for its award-winning Kagerou confectionery, which is one of Wakayama’s most famous delicacies. This is a popular spot where you can taste various cakes and fresh Kagerou filled with fruit and cream, which are only available here. It's also famous for its terrace seats looking out to sea.

As well as sweets, there’s also a light meal menu including fillet pork-cutlet sandwiches and spaghetti Bolognese, so you can also stop by for breakfast or lunch. There's an excellent drink menu too.

Toretore-tei is a buffet-style restaurant that's ideal for families with children. You can come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and although there is a time limit, you can eat as much as you like from an extensive buffet including seafood and Western-style dishes. Lunch is particularly popular for the reasonable prices and vast choice.

Even families with children who don’t like seafood will be fine here thanks to the range of other options. If you buy a combined ticket for the Katata no Yu hot spring as well, you can get a discount and enjoy Shirahama's delicacies and a bathing experience at a more reasonable price.

SAKAKURA is a French restaurant opened in 2017 by a chef who honed his skills at a hotel for many years before returning to his hometown of Shirahama. You can enjoy refined dishes made with fresh seafood and other local ingredients in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

The menu ranges from an affordable lunch to a full-course dinner, so it’s ideal for a typical holiday meal or for celebrating something special. Even the desserts are made with the utmost care and attention to detail. Chapeau! There’s also terrace seating with a great view of the sea, so what more could you ask for?

Barley Shirahama is directly owned by Nagisa Beer, an award-winning craft brewery. This popular restaurant serves authentic Western-style dishes such as stone-baked pizza and pasta together with their locally-brewed beer.

It's an excellent place to enjoy local delicacies, including dishes made with Kishu's famous Ume Madai (sea bream cultivated with plum vinegar), Kumano beef, and locally produced sausages and bacon. Obviously the beers are a big attraction for grown-ups, but the restaurant welcomes families, and children will definitely enjoy the delicious foods.

Musée is a lounge in the Hotel Kawakyu, a famous resort facility at Shirahama Onsen. You’ll be dazzled by the gorgeous chandeliers on the ceiling and the beautiful mosaic floor. What’s more, the large windows offer a stunning view of Tanabe Bay.

The décor is exotic and classic at the same time, making it hard to believe that you're in Japan. Why not take some time out to spend a relaxing moment here while savouring a drink or a sweet treat?

Kiraku is a thriving restaurant in Shirahama with an impressive variety of dishes on the menu. There’s a constant stream of tourists who want to enjoy Wakayama's unique local cuisine and locally-brewed sake at reasonable prices, and if that’s you, Kiraku has you covered.

The set meals and snacks are popular, but it’s the hot pot made using longtooth grouper that’s an obvious highlight. You can also find unique seasonal delicacies such as kutsuebi (blunt slipper lobster), mochigatsuo (bonito with a mochi-like texture), and tsumebai (tiger conch). A great way to finish the meal is with the restaurant’s unique "aoi sushi". You'll need to make a reservation for multi-course meals.

Pizzeria Pescatore has the atmosphere of a Southern European resort, with handmade tiled floors and a stone oven. It's in an excellent location, too, with views of the Shirahama Sea from terrace seating. Since it's always full, it pays to book ahead.

Pasta is available in 3 different portion sizes, so you can order for yourself or to share. One of the most popular dishes is the pescatore, the seafood pasta dish that gives the restaurant its name. The pizza and desserts are also top-notch. No wonder Pizzeria Pescatore is listed in the Michelin Guide.

SPAIN BAR VALESTA is a Spanish restaurant that’s become famous for its elaborate dishes. The paella served here is renowned for its homemade broth and the flavour of local ingredients used to create a unique Shirahama experience.

There’s also a wide range of tapas, such as whitebait ajillo. All of the desserts are homemade, too, including the delicious Basque cheesecake. Why not sip a glass of sangria in this relaxing setting and make a toast to Espana?