The Top 10 Restaurants In Sapporo, Hokkaido
![Downtown Sapporo from a restaurants window](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/r8dk92-e1644234649107.webp)
Sapporo has always been unique amongst Japan’s large commercial cities. Hokkaido was one of the first Japanese ports to open to the Western world and the whole Prefecture was only settled by the Japanese within the last century. The result of this international influence is that Sapporo is noticeably more modern than its neighboring counterparts, with Western influences making their mark on everything from architecture to cuisine.
1. Ebi-Ten
Restaurant, Japanese, Sushi
Jingisukan Daruma Rokuyon
Jingisukan Daruma Rokuyon is a popular chain of restaurants specializing in jingisukan, which consists of grilled mutton and vegetables. The tender lamb and vegetables are served with a special jingisukan sauce and grilled on an iron plate at the table. The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual and the menu simple, with most diners coming for this Hokkaido specialty. The drinks menu is extensive and includes dai joki (mega sized) draft beers which are perfect for washing down the hearty fare. After the meal, diners are served hot tea to mix with the remainder of their jingisukan sauce, a combination that sounds unusual but is strangely delicious.
2. Kani-Honke
Restaurant, Japanese, Seafood, Asian
3. Mikuni
Restaurant, French, Fusion, Contemporary
Picchu
Picchu serves upscale Italian food, prepared using superb Japanese ingredients and culinary flair. This unassuming restaurant can be challenging to find, with a small interior that only has room for twelve customers along the bar. The bar-only seating gives diners the opportunity to watch the restaurant’s talented chef prepare their meals in his characteristically quiet, attentive manner. The staff speak very little English, so it’s best to opt for the ‘omakase’ (chef’s recommendation). Expect dishes like house-made crab sausage served in a crab reduction and fresh pasta topped with tomato-horseradish sauce.
4. Sapporo Beer Garden
Restaurant, Pub, Japanese, BBQ, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer
![Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/a90wxn.webp)
Sushi Tanabe
Sapporo is well-known for its fresh fish and therefore no trip to this city would be complete without trying some local sushi. Few places in the city showcase the high-quality of Sapporo’s fish quite like Sushi Tanabe. The restaurant’s traditional interior consists of two tables and a dozen seats around the counter, where diners can watch the sushi chefs prepare their plates. For many diners, watching these talented chefs at work is equally as exciting as actually trying the completed sushi. The menu offers a choice of several set meals, which includes an appetizer, three pieces of sashimi, a grilled dish, miso soup, dessert and varying amount of sushi.