Kamakura Food Guide: 10 Best Restaurants, Cafes & Souvenirs on Komachi-dori
Tokyo Mate
Kamakura Station and Komachi-dori are home to some seriously good food — from legendary curry joints to retro cafes and sell-out souvenirs. All spots rated 3.5+ on Tabelog, organized by walking distance from the station. 🚶♂️
Hi there! I'm Tokyo Mate, bringing you detailed local travel info from Japan.
In a previous post, I introduced ocean-view restaurants along the Enoden line. This time, I've rounded up the must-visit restaurants, cafes, and food spots around Kamakura Station (鎌倉) and the shopping street Komachi-dori.
I've handpicked only places rated 3.5 or above on Tabelog (top ~3%) — Japan's most trusted restaurant review site — that are also tried and tested by international visitors. Walking distances from the station are included so you can plan your itinerary! 🚶♂️
PART 1. Hearty Lunch! Kamakura’s Top 4 Local Restaurants 🍛
All within a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station — there's a reason locals line up at these spots. Here are 4 strong picks for lunch.
1. The Legendary Curry Queue: Caraway (キャラウェイ)
[Tabelog 3.62 / Amazing Value]
Kamakura's soul food since 1977. The deep, rich beef curry is outstanding.
- Must-try: Beef Curry (¥760)
- Heads up: The rice portions are enormous. Even ordering "Rice Small" gets you about two regular bowls of rice!
- Location: 5-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit (Komachi-dori side street)
2. Kamakura in a Bowl: Akimoto (秋本)
[Tabelog 3.55 / Shirasu Don & Tempura]
You can't visit Kamakura without trying shirasu don — the local specialty!
- Must-try: Kamakura-zukushi (鎌倉づくし) — the signature set with shirasu don and crispy tempura.
- Tip: If you want a refined, upscale dining experience with proper shirasu, choose Akimoto over Tobiccho.
- Location: 1-min walk from Kamakura Station West Exit (right in front of the station)
🤔 What is Shirasu Don (Whitebait Rice Bowl)?
Shirasu are tiny baby anchovies caught in the waters off Kamakura (Shonan area). They're piled generously on top of rice for this beloved local dish. You can enjoy both raw (nama) shirasu — silky and fresh — and boiled shirasu — soft and delicate.
🤔 How is it different from the famous "Tobiccho"?
- Tobiccho (Enoshima): Known for its over-the-top portions that practically spill over the bowl. Lively, casual atmosphere.
- Akimoto (Kamakura Station): Refined Japanese-style set meals. The Kamakura vegetable tempura served alongside the shirasu don is exceptional.
3. Juicy Tamagoyaki Explosion: Ozawa (おざわ)
[Tabelog 3.49 / True Local Favorite]
Lining up just for tamagoyaki (rolled omelette)? Sounds crazy — until you take one bite and understand why.
- Must-try: Tamagoyaki Gozen (Rolled Omelette Set) — soaked in rich dashi broth, these fluffy, pillowy eggs practically ooze with flavor when you pick them up with chopsticks.
- Tip: They close early when ingredients run out. Strongly recommend getting there at opening (11:30).
- Location: 4-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit (inside a Komachi-dori side street)
4. A Warm Start to the Day: Asagohan (朝ごはん)
[Tabelog 3.51 / Best Breakfast Spot]
The name literally means "breakfast" — and this place is a pilgrimage site for travelers who want a hearty start to their Kamakura day.
- Must-try: The "Ultimate Egg Rice Set" — freshly cooked rice served with dried anchovies and miso soup.
- Tip: Opens at 6:30 AM. Skip the hotel breakfast and experience a truly local morning meal.
- Location: 3-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit
PART 2. Recharge Your Senses! Cafes & Desserts ☕️
When your feet need a break, these cafes offer the perfect combo of sweet treats and retro vibes.
5. John Lennon’s Favorite: Iwata Coffee (イワタコーヒー)
[Tabelog 3.69 / Established 1948]
The legendary tea house where John Lennon and Yoko Ono used to date. The classic atmosphere is irresistible.
- Must-try: Hot cake (over 3cm thick, old-school style)
- Heads up: The hot cake takes 20–30 minutes to prepare.
- Location: 1-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit (entrance of Komachi-dori)
6. Ping-Pong-Ball-Sized Mochi: Sabo Kirara (茶房 雲母)
[Tabelog 3.71 / Top-Tier Dessert]
"I go to Kamakura just for this" — that's how famous this anmitsu (Japanese dessert) shop is.
- Specialty: The shiratama (rice flour dumplings) are boiled to order and come out the size of ping-pong balls. Warm, chewy, and absolutely heavenly.
- Location: 10-min walk from Kamakura Station West Exit
7. Taisho-Era Retro Vibes: Milk Hall
[Tabelog 3.49 / #1 for Retro Atmosphere]
Duck into a narrow alley off Komachi-dori and you'll find this antique cafe, holding its ground since 1976. Jazz music fills the cozy, timeless space.
- Must-try: Handmade custard pudding (firm, rich, classic style)
- Location: 4-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit (inside a Komachi-dori alley)
PART 3. Perfect Gifts! Street Food & Souvenirs 🎁
Walking down Komachi-dori, these are the spots you simply can't pass by.
8. Sells Out Every Day! Kamakura Beniya (BENIYA)
[Tabelog 3.50 / Must-Buy Souvenir]
The hottest souvenir from Japan right now! Kurumicco — a walnut and caramel confection — sells out by afternoon, so grab yours in the morning.
- Must-buy: Kurumicco 5-piece/8-piece packs (perfect for gifts)
- Location: 7-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit (near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu)
9. Kamakura’s Icon: Toshimaya Main Store (豊島屋)
[Tabelog 3.50 / A Timeless Classic]
This is the flagship store of the famous dove-shaped cookie "Hato Sablé" in its iconic yellow tin. The main store carries exclusive dove-themed merchandise that's adorable.
- Location: 4-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit
10. Stretchy Cheese Pull! Giraffa Curry Bread
[Tabelog 3.58 / #1 Street Food]
Half the people walking down Komachi-dori are carrying that yellow wrapper — that's Giraffa! Freshly fried, crispy bread stuffed with cheesy curry.
- Location: 3-min walk from Kamakura Station East Exit
Kamakura Station and Komachi-dori are where history and gourmet come together. Even if you just pick [1 restaurant + 1 cafe + 1 souvenir] from this list, you'll have a fantastic trip.
Once you've filled up near Kamakura Station, it's time to hop on the Enoden for some ocean views! Check out the full Kamakura travel guide below for Enoden ocean-view restaurants and the Slam Dunk pilgrimage spot:
➡️ Tokyo Day Trip: Complete Kamakura Guide — Itinerary, Enoden Pass & Slam Dunk Pilgrimage
🧡 More Tokyo Day Trip Guides
➡️ Hakone Day Trip: Complete Guide with Hakone Free Pass & Romancecar
➡️ Yokohama One-Day Itinerary: Chinatown, Akarenga Warehouse & Night Views