While at first glance there isn't an abundance of restaurants in Kurume, in reality there are plenty if you know where to look.
In the "Ichibangai" pedestrian mall across from the Nishitetsu Kurume train station, there are 3 or 4 larger Japanese Izakaya restaurants which are worth a visit if you're hungry. They are all right next to the am/pm store.
About one block down from the station to the west is a good Korean restaurant, which can be quite busy on weekends, so you might want to make reservations. Another delicious korean restaurant named Uji is located in Shojima-machi between JR and Nishitetesu kurume stations. Follow the road south that runs in front of Nishitetsu station past Kogashiramachi park. It is located 2 blocks past the park on the right.
Also, lining the small canal to the west of "Ichibangai" are a number of quaint restaurants, such as Toride french italian, Nixon fusion and Le Peu french, as well as a new Mexican restaurant called "El Sol" a little further away.
There is also an Okinawan restaurant called little Okinawa near St. Mary's Hospital that has occasional live music.
Don't forget to try Taiho Ramen for some of the best Kurume ramen out there.
