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 that use local seafood and long-established gourmet spots that have been loved by the local people of Shiogama for many years. In this column, we will introduce five well-known popular gourmet spots in Shiogama. Please refer to this when you are looking for delicious restaurants for lunch or dinner in Shiogama.
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 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 enjoy 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 the lively voices of people enjoying their holiday lunch. The hall staff seemed busy, constantly moving, but their cheerful voices filled the restaurant, creating a pleasant atmosphere for dining. Blair Marina's staff hospitality was also excellent; when I asked for coffee after the meal, they naturally served it right when I finished eating. I truly felt their attentive service, as they seemed to be observing each table well.
In Shiogama, there are three ramen shops that are known as "the place to go for ramen!", and Rairaiken is one of them. This long-established shop has been in business for over 70 years and 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, their opening time, but it was already full due to the peak hour.
The store has posters mandating mask-wearing when not eating or drinking, and hand sanitization before seating is thoroughly enforced, ensuring complete COVID-19 measures.
Even though the restaurant is packed during peak hours every day and the staff seem constantly busy, it is known for its very fast service, with orders typically served within about 5 minutes.
Both the Chinese noodles and fried rice I ordered this time had a simple yet carefully prepared, nostalgic taste. It seems there are regulars who come every day seeking this flavor. With Chinese noodles priced at 580 yen and fried rice at 600 yen, the exceptional cost performance explains why it continues to enjoy strong support in Shiogama.
A sushi restaurant representing Miyagi Prefecture. Even locals recommend "If you're going to a sushi restaurant in Shiogama, go to Sushitetsu!" It's a famous restaurant that constantly attracts visitors from afar throughout the year.
This restaurant, a pioneer in spreading Shiogama sushi throughout Japan, is also featured in the book "Shiogama Sushitetsu Monogatari."
The menu includes "Nigiri" and "Chirashi" ranked in four stages, as well as à la carte dishes and rolls.
The "Nigiri" is served on a large Arita ware plate with red designs, featuring nigiri, gunkan maki, and rolls.
The "Chirashi" features artfully cut cucumbers that create a stunning and artistic presence. This decorative cutting seems 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" rice, a local variety harvested in the Osaki Plain in northern Miyagi Prefecture, and "fresh tuna" sourced from top-class 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.
This is one of Tohoku's leading conveyor belt sushi restaurants, ranking 6th nationwide in the November 2021 Tabelog conveyor belt sushi ranking.
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 favorite local sushi spot.
Our recommendation is the "Moukazarne no Hoshi (Heart) Sashimi," available only from autumn to the end of the year. It has no fishy smell, a soft and elastic texture like botan shrimp, and is delicious with ponzu sauce.
When it comes to sweets in Shiogama, this is the place! This gelato specialty shop is 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 on TV and in media numerous times.
The menu seems to change seasonally, but there were so many interesting flavors lined up, and the attractive variety made me wonder which one to choose.
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 crispy 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. Be sure to visit for a sweet treat after your meal in Shiogama.
How was this column, which introduced a glimpse into Shiogama's gourmet scene? Amidst the fierce competition for sushi, there are well-known restaurants that continue to shine, long-established eateries loved by locals for many years that offer more than just seafood, and many other restaurants that support Shiogama. Most of them 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 your dining in Shiogama.
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