Popular izakaya in Matsuyama, Ehime you’ll want to visit now! 19 recommended spots

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About a 3-minute walk from Katsuyamacho Station, Iyoriya Amimoto Bettei in Matsuyama City's Ichibancho is a seafood izakaya run directly by a fisheries company.

It is popular for dishes made with high-quality fresh fish from Ehime. The modern interior also includes a Private room that can accommodate up to 10 people.

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They offer a wide range of a la carte dishes that pair perfectly with Japanese sake, and you can enjoy fresh seafood brought in daily from the fishing port.

A nice point is that they take the seafood out of the fish tank and cook it right after you order, so you can enjoy seafood with outstanding freshness.

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The specialty at this restaurant is mackerel dishes. You can enjoy them in a wide range of preparations, including sashimi, grilled dishes, and simmered dishes.

Among them, the recommended choice is the "saba sugata-zukuri (whole mackerel sashimi platter)," made with live mackerel. The mackerel, which was moving until just before preparation, has an outstanding bite and is said to have a flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

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About a 1-minute walk from Matsuyamashi Station, Taimeshi Maki Matsuyama Ten is an izakaya where you can enjoy tai-meshi (Sea Bream rice) and local sake, with a focus on Uwajima regional cuisine.

Inside, the restaurant has a calm space with a classic Japanese feel, complete with a large counter and zashiki (tatami seating). If you want to enjoy the live feel of the cooking, the counter seats are recommended.

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Uwajima specialties like tai-meshi (Sea Bream rice) and tai soba (Sea Bream noodles) are the signatures here, but they also offer a full lineup of local Uwajima dishes that pair perfectly with drinks.

The "Tezukuri Jako-ten" is made by grinding small fish such as hotaru-jako from the Uwakai Sea off Ehime into a paste and deep-frying it. People say it is packed with umami and has a moist, satisfying taste.

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After taking time to enjoy the a la carte dishes and drinks, many people seem to choose Sea Bream rice To finish.

They prepare fresh madai (red sea bream) with a nice springy texture, and the combo of slightly sweet dashi soy sauce and egg is said to be irresistible. It is popular served in a Gozen set style, so you can enjoy it along with several kinds of local dishes.

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Sumirobata Komiya Matsuyama is an izakaya where you can enjoy robatayaki (fireside grilling) cooked over charcoal and local Ehime cuisine, about a 3-minute walk from Okaido Station.

The stylish interior is part of its appeal, making it a great pick for anyone who cares about atmosphere. It also has fully private rooms with doors, so it is recommended when you want to relax with friends or family.

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For robatayaki (Japanese fireside grilling) and genshi-yaki (primitive style grilling), two traditional Japanese cooking methods, they use the finest binchotan (high-grade white charcoal).

Because the ingredients are grilled directly over charcoal, they strike an excellent balance of natural flavor and smoky aroma. The Ootoro Ma-iwashi (extra fatty sardine) is especially popular for its rich fat content.

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It is also said to have a wide selection of dishes that pair well with drinks, including grilled items, fried dishes, and shabu-shabu.

Along with local Ehime-ken (Ehime Prefecture) Japanese sake and standard beers, they also offer a good lineup of original sours made with Ehime citrus fruits. A la carte options are available, of course, and they also offer All you can drink plans.

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Warayaki Katsuo Tataki Myojinmaru Matsuyama Nibancho Ten is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy the local cuisine of Tosa in Kochi Prefecture and local sake, and it is also well liked by locals.

In addition to counter seats where you can watch the warayaki (straw-fire grilling) cooking process, they also offer table seating and fully private rooms, among other seating options.

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They offer a lineup of boldly grilled wara-yaki (straw-fired) dishes, and the specialty is katsuo no tataki (seared bonito).

Since they start grilling it over straw only after your order comes in, you can enjoy the fresh-off-the-grill toasty aroma. The cuts of bonito are thick and satisfyingly hearty, and people say the simple seasoning with salt lets you enjoy it in a refreshing way.

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Along with straw-fire grilling, they also offer a full range of local Kochi Prefecture dishes, including brand Kuroge Wagyu "Shimanto Gyu (Shimanto beef)" and the local specialty chicken "Tosa Jiro," so you can enjoy ingredients that represent Kochi.

The photo shows "utsubo (moray eel) no Kara-age." It is packed with collagen and goes great with local Kochi sake.

Isshinmaru is an izakaya located in Okaido Shotengai (Okaido shopping street) in Matsuyama, where you can enjoy a wide range of Ehime local dishes.

