KochiTravel

The Famous Bonito Straw-Seared Tataki Grilled Over Straw Flame Makes for Perfect Lunch

About this spot

Just a short walk from Oote Gate of Kochi Castle, this food stall village-style market bustles with approximately 60 restaurants and shops, earning the nickname 'Tosa's Kitchen'—Kochi's premier gourmet destination. The signature dish is bonito straw-seared tataki, grilled with dramatic flair over roaring straw flames. The show is spectacular, and a plate of thick-sliced freshly grilled bonito delivers the exquisite aroma of straw and the simplicity of salt and sauce. With the communal table style where you gather dishes from your favorite shops, trying local delicacies like eel fritters and aonori tempura bit by bit is part of the fun. This lunch hour, where locals and tourists share elbow room, lets you feel the vitality of the castle town.

Tips

During lunch, securing seating is the priority. The local custom is to claim seats for your party before heading to order. Some stalls accept cash only, so bring sufficient cash. The grilling demonstration is visible even from the back of the line, so waiting time is part of the entertainment.