10 Best Restaurants
Hiroshima combines a moving encounter with modern history and easy access to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Spend time at the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, then explore Shukkeien Garden and the city’s art museums. Across the water, Miyajima offers Itsukushima Shrine, wooded mountain paths and traditional inns. Stay several nights to include the island without rushing, and reserve ahead for the city’s small sushi counters and French restaurants.
Nakashima
Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
A Yoshino cypress counter and carefully chosen ceramics set the scene at Nakashima. Seasonal Japanese cooking draws on local ingredients, with the meal unfolding at a shared starting time rather than through an à la carte menu. Eight counter seats keep the experience intimate; a separate table accommodates a small group. This is an evening to reserve well ahead and enjoy at the restaurant's pace, with dietary needs discussed before arrival.
An intimate Japanese dinner
Eizan
Noboricho, Hiroshima, Japan
Eizan puts its central grill within sight of an eight-seat counter, making the preparation part of dinner. Kotaro Masunaga draws on ingredients from Hiroshima and farther afield for seasonal Japanese courses. A small private room offers another way to experience the restaurant if you are travelling with companions. The menu follows the produce rather than a permanent list of signature dishes, so come ready to let the kitchen choose the evening's direction.
Japanese cooking around the grill
Épure
Kyobashicho, Hiroshima, Japan
Koji Asada's Épure serves a French menu that moves from small opening bites through a sequence of seasonal courses to dessert. The kitchen may work with Hiroshima beef, venison or poultry depending on availability, rather than promising the same main dish throughout the year. An optional cheese course gives you a reason to linger. It is a good choice for a planned dinner when you want to give the meal most of the evening.
A seasonal French tasting menu
Le Jardin Gourmand
Furue Higashimachi, Hiroshima, Japan
In a quieter residential part of Hiroshima, Le Jardin Gourmand brings a garden's seasonal changes to French cooking. Kenichi Koyama uses vegetables and herbs from his own growing space alongside Japanese ingredients, applying techniques developed during his time in Europe. The restaurant serves set courses at lunch and dinner. Allow time to travel out to Furue and make the meal your main appointment, rather than fitting it between stops in the city centre.
French cooking with garden produce
Hiroto
Fujimicho, Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroto offers French cooking in a small setting where the open kitchen keeps the work in view. Seasonal fish and game feature in the restaurant's approach, with careful control of cooking temperatures and wine chosen to accompany the food. Take a counter seat if watching the kitchen is part of your enjoyment. The dinner course suits an evening devoted to eating, while lunchtime visits require a private booking arranged with the restaurant.
French dinner at the counter
Kiyo Courage
Minamisenda Nishimachi, Hiroshima, Japan
Kiyo Courage uses French technique to explore ingredients from Hiroshima, with several course lengths to suit the occasion. The restaurant moved to Minamisenda Nishimachi in May 2025, so check the address before setting out. A shorter lunch provides an introduction, while longer menus allow more time with the kitchen's seasonal cooking. Small opening bites, bread, dessert and petits fours complete the meal around the main dishes. Everyone at the table follows the same course.
French cooking with Hiroshima ingredients
Nakado
Horikawacho, Hiroshima, Japan
Seiji Nakado works closely with producers to bring less familiar local ingredients into his French cooking. The chef is also a sommelier, and the drinks can move between wine and sake as the menu progresses. With only fourteen seats, the restaurant rewards advance planning. Its location in central Horikawacho makes it easy to build an evening around dinner, but leave enough time to settle into the course rather than rushing to another reservation.
Inventive French cooking and pairings
Soshi
Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
Soshi brings the fish of the Seto Inland Sea to an intimate sushi counter. The chef's experience in the fish trade informs a meal that moves from small prepared dishes into nigiri, giving the local catch room to show its range. Eight counter seats make this a focused dinner rather than a casual stop for a few pieces. Reserve ahead, arrive a little early and let the kitchen know about any restrictions before the menu is prepared.
Setouchi fish at a sushi counter
DIRETTO
Hiroshima, Japan
Wood fire shapes the cooking at DIRETTO, where a ten-seat counter puts diners close to the action. Ingredients from the Setouchi region change with the season, and natural wines provide a relaxed way into the drinks list. Choose the chef's course for a complete meal or ask about the available à la carte dishes. The small room works particularly well for a pair of diners who enjoy seeing their dinner take shape across the counter.
Wood-fired cooking and natural wine
MASUKI
Hiroshima, Japan
MASUKI offers Chinese cooking in a small private setting for up to six guests. The chef trained in Yokohama's Chinatown but works across regional traditions, placing particular care on soups and preparations that let the ingredients speak clearly. Seasonal menus give return visits a different character; autumn brings a Shanghai crab course when available. Gather a small group and book ahead, since this is a meal prepared for a reservation rather than a walk-in restaurant.
A private Chinese dinner