The interior is spacious, and the bright atmosphere is said to feel comfortable. It also has Private rooms with Sunken kotatsu seating for 2 to 10 people, so you can relax without worrying about the people around you.

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The menu is full of dishes made with ingredients from Ehime Prefecture, including "kanpachi (greater amberjack) straw-seared" and grilled Iyo gyu (Iyo beef). They make a great match for drinks.

The seafood shipped directly from fishing grounds in the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) is something you will want to try when you visit. The sashimi is said to be fresh and delicious across the board.

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The courses with all you can drink are also recommended, letting you enjoy Ehime's local cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.

The photo shows “Himekko jidori (Ehime local chicken) Sumibiyaki (charcoal grilled),” which you can enjoy either A la carte or as part of a course. It uses Ehime’s brand local chicken, and the springy texture of the meat is said to be irresistible.

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About a 2-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station, Iyo Tanuki is a local izakaya rooted in the community with 48 years of history. Ehime’s local dishes and local sake are popular, and many people seem to stop by casually after visiting the hot springs.

The restaurant is said to have counter seating that is easy to use even for solo diners, as well as Sunken kotatsu seating table seats where you can relax and spend time comfortably.

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They offer a wide range of Ehime-style drinks, including "Iyokan Highball" and "Eiko Mikan no Sake" made with unshu mikan (Satsuma mandarin).

"Dogo Iyokan Blanche," made with Ehime-grown wheat and barley as well as iyokan (a Japanese citrus fruit) peel, is said to be a white beer with a pleasant, refreshing citrus aroma.

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What you will want to enjoy with the drinks from Ehime is the restaurant’s a la carte dishes, made with plenty of local ingredients.

The lineup is packed with ultra-fresh Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) seafood and rare delicacies that pair well with alcohol. The visually striking “Kame no Te” is said to be a popular local shellfish dish.

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About a 5-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station, Taisho is an izakaya popular for seafood and local dishes centered on madai (Sea Bream), delivered directly from the Setouchi Shimanami fishing grounds.

The interior, made with natural wood, is said to have a relaxed atmosphere where you can take your time and enjoy a drink.

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Seafood sourced from the Shimanami Gyoba (Shimanami fishing grounds), an area rich in natural bounty. Many say it is fresh and thick cut, with great flavor that pairs well with drinks.

The raw oysters, taken straight from the tank before serving, are said to be plump and satisfyingly meaty.

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Madadai (Sea Bream), one of Ehime's signature ingredients, is known for its firm flesh, a characteristic of the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) region.

What makes it appealing is that you can enjoy it not only as sashimi but also in many styles such as wara-yaki (straw searing) and carpaccio. The thinly sliced madadai is served with plenty of yakumi (condiments) and house-made ponzu sauce.

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Yakitori Kuro Tengu is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy high quality yakitori made with jidori (local brand chicken) along with a wide lineup of drinks.

The dimly lit interior is said to have a great atmosphere. The restaurant is fully equipped with various types of seating, including counter seats and Sunken kotatsu seating, and there are also Private rooms.

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They take great care with freshness control for their yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and when you take a bite, the rich flavor of fresh chicken spreads across your mouth.

Among them, the original skewer tsukune (chicken meatball) is especially popular for its soft texture and delicious, fluffy finish. If you are not sure which skewers to choose, the assortment menu is a good pick.

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The "chicken Kara-age" is said to have a rich dashi flavor that pairs well with alcohol, and it is a carefully made dish prepared without chemical seasonings.

It is made with high quality ingredients, and is said to offer a juicy yet delicate taste.

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Kushiyu is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 4-minute walk from Okaido Station, and it is popular for its kushiage (deep-fried skewers). It seems to be popular with regulars and families as well.

In addition to counter seats where you can comfortably dine alone, it also has raised tatami seating and a zashiki Private room that can accommodate up to 20 people.

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From classic skewers to unique original creations, the restaurant offers a wide range of kushiage (deep-fried skewers) that the owner developed through repeated trial and study.

They pay close attention not only to the ingredients but also to the batter, using high quality fresh breadcrumbs and yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam). You can enjoy them with five kinds of seasoning, including the house secret homemade sauce.

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In addition to kushiage (deep-fried skewers), the restaurant also offers a full menu centered on seafood and meat dishes. Many people seem to enjoy them with the wide selection of shochu (Japanese distilled spirit).

The photo shows the “Today’s sashimi assortment.” The selection changes daily, and one of the highlights is getting to taste recommended fish that arrived On-the-Day.

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Kaisen Kamayaki Hanabi is an izakaya in Matsuyama City's Nibancho, about a 5-minute walk from Okaido Station, and is well known for its seafood dishes made with local fish delivered fresh from the market every morning.

