When people think of Fukuoka, one of the first things that come to mind is its rich and flavorful mentaiko (spicy cod roe). This special feature brings you the best mentaiko dishes in Fukuoka, ensuring that every mentaiko lover finds their perfect match!
As the birthplace of mentaiko, Fukuoka offers an unparalleled experience with its fresh, juicy, and flavorful mentaiko, which enhances any dish it’s paired with. Whether you’re a fan of creative fusion cuisine or authentic Hakata flavors, there’s something here for you!
When traveling to Fukuoka, be sure to add these restaurants to your foodie list and indulge in the deep, satisfying taste of mentaiko!
Source: marugetta Facebook
If you’re a mentaiko pasta fan, Marughetta in Tojinmachi is your go-to spot! This specialty restaurant centers its dishes around Fukuya (ふくや) mentaiko, offering a variety of mentaiko pasta creations.
Their fresh, handmade pasta combined with rich and savory mentaiko sauce creates a smooth yet chewy texture, bursting with Fukuoka’s signature flavors in every bite. A must-try is their Creamy Marughetta Mentaiko Pasta, priced at ￥2,030, generously topped with an entire piece of mentaiko for the ultimate indulgence. The portion is satisfying, and the dish arrives at your table still warm, enhancing its rich flavors.
In addition to the pasta, they also serve freshly baked, crispy bread—perfect for soaking up the remaining mentaiko sauce for an extra taste of heaven!
The restaurant has a simple yet cozy atmosphere with counter seating, making it ideal for solo diners looking to enjoy a quiet meal or unwind with a drink. Whether you're here for an Instagram-worthy food shot or just to enjoy a relaxing meal, Marughetta will leave you with an unforgettable dining experience!
nikunoyamashou 
Source: Nikunoyamasho Website
Located in the bustling Tenjin district, Niku no Yamashou is a yakiniku restaurant with a surprise highlight—its luxurious Wagyu & Mentaiko Rice, priced at ￥2,089 for a regular portion, . This dish is a dream come true for meat and mentaiko lovers, featuring high-quality wagyu beef paired with rich, savory mentaiko.
The wagyu is tender and juicy, perfectly complementing the salty umami of the mentaiko, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The generous portion of wagyu and mentaiko covering the rice makes it a feast for both the eyes and taste buds—perfect for a stunning food photo!
Don’t miss their Wagyu Sushi, priced at ¥349 per piece, which melts in your mouth instantly. Since this restaurant is extremely popular, reservations are highly recommended to fully enjoy this mouthwatering wagyu and mentaiko feast!
Source: Hakata Bentendo Website
Located just a short walk from JR Hakata Station, Bentendo is a famous restaurant known for its high-quality motsunabe (beef offal hot pot), frequently recommended by celebrities.
Their signature Mentaiko Motsunabe uses top-grade domestic beef offal, which costs ¥2,300 for one person, delivering a rich and velvety taste that keeps diners coming back for more. The combination of juicy Fukuya mentaiko and fatty, tender offal creates a complex and indulgent flavor profile.
For the perfect ending, try their cheese risotto or egg-drop rice, which soaks up all the rich broth flavors—so delicious you won’t want to leave a single grain behind!
Aside from motsunabe, Bentendo also serves various Hakata specialties, including sashimi platters, Hakata-style dumplings, and mentaiko omelets. If you want to experience multiple classic Fukuoka flavors in one meal, this is the place to be!
Source: Hakata Bentendo Website
博多もつ鍋 やまや 博多店
Source:Yamaya Website
No discussion of Fukuoka’s mentaiko scene is complete without mentioning Yamaya! Located near Hakata Station, this restaurant is famous for offering all-you-can-eat mentaiko, spicy takana (Pickled Takana Mustard with Chili), and rice during lunch hours. Whether eaten with rice or on its own, the rich umami of their mentaiko is simply irresistible!
A must-try is their Aged Fried Chicken with Mentaiko Set, featuring crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside fried Chicken with mentaiko taste. Served with rice and miso soup, this satisfying meal delivers an unbeatable combination of flavors and textures.
Of course, the highlight is the mentaiko buffet, where every table is stocked with unlimited mentaiko and spicy takana for you to enjoy as much as you like. For mentaiko lovers, this place is nothing short of paradise—don’t miss it!
The restaurant will usually confirm your reservation within 7 working days. Once the reservation is confirmed, the system will automatically refund the deposit within 30 working days.
＊Note: If you are unable to attend to your reservation, please cancel in advance. No-shows cause inconvenience to the restaurants and other customers. Thank you for your cooperation. 