Yufuin Food 2026 | 15 Shops: Bungo Beef & Burgers

ゆふいん山椒郎

ゆふいん山椒郎 (Yufuin Sanshorou) perfectly blends the essence of Japanese cuisine with the natural spirit of Yufuin. This washoku restaurant located in Yufuin-cho, Kawakami, is famous for its kaiseki cuisine, as if it captures the colors and flavors of the four seasons on a plate, allowing every traveler to savor the charm of the hot spring town of Yufuin on their palate.

One of the signature dishes is the "合わせ箱" (Assorted Box) during lunch, which resembles a colorful painting, filled with fresh vegetables and local ingredients, interwoven with various cooking techniques such as steaming, boiling, and grilling, preserving the original flavors and crisp textures of the ingredients. When you open the box lid, the red, yellow, and green vegetables shine like jewels, paired with the local specialty of Oita, Bungo beef, or fresh seafood, allowing one to feel the harmonious resonance of the mountains and the sea. The "豊後牛ステーキランチ" (Bungo Beef Steak Lunch) is especially recommended, with the beef melting in your mouth, the aroma of fat bursting on your tongue, and paired with the chef's special sauce, it is truly a paradise for meat lovers! For dinner, there is the "おまかせディナー" (Chef's Selected Dinner), starting from 8,800 yen, with ingredients changing with the seasons.

Chef Tatsuya Yamada combines a deep respect for ingredients with the exquisite techniques of kaiseki cuisine, making each dish a work of art. From the crunchy texture of fresh vegetables to the rich aroma of Bungo beef, every bite allows one to feel the natural gifts of Oita. Additionally, the restaurant offers a variety of local Oita sake, such as "西の関" (Nishi no Seki) or "八鹿" (Yatsushika), which complement the dishes perfectly, making it hard to resist ordering another cup and getting lost in this culinary dream of Yufuin.

Nicol

"Tea Room Nicol" is a well-known afternoon tea spot in the area, beloved by both tourists and locals for its unique desserts and relaxed atmosphere.

The signature dessert here, "Apple Pie," features a crispy crust enveloping fresh apple slices, with a moderate sweetness and a crunchy texture, often selling out by the morning. It is recommended to arrive early to enjoy it. Additionally, the "Nicol Special Chiffon Cake" has a light and soft texture, paired with fresh herbal tea from Yufuin, which is aromatic and relaxing. If you're looking for a refreshing drink, the "Yuzu Honey Soda" is made with yuzu honey from Hita City in Oita Prefecture, offering a balanced sweet and sour taste, with carbonation providing a refreshing sensation, especially suitable for hot summer days.

The environment of "Tea Room Nicol" is equally enchanting. The shop features large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in sunlight, creating a bright and open space. The greenery outside changes with the seasons, providing a beautiful visual experience whether it's the fresh greens of spring or the autumn leaves.

由布まぶし 心

“由布まぶし 心” is a must-try culinary recommendation in the area. This restaurant is famous for its “three ways to enjoy kamameshi,” allowing you to savor three different flavors from one pot of rice, making it a great value!

The restaurant features three types of kamameshi: Bungo beef, eel, and jidori chicken. The Bungo beef kamameshi uses black-haired wagyu from Oita Prefecture, which is tender and has a well-distributed marbling that melts in your mouth. The eel kamameshi is made with eel grilled over charcoal, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma. The jidori chicken kamameshi uses fresh local chicken, which has a firm texture and unique flavor.

The way to enjoy the “three ways to eat kamameshi” is also unique: the first way is to taste it as is, to appreciate the freshness of the ingredients; the second way is to add yuzu pepper, wasabi, and other seasonings to enhance the layers of flavor; the third way is to pour in a special broth, transforming it into chazuke, warming your stomach.

The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, featuring traditional Japanese seating, allowing you to enjoy the food while experiencing the charm of Japanese culture. Due to its high popularity, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance or arrive early to avoid missing out on this delicious feast.

In summary, when you visit Yufuin, don’t miss the “由布まぶし 心” kamameshi three ways, guaranteed to leave you satisfied and longing for more!

七厘焼き和作

“七厘焼き和作” is a beloved yakiniku restaurant known for its high-quality Bungo beef and local chicken dishes. The owner previously served as the head chef at a prestigious restaurant in Beverly Hills and has catered at events such as the Emmy Awards and Grammy Awards. After returning to Japan, he obtained a qualification as a Japanese cuisine master, showcasing his profound culinary skills.

