Wondering what to eat in Setouchi during your Japan trip?
From fresh seafood to regionally inspired dishes, the Seto Inland Sea offers some of the best local food experiences in Japan.  Thanks to its warm climate and rich coastal waters, the Setouchi region has emerged as  a must-visit destination for food lovers—drawing chefs who transform local ingredients into unforgettable meals.  Here are four standout restaurants where you can experience the unique flavors of this peaceful, island-dotted region.

 

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fenua (Ōshima, Ehime)

 

 

Located on Ōshima, an island in Ehime Prefecture—famous for its mandarin oranges—fenua is a French restaurant that showcases the natural flavors of the Seto Inland Sea.  After running a beloved restaurant in Tokyo for 26 years, Chef Morishigereturned to his roots to open this new spot, centered around the idea of cuisine régionale–regional cooking that highlights local flavors. Ingredients arrive directly from local producers, and on some days, fishermen even pull their boats up to the beach in front of the restaurant to make deliveries.
The chef grows his own herbs and makes salt by boiling down seawater, preparing every dish with care and using only locally sourced ingredients.

 

All seating is in private rooms, each offering serene views of the sea and sky. It’s a calm, elegant space for a special meal.

 

 

fenua

📍 3338 Tomoura, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime
🌐 Website | Reservations
📅 Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays

 

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Akakichi (Hakata Island, Ehime)

 

 

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood on Hakata Island, Akakichi isa six-seat sushi restaurant that has captured the attention of food lovers from around the world.  Here, diners experience what’s often described as “life-changing sushi.” Chef Akase works closely with a skilled fisherman, Fujimoto, who handles seafood with such care that it’s in demand nationwide. The menu changes daily, depending on what the sea provides.  “The fish in Setouchi is the best in Japan,” says the chef. “I’ve spent time and money comparing, so I can say that with confidence.”

 

AKAKICHI

📍 1203-8 Kitaura-ko, Hakata-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime
🌐 Reservations
📅 Closed: Tuesdays

 

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AKAI (Miyajimaguchi, Hiroshima)

 

 

Inside a renovated 80-year-old Japanese house, Chef Akai creates cuisine that defies categorization. His cooking isn’t French or Japanese—it’s entirely his own. 
He builds each dish around the best seasonal ingredients available locally, always asking how to bring out their true essence. “It’s about how simply and honestly we can express the ingredient’s natural qualities,” he says.  He sources everything with care from nearby producers, and each dish thoughtfully reflects the region’s flavors.

 

 

AKAI

📍 4-3-41 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima
🌐 Reservations

🕒 Two seatings: 12:00 & 19:00 (starts promptly)

 

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AUBERGE de OISHI (Takamatsu, Kagawa)

 

 

A local favorite in Takamatsu, AUBERGE de OISHI has served refined French cuisine for over 27 years.  “Our goal is to bring out the character of local ingredients,” says Chef Oishi. He focuses on creating honest, heartfelt dishes that have earned lasting support of the local community.  Expect seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, wild game from nearby mountains, and organic vegetables and fruit grown in his own garden.  Since 2005, the restaurant has also offered accommodations, making it a popular hideaway for travelers seeking both great food and a relaxing stay.

 

AUBERGE de OISHI

📍 65 Yashima-nishimachi, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa
🌐 Website
📅 Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays

 

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If you’re wondering where to eat in Setouchi, these local gems are a delicious place to start. Discover the heart of Setouchi through every bite and experience the region’s rich culinary heritage.

 

 

pc: Hiroshi Abe, Hoshito Omija, Masatomo Moriyama（Kateigaho July 2025 issue）