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About
Kawataro Hakata Station
Welcome to Kawataro Hakata Station, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan. Located conveniently in the bustling Hakata Ward, just a stone's throw from Hakata Station, this restaurant has quickly become a dining destination for both locals and travelers alike. With its commitment to freshness and an immersive dining experience, Kawataro invites you to a journey that celebrates the ocean's offerings, particularly its famed squid.
As you step inside, the sight of a large live fish tank sets the stage for a fresh seafood experience. Here, the skills of the chefs are on full display as they catch and prepare your meal right before your eyes. This is not just dining; it's a performance that transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable event. Diners have remarked on the excitement of witnessing their squid being prepared, from raw sashimi to crispy tempura, allowing you to savor every aspect of this remarkable seafood.
The reviews speak volumes about the quality and experience that Kawataro provides. Customers like Skyy Strike describe their visit as "unique" due to the live squid paired with thick cuts of sushi that enhance the freshness of the dish. The summer sparkling sake served is a refreshing complement, making each bite and sip a celebration of flavors that is hard to resist. Meanwhile, Kimmy Wong highlights the thrill of seeing the chef in action, preparing the squid in front of you—a testament to the restaurant's focus on presentation and skill.
Another notable dish is the Goma Saba, or raw mackerel topped with sesame and scallion, which has received rave reviews for its exquisite taste. M Goo emphasizes that every part of the squid is utilized, ensuring that diners experience a variety of textures and flavors from each meal. For those who prefer a more set menu, Simplysiri suggests sticking with the expertly curated selections, which promise a balance of freshness and variety at attractive prices.
Although the restaurant may lean towards the pricier side, the high-end atmosphere and attentive service justify every yen spent. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity, especially for those wanting to delve into Fukuoka's rich seafood tradition. Every visit to Kawataro Hakata Station guarantees a delightful escape into the world of Japanese seafood, where the focus on quality, freshness, and culinary artistry meets warmth and hospitality.
For a memorable dining experience steeped in Fukuoka’s rich seafood culture, Kawataro Hakata Station is undoubtedly a must-visit. Whether you're a sushi lover or an adventurous eater, the journey awaits you!
For inquiries and reservations, you can reach them at +81 92-260-9442.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ The sashimi quality was good, but we are very difficult to communicate with their waiter. They don’t know English . ”
“ Delicious squid. The chef caught the squid and made it in front of you. After eating the raw squid, they fried it as tempura. Great! ”
“ The squid is extremely fresh. Apart from eating it raw, the restaurant will also use the arms and tentacles of the squid you ordered to make either tempura / grilled dish. Goma Saba i.e raw mackerel topped with sesame and scallion is also lovely. It is a busy place, making reservation in advance is highly recommended. ”
“ Must need to made reservations , it's fully booked all the time It's specific serve Ika and they are famous for this Catch it lively and make Sashimi then use the rest for tempura. Yummmmm! ”
“ Excellent place right by Hakata Station to sample some of the famous Fukuoka squid. A little on the pricey side, but the interior and service is higher-end. Has a large live fish tank, so you know it’s super fresh. ”
“ The place is awesome! This is where you get to savor super fresh sashimi, especially the renowned squid of Fukuoka. Lunch menu may not offer a great variety of dishes, it I think it’s best to choose what the restaurant has offered: well balanced set menus. Fresh ingredients and super sumptuous. The prices are quite attractive too. ”
“ Walked up without a reservation at 6pm on a weekday. Thankfully, they had a spot for one. Before entering, the Okami kindly informed me that the squids today are above 200g, and if that was OK with me. No problem at all for me! Happily sat down and had a fantastic meal. They also recommended the sashimi platter and I picked up the Saba sashimi for good measure. Everything was fresh and extremely delicious. The squid was not slimey like what you would have gotten from the supermarkets. I never had squid that good before. The tempura of the rest of the squid was also done very well. A light batter that respected the ingredient. I can also recommend their sake, which paired perfectly with the food. Their house sake comes in a bamboo cup. It's dry and fun to drink. The highlight was the Nabeshima they had available which i happily ordered for a glass. For those who are worried about watching them catching the squid in front of you, that it didn't happen during my visit, but the kitchen is open, allowing you to see the skill of the chefs expertly preparing the squids. It's hard to make a reservation, but if you walk up early during a weekday, you might just get lucky and treated to the freshest squid you've ever had. ”
“ The squid is still alive, I think? That's pretty scary. But that's what makes the experience so unique. And it was extremely delicious. My wife says it is her favourite meal in Fukuoka. The sushi was good too, the cuts were so extremely thick. I had their summer sparkling sake which was refreshing and nice, but it got me drunk pretty fast. The staff were friendly and they have a comprehensive and well-translated English menu, and you can watch the chefs live in front preparing the squids which is pretty brutal but wow their amazing skill. ”