The owner personally selects a Bungo cow each week to ensure the meat is tender and juicy, with signature dishes like “Premium Beef Rib” and “Premium Sirloin” that are unforgettable. Additionally, the restaurant offers Bungo chicken from Yufuin, such as “Jar-Pickled Local Chicken,” which has a firm texture and unique flavor.

The restaurant employs traditional shichirin charcoal grilling methods, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with private rooms suitable for enjoying quality time with family and friends. If you are looking for food recommendations in Yufuin, “七厘焼き和作” is definitely a must-visit choice.

たけお

「たけお」is a traditional Japanese diner known for its unique "たけお丼," a dish that combines up to nine ingredients including beef, trout, and mentaiko, creating a rich and unforgettable flavor profile.

The tempura in the restaurant is also exceptional, made with wild vegetables picked from their own garden, preserving the original freshness of the ingredients.

The interior of the restaurant is filled with charming traditional Japanese decor, featuring an irori (traditional Japanese hearth), creating a warm dining atmosphere. Additionally, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with fresh local ingredients, such as handmade soba noodles and tempura, allowing diners to fully enjoy the flavors of Yufuin.

「たけお」is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 20:00, with Mondays as a regular holiday. Due to limited seating, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance to ensure a spot.

ゆふいんバーガーハウス

ゆふいんバーガーハウス! This hamburger shop, located just a 5-minute walk from Yufuin Station, is a must-visit spot while strolling through Yufuin. As you step into this charming wooden cabin filled with a rustic atmosphere, you are greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of meat. It is renowned for its carefully crafted hamburgers, especially the patties made from Oita Prefecture's pride, "Bungo Beef," which are tender and juicy, making it hard to resist taking bite after bite.

The "Yufuin Burger" is the star of the menu, featuring a patty made from a blend of Bungo beef and pork, topped with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, rich cheddar cheese, and special sauce. Each bite is filled with happiness. If you have a big appetite, you might want to challenge the "Yufuin Burger Special," which is 1.5 to 2 times larger than the standard version. Its impressive portion is delicious and provides a double shock to both your eyes and taste buds!

The "Kuroge Wagyu Kalbi Burger," drizzled with rich barbecue sauce, perfectly melds the aroma of beef with the sauce, making it incredibly tempting. For those who love spicy food, you can try the "Teriyaki Tamago Burger," where the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce pairs with a soft fried egg, offering a unique and appetizing flavor. This shop insists on making everything fresh upon order, with the enticing sound of sizzling coming from the grill. When it arrives hot at your table, the moment the juices burst in your mouth is simply a delight! Yufuin Burger House also offers bicycle rental services, allowing you to leisurely explore the charming scenery of this hot spring town after enjoying your delicious meal.

陽だまり食堂

“陽だまり食堂” is a restaurant directly operated by the local agricultural cooperative (JA Oita Yufuin), known for providing fresh ingredients and traditional cuisine. The restaurant is run by local mothers with an average age of 70, who personally cook with love and experience, presenting diners with the most authentic home-style flavors.

The restaurant's signature dish, “陽だまり定食,” includes Oita's specialty “団子湯” (a soup similar to wide noodles) and “炸鸡天妇罗” (fried chicken tempura), served in generous portions to satisfy your appetite. Additionally, the “豊後牛肉丼” (Bungo beef bowl) made with high-quality local beef is also a delicious choice not to be missed.

The interior of the restaurant is simply and warmly decorated, giving you a feeling of returning home. Due to its convenient location, it is only about a 3-minute walk from Yufuin Station, making it an ideal stop for enjoying delicious food during your travels. If you are looking for food recommendations in Yufuin, “陽だまり食堂” is definitely a choice you should not miss.

花野そば

花野そば (Hanano Soba) is a famous soba restaurant located in Yufuin Town, Yufu City, just a 15-minute walk from Yufuin Station, tucked away in a small path beside Yunotsubo Street.

The restaurant selects high-quality buckwheat produced in the Aso Highlands, insisting on slow grinding with a stone mill and hand-kneading, creating soba noodles as thin as threads, smooth in texture yet with excellent chewiness, overflowing with the natural aroma of buckwheat. The signature dish "生粉そば" (Namako Soba) is served cold as zarusoba, paired with a slightly sweet and savory sauce that allows the original flavor of the buckwheat to bloom on the palate, making it especially suitable for gourmets who want to savor the flavor of the noodles. Visiting in winter? Don't miss their seasonal limited oden, each bite is infused with the warmth of rich broth, simply a happy furnace on a cold day!

