To Top

What Food To Try in Yokohama and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Yokohama for 2024.

National currency: Yen, symbol — ¥ (international currency code JPY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Yokohama cafes and restaurants
$5.9 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.46
$41.5 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $27.65
$4.8 
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.49

What to Try in Yokohama

Must-try Dishes
Seafood Rice - シーフードライス (savory rice dish) - A mix of rice cooked with fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, and clams, seasoned with soy sauce. Locals often enjoy this comforting dish for lunch, especially at seaside restaurants where it’s made with a catch of the day.

Gyoza - 餃子 (pan-fried dumplings) - Juicy ground meat and vegetable-filled dumplings that are crispy on the bottom and soft on top. Commonly found at casual eateries, locals prefer to dip them in a blend of vinegar and soy sauce for an extra zing.

Beef Sukiyaki - すき焼き (hot pot dish) - Tender slices of beef simmered in a sweet soy sauce broth, often enjoyed with tofu and vegetables. This dish is popular for dinner gatherings, where friends and family cook and share straight at the table.

Chuka Soba - 中華そば (Chinese-style noodles) - Wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, typically garnished with sliced pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg. It’s a beloved Yokohama specialty that reflects the city’s rich history with Chinese immigrants, especially at ramen shops.

Fried Rice with Mantou - 炒飯と饅頭 (rice with buns) - A unique twist of fried rice paired with steamed buns. It’s not unusual to see locals ordering this during late-night hours, enjoying how the soft buns complement the savory rice.

Asari Soba - あさりそば (clam soba) - A seasonal dish with buckwheat noodles served in a light broth, topped with fresh clams. Best enjoyed during spring when clams are plentiful, local diners flock to specialty shops for this dish.

Shirasu Don - しらす丼 (whitebait rice bowl) - A bowl of rice topped with fresh, tiny anchovies, often served with a raw egg on top. It’s a must-try for breakfast, and locally, many prefer to eat it with a drizzle of soy sauce or ponzu for a refreshing kick.

Desserts & Drinks
Yokohama Beer - 横浜ビール (local craft beer) - A refreshing craft lager brewed with locally sourced hops and barley. It's often enjoyed during summer festivals or at local izakayas, where beer is an essential part of social gatherings. By the way, don’t be surprised if it comes in a chilled glass, making it extra refreshing on hot days.

Mizudashi Coffee - 水出しコーヒー (cold brew coffee) - This smooth cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for several hours. Locals savor it in tranquil coffee shops, especially in the afternoons when it’s a perfect pick-me-up for a lazy day. A common ordering mistake is asking for it hot, which might confuse the barista, as it's usually served cold.

Matcha Parfait - 抹茶パフェ (green tea parfait) - Layers of matcha ice cream, sweet red bean paste, and fluffy whipped cream create this indulgent treat. Perfect for summer, it's served in a tall glass that showcases the vibrant green layers, often enjoyed at specialty dessert cafés. Locals typically enjoy it during leisurely weekend afternoons, indulging in the beautiful presentation.

Kasutera - カステラ (sponge cake) - This light, fluffy sponge cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour is a nostalgic favorite. You can find it during local celebrations like children's day, often enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. The unique twist here is the honey flavor, making it a delightful sweet addition to any tea time.

Shirozake - しろざけ (white sake) - A sweet and low-alcohol sake made from fermenting rice, often enjoyed during festivals. Locals drink this creamy beverage in small cups, especially during New Year celebrations, where it brings a warm and festive spirit. Just note that it’s less common to find outside of special events, so seek it out during the holiday season for authentic flavors.

Food and Groceries in Yokohama

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.27
Bananas $2.07
Oranges $2.73
Potatoes $2.77
Apples $3
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.8
0.5L Local Beer $1.98
Imported Beer $2.68
Wine Rating >4.0 $6.91
Milk 1L $1.43

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $13.31
Chicken $5.56
Cigarettes $3.53
Rice $2.65
Local Cheese $11.32

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

There’s a rhythm to mealtime in Yokohama that’s immediately noticeable—especially during lunch hours when streets flood with office workers and students alike. Around noon, you can see long lines forming outside popular noodle shops and bento stalls, all eager to grab a quick meal. Because many businesses in this area operate on a tight schedule, it’s wise to head out by 11:30 AM or wait until around 1:30 PM to avoid the crowds.

In terms of prices, you can expect to pay anywhere from ¥600 to ¥1,200 for a hearty lunch. The same dish could set you back by ¥800 in the bustling Kannai area, but just ¥500 over at a local spot in Chinatown. Those tiny differences can really add up when you're living here or just visiting for an extended period.

Speaking of payment, cash is still king in many smaller eateries, although credit cards are becoming more accepted, particularly in the busier districts. It's always good to have some yen on hand for those izakayas or casual street food vendors where card transactions might trip you up. And as for tipping? You won’t find it customary here, so don’t worry about awkwardly leaving extra change—as your meal will often already include service charges.

A common misconception among tourists is that dinner at a sit-down restaurant usually starts at 6 PM. Locals often dine as early as 5 PM, especially families, so be mindful that popular places might fill up quickly if you don’t plan accordingly.

Now, one local dining custom that stands out is the tendency to slurp noodles, which is considered a compliment to the chef here. It’s deeply ingrained in the culture, and if you’re ever in a ramen shop, joining in could earn you a few approving nods from the locals.

If you’re aiming for a popular spot, reservations, particularly for dinner on weekends, are a must. Even casual-looking places can fill up fast during peak hours.

Reflecting on price trends, it's fascinating to see how districts like Minato Mirai are on the rise with prices creeping up—making them less friendly for everyday workers. In contrast, places like Naka Ward still offer reasonable spots, especially if you venture off the main streets.

Overall, you can enjoy many authentic experiences in Yokohama's vibrant food scene, just be sure to manage your timing and payment methods wisely, and you’ll find it a delight.