Kamaishi is known for its extremely fresh seafood, which can be bought from local merchants or enjoyed at the many restaurants in town.
In the center of town and along Route 283 there are many restaurants to choose from. Of course, there are a good number of traditional and expensive Japanese food restaurants. For those looking for something different, there is Hiroshima-ya, a well-known locally owned ramen shop located one block from Bay City Hotel and Sun Route Hotel. The owner is good-natured and very friendly with his guests, often offering a free beer or two or tastes of new recipes he is developing. The must-try on the menu is tomato ramen. Many Japanese find the idea of tomato ramen to be very strange and may be reluctant to try it, but most find that it is an interesting twist on traditional ramen.
Another restaurant to keep on your list is Poto Mae No, located adjacent to the NHK building on the northwestern shore of Kamaishi Bay. It offers mainly western-style food pastas, rice omelets, hamburger steaks, but what sets this restaurant apart is its dishes are made exclusively with organic food products. An extremely friendly staff compliments the light and modern atmosphere of the restaurant.
Other restaurants in town offer curries, okonomiyaki, korean-style grilling, and most other kinds of east asian cuisines.
Additionally, Kamaishi has many izakayas to choose from. Yoronotaki and Tsubohachi, both located within eyesight of Bay City and Sun Route Hotels, are chain izakayas with locations all over Japan and are very popular for work parties. As with all izakayas, the menu is limited to fried foods, unremarkable seafood, and limited-time-only dishes, as well as a drink menu centered on beer, chu-hi, sour mixed drinks, sake both local and national brands, and a limited selection of wine. Two locally owned izakayas worth visiting are Wakou and Inaka Pe, both located in Nakazuma neighborhood.
For international flavors, the restaurant located on the first floor of Sun Route Hotel offers a menu with European influences, as well as an extensive by Japanese standards list of French wines.
