Top 23 Hokkaido Restaurants
The ultimate rundown of the best restaurants in Hokkaido. Hokkaido restaurants are many and varied so there's certainly something for you.
Japan’s north island of Hokkaido can sometimes feel like a whole other world to the Honshu mainland; the dramatic landscape, unique culture and distinct culinary tradition giving the island a flavour of its own. All of this helps to explain why Hokkaido is one of Japan’s most popular destinations with native and foreign tourists alike.
Having already run you through some of the island’s delicious specialities in our Hokkaido Food Guide, we’d now like to point you in the direction of Hokkaido’s very best restaurants. Twenty-three restaurants in all have won our seal of approval, so there’s bound to be one for you.
If you’re heading to Hokkaido, be sure to also have a look at our guide to the top things to do whilst you’re there.
1. Nagayaka Tei Sushi
The waters surrounding Hokkaido are bountiful, blessing the island’s restaurants with the freshest seafood going. Nagoyaka Tei Sushi is perhaps Hokkaido’s top sushi chain, with 10 branches in Sapporo alone. The menu is diverse and creative, combining great taste and value for money all at once. Their signature dish translates as “the over-flowing dish” and consists of either ikura (salmon eggs) or sweet shrimp and comes highly recommended. You’ll know you’ve ordered the right thing when you hear the shouts of “washooy!” from the whole staff! Book in advance to be guaranteed a seat at this ever-popular Hokkaido sushi joint.
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10:00 – 23:00 Open Everyday 011-886-7575 |
¥ 1,000 – 3,000 |
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2. Seafood Buffet Restaurant Nanda
How much seafood can you eat in 100 minutes? Now’s your time to find out. Every lunch and dinner time, this seafood buffet and barbeque restaurant sets out an extravagant medley of seafood for its customers to pick and choose from at will. Fresh crab, prawns, mussels – everything you could ask for – all waiting to be taken back to your table and grilled to perfection. Amongst all the seafood excitement, make sure you keep an eye on the time!
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11:00 – 22:00 Open Everyday 011-532-7887 |
¥ 3,700 – 4,780 |
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3. Kinzushi
Venture slightly outside of Sapporo’s centre and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best and most authentic sushi in the city. Kinzushi has been passed through three generations of the same family, meaning they know a thing or two about preparing sushi. A small and very traditional restaurant, reservations must be made in advance. But with extremely reasonable prices and some of the best sushi you’re ever likely to experience, the extra effort will be well worth it.
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11:30 – 21:30 Mon – Sat 011-221-2808 |
¥ 2,000 – 4,000 |
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4. Nemuro Hanamaru
Another top Hokkaido sushi restaurant, this time of the kaiten (conveyer-belt) variety. Nemuro Hanamaru takes its name from the fishing port it originated in, a sign of its unwavering commitment to the best quality fresh seafood. The restaurant now boasts 10 branches in Hokkaido (and three in Tokyo), each providing a unique sushi experience to its customers.
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11:00 – 23:00 Open Everyday 011-209-5330 |
¥ 1,000 – 3,000 |
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5. Ezo Seafood
In the sleepy coastal town of Niseko, a few hours drive from Hokkaido’s capital, find one of the best seafood restaurants going. The chefs at Ezo Seafood are masters, preparing simple but abundantly tasty fare for their eager customers. The crab (see above) comes particularly highly recommended. The popularity of this place is a testament to its quality, but it also means booking ahead of time is a must.
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17:00 – 22:00 Open Everyday 0136 223 109 |
¥ 2,500 – 5,000 |
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6. Uni Murakami
Sea urchin, or uni, is a Japanese delicacy, although it must be said that it is a delicacy that can sometimes leave newcomers a little squeamish. Give yourself the best possible chance of embracing uni by taking a trip to Uni Murakami, a restaurant that specialises in just that. If you really can’t be convinced, there are, of course, other menu options available.