The restaurant's "だし巻きたまご" (Dashimaki Tamago) is also a must-try, soft and fluffy like a cloud, with a hint of sweet sauce flavor that perfectly balances the refreshing taste of the soba. Another star dish not to be overlooked is "湯葉そば" (Yuba Soba), where the yuba is slowly simmered, absorbing the essence of the rich broth, paired with delicate soba noodles, each bite bursting with layers of rich sweetness that makes you want to keep going for more.

こうき・由布隠酒家そば

「こうき・由布隠酒家そば」is famous for its homemade hand-pulled soba noodles, made from buckwheat sourced from Oita Prefecture, which is ground using a stone mill to create fine noodles in a 10:1 ratio, resulting in a smooth texture and rich aroma.

The signature dish, "Jidori Soba," combines local specialty jidori chicken with delicate soba noodles, and the broth is based on kombu dashi, offering a light and sweet flavor that complements the fine noodles perfectly.

Additionally, "Tempura Soba" is also a popular choice, with crispy tempura paired with chewy soba noodles, making it a delightful option.

The restaurant has an elegant atmosphere, featuring counter seating and table seating, with a total of 30 seats, suitable for solo dining or gatherings with friends. The establishment also offers a variety of sake and shochu, allowing guests to enjoy the flavors of fine food alongside exquisite drinks.

湯布院 串焼き CARNE

湯布院 串焼き CARNE! Just a 3-minute walk from Yufuin Station, this yakitori restaurant uses Oita's specialty "Toyono Shamo" (Bungo Chicken), a local breed known for its firm, chewy, and juicy meat. The restaurant transforms this chicken into various skewers, from classic chicken breast and thigh to the rare chicken liver, each skewer grilled over charcoal to a crispy exterior and tender interior, exuding an enticing smoky aroma. Their chicken liver skewer is especially recommended, with a melt-in-your-mouth delicate texture paired with a hint of charcoal bitterness that makes it hard to stop at just one! Besides skewers, chicken sashimi (地鶏のタタキ) is also a must-try, featuring fresh, tender chicken with a slight sweetness, served with soy sauce and chopped green onions, simple yet deeply satisfying. The grilled shiitake mushrooms are rich in mushroom flavor and juicy texture, proving that vegetables can also steal the show!

Creative small dishes are equally impressive. For example, the dashimaki tamago (出汁捲蛋) is as light as a cloud, infused with a strong aroma of Japanese dashi broth, providing a gentle embrace for your taste buds. They also offer their homemade chicken liver pâté (レバーパテ), spread on crispy toasted bread, rich yet not greasy, perfectly paired with a glass of the restaurant's selected sake, embodying the bliss of "a little drink and a pleasant buzz." And don't forget to try the burdock tofu, an appetizer with a unique refreshing taste and a hint of bean flavor that leaves a lasting impression; many foodies even wish it could become a permanent menu item!

田舎庵

Located on the Yufuin Yuno Tsuji Street, the understated yet enchanting handmade udon noodle shop 【田舎庵】 has captured the hearts of many. This small shop, which has been in operation since 1969, is situated about a 10-minute walk from Yufuin Station and is just a street away from Lake Kinrin. It is always bustling with customers, and the full parking lot is a testament to its immense popularity!

The handmade udon noodles are made from Fukuoka's "Chikugo Izumi" wheat flour, paired with natural salt delivered directly from Okinawa. The noodles are chewy and firm, with a delightful wheat aroma. The shop takes pride in its secret broth, which carries on the dedication of previous generations, incorporating local ingredients from Oita, such as the white onions from Hinode Town's "Agri Farm Oka," and burdock from the Motegi Watanabe Farm, ensuring that every sip of broth is rich in layers of flavor. The signature dish "Burdock Tempura Udon" is a must-try; the crispy large pieces of burdock tempura soaked in warm broth emit a rich aroma, perfectly complementing the noodles that have just the right texture, making it impossible to stop at just one bite! Another popular choice is the "Fox Udon," which features thick, juicy fried tofu skin that absorbs the broth, simple yet filled with happiness. Additionally, the seasonal limited menu often surprises food lovers, such as the beef udon with a hint of yuzu fragrance, always adding a touch of Yufuin charm to the palate.

おむすびCafe TABIMUSUBI

Located in front of Yufuin Station, "おむすびCafe TABIMUSUBI" is a charming little shop specializing in rice balls, becoming one of the highlights of Yufuin's culinary recommendations. The interior is decorated primarily in warm wood tones, creating a comfortable dining atmosphere that makes you feel the warmth of home as soon as you step inside.

