Embark on a flavorful journey with Sendai Local Bites! Join a Sendaibased expat and local food experts as they explore hidden gems, delicious dishes, and new menu creations.
Discover the best culinary experiences Sendai has to offer!
When it comes to the questions foreigners in Japan are most frequently asked by locals, “What’s your favorite food in Japan?” is definitely near the top of the list. Ever since I moved to Miyagi, my answer has remained the same—oysters.
Miyagi is Japan’s second-largest oyster-producing region, right after Hiroshima. Thanks to its proximity to the production areas, Sendai enjoys the distinct advantage of being able to offer large, fresh oysters straight from the source at very reasonable prices throughout the city.
That said, oysters are highly sensitive to seasonal changes, and even in a city close to the production site like Sendai, not every restaurant can maintain consistent quality year-round. However, after visiting numerous oyster-focused establishments in the city, I can confidently say that Ostra de ole not only serves oysters all year long but also maintains reliably high quality no matter when you visit.
What makes Ostra de ole uniquely capable of supplying premium oysters year-round is that it is directly operated by an aquaculture company. Led by professional fishermen, the company is based in the Ogatsu area of Ishinomaki City, along the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. The deep waters of this region allow for a cultivation method that differs from typical raft-style farming—they use an offshore longline technique, which enables oysters to grow while suspended in the mid-layer of the sea. This keeps the oysters away from the bacteria-rich surface waters and makes them less vulnerable to weather events like typhoons, ensuring a steady supply year-round. The sea here is also clean and nutrient-rich, producing oysters that are large, plump, tender, and bursting with flavor.
To enjoy these dreamy oysters, you don’t need to make a long journey to the coast. Just head to Ostra de ole, located at the entrance of Kokubuncho in Sendai, and indulge in the rich taste of Oshika oysters! In addition to classic oysters, the restaurant also offers other options such as mussels, hoya (sea squirts), and oysters topped with a variety of ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to give them a try!
So, here’s to Ostra de ole’s oysters—kanpai!
