×

×

Eat&Drink

Food Travel on Awaji Island

オーシャンテラス新メニュー

Awaji Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea is the largest island in that region. Throughout history, Awaji has been renowned as “Miketsukuni,” as its abundant seafood and produce have been offered to the Imperial Court over the centuries. In this Food travel article we would like to introduce the local specialties of Awaji Island and where you can go and eat them. Make sure to check out our list of itineraries to plan a perfect Awaji trip for you and your companions!

Sushi and Tempura at a Japanese Restaurant, SEIKAIHA Aonoya

SEIKAIHA Aonoya is a restaurant specializing in sushi and tempura using fresh seafood and produce harvested on Awaji Island. It is located at the complex which houses restaurants and theater right in front of a beautiful ocean. All the seats are tiered like a theater, offering an amazing ocean view through floor-to-ceiling windows from every seat. The sunset on this west coast of Awaji Island is especially memorable, being selected as one of the “Top 100 Sunsets in Japan”.

Japanese cuisine is known for its artistic presentation and healthy way of preparation of ingredients. Aonoya’s menu is no exception. “Aonoya Gozen” includes sushi, tempura, broiled dish, boiled dish, soup and more many Japanese dishes, if you would like to try a small portion of every kinds of traditional Japanese dishes, this is perfect for you. Every dish on its menu is made with freshly caught local fish and seafood and produce harvested by local farmers. You won’t be disappointed with any choice you will make.

Click here for reservations

Name SEIKAIHA - Aonoya
Address 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723
Tel 0799-70-9020
Website https://awaji-seikaiha.com/aonoya/
Reservations https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d21197787-Reviews-Seikaiha_Aonoya-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Operating Hours 11:00~15:00 (Last In 14:00, L.O. 14:00)
17:00~21:00 (Last In 19:30, L.O. 20:00)
Closed: Thursdays

Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Aonoya

Awaji Beef at the buffet restaurant Ocean Terrace

Awaji Beef might not be well-known as much as Kobe Beef outside of Japan. However, Awaji Island is known as a one of the biggest production area of “Tajima Ushi (cow)”, one of the high grade cow among “Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black breed of cattle). Only those which passed the strict criteria among “Tajima Ushi” are allowed to be named as “Awaji Beef”. Only 150 to 200 cows per year are on a market. Kobe Beef is also one of Tajima Ushi, which met strict standards.

The perfect restaurant to enjoy this gourmet food, Awaji Beef, is Ocean Terrace. The restaurant is located facing an ocean, enabling you to be mesmerized by a panoramic ocean view while you dine. The sunset is exceptional as selected to be one of the “Top 100 Sunsets in Japan”.

Ocean Terrace is the first “self-grill” style steakhouse in Japan. You can roast meat as you like on a lava stone grill while you appreciate an amazing ocean view. The restaurant also offers a buffet style menu with cold dishes, hot dishes, salad, meat dishes and desserts, all using fresh local ingredients. What a wonderful way to taste Awaji gourmet food as much as you like.

Click here for reservations

Name Ocean Terrace
Address 816 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721
Tel 0799-82-1907
Website https://ocean-terrace-awaji.jp/
Reservations https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d17354212-Reviews-Ocean_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Operation Hours Lunch 11:30~15:00 (L.O.14:00) / Dinner 17:00~21:00 (L.O.20:00)

Click here for details of Ocean Terrace

French Cuisine at a luxurious restaurant, Auberge French Forest

フレンチの森

Auberge “French Forest” is a restaurant inn where you can dine and drink without being concerned with driving back home. You have a choice of staying overnight. You can also just dine and not stay overnight.
At Auberge “French Forest”, you can immerse yourself in a magical Ghibli-like world reminiscent of Miyazaki’s masterpieces.  
The very interesting part of this restaurant is that there are three chalets, each offering three styles of French cuisine: one with a nuance of Japanese cuisine at La Rose, one fused with Basque cuisine at Prince Etoile, and another fusion with Italian cuisine at Grand Baobab.

