While Morioka is world-famous for its “Three Great Noodles,” vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes can be found in this northern gem. From the 100% plant-based macrobiotic creations at Oyasai Shokudo Karakoma to the cozy, organic vibes of USAGI Botanica near the castle ruins, the city offers a surprising variety of meat-free gems. Whether you are looking for creamy house-made tofu at local shokudos, soul-warming vegetable curries, or dairy-free desserts made with local Iwate grains, Morioka’s culinary scene is embracing sustainable, plant-forward dining. This guide explores the best spots to find a delicious vegan meal in Morioka, ensuring you can fuel your Tohoku adventures without compromising on flavor or ethics.
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- Momodori Ekimae Shokudō (ももどり駅前食堂)
- Mont Ceri. Morioka
- Has gluten-free options
- Rokugatsu no Shika (六月の鹿)
- Dengku Chaya (田楽茶屋)
- Oyasai Shokudo Karakoma (おやさい食堂カラコマ )
- Other Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Morioka
Momodori Ekimae Shokudō (ももどり駅前食堂)
While Momodori Ekimae Shokudō is famous for its spicy chicken, it is also a hidden gem for fans of traditional, house-made tofu. The restaurant takes great pride in its hand-crafted tofu, known for its exceptionally rich, creamy texture and deep soybean flavor, a stark contrast to mass-produced varieties. Their tofu set meals and various tofu-based izakaya sides, allow the natural sweetness of local Iwate soybeans to shine.
For more information, refer to our article on Momodori Ekimae Shokudo!
Mont Ceri. Morioka
The first meal of the day is important. If you don’t want to rely on plain rice balls sold in convenience stores, visit Mont Ceri. Morioka. The bakery usually offers delicious breakfast sets on weekdays.
In addition, the bakery cafe is COYOTE Kyoto’s Morioka branch. The coffees there won’t disappoint!
For more information, refer to our Mont Ceri. Morioka article!
Rokugatsu no Shika (六月の鹿)
Near Mont Ceri. Morioka, Rokugatsu no Shika is another cafe close to Sakurayama Shrine (櫻山神社) that opens early to serve breakfast and satisfy your coffee cravings. In fact, we reckon that the coffee at Rokugatsu no Shika is better! After all, it is a coffee shop specializing in home-roasted flannel drip coffee. Even the flannel is handmade!
Refer to our Rokugatsu no Shika article for more information!
Dengku Chaya (田楽茶屋)
If you like tofu and other soy products, stop by Dengku Chaya when you visit Morioka. The tofu maker has a branch in Morioka’s city center, opposite the famous Sakurayama Shrine. It is a great spot to enjoy a healthy lunch after exploring Morioka’s landmark, Morioka-jō Castle Site Park. And the great news is that the restaurant can accommodate the vegan/vegetarian diet!
For more information, refer to our article on Dengaku Chaya!
Karakoma (おやさい食堂カラコマ )
Karakoma is a small but cozy vegan Japanese-style macrobiotic cafe. It is a spot where those with a large appetite can feel satisfied afterwards. Not only is the food delicious there, but it is also healthy! Allium-free options (no onion, garlic, leeks, chives, or asafoetida) are available too.
For more information, refer to our Karakoma article!
Other Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Morioka
- Nigirimeshi Ginka (握り飯 銀香)
- A rice ball restaurant close to Morioka-jō Castle Site Park with several vegan rice balls clearly marked on the menu.
- You can eat the rice balls in or take them away.
- Vegan-certified sake from the local brewer, Nanbu Bijin, is also sold there.
- The place has a great, welcoming vibe, and the staff are friendly.
- USAGI Botanica (ウサギボタニカ)
- A macrobiotic restaurant close to Morioka-jō Castle Site Park that offers a couple of vegan options, including lunch set, curry, and sandwich.
- For dinner, a vegan course meal is available. You can also choose from the lunch menu.
- The portion is generous, and the quality is great.
- Koku (穀)
- A popular bakery with vegan options.
- Be there early, as most bread may be sold out by lunchtime.
- If carrot cake with tofu cream cheese is on the shelf, try it!
- Homemade rustic bread is also good.
- VEGETARIAN CAFE LOONEY (ベジタリアン カフェ ルーニー)
- A vegan cafe that has two lunch options and a couple of acai and granola bowls. Snacks, fresh juices and smoothies are also available.
- The nuggets in the veggie-don are tasty, and the curry cooked using 16 spices is incredible.
- Many menu items are also gluten-free.
- If you are a dog lover, there is one at the cafe that you are welcome to play with.
- The cafe is close to Iwate-Iioka Station (岩手飯岡駅).
- Lala Club (花工房らら倶楽部)
- Lala Club is Tōhoku region’s biggest flower field/market. Its restaurant may have vegan lunch options.
- It is where you can try the local cuisine in Morioka’ Shizukuishi area.
- Many dishes on the menu are plant-based.
- On weekends and public holidays, lunch is served buffet-style.
- Please email them at [email protected] in advance to confirm before visiting.
Discover the Must-Visit Attractions in Morioka
When you hear of Morioka, wanko soba noodles, and Morioka cold noodles are probably the first two things that come to mind. But the city isn’t just about food. It also has many cultural attractions, hot springs, nature and more!
So, refer to our Morioka article for ideas about where to stop by when visiting Iwate Prefecture’s capital city!
