Best Restaurants in Mikawacho, Hiroshima — A Guide for Travelers
Introduction
Mikawacho, located in Hiroshima’s vibrant city center, is one of the most convenient and traveler-friendly areas in the city. Just a short walk from Hatchobori Station and situated along the route leading toward the Hilton Hotel Hiroshima, the neighborhood offers easy access for both sightseeing and shopping. Within minutes, visitors can reach the bustling Hondori Shopping Arcade — a lively pedestrian street filled with boutiques, cafés, and local stores — as well as Nagarekawa, Hiroshima’s busiest nightlife district known for its countless bars and restaurants.
The area is compact yet full of character, offering everything from local comfort food and traditional Japanese dining to stylish cafés and hidden bars tucked away on side streets. Whether you’re staying nearby or simply passing through, it’s one of the best places to experience Hiroshima’s food culture without traveling far.
Here are eight recommended restaurants and cafés in Mikawacho, perfect for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
1. Teppanyaki Dontoko Mikawacho Main Store
If you want to enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki cooked right in front of you, Dontoko is an excellent choice.
The restaurant is known for its dedication to quality ingredients. The owner personally visits farmers and producers to inspect vegetables, meat, and seafood before purchasing, ensuring every dish highlights the natural flavors of each ingredient.
A standout item is the Kōne Aburi, lightly seared beef short plate with rich umami and a tender texture.
The sizzling sounds and aroma rising from the teppan add an enjoyable sense of “Hiroshima-style” dining.
Official Website
Address:
6-3 Mikawacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
2. CURRY & NATURAL WINE Nekochigura
Nekochigura is a stylish, hideaway-like curry and natural wine bar suitable for both lunch and dinner.
The restaurant blends South Indian spices with elements of French cuisine, offering a unique concept: “Spice curry paired with natural wine.” It’s a rare style in Hiroshima and provides a refreshing dining experience for visitors.
Popular items include Nepalese dumplings Momo and the photogenic Indian snack Panipuri. The diverse menu makes it especially popular among women and international travelers.
With warm lighting and thoughtful interior design, the space feels calm and comfortable—perfect for a relaxing break during sightseeing.
Tabelog (a Japanese restaurant review website)
Address:
7-19 Mikawacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
3. BAR GARDAMAIR
Located along the lively Namiki Street, BAR GARDAMAIR is a welcoming shot bar known for its exceptional whisky collection and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are a whisky beginner or an enthusiast, the friendly and knowledgeable master makes it easy to find a drink you’ll love.
In addition to whisky, the bar offers champagne, wine, craft beer, cocktails, and even high-quality coffee sourced from various countries. It’s an ideal stop after dinner or sightseeing — quiet enough to unwind, yet engaging for travelers who enjoy conversation with locals.
Even first-time visitors will feel comfortable walking in, which makes it a great option for solo travelers.
Official Website
Address:
10-1 Nakamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
4. Cafe Fulful
Cafe Fulful is a classic Japanese kissaten, perfect for those who want to experience the nostalgic café culture of Japan. With its red-brick exterior and warm, modern interior, the café offers a peaceful space that blends old-fashioned charm with comfort.
Their morning menu starts at 9:00 AM, featuring crispy toasted sandwiches that locals adore. Paired with strong, aromatic black coffee, it’s an ideal way to begin your day before exploring Hiroshima. This is the kind of place where time moves slowly — a rare treat in the busy city center.
Tabelog
Address:
4-5 Mikawacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
5. Tabi Labo CAFE
This charming café is designed as an “antenna shop” showcasing Hiroshima’s local flavors and ingredients. Their signature items — Satoyama Pudding and Milk Ice Cream — are made using milk from Sagotani Dairy, a beloved local producer known for its rich, clean-tasting dairy products.
Tabi Labo CAFE is perfect for dessert lovers and travelers needing a relaxing break while exploring the city. The menu focuses on locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, making it one of the best places to experience Hiroshima’s food culture in a simple, approachable way. Naturally, the desserts are beautiful and popular on social media.
Tabelog
Address:
5-7 Mikawacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
6. Setouchi Cuisine Gintama Tan-Etsu
For travelers seeking a quiet, elegant dining experience, Gintama Tan-Etsu offers refined Japanese cuisine featuring the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea. Highlights include Hiroshima oysters, anago (conger eel), and other fresh seafood prepared with great care.
The restaurant offers beautifully composed seasonal courses that change throughout the year, allowing diners to enjoy ingredients at their peak. With its calm, traditional atmosphere and attentive service, this is an excellent choice for a special dinner or a relaxing evening tasting authentic Japanese flavors.
Official Website
Address:
6-10 Mikawacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
7. Sasso – Bettei
If you’re craving ramen in Hiroshima, Sasso Bettei should be at the top of your list. The restaurant is famous for its “shirunashi tantanmen” — soupless spicy noodles that are a signature dish of Hiroshima. The interior is stylish and inviting, attracting many female guests and travelers looking for modern ramen spots.
The noodles are tossed in a deeply flavorful blend of soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame paste, and house-made chili oil, enhanced with the umami of kombu and bonito. The key is to mix well before eating. They also offer limited monthly specials, making each visit feel fresh and new. It’s a dish you shouldn’t miss during your Hiroshima trip.
Tabelog
Address:
3-1 Mikawacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
8. Sumibi Yakiniku OttantottO
OttantottO is a must-visit for travelers who want to enjoy premium Japanese beef in a comfortable, modern setting. The restaurant prides itself on the exceptional freshness and quality of its meat — especially melt-in-your-mouth wagyu grilled over fragrant charcoal.
A standout item is kōne, a Hiroshima specialty cut known for its tender texture and rich flavor. Private rooms are available, making it suitable for couples, families, and business travelers. With foreign-language menus and Wi-Fi provided, the restaurant is very friendly to international visitors.
Official Website
Address:
2-11 Nakamachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Tips for Travelers
Reservations
For dinner destinations like Teppanyaki Dontoko and Setouchi Cuisine Gintama, reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
Payment
Most restaurants in this area accept major credit cards. Some smaller cafés may prefer cash or QR payments, so it’s good to carry a small amount of cash when convenient.
Language
Many places have at least some English support, but menus may still be Japanese. Apps with translation features and pointing at menu pictures can be very helpful.
Where to Stay: Hotel Small World
After enjoying Mikawacho’s food scene, a comfortable and thoughtful place to rest is Hotel Small World in Hiroshima. This hotel offers more than just accommodation — it’s built around the concept of peace and reflection.
Each room includes books and materials about Hiroshima’s history, from the devastation of war to the city’s remarkable recovery. Guests are encouraged to read, reflect, and consider the importance of peace in today’s world.
The hotel’s calm atmosphere and simple design provide a relaxing space for visitors to unwind after a day of exploring Hiroshima and enjoying its culinary offerings. Staying at Hotel Small World is an experience of learning, empathy, and quiet reflection that stays with you long after your trip.
Conclusion
Mikawacho, Hiroshima, offers a diverse range of dining experiences — from teppanyaki and seafood to spice curry and dessert cafés. These spots are all within walking distance and showcase local ingredients, creative preparation, and welcoming atmospheres that suit travelers from around the world.
Pair your culinary exploration with a thoughtful stay at Hotel Small World, and you’ll return home with not only full stomachs but also deeper insight into Hiroshima’s culture, history, and spirit.