All three restaurants at Auberge “French Forest” use those fresh and seasonal produce, meat and seafood harvested locally. It is French cuisine one can truly savor Awaji Island specialties.

Click here for reservations

Name Auberge “French Forest”
Address 2593-8 Kusumoto Aza Banaka, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301
TEL La Rose 0799-70-6062
Prince Etoile 0799-70-6061
Grand Baobab 0799-70-6063
Website https://frenchnomori.jp/
Reservations https://frenchnomori.jp/reservation/
Operation Hours Lunch – 11:30~15:30 (Last Entry: 13:00)
Dinner – 17:30~21:30 (Last Entry: 19:00)
Menu A Full-Course Lunch ¥7,000~/ A Full-Course Dinner ¥10,000~

Click here for details of Auberge “French Forest”

Seafood dishes and seafood barbecue at a seaside restaurant CRAFT CIRCUS – Kaioh Ichiba

Take a seat by the sea and watch one of Japan’s “Top 100 Sunsets” while enjoying a tableside seafood BBQ. Take your pick of fresh fish, prawns and more from the nearby fisherman’s market and savor every bite with some delicious craft beer from regional breweries. Kaioh Ichiba is one of 2 restaurants in this pet-friendly complex that also holds a farmer’s market, Awaji Island souvenirs, an import boutique and a wishing bridge.

Italian cuisine in a former elementary school Nojima Scuola-Ristorante Scuola

Treat yourself to fine dining from the mind of Chef Masayuki Okuda, selected as one of the world’s top 1000 chefs. At Ristorante, Chef Okuda brings advanced technique to the exceptional natural ingredients that has earned Awaji Island the legendary title “Land of Food.” If the timing is right, live music adds to the elegance of this wide open space overlooking the Seto inland sea and the sunset beyond.

Click here for reservations

Name Ristorante Scuola
Address 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721
TEL 0799-82-1820
Official Web Site https://nojima-scuola.com/ristorante/
Reservations https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve
Operation Hours 11:30 a.m.~3:30 p.m. (in by 2:00 p.m. & L.O. 2:00 p.m.)
6:00 p.m.~9:30 p.m.(in by 7:30 p.m. & L.O. 7:30 p.m.)
Closed Wednesdays

American dishes at a Relaxing Seafood Diner miele the DINER

Kick back and relax at this sunny seaside American style diner housed within the Hello Kitty Smile complex. The view of sunlit ocean waves from the 2nd floor is breathtaking, while the first floor deck is the best spot for a lazy afternoon in the sun. From pancakes to cheeseburgers, all the classic favorites are here, but with local twists that make the most of locally grown ingredients. When you need a casual break from your busy day of nonstop fun on Awaji Island, head here!

Click here for reservations

Name miele the DINER
Address 985-1, Nojima Hikinora, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721
TEL 0799-70-9123
Official Web Site https://miele-the-diner.com/
Reservations https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/miele-the-diner/reserve
Operation Hours 1F : 11:00 a.m. ~8:00 p.m.(L.O.7:30 p.m.)
2F : 11:00 a.m.~7:00 p.m.(L.O.6:30 p.m.)
Closed Tuesdays (Open if it is a holiday)

Delicious cuisine from all over the country at an outdoor resort Awaji Chef’s Garden by PASONA

Not sure what to eat? This is the place for you. Chef’s Garden offers a staggering array of scrumptious choices from around the world, including cuisine from Japan, Brazil, China and more.

Name Awai Chef's Garden by PASONA
Address 57-3, Nojima Okawa, Awaji Shi, Hyogo Ken, 656-1723
Parking Approx. 140 units (Chef Garden Parking Space & SEIKAIHA Parking Space) 500 yen/day
Phone Number 080-8177-4501
Website https://www.awaji-chefgarden.com/
Business Hours 11:00~21:00 (last order 20:00) 
*Subject to change depending on the season and weather.