The interior is stylish and calm. Private room use is available even for small groups, making it perfect when you want to focus on conversation and dining with your companions without worrying about the people around you.

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They offer a wide range of dishes made with fresh seafood, and the ozukuri (sashimi assortment) served on a flashy funamori (boat-shaped platter) is especially popular.

They also have a full lineup of courses with All you can drink, so you can fully enjoy the drinks along with the tasty food.

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A great way to finish your meal or drinks is their kamameshi (iron pot rice), made with a carefully prepared seafood broth and known for being packed with umami.

One of its big draws is the wide variety, with about 20 kinds in total. You can enjoy Ehime specialties that match the season, such as snow crab, Sea Bream, and wara-yaki katsuo (straw-seared bonito).

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Located in Homen Nishi, Matsuyama, Sumiyaki Toriko is an izakaya popular for sumibiyaki (charcoal grilling) and chicken dishes. It is said to have a warm atmosphere and be a place loved by locals.

It also has Semi-private room seating with Sunken kotatsu seating, as well as open seats facing large windows.

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All the chicken dishes use chicken from Ehime and Miyazaki, with the production region chosen depending on the dish.

The chicken is grilled over charcoal until fragrant before serving, and is said to have a plump, springy texture and great flavor. Some say it is so tasty that the drinks go down easy too.

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One dish you will definitely want to order when you visit is the "Gokuatsu Beef Tongue (extra-thick Beef Tongue)." Reviews say it is nice that you can order it from just 1 piece.

This dish uses meat sourced directly from a Beef Tongue specialty shop, then slowly grilled over charcoal before serving. Its appeal is the thick cut, measuring about 1cm.

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Sumi no Ya Tosaka is an izakaya where you can enjoy a wide variety of kushiyaki (grilled skewers) along with an extensive alcohol menu.

It is about a 1-minute walk from the entrance to Ropeway-gai in Okaido, Matsuyama, and it attracts not only locals but also many visitors from outside the prefecture. There is a wide range of seating options, including counter seats and Private room seating.

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You can enjoy yakitori made with Hamachidori (Ehime branded chicken), carefully grilled over binchotan (high-grade white charcoal).

A la carte orders are also available, but the "kushi assortment" with a selection of recommended skewers for the day is also worth trying. People say the outside of the meat is nice and fragrant, while the inside stays plump and satisfying.

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For those who want to enjoy healthy skewered dishes, the roughly 18 kinds of yasai-maki kushi (vegetable wrapped skewers) made with fresh vegetables wrapped in bacon are a perfect fit.

The skewers made with asparagus and tomato are said to look bright and colorful too. They also offer unusual options such as “Mozzarella Yasai-maki” and “Nira Cheese Maki.”

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Yakitori Kushiyama, conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Katsuyamacho Station, is an izakaya where you can enjoy the owner's carefully crafted yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) as the main attraction, along with Special Japanese sake and wines recommended by the sommelier.

The food is great, of course, and the stylish interior is also said to be a big draw for anyone who cares about atmosphere.

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The yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) are said to be carefully skewered one by one, with flavors that pair well with drinks. The recommended choices are said to be seseri (chicken neck), tsukune (chicken meatball), and negima (chicken and scallion skewer).

The house specialty, seseri, is said to be a juicy skewer full of meat juices, and its hearty size is hard to resist.

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The original skewer "tsukune (chicken meatball skewer)," created by the owner through repeated trial and error, is one item you should definitely try when you visit.

It is said to have a perfect grill, nicely browned on the outside and soft and fluffy inside, letting you fully enjoy the natural flavor of the meat.

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Itaro is a seafood izakaya (Japanese-style pub) about a 4-minute walk from Katsuyamacho Station in Matsuyama, and it has a reputation for being easy to use for all kinds of occasions.

The interior has a warm, relaxed feel that makes even first time visitors comfortable. It also has Private rooms that can accommodate a wide range of group sizes, from 2 to 30 people.

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They offer a full lineup of fresh seafood dishes that make the most of the ingredients, and people say everything on the menu tastes great.

You can fully enjoy Matsuyama’s local food, and they also have a wide selection of drinks including Ehime shochu, Japanese sake, and sours.

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In the cold season, they offer seasonal limited-time torafugu (tiger pufferfish) dishes. They also have course meals centered on torafugu.

Often called the king of fugu (pufferfish), torafugu is said to be irresistible for its springy texture and rich flavor. The "torafugu sashimi" is also appealing for its beautiful presentation.

