Midori Shokudo
A legendary 'mega-portion' local diner in Tsuruoka's residential neighborhood. In business for about 20 years and long-established as a community dining institution. Featured on the TV show 'Omouma Restaurant' in 2024 and went nationwide, but it already had a devoted local following long before that. The pork karaage ramen — 900 yen with two large pieces of crispy fried chicken overflowing the bowl — is the signature. Google Maps: 4.0, 960+ reviews. Consistently busy including weekdays.
Google Maps: 960+ reviews, 4.0 stars. Tabelog 3.44, 201 reviews. TripAdvisor #15 in Tsuruoka. Many long-term regulars post: 'I was a local regular before it was on TV,' 'This volume for this price is ridiculous,' 'My parents brought me here as a child.' Post-TV coverage, locals continue to visit regularly — confirmed on SNS.