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08:30 – 26:30 Thr – Tue 0138-26-8821 |
¥ 2,000 – 4,000 |
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7. Log House Wagyu Bibi Restaurant
Photo Credit: Mark Lehmkuhler via flickr cc
As the name suggests, this Tomakomai restaurant is literally located within a log cabin., giving the place a cosy, warm, alpine vibe which complements the food perfectly. On a grill set into the middle of each table, customers are given the opportunity to cook their own meat, vegetables and seafood over a charcoal fire. The restaurant is known for its wagyu beef, which never disappoints, though whatever you order you won’t be leaving disappointed.
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11:00 – 21:00 Closed on Thursdays 0144-58-3456 |
¥ 3,000 – 5,000 |
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8. Sushi Tanabe
In an unassuming location just minutes from Sapporo’s main station, discover a superb sushi restaurant with a richly deserved Michelin star to its name. Very traditional, with everything made using only the freshest seafood, Sushi Tanabe is perfect for a high-end sushi treat. The master sushi chef, who helpfully speaks perfect English, guides diners through the sushi on offer, which can either be ordered as a set or piece by piece.
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17:00 – 21:00 Mon – Sat 011-219-2202 |
¥ 7,000 – 16,000 |
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9. Hyosetsu No Mon
Just a short metro ride from central Sapporo, Hyosetsu No Mon is an excellent crab speciality restaurant. For the full experience, order the set menu, which features three types of crab (snow, red king and horsehair) cooked in a variety of ways (sashimi, tempura, grilled…) by the experienced chefs. Make sure you plan ahead and make a reservation to avoid disappointment. For a special occassion, reserve one of the restaurant’s traditional private rooms.
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11:00 – 23:00 Open Everyday 011-521-3046 |
¥ 7,000 – 18,000 |
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10. Nakazushi
Photo Credit: baron valium via flickr cc
If your Hokkaido travels take you to the north-east of the island, Abashiri needs to make an entry onto your itinerary. A small and authentic sushi restaurant with bags of character, it prides itself on serving up the finest sushi at extremely reasonable prices.
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11:00 – 23:00 Mon – Sun 0152-43-3447 |
¥ 2,000 – 4,000 |
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11. Garaku Soup Curry
To combat Hokkaido’s icy climate, nothing beats a steaming bowl of curry soup. A local speciality, the dish is renowned throughout Japan, and nowhere makes it better than its homeland. Garaku Soup Curry is one of the best places to pick up an authentic bowl, though beware of the lines that regularly curl out from the front door.
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11:30 – 15:30 17:00 – 23:30 Open Everyday 011-233-5568 |
¥ 800 – 1,400 |
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12. Kani Honke Susukino Shop
As you may have noticed, Hokkaido likes its crab. Kani Honke is another purveyor of the finest crab anywhere. Whether raw, grilled or deep fried, the taste is a revelation. Although a spacious restaurant, it is still perhaps a good idea to make a pre-booking. The prices can get pretty high, but it’ll surely be worth it.
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11:30 – 23:00 Open Everyday 011-551-0018 |
¥ 4,000 – 13,000 |
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13. Tempura Tazawa
If you’re not the decisive type, Tempura Tazawa is the restaurant for you. This one-star Michelin restaurant serves only the catch of the day, meaning there are no menus and no alternatives. Though fear not, whatever is being served is guaranteed to be perfectly cooked. Crispy on the outside and tender within.
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17:00 – 21:00 Mon – Sat 0138-56-2023 |
¥ 10,000 – 18,000 |
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14. Jingisukan Daruma Rokuyon
This one’s for the carnivores. This small restaurant serves great quality lamb and mutton, yet leaves it up to the customers to cook their meat on a personal grill in front of them. Although Jingisukan Daruma Rokuyon may leave you with a smoky aroma, given the taste and the price, it’s a small price to pay.
