Location: Utsunomiya
Top Restaurants in Utsunomiya
- 1. Utsunomiya Minmin Honten
- 2. Koraku
- 3. Masashi Miyajimacho Honten
- 4. Utsunomiyagyozakan
- 5. Ishidayayakisobaten
- 6. Aogen Paseo
- 7. Utsunomiya Minmin, Hotel R-Mets
- 8. Bakery Cafe Penny Lane Tsuruta
- 9. Utsunomiya Minmin Station Higashiguch (East Exit Utsunomiya Sta.)
- 10. Gyoza Specialty restaurant Masashi Tsuruta
Where to Eat in Utsunomiya: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Utsunomiya (宇都宮市, Utsunomiya-shi, Japanese: [ɯᵝt͡sɯ̃ᵝno̞mija̠]) is the capital and largest city of Tochigi Prefecture, in the northern Kantō region of Japan. As of May 2015, the city had an estimated population of 518,200, and a population density of 1,240 persons per square kilometre (3,200/sq mi). Its total area is 416.85 km (160.95 sq mi). Utsunomiya is famous for its gyoza (pan fried dumplings). There are more than two hundred gyoza restaurants in Utsunomiya.
Things to do in Utsunomiya
1. Utsunomiya Minmin Honten
Overall Ratings
4 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Enjoydifference - London, United Kingdom
Because they are rated as the best in Utsunomiya, there always is a long queue and we tried here, too, of course.
But... Nothing special. Yes, it was OK, but not like "wow" or to justify that long queue...
They are cheaper than others per portion and it may be the reason?
Eating in Hakata or Osaka, you can have better gyoza and they do not rave about it.
Sorry... I may sound harsh but I was not impressed as much as I have in Fukuoka or Osaka.
2. Koraku
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By aya0223 - Tochigi
友人に連れて行ってもらいました。大人気店で店の外にも中にも順番待ちの椅子がずらり。回転が良いのでそれ程待ちませんでしたが、平日でも並ぶのは覚悟で。
焼き餃子、水餃子、ラーメンのどれも美味しかったです。シンプルイズベスト！安くて旨くて文句無し。
3. Masashi Miyajimacho Honten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By ferretMAMA - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
They have only 2 kinds of menu.
YAKI jiaozi (gyoza) and SUI jiaozi (gyoza).
SUI jiaozi (gyoza) is served with soup.
You can them take away.
There is no beer no Sake no Vino...
But don't worry, you can drink water!
I lined up there about 1 hour.
But it was not pain. Good turnover!
The staff are cheerful and friendly.
4. Utsunomiyagyozakan
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Bixier G - Tokyo, Japan
Staying in Utsunomiya means eating dumplings, "Gyoza". You have to like garlic though. Classic Gyoza usually come only in one traditional style. However here you can get a big variety for different fillings. It is certainly not very stylish but location is very convenient. The Gyoza average market prices usually range around 2 USD and they charge here more than double for 6 dumplings on a plate. . But still a dinner should not exceed 20 USD. Considering the convenient location and the variety offered, absolutely worth the money!
5. Ishidayayakisobaten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By kt0935
宇都宮の有名な焼きそば屋さん、ここは宇都宮に来たら必ず立ち寄るお店です。
ただ、営業時間が短いのが難点。
宇都宮に来たら餃子よりもこちらをおすすめします！！昔ながらの焼きそばなのに、中毒性のある美味しさ。個人的にはすごーく美味しい。
6. Aogen Paseo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Enjoydifference - London, United Kingdom
Without knowing Aogen's background, we walked in and enjoyed all of their gyoza.
We have never tasted anything like it. Particularly the gyoza in Miso soup and the special large gyoza were both worth noting. But their spring onion covered one was overpowered and it is not well balanced as a dish, we concluded. I could not resist buying their miso although I had to carry it for the next five days in Tokyo.
Speaking to locals on the following day, apparently Aogen is well known in Japanese Miso industry and many come and learn how to make good miso. No wonder...
But if you are conservative gyoza lover, it may not be your choice.
Please note that you will be asked to leave by 8pm as they do not have their own entrance and located in a shopping centre.
7. Utsunomiya Minmin, Hotel R-Mets
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Michael C - Singapore, Singapore
The only reason this place is popular it’s because it’s one of the most decently price gyoza shop in town.
The crispy ones are well fried but with very little filling. That why you can eat lots of them.
Give each place a try and you can decide which is the best in town.
Have fun
8. Bakery Cafe Penny Lane Tsuruta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By akashi-rokuro
朝7時の開店と同時に入店しました。朝早いとパンが揃っていないお店も少なくないですが、ここは焼きたてのパンがいっぱい並んでました。
店内は広く、ビートルズで統一された店の雰囲気も最高です。
店内で購入したパンとコーヒーを頂くことにしました。キリマンジャロ等のドリップコーヒーは、注文してから豆を挽くこだわりです。豆の種類に寄る味の違いをわかってもらうために、デミタスカップに入れられたイマジンブレンドコーヒーも付いてきました。
9. Utsunomiya Minmin Station Higashiguch (East Exit Utsunomiya Sta.)
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By MasaKawamata - Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
! minute from Utsnomiya JR( Japan Railroad) station, very conveniant and clean. Sometimes the restaurant is full and some groups are waiting outside, even though there are two or three similar kind of restaurant. near by . Very popular among frequant business travelers.
10. Gyoza Specialty restaurant Masashi Tsuruta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 2catsinJP
I drive by this Masashi location twice a day, I can smell it from half a block away.
I went there first time years ago and I wasn't impressed.
I wasn't impressed this week either. I know that Masashi has a devoted following, but personally, I find this gyoza to be average. Not good, not bad. Just average. Nothing to write home about.
