My second time to Takayama, Japan in the spring of 2023, and I am glad I managed to check out a couple of restaurants to satisfy my Hida beef cravings, as well as good third wave coffeeshops and teahouses which make an ideal spot to take a break in this charming, quaint city located in Gifu prefecture.

Suzuya Restaurant 
I had an enjoyable meal at Suzuya, a casual Japanese restaurant in Takayama which specialises in Hida Beef dishes! I had the Hida Steak cooked on Hoba leaf and also the Sukiyaki style, where quality of both dishes is very decent for its prices (2500-3500 yen on average). Service is English-friendly, and very sincere from the crew of what we suspect to be mainly septuagenarian and even octogenarian. Amazing energy which we really respect, as you can really tell they take much pride in what they do.  
Address: 24 Hanakawamachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0015, Japan 

Matsuki Sushi 
I am always up for a good bowl of beef donburi, even more so if it is Hida beef. Matsuki Sushi is a relatively casual restaurant in Takayama which specialises in an assortment of sushi, and of course it also offers Hida beef done in various ways. I had the sushi platter, Hida beef steak on a cast iron pan as well as Hida beef donburi. Food is reasonable quality at reasonable prices.  
Address: Japan, 〒506-0007 Gifu, Takayama, Sowamachi, 1 Chome−１−40 

Hidagyu Maruaki 
This is a popular restaurant in Takayama for a good yakiniku meal where it has its own Hida beef farm. No reservations are taken, and the tip is to visit the restaurant ahead of the peak lunch or dinner hour to avoid a long wait. There are private rooms and a communal dining space, and you get to choose from various quality Hida beef for your yakiniku. Sukiyaki option is also available. Overall, the Hida beef could come across as very fatty which might not suit your palate if you prefer leaner meats.  
Address: 6 Chome-8 Tenmanmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0025, Japan 

Sakaguchiya 
A popular and traditional looking restaurant along the historic district of Sanmachi Suji in Takayama, I had a meal at Sakaguchiya the moment I arrived in Takayama since this restaurant is located close to Hotel Wood Takayama where I was staying at. The menu is also quite extensive as you get your fill of Hida beef sushi, Hida beef donburi and Hida beef steak, which makes it quite an ideal spot to satisfy your Hida beef cravings all at one go. Prices are fairly reasonable too.  
Address: 90 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846, Japan 

Falo Coffee Roasters 
I stayed in Takayama for three days and I visited Falo Coffee Roasters thrice. I love the cosy, Scandinavian interior and minimalist vibes. There is a small communal table to enjoy your coffee, coupled with a few small tables. The barista is friendly and has coffee making experience in various cities around the world before opening this space just few years ago. This is definitely one coffee spot you must check out if you are in Takayama, where the filter coffee is delicious.  
Address: Japan, 〒506-0844 Gifu, Takayama, Kamiichinomachi, 45番地2 

Tori Coffee 
Opened two years back in 2021, Tori Coffee is another rare third wave coffee shop in Takayama where I enjoyed my filter coffee. The space is minimalist and beautiful, where you get to solve a Sudoku puzzle while waiting for your coffee. Service is polite and you get a souvenir if you manage to solve the puzzle, quite an ingenious way to keep your guests entertained while they wait for the coffee or food. 
Address: Japan, 〒506-0851 Gifu, Takayama, Oshinmachi, 1 Chome−35 ３５番地 

Le Pain Mujo 
Opened three years ago back in 2020, this popular modern bakery is just about five minutes’ walk from Miyagawa Morning Market. Le Pain Mujo is a small cosy bakery which serves freshly baked sourdough breads and pastries such as Kouign-amann and canelé.
Address: Japan, 〒506-0851 Gifu, Takayama, Oshinmachi, 2 Chome−22−22 

Fukyuan 
I love Warabi Mochi, and this is a good one I had in Takayama from Fukyuan, a traditional teahouse which is easy to miss as it is tucked away on a small street. The mochi is just so soft, perfect with kinako (Japanese roasted soybean powder) and vanilla ice cream. That outdoor garden view here is lovely too! 
Address: 14 Shimoichinomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0843, Japan 

Miyagawa Morning Market   
This is technically not a restaurant, but I thought I would just list the most famous morning market in Takayama into the list as this is where you could get a flavour of the street snacks in this quaint city. I managed to try a random Takoyaki stall at Miyagawa Morning Market right beside the river where anything piping hot just tastes better in zero degrees. 
Address: Shimosannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0841, Japan

Ranted by The Ranter