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, you'll find not only sushi restaurants but also establishments using local seafood and long-established gourmet spots loved by the local people for many years. In this column, we 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 harbor views. The lunch menu offers a rich lineup, including about four types each of pizza and pasta sets, 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 elaborately crafted dishes. When you order pasta, there's a stylish service where they grate Grana Padano cheese right in front of your seat.
The restaurant is almost always full, with many families and female customers, and it's a popular spot with lively chatter from people enjoying their 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 hospitality is also outstanding; when I asked for coffee after the meal, it was naturally served just as I finished eating. I truly felt the attentive service, realizing how well they observe each table.
In Shiogama, there are three ramen shops known as "the place to go for ramen!", and Rairaiken is one of them. This long-established shop, operating for over 70 years, is loved by people of all ages, from local 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 opening at 11:00 AM, but it was already full during what was a peak time on this particular day.
The store has notices mandating mask-wearing except when eating and thoroughly enforces hand sanitization before seating, demonstrating complete COVID-19 measures.
Even though it's packed during peak hours every day and the staff seem 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 sushi restaurant representing Miyagi Prefecture. Even locals recommend, "If you're going for sushi in Shiogama, go to Sushitetsu!" It's a famous restaurant that constantly attracts customers from afar throughout the year.
This restaurant, a pioneer in spreading Shiogama's sushi nationwide, is also featured in the book "Shiogama Sushitetsu Monogatari."
The menu includes "Nigiri" and "Chirashi" ranked into four levels, along with à la carte dishes and rolls.
For "Nigiri," an assortment of nigiri, gunkan maki, and rolls are arranged on a large Arita ware plate with red designs.
For "Chirashi," artistically carved cucumbers create a stunning and impressive presence. This carving seems to be inspired by Matsushima. Both dishes are crafted to be visually enjoyable, making you excited even before taking 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" rice harvested in the Osaki Plain in northern Miyagi Prefecture and "fresh tuna" sourced from top-tier intermediaries. For gunkan maki, fragrant nori 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's sushi, generously made with Sasanishiki rice from Miyagi, a rice-producing region, and fresh seafood sourced from the Shiogama Wholesale Market.
In the November 2021 Tabelog conveyor belt sushi ranking, it ranked 6th nationwide, making it one of Tohoku's leading conveyor belt sushi restaurants.
It's a famous restaurant that has been featured numerous times on TV and in media, with Miyagi-born comedians Sandwichman recommending it as their local favorite sushi spot.
The recommendation is the "moukazame no hoshi (heart) sashimi," available only from autumn to the end of the year. It has absolutely no odor, a soft yet firm texture like botan shrimp, and is delicious with ponzu sauce.
When it comes to sweets in Shiogama, this is the place! It's a specialty gelato shop run by the second generation of a fruit store that has been in business for over 50 years. Their authentic gelato is popular locally and has been featured frequently on TV and in media.
The menu seems to change seasonally, but there were so many intriguing flavors lined up, and the attractive variety made me hesitate, wondering which one to choose.
Ordering options are 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 crisp 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.
Gelato bars made with abundant fresh fruits were also available for sale. Be sure to visit for a post-meal dessert in Shiogama.
This column introduced a glimpse into Shiogama's gourmet scene. How was it? Amidst the fierce competition for sushi, there are well-known establishments that continue to shine, long-loved traditional shops offering not only seafood but also other local delicacies, 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 time in Shiogama.
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