There are many restaurants to choose from and explore, so it is difficult to list them all. But here are our recommendations!

                                                                         

Cafes

Ocotanpeko Coffee Shop　(オコタンペコ) (map)
The biggest perk about this place are the lovely owners. Sit at the counter if you’d like to chat! They have great Chicken Nanban, and a long list of pastas and other typical café dishes.
Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00
TEL: +81 984-23-5945

KoroKoro Cafe (コロコロ）(map)
This family run café is furnished with natural wooden furniture (made by the owner), that, combined with the soft jazz usually on in the background, makes it incredibly cozy. They make a great オムライス(Omurice) and have a long list of coffee drinks including Espresso from Illy coffee for those who like it strong, and a nice foamy Honey Latte for those who like it sweet.
Hours: 11:30-21:00 (Closed Tuesdays)
Website
TEL:+81 984-22-7380

Family Restaurants

Joyfull 
These Japanese favorite family restaurants have two franchises in Kobayashi. The first is in Tsutsumi, open 24 hours at the intersection of route 221 and 268, while the other is in Nishimachi, open from 8:00 to 13:00, on 221 heading toward Ebino on the right.

Taimu (タイムレストラン) (map) 
Another family restaurant (next to Nafco). Taimu has an Internet link for you to sit and work. They have all sorts of food from ramen to yakiniku. 
Hours: 9:00-15:30, 17:00-21:30. Closed on Mondays 
Website 
TEL:  984-22-8754

Western Food

Macaroni   (map) 
This restaurant offers many western inspired dishes. If you ever wanted to taste western-style food from a Japanese perspective, this is the perfect place to try it!
Hours: 11:30-14:00, 18:00-22:00

Pasta Pasta (map)
Good pasta here, too, and what would you expect with a name like that. It’s on the left heading toward Miyazaki on 268 next to Uniqlo.
Hours: 11:00-14:00, 18:00-20:30. Closed on Thursdays

Izakaya

Megumiya (map)
An Izakaya where the prices are pretty cheap but the portions are a little small. A good place to eat with groups as it’s ideal to order many dishes and share. 

Shorai (わがや食堂 笑来) (map)
A very lively Izakaya with awesome food and very nice people!
Hours: 17:30-00:00. Closed on Sundays
TEL:+81 984-22-8472

Japanese Food

Sanmarukotei (さんまるこ亭) (map)
A small tonkatsu restaurant on route 221 heading toward Takaharu. All you can eat rice, miso soup, and pickles with your meal. They feature a variety of katsu dishes and set meals. Their pickles and salad dressing alone are reason enough for a visit.
Hours: 11:00-14:30, 17:00-20:00. Closed on Wednesday
Website
TEL: 0984-22-3005

Madoka / Haikaratei / Famiriya (map)
This place is actually one restaurant with three names. Go figure. It has Yakiniku and traditional Japanese meals. It’s next to Toyota Netz on the right when heading toward Takaharu on 221.

Hotto Motto
A Japanese takeaway store that is relatively cheap. There are two, both are on route 221. One in Tsutsumi (map) and the other near Nakamachi (map) on the right hand side heading towards Ebino about one kilometer from the Tsutsumi Joyfull.

Yuki (れすとらんゆうき) (map)
Enjoy good food that’s not too expensive and a beautiful view of the city and Kirishima Mountains.
TEL: 984-24-0131

Hamasushi (map) 
A classic Japanese fast-food restaurant, Hamasushi is a perfect place to sit down and get some sushi for cheap! Similar to Sushiro and Kurazushi, Hamasushi is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.

Sunny Side (map)
Located in downtown Kobayashi, right by the station, this American themed restaurant is sure to serve up some delicious burgers, tacos, pizza, and more. They serve various beer from around the world and it’s the only place in Kobayashi where I have seen a marg on the menu.         

Yamasen (map)
This Yakiniku restaurant is located in Tsutsumi. They have decent priced Yakiniku, as well as the more expensive Miyazaki beef, and they serve regular 定食 (teishoku) meals. With the variety you are sure to find something for everyone!