Sakura
Tasty soba noodles and soup during lunch hours.
Bukkake Udon
The Kurashiki brand of udon carries influence from Edo-period Tokyo, courtesy of the local business magnates who did trade with the shogunate. Today, Kurashiki natives will tolerate no other noodles. The sauce is served separately, so customers can pour it bukkakeru onto the noodles themselves. This popular chain has eight locations in the city, including four surrounding JR Kurashiki Station; hours vary, but the HQ at 2-3-23 Achi-dori 7AM-9PM is the easiest to find. Look for the distinctive yellow and black logo.
Higashi-da
Excellent seafood and other Japanese cuisine in an old, traditional restaurant. Let the chef decide omakase the sushi for ¥5000, although anago oshizushi made with eel is a specialty.
La Cenetta
Japanese pizzerias are famously creative and sometimes bizarre with their choice of pizza toppings, but La Cenetta is an exception; chef Sekizen Kohara serves authentic Neapolitan-style pies, made in a small wood oven.
Takadaya
A smoky yet fantastic little yakitoriya grilled chicken kebab joint in the back alleys of the Bikan Area. Prices are reasonable and the food is fantastic. No English spoken.
Kana Izumi
A noodle shop in the atmospheric surroundings of the Bikan area.
Misokatsu Umenoki
Umenoki serves a Nagoya specialty: breaded, fried without oil pork cutlets with a thick, miso-based sauce, usually served over shredded cabbage or noodles.
Yae
Always packed with locals, Yae serves good seafood and sake, and the talkative staff will be happy to make recommendations.