Yahataya offers a full Japanese dining experience regardless of dietary restriction, including vegetarian and Muslim-friendly meals. Since its opening in 1913, Yahataya’s policy has always been to provide its clients with traditional yet customizable meals for all seasons and tastes. Unfortunately, the earthquake and tsunami of 2011 did not spare Yahataya, and their building was completely destroyed. The restaurant was reconstructed the following year and continues its hundred-year tradition to this day.

The walk from Ishinomaki Station to Yahataya is short and pleasant, along one of the city’s nostalgic shopping streets. We were immediately struck by the restaurant’s charming shrine-like entrance and stepping-stone approach. The interior is Japanese style, simple and elegant, with a traditional tatami mat room on the first floor and a space for groups upstairs.

The place is best known for its unagi (eel) dishes. Their signature halal item is the Hitakami bento, which uses select local ingredients from the city, including fresh oysters from the nearby bay, locally harvested parsley, whelks, fish and maitake mushrooms. It also comes with the restaurant’s popular crab dumpling. You can discuss other halal and vegetarian options when you call to make a reservation.