5 Must-Try Restaurants in Hokkaido: A Food Lover’s Guide to Japan’s Northern Paradise
- UmamiList
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Hokkaido is a dream destination for food lovers. Known for its fresh seafood, rich dairy products, and locally grown ingredients, the island offers some of the most unforgettable dining experiences in Japan. Whether you're visiting for the stunning landscapes or the famous powder snow, don’t miss out on Hokkaido’s culinary gems. Here are 5 must-visit restaurants that will leave your taste buds happy and your heart full.
1. Sushi Tanabe (Sapporo)
⭐️ Michelin-Starred Sushi Experience
If you're looking for high-end sushi in Sapporo, Sushi Tanabe is a must. Awarded a Michelin star, this intimate sushi restaurant offers a world-class omakase experience using only the freshest seafood from Hokkaido's waters. Each piece of sushi is a work of art, crafted with incredible precision and care by the master chef. From buttery uni (sea urchin) to melt-in-your-mouth otoro (fatty tuna), every bite feels like a celebration of the sea.
📍 Location: Susukino, Sapporo💰 Price: $$$$ (Luxury dining) 🔑 Tip: Reservations are essential—book well in advance!
2. Gotsubo (Sapporo)
🦪 Oyster Bar Heaven in the City
Tucked away in a tiny alley in downtown Sapporo, Gotsubo is a hidden gem famous for its fresh oysters. This cozy standing bar serves oysters harvested the same day from Hokkaido’s coastal waters. You can enjoy them raw with just a squeeze of lemon, or grilled with butter and soy sauce. Add a glass of Hokkaido white wine or sake, and you've got the perfect local pairing.
📍 Location: Sapporo, near Susukino💰 Price: $$ (Affordable and delicious)🔑 Tip: Go early—this place fills up fast!
3. Farm Restaurant Azemichi Yorimichi (Biei)
🌾 Farm-to-Table in the Heart of Nature
Located in the scenic town of Biei, known for its beautiful rolling hills and patchwork fields, this charming farmhouse restaurant is a true countryside experience. Azemichi Yorimichi serves meals made with ingredients grown right on their farm or sourced from nearby producers. The menu changes seasonally, but expect hearty dishes like slow-cooked pork, fresh vegetable soup, and handmade bread. It’s healthy, comforting, and incredibly fresh.
📍 Location: Biei, Hokkaido💰 Price: $$🔑 Tip: Perfect stop while exploring Furano and Biei by car.
4. Jingisukan Daruma (Sapporo)
🥩 Iconic Lamb BBQ You Can’t Miss
No trip to Hokkaido is complete without trying jingisukan, a local grilled lamb dish named after Genghis Khan. Daruma is the most famous place to try it. With its retro vibe and smoky grill stations, this restaurant is always buzzing. You’ll grill thinly sliced lamb and vegetables on a dome-shaped grill right at your table. The meat is tender and flavorful, especially when dipped in their special sauce.
📍 Location: Susukino, Sapporo💰 Price: $$🔑 Tip: Expect to smell like BBQ afterward—worth it!
5. Lucky Pierrot (Hakodate)
🍔 The Most Unique Burger Chain in Japan
You won’t find Lucky Pierrot anywhere else in Japan—this quirky burger chain is exclusive to Hakodate and beloved by locals. The restaurants are themed (think: amusement park meets grandma’s house), and the menu is wild in the best way. Try the Chinese Chicken Burger, the most popular item, with crispy fried chicken, sweet sauce, and a soft bun. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally unforgettable.
📍 Location: Multiple locations in Hakodate💰 Price: $ (Cheap eats)🔑 Tip: Go for the food, stay for the kitschy decor.
Taste Hokkaido, One Bite at a Time
From Michelin-starred sushi to rustic farm meals and crazy-cool burgers, Hokkaido offers something for every kind of foodie. These five restaurants capture the island’s spirit—fresh, local, hearty, and full of character. So next time you're in Hokkaido, bring your appetite and prepare to fall in love, one dish at a time.
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