When you're strolling through Kanazawa's famous Ohmicho Market, eyeing the long-legged crabs and shiny fish hooked that morning from the Sea of Japan, you will no doubt want a taste of Kanazawa's famously fresh seafood. The catch of the day is absolutely affordable at this casual canteen, and the menu is long and varied.

There's kaisen-don, sashimi, and fish cooked every which way. There are steaming bowls of udon and even jibuni, Kanazawa's signature duck stew. The "mother and child" donburi features a fan of very tender salmon sashimi and a healthy scoop of salmon roe.

Try the shiroebi kakiage, a big crunchy clump of tiny white shrimp battered, fried and served with a wedge of lemon. Tack on an additional Y400 to round out your meal with a bowl of clam miso soup, rice, pickles and two small side dishes. English menus are available.

by Rachel Krampfner