Bodai

Bodai is an izakaya near Kii-Katsuura Station that uses the town’s tuna as a starting point for both familiar and inventive dishes. The regional tourism association highlights raw-tuna sashimi and the house’s medium-fat tuna cutlet: the fish is breaded and fried, leaving a tender centre beneath a crisp exterior. The menu also draws on seasonal ingredients and vegetables bought directly from local growers, giving the restaurant a wider Kumano identity than a single signature plate.

Its central location makes Bodai practical after arriving by train or returning from the port. The official tourism listing describes it as a 15-second walk from the station and gives the address as 5-1-3 Tsukiji. Lunch is listed as 11 am–2 pm, last order 1:30 pm; dinner is 5 pm–10:30 pm, last order 10 pm. Tuesday is the weekly closing day, and three parking spaces are listed for evening use only. Check the current shop page before building dinner plans around the restaurant, as seasonal and one-off changes can affect service.

Public diners often single out the contrast between raw sashimi and the fried chu-toro cutlet, as well as the range of tuna set meals. Some praise the welcome and thoughtful use of local ingredients; others point out that a quality seafood meal can cost more than a quick bowl at the market, and that popular periods can be busy. Bodai offers a seated choice between raw, fried and seasonal preparations, unlike the market’s counter-by-counter browsing. Looking over the menu first can help when comparing portions and prices.

Bodai is at 5-1-3 Tsukiji, a few steps from Kii-Katsuura Station and within walking distance of the port and Nigiwai Market. The local tourism association lists its telephone number, service hours, tuna dishes and limited evening parking, and links to the restaurant’s own site. For lunch, arrive before the 1:30 pm last order; for dinner, consider ordering the cutlet alongside sashimi and confirm the restaurant’s schedule for your date. Choose Nigiwai for a market atmosphere and Bodai for a slower seated meal with more varied preparations.