Here, there are more than ten varieties of rice balls, ranging from the classic "Salt Rice Ball" to innovative options like "Yuzu Miso Mushroom" and "Mentaiko Cream Cheese," each one mouthwatering. Notably, the shop uses traditional wooden kettles to cook the rice daily, ensuring that each rice ball is fragrant and chewy, making it hard to stop at just one.

In addition to rice balls, the shop also offers a variety of set meal options, such as the "Rice Ball Set Meal," which comes with fried chicken pieces, salad, and miso soup, catering to the needs of different diners. For dessert, the "Matcha Latte" and "Japanese Sweets" are also delicious choices that should not be missed.

元祖豊後肉汁うどん

“Ganso Bungo Niku-jiru Udon” specializes in “Bungo Niku-jiru Udon,” which uses fresh Bungo pork paired with homemade chewy udon noodles, making it unforgettable.

Here, the udon noodles are available in three portion sizes: regular (350 grams), large (600 grams), and extra-large (1000 grams), catering to different appetites. The noodles are rinsed in cold water to enhance their chewy texture, and when dipped in the steaming hot pork broth, the aroma is irresistible, making your taste buds tingle. Additionally, the restaurant offers an option to substitute udon noodles with soba noodles to satisfy different flavor preferences.

Besides the signature pork udon, the menu also features specialty dishes like “Bungo Dandan Udon” and “Curry Udon,” providing more options for those who enjoy spicy and curry flavors. If you are a tempura lover, the tempura items here are also worth trying; they are crispy and delicious, perfectly complementing the udon noodles.

山里料理 葡萄屋

Located within the 山里料理 葡萄屋 at the Yufuin Tamano Yu Ryokan, this restaurant presents exquisite local cuisine that captures the natural and cultural charm of Yufuin. The atmosphere of the restaurant is serene and warm, surrounded by a garden of mixed woods and seasonal flowers, allowing every guest to feel the fresh air of the mountains.

The menu at 葡萄屋 features local ingredients as the main stars, showcasing the seasonal flavors of Yufuin. One of the signature dishes, "Bungo Beef Charcoal Grilled Box," uses thick cuts of Bungo beef, grilled over charcoal to release an enticing aroma, with the fat melting on the tongue, paired with a special sauce and rice—simple yet unforgettable. Another dish, "Seasonal Mountain Bento," resembles a painting, featuring carefully selected seasonal vegetables and river fish, colorful and rich in layers, with each bite carrying the blessings of the earth. The "Twilight Course," available only from 17:30 to 19:00, includes choices of Bungo beef or grilled eel, priced reasonably (about 5775 yen), yet allows you to experience the culinary dedication of a high-end ryokan. Additionally, during breakfast, the "Watercress Soup," taught by chef Yoshiko Tatsumi, is refreshing yet rich, seemingly awakening every taste bud in the morning.

The head chef, Hiroki Mikajiri, has nearly 20 years of cooking experience in Yufuin, and with the artisan spirit of "100-1=0," he meticulously refines the details of each dish. From the delicate cutting of fresh farm vegetables to the precise control of charcoal grilling, he demonstrates respect and passion for the ingredients.

福助

福助 is located just a three-minute walk from Yufuin Station, in an excellent spot along Yufumi Street. After passing a bustling pachinko parlor and walking another 30 meters, you'll find this understated yet incredibly popular little shop on your right. Don't be fooled by its unassuming exterior; the moment you push open the door, the rich aroma of local chicken broth wafts towards you, instantly whetting your appetite!

Its local chicken ramen features a broth made from locally sourced chicken from Oita Prefecture, presenting a clear golden hue. It may seem light, but it hides deep sweetness and rich layers of flavor. Each sip of the broth tells the life story of the chicken, rich yet not greasy, with a subtle hint of charcoal-grilled aroma that adds the perfect finishing touch! When the signature local chicken ramen is served, slices of charcoal-grilled chicken generously rest atop the medium-thick noodles, the meat tender with a hint of char, complemented by crunchy green onions and refreshing bean sprouts, creating a delightful and surprising texture.

If you're a fan of spicy flavors, don't miss the spicy chicken ramen, specially crafted for those with a bold palate! The homemade chili oil perfectly blends with the local chicken broth, and you can choose the spice level, from mild to extremely spicy, ensuring there's a version to challenge your taste buds. Accompanied by pan-fried chili peppers and crunchy chives, the spiciness is infused with the deliciousness of the chicken, guaranteeing a satisfying experience! And let's not forget the irresistible "kaeshimeshi" (rice to soak up the leftover broth), where you can add high vegetable rice or zosui (rice soup) to the remaining broth, making it the perfect way to finish off your ramen, leaving you completely satisfied and bursting with happiness!