Fans of Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi) appreciate its unique mix of dungeon crawling, culinary fantasy, offbeat humor, and deep character development. It’s a series that blends a D&D-style setting with emotional storytelling and inventive worldbuilding, subverting fantasy tropes while delivering a grounded, often introspective narrative.
But beyond this breakout hit, many lesser-known anime share similar traits—from unconventional power systems and tight-knit adventuring parties to surprising emotional depth and worldbuilding that goes far beyond the surface.
1. Hakumei to Mikochi (2018)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.65
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
Two tiny women, Hakumei and Mikochi, live in a world of forest-dwelling miniature people, crafting, cooking, and exploring the world around them.
Why it’s similar: The detailed worldbuilding, slow life pacing, and emphasis on food and survival evoke Delicious in Dungeon’s quieter moments. A richly illustrated world with subtle slice-of-life fantasy.
2. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.66
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
A group of strangers wake up in a fantasy world with no memories and must learn to survive as adventurers—starting from absolute zero.
Why it’s similar: Like Dungeon Meshi, Grimgar focuses on emotional growth, the fragility of life in fantasy worlds, and grounded party dynamics. It’s less about flashy battles and more about survival and bonding.
3. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.81
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Satelight, HORNETS
A golem guardian travels a mystical world with a human child in search of other humans, encountering magical beings and cultures.
Why it’s similar: Emotional character relationships and rich, whimsical worldbuilding echo Delicious in Dungeon. The show balances lighthearted charm with serious undertones.
4. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.14
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
In a bizarre future where memories can be stored and transferred between bodies, a boy named Kaiba awakens with no memory and a mysterious pendant.
Why it’s similar: Stylistically unique with strong narrative subversion, Kaiba mixes surreal visuals with deep philosophical themes, similar to how Dungeon Meshi surprises with depth under its humor.
5. Restaurant to Another World (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.35
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: SILVER LINK.
A Western-style restaurant opens every Saturday to patrons from a fantasy world, each with a unique story and taste.
Why it’s similar: A love for food as worldbuilding and emotional anchor ties this directly to Delicious in Dungeon. Each episode offers quiet, character-focused stories.
6. Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.27
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: ARMS
Instead of fighting, the Hero joins forces with the Demon Queen to bring prosperity and reform to a war-torn world.
Why it’s similar: Subverts fantasy tropes, focusing on economics, agriculture, and the logistics of war and peace, much like Dungeon Meshi subverts adventuring clichés with realism and wit.
7. The World is Still Beautiful (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.68
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Pierrot
Princess Nike marries the Sun King and brings rain to a desert kingdom, but the story’s strength lies in their evolving relationship.
Why it’s similar: Emotional depth, world-based storytelling, and surprising maturity in tone make this an underrated gem, especially for those who love nuanced character arcs.
8. Made in Abyss (2017)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 8.67
- Episodes: 13 + movies
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
A young girl and a robot boy descend into the Abyss, a mysterious chasm filled with monsters and relics, in search of her mother.
Why it’s similar: Both anime contrast whimsical art styles with surprisingly dark, emotional, and lore-rich storytelling. The dangerous dungeon-like setting will resonate strongly with Dungeon Meshi fans.
9. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008–2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Episodes: 74 (6 seasons)
- Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
Teenager Natsume can see spirits and inherits a book binding them. He sets out to return their names and free them.
Why it’s similar: It shares an episodic format with rich emotional payoffs, a focus on empathy toward non-human beings, and character development over spectacle.
10. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.17
- Episodes: 50
- Studio: Production I.G, Trans Arts
Young Erin’s bond with magical beasts changes the fate of kingdoms in a world torn by war and politics.
Why it’s similar: A slow-burn, character-driven fantasy with moral complexity, environmental themes, and deeply human storytelling—much like Delicious in Dungeon.
11. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.14
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Production I.G
A female bodyguard protects a young prince targeted for assassination, unraveling a legend tied to the spirit world.
Why it’s similar: Combines thoughtful worldbuilding, mature storytelling, and grounded fantasy elements—ideal for fans craving a story that values emotional nuance over constant action.
12. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.90
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
In Kyoto where humans, tengu, and tanuki coexist, a mischievous tanuki deals with family legacy and inter-species politics.
Why it’s similar: Witty writing, deep character work, and magical realism in a vibrant world make this a sleeper hit for Dungeon Meshi lovers.
13. NieA_7 (2000)
- Streaming: Funimation
- MAL Rating: 6.98
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Triangle Staff
A broke student shares her apartment with a lazy alien in a quirky, near-future world filled with social commentary and oddball humor.
Why it’s similar: Offbeat humor and underlying social themes reflect the tone Delicious in Dungeon often strikes, despite the wildly different setting.
14. Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour) (2017)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.18
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: White Fox
Two girls explore a post-apocalyptic world in search of food, knowledge, and meaning amid the ruins of civilization.
Why it’s similar: Like Dungeon Meshi, it juxtaposes food, survival, and philosophical musings in a dangerous yet beautifully quiet world.
15. Dorohedoro (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- MAL Rating: 8.05
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: MAPPA
Caiman, a lizard-headed man, searches for the sorcerer who cursed him in a violent, bizarre world filled with magic and dark humor.
Why it’s similar: Surreal setting, grotesque monsters, food as a recurring motif, and unpredictable storytelling make this a chaotic but oddly fitting sibling to Delicious in Dungeon.
Why These Anime Work for Delicious in Dungeon Fans
Whether it’s the camaraderie of underdog adventurers, subversions of standard fantasy tropes, or the surprising emotional resonance beneath quirky premises, these underrated series offer much of what makes Delicious in Dungeon shine. They balance worldbuilding and character-driven storytelling in unique ways—often without the mainstream spotlight they deserve. From emotional slow burns to offbeat fantasy gems, these anime expand what it means to love a series about food, dungeons, and finding your place in a chaotic world.