Click here for details of Awaji Chef's Garden

Teppanyaki cuisine at the teppanyaki restaurant

Aman no Shokutaku-Sajiki

Food Travel: Awaji Island Local Specialties

Awaji Island Onions

No Onion No Life!

Among the remarkable array of specialties found on Awaji Island, the onions stand above all else perhaps. Awaji Island onions have gained popularity primarily due to their remarkable sweetness. This exceptional taste can be attributed to the abundant sunlight the island receives and the mineral-rich composition of its soil. In fact, these onions are approximately 1.4 times sweeter than your average variety. Characterized by their tender texture and elevated moisture content, Awaji Island onions can be consumed without cooking, making them a perfect addition to salads when enjoyed raw.

Awaji onions are not only a key ingredient in local dishes but are also appreciated nationwide. They are often used in salads, soups, and even as tempura. Don’t miss the chance to taste these crisp and sweet onions when visiting!

Awaji Beef

The “Awaji Beef” title is reserved for only a handful of cattle, guaranteeing that only the finest and most exceptional animals are granted the privilege of being called “Awaji Beef”. Through these meticulous requirements, “Awaji Beef” has earned the name, “phantom beef” due to its exceptional rarity. The scarcity and exclusivity of this premium meat enhance its appeal, making it a sought-after delicacy for those fortunate enough to enjoy its unmatched flavor and quality. Only about 150 cows are shipped out each year, making it a rare and must-try food on your trip to Awaji Island.

Awaji Beef also stands out for its remarkable quality flavor and exquisite marbling. When indulging in this delicacy, one can savor the harmonious interplay of flavors, where each element complements the other to create a savory and mellow taste.

It is worth noting that Awaji Island cattle serves as a crucial foundation for Japan’s renowned beef brands. Remarkably, around 65% of the widely recognized brand beef, such as Kobe Beef originates from calves that were initially born and nurtured on Awaji Island.

Awaji Island Ebisu Sea Bream

Awaji Island Ebisu Sea Bream is a new brand of fish that debuted in the autumn of 2021. The brand refers to natural sea breams caught at fishing ports around Awaji Island. Awaji Island is surrounded by three straits — the Naruto Straits, Akashi Straits, and Kitan Straits. They are known for their powerful tides and this results in a rich supply of flavorful, high-quality sea bream. The rapid currents also encourage these sea bream to be active, leading to a muscular texture and exceptional taste.

Awaji Island Ebisu Sea Bream is a culinary delight available at inns and restaurants across the island and is truly an authentic representation of Awaji Island’s maritime magnificence.

Awaji Island Shirasu (Whitebait)

Hyogo Prefecture holds a distinguished reputation for its valuable shirasu (whitebait), proudly bearing the title of Japan’s largest contributor of the ingredient. Nestled in an optimal maritime location and blessed with abundant fishing grounds, Awaji Island is a significant provider of this small and cute looking fish.

As a result, restaurants that showcase this delicacy hold an esteemed reputation, adeptly turning shirasu into a culinary gem.

Pike Conger

Hamo, the esteemed Japanese pike conger, shines a spotlight on Awaji Island’s culinary scene. A sought-after delicacy, hamo graces the table as a seasonal treat that enchants refined tastes. During the summer months, the enticing call of Awaji Island’s hamo draws numerous guests to try this specialty.

The hamo found on Awaji Island has a distinctive physique, featuring a compact body and elegant form, with a majority being females. These pike congers are caught one by one using a special method ensuring their meat remains intact. They are harvested from the water near Nushima (an island south from Awaji) and mature in soft sandy surroundings, safeguarding the delicate belly skin from friction and resulting in a tender texture. The environment of Naruto Strait is believed to contribute to the superior meat quality, richness, and color of Awaji Island’s hamo.

Best Places to Eat Awaji Island Cuisine

There are multiple food travel places on Awaji Island where you can easily and reasonably eat all of these local specialties. Here we have listed some of those places but be sure to check our other restaurants for more of the island’s delicacies!