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17:00 – 29:00 Open Everyday (Sun until 12 Midnight) 011-533-8929 |
¥ 1,000 – 2,000 |
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15. Masazushi
Both classy and traditional, though extremely reasonably priced, Otaru Canal is an excellent sushi experience. Using only the freshest, best quality ingredients, whether you choose the set menu or opt to go à la carte, you won’t be disappointed.
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11:00 – 15:00 17:00 – 21:30 Thr – Tue 0134-23-0011 |
¥ 2,000 – 3,000 |
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16. Toriton Sushi Maruyama
Our second kaiten sushi restaurant, and another that combines three magic ingredients: value for money, convenience and great taste. Toriton has three branches in Sapporo, each able to accomodate individuals, small groups and parties. Keep an eye out for the seasonal menu items for a taste of something new.
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11:00 – 22:00 Open Everyday 011-633-5500 |
¥ 1,000 – 3,000 |
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17. Ramen Shingen
Sapporo’s famed Ramen Alley, the birthplace of miso ramen, is a must-see for ramen connoisseurs. However, some of the best ramen in the city can be found a short 10-minute walk away at Ramen Shingen. A much-lauded ramen restaurant with bags of history, the miso ramen here is out of this world and should not be missed. Great taste, huge bowls, small prices.
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11:30 – 25:00 Open Everyday 011-530-5002 |
¥ 750 – 950 |
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18. Hobbito
Photo Credit: Hajime NAKANO via flickr cc
Why not mix things up a bit with some Western fare at Hobbito, a family-friendly diner in Kamikawa. This is no run of the mill eatery, however. Specialities like sausage, cured ham and smoked salmon are all top quality, transporting customers to Europe with each bite taken.
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10:00 – 18:00 Wed – Mon 0166-92-2953 |
¥ 1,000 – 2,000 |
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19. Robata
After a long day of skiing in the hills surrounding Kushiro, head to Robata to unwind. This izakaya-style restaurant is a homely joint, serving a diverse menu of reasonably priced local specialities. Like a lot of Hokkaido restaurants, the seafood is probably the highlight.
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17:00 – 23:00 Mon – Sat 0154-22-6636 |
¥ 2,000 – 3,000 |
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20. Michel Bras
Now for a real high-end option. Chef and restaurateur Michel Bras is a big name in gastro circles, and this, his Hokkaido restaurant, more than lives up to his reputation. Located on the 12th floor of the luxurious Windsor Hotel in Toyako, the restaurant enjoys beautiful views of Lake Toya. Each dish is expertly crafted, but the real centrepiece of the menu is the gargouillou de verduras, a spectacular dish made up of more than 80 different vegetables and edible flowers. An unforgettable Hokkaido dining experience.
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12:00 – 14:00 18:00 – 21:00 Sun – Tue 0142-73-1159 |
¥ 20,000 – 30,000 |
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21. Sapporo Beer Garden
A short stroll from JR Sapporo Station, the Sapporo Beer Garden is a must for beer lovers. Featuring a museum, factory tour and its own restaurant, it is a full on Sapporo experience. Try some limited edition beers and try out the excellent barbequed lamb at the restaurant. You better go into this one with an empty stomach.
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11:30 – 22:00 Open Everyday 0120-150-550 |
¥ 3,000 – 4,000 |
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22. Torimatsu Yakitori
Located in Niseko, Hokkaido’s skiing capital, this is a small yakitori (skewered, grilled chicken) joint which is consistently popular with tourists and locals both. The jovial atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a great post-slopes destination. Book in advance to avoid a wait.
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17:30 – 24:00 Mon – Sat 0136-23-2893 |
¥ 1,500 – 3,000 |
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23. Sapporo Ramen Republic
Found on the 10th floor of the Esta shopping mall adjacent to Sapporo Station, Sapporo Ramen Republic is a showcase of Hokkaido’s ramen prowess. The space is shared by eight ramen retailers from up and down the island, all fancying themselves as sellers of the ultimate bowl of ramen. Try each one and make your mind up for yourself.
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11:00 – 22:00 Open Everyday 011-209-5031 |
¥ 800 – 1,400 |
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