The seaside town of Shiogama is known as a fierce battleground for sushi, boasting one of Japan's highest catches of fresh tuna and production of fish paste products. In Shiogama, there are not only sushi restaurants but also many establishments using local seafood and long-established gourmet spots loved by the local people for years. In this column, we will introduce five well-known popular gourmet spots in Shiogama. If you're looking for delicious places for lunch or dinner in Shiogama, please use this as a reference.
An Italian restaurant located at the entrance of Marine Gate Shiogama, where you can enjoy the harbor view. The lunch menu offers a rich lineup, including about four types of pizza and pasta sets each, as well as meat/fish sets. The pasta and pizza generously use fresh seafood directly from Shiogama Market, allowing you to savor Blair Marina's original and inventive dishes. When you order pasta, they even offer the stylish service of grating Grana Padano cheese right in front of your seat.
The restaurant was almost full, with many families and female customers, and it was popular, with lively voices enjoying holiday lunches. The hall staff seemed busy, constantly moving, but the cheerful voices filling the restaurant created a pleasant atmosphere for dining. Blair Marina's staff also showed excellent hospitality; when I asked for coffee after the meal, it was naturally served just as I finished eating. I truly felt their attentive service, as they seemed to be observing each table carefully.
In Shiogama, there are three ramen shops that locals say, "If it's ramen, it's here!" and Rairaiken is one of them. This long-established shop, founded over 70 years ago, is loved by people of all ages, from Shiogama students to families and elderly couples.
This Chinese noodle shop is located along Route 3, about a 1-2 minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station's Shrine Approach exit. I entered just after 11:00 AM, the opening time, but it was already full due to it being peak hours on this day.
The store has notices requiring masks to be worn when not eating or drinking, and hand sanitization before seating is thoroughly enforced, ensuring complete COVID-19 measures.
The restaurant is packed during peak hours every day, and although the staff appear constantly busy, they are known for their very fast service, with orders typically served within about 5 minutes.
The Chinese noodles and fried rice I ordered this time both had a simple yet carefully prepared, nostalgic taste. It seems some regulars visit daily for this very flavor. With Chinese noodles priced at 580 yen and fried rice at 600 yen, the exceptional cost performance makes it clear why it continues to have strong support in Shiogama.
A representative sushi restaurant in Miyagi Prefecture. It's a famous establishment that even locals recommend, saying, "If you're going to a sushi restaurant in Shiogama, go to Sushitetsu!" It's so popular that customers travel from afar all year round.
This restaurant, a pioneer in spreading Shiogama sushi throughout Japan, is also featured in the book "Shiogama Sushitetsu Monogatari."
The menu features "Nigiri" and "Chirashi" ranked into four levels, along with à la carte dishes and rolls.
The "Nigiri" is arranged on a large Arita ware plate with red designs, featuring nigiri, gunkan, and rolls.
The "Chirashi" features artistically carved cucumbers that create a stunning and impressive presence. These decorative carvings seem to be inspired by Matsushima. Both dishes are designed to be visually appealing, making you excited even before you take a bite.
The seafood caught in the Sanriku Sea offers a rich variety depending on the season. Among them, Sushitetsu's particular focus is on "Sasanishiki," a local rice harvested in the Osaki Plain in northern Miyagi Prefecture, and "fresh tuna" sourced from top-tier intermediaries. For gunkan maki, fragrant nori (seaweed) from local Matsushima Bay is used. Sushitetsu's characteristic is that it more than satisfies the three essential conditions for delicious sushi: "fish, rice, and nori."
Experience the deliciousness of Shiogama sushi, made with Sasanishiki rice from Miyagi, a rice-producing region, and abundant fresh seafood sourced from the Shiogama Wholesale Market.
One of Tohoku's leading conveyor belt sushi restaurants, ranking 6th nationwide in the November 2021 Tabelog conveyor belt sushi rankings.
It's a famous restaurant that has been featured numerous times on TV and in other media, with Miyagi-born comedians Sandeichiman recommending it as their favorite local sushi spot.
The recommendation is the "Moukazarne no Hoshi (heart) sashimi," available only from autumn to the end of the year. It has no unpleasant odor, a soft yet elastic texture like botan shrimp, and is delicious with ponzu sauce.
When it comes to sweets in Shiogama, this is the place! It's a gelato specialty shop run by the second generation of a fruit store that has been in business for over 50 years. This authentic gelato, popular with locals, is frequently featured on TV and in other media.
The menu seems to change seasonally, but with so many interesting flavors lined up, I couldn't help but wonder which one to choose from the attractive variety.
There are two ways to order: cup or cone (+50 yen). Flavors are divided into premium and regular, and prices vary depending on the combination. ・Regular Single (¥410) ・Regular Double (¥464) ・Premium Single (¥507) ・Premium Double (¥615) ・Regular Premium Double (¥594)
After much deliberation, I ordered the Regular Premium Double this time.
《Cassata》 Cheese ice cream with dried fruits and nuts. It has a fragrant flavor and a crunchy texture, with an elegant taste.
《Persimmon》 A rare flavor for fruit ice cream. It has no strong taste and a smooth texture like a ripe persimmon.
They also sold gelato bars made with plenty of fresh fruit. Be sure to visit for a sweet treat after your meal in Shiogama.
In this column, we introduced a glimpse into Shiogama's gourmet scene. What did you think? Amidst the fierce competition for sushi, there are well-known establishments that continue to shine, long-loved local businesses offering not only seafood but also other delights, and many other restaurants supporting Shiogama. Most are located within a 10-minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station, so you can discover wonderful places with just a short stroll. Please use this as a reference for dining during your stay in Shiogama.
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