Ocean Terrace: Awaji Beef Menu

Ocean Terrace is one of the restaurants located on Awaji Island that owns Awaji Beef Certification. As its name suggests, the restaurant provides an inviting atmosphere, offering terrace seating that affords captivating views of the clear blue sky and the enchanting Seto Inland Sea, which shimmers with the sun’s reflection.

Click here for reservations

Name Ocean Terrace
Address 816 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721
Tel 0799-82-1907
Website https://ocean-terrace-awaji.jp/
Reservations https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d17354212-Reviews-Ocean_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Operation Hours Lunch 11:30~15:00 (L.O.14:00) / Dinner 17:00~21:00 (L.O.20:00)

Click here for details of Ocean Terrace

Auberge “French Forest”: La Rose

Auberge “French Forest” is widely renowned as one of the most luxurious restaurants on Awaji Island. It is also known for its authentic French cuisine, showcasing the finest fresh ingredients from Awaji Island. Among the three French restaurants at Auberge, La Rose is a restaurant that represents a fusion of Japanese and French culinary traditions.

La Rose serves the famous pike conger along with other marine delicacies such as abalone and sea urchins. This unique menu promises a harmonious blend of flavors, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the essence of Awaji Island, complemented by wines chosen by a certified sommelier.
Please note the best season to enjoy pike conger is early summer (June~July) and late autumn (Oct.~Nov.).

Click here for reservations

Name Auberge “French Forest” La Rose
Address 2593-8 Kusumoto Aza Banaka, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301
TEL 0799-70-9062
Official Web Site https://frenchnomori.jp/la_rose/
Reservations https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1022838-d25229759-Reviews-Auberge_French_no_Mori-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Operation Hours Lunch – 11:30~15:30 (Last Entry: 13:00)
Dinner – 17:30~21:30 (Last Entry: 19:00)
Closed Tuesdays

Click here for details of Auberge “French Forest”

miele

miele, meaning “honey” in Italian, is known for its cuisine and sweets made with fresh, local ingredients and honey produced on Awaji Island. One that has gained particular fame is the shirasu pizza (also known as whitebait pizza), which is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. The staff will keep pouring shirasu onto your pizza until you signal to stop!

Name miele
Adress 785-9 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721
Tel 0799-80-2600
Operation Hours Weekdays 11:00~19:00 (L.O.18:30)
Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 9:30~19:30 (L.O.19:00)
Closed: Tuesdays
In Aug. and Sept. it will not be closed on Tuesdays
Website https://www.miele-da-scuola.com/

Click here for details of miele

SEIKAIHA Aonoya

SEIKAIHA Aonoya is a renowned sushi/tempura restaurant celebrated for its exceptional location on Awaji Island west coast. Every table strategically offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Here, you can relish the panoramic views of the sea while indulging in a unique delicacy “sea bream soumen” made from the entire body of Awaji Island Ebisu sea bream. It is a traditional dish that has been cherished through the years. Moreover, Aonoya’s allure lies in the offerings of freshly prepared sushi, flavorful tempura, and meticulously crafted Japanese side dishes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Click here for reservations

Name SEIKAIHA - Aonoya
Address 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723
Tel 0799-70-9020
Website https://awaji-seikaiha.com/aonoya/
Reservations https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d21197787-Reviews-Seikaiha_Aonoya-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Operating Hours 11:00~15:00 (Last In 14:00, L.O. 14:00)
17:00~21:00 (Last In 19:30, L.O. 20:00)
Closed: Thursdays

Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Aonoya

Closing

We hope you have enjoyed this food travel explanation to the culinary world of Awaji Island foods! Please check out our articles on a day trip itinerary for culinary delights and the local farm-to-table restaurant Haru San San.

There are more places to see and enjoy on Awaji so make sure to go through our website to get the best idea of the places you want to visit!