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Yakitori Ikkyu is an izakaya where you can enjoy carefully made yakitori grilled chicken made with fresh jidori (free-range chicken), along with Special sake.

The interior is lit with tasteful indirect lighting, creating a calm and relaxed space. It also has Private rooms that can accommodate up to 12 people.

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They use Himikko jidori (local jidori chicken), sourced directly from the farm, for the morning-slaughtered chicken selected by the owner.

The fresh chicken is said to have a concentrated, savory flavor that you only get from very fresh meat. Along with standard picks like negima (chicken and scallion skewer) and tebasaki (chicken wings), they also offer rare cuts.

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The course menus, which bring together recommended dishes including Special skewers, are also popular.

There is also a deluxe course with All you can drink, where you can enjoy Special Japanese sake from the local Ehime Prefecture and production regions around Japan. They also say you can choose from about 20 types of Japanese sake that pair perfectly with yakitori.

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Shuzen an in Matsuyama-shi Hokomachi is well liked as a chic, hideaway-style izakaya (Japanese pub) that feels like a hidden gem, perfect for adult gatherings.

It is great not only for stopping by casually on your own, but also for groups to relax and enjoy drinks and food.

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The menu features one of a kind creative dishes you can only enjoy here.

The restaurant is known for its wide range of dishes that fully bring out the appeal of the ingredients, and every item is said to be delicious with an extra touch of care. Some say the food makes the drinks go down a little too easily.

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The menu focuses mainly on Japanese dishes, but many people seem to enjoy pairing them not only with Japanese sake but also with wine.

They offer a wide selection of natural wines, and you can enjoy labels carefully chosen by the owner.

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Motsu Kushi Sakana Tsubaki is an izakaya where you can enjoy motsu (offal) dishes and other small plates that pair well with drinks. It has a calm interior and is well regarded as a place to fully enjoy good food.

With both counter and table seating, it looks like a great choice for all kinds of occasions, whether dining alone or in a group.

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They offer a kushiyaki menu with a variety of skewers made from fresh motsu (offal), which you can enjoy with carefully selected Japanese sake or shochu.

Choices include the rare jotan (premium tongue base) and kashira (pork cheek), which is tender and juicy, and each one lets you enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredient.

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While you wait for the motsu skewers to finish grilling, they also offer a full lineup of quick dishes you can casually order with a drink.

The photo shows the “bara-saki nankotsu nikomi (stewed rib cartilage).” The cartilage is simmered until the bones dissolve completely, making this a collagen-rich dish with melt-in-your-mouth green onions and black pepper.

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Sanchoku Kaisen Izakaya Kingyo is a Teppan-yaki izakaya known for being easy to use for all kinds of occasions, and it is just a short walk from Okaido Station, so access is convenient.

It has fully private rooms for every seat, and the interior is appealing with its luxurious open atrium space. It can accommodate gatherings of up to 60 people.

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You can enjoy a wide range of Teppan-yaki dishes, including Matsuyama's local specialty Mitsuhama-yaki (Matsuyama-style savory pancake), as well as okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) and chijimi (Korean-style pancake).

The Teppan-yaki steaks, made with various cuts of beef, come in several kinds, including Beef Tongue with green onion salt and Kuroge wagyu (Japanese Black beef) diced steak.

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They offer not only a Teppan-yaki menu, but also a wide range of fried dishes and seasonal à la carte items.

They also serve fresh seasonal seafood caught that morning and delivered directly from the market every day, making it perfect to enjoy with their wide selection of Japanese sake and shochu. The ozukuri (sashimi platter) is also recommended for a simple way to enjoy the fish.

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Keiji is a Private room izakaya where you can enjoy many local products from Ehime. The Private rooms can accommodate anywhere from 2 people to large groups, so no matter who you visit with, you can relax and take your time.

The interior has a space that lets you feel the charm of good old Japan, making it feel as if you have slipped back in time.

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Aiming to support the local community through local production for local consumption, they offer a lineup of carefully prepared dishes made with local fresh seafood and jidori (local chicken).

Their straw-grilled dishes, made with pesticide-free wara (straw) sourced from Iyo City in Ehime Prefecture, are also popular. You can enjoy a wide variety of seafood, including katsuo (bonito) and hamachi (young yellowtail).

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You can choose from more than 30 kinds of Japanese sake that pair perfectly with the seafood dishes. In addition to options from Ehime Prefecture, they also offer premium Japanese sake from outside the prefecture.

Some of the drinks have a refreshing citrus note that makes them easy to enjoy, so you’re likely to find a glass that suits your taste.