Top 17 Must-Try Restaurants in Sapporo for 2025: Sushi, Crab, Jingisukan & More
Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, ranks among Japan's premier tourist destinations. While being a vibrant urban center, it's blessed with abundant nature and numerous historical buildings, offering visitors plenty of fascinating attractions to explore.
Sapporo is also renowned as one of Japan's finest culinary cities, with Sapporo restaurants 2025 showcasing exceptionally delicious fresh seafood. Additionally, you'll find various local specialties generously featuring Hokkaido's premium ingredients.
The city's charm extends to its nightlife, with many spots offering excellent Japanese sake and whiskey, making your evening experiences just as memorable as daytime adventures.
In this guide, we'll introduce recommended Sapporo restaurants 2025 and the exquisite dishes you can enjoy at each establishment.
Must-Try! Restaurants Serving Exquisite Hokkaido Cuisine in Sapporo
Sapporo boasts numerous restaurants where you can savor Hokkaido's signature dishes. Here, we've selected restaurants where you can enjoy three specialties: Jingisukan (Genghis Khan), Seafood, and Ishikari-nabe. Please use this as a reference for your culinary adventures!
Jingisukan
Jingisukan is a representative local dish of Hokkaido. Lamb or mutton is grilled together with vegetables in a special pot and eaten with sauce. The vegetables, infused with the meat's umami, are also delicious, offering a different flavor experience from beef yakiniku.
Sumibiyaki Jingisukan Ishida
Source:Tabelog
My first recommendation is "Sumibiyaki Jingisukan Ishida." Among the Sapporo restaurants 2025 specializing in lamb, they serve the highest quality rare brand lamb "Suffolk," offering juicy Jingisukan grilled over charcoal. One of their special touches is hand-cutting the meat only after receiving your order to maintain maximum freshness.
You can order in various styles including full course, mini course, or à la carte, allowing you to adjust the quantity based on your appetite.
Their shochu mixed with corn tea and fresh lemon sour made with plenty of domestic lemons have a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the meat.
They also stock a rich selection of rare Hokkaido natural wines, making this one of the must-visit Sapporo restaurants 2025 for wine enthusiasts!
- Address: 2F Maruni Washiba Building, 8-2-9 Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last order 22:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 050-5457-2484
Jingisukan Daruma
Source:Official website
Established in 1954, "Jingisukan Daruma" is considered THE place for Jingisukan in Susukino! Among all Sapporo restaurants 2025, they're particularly committed to high-quality meat, including premium rare cuts like fillet, allowing you to truly appreciate the natural flavor of the meat. It has no gamey smell and tastes refreshingly light, making it accessible even for those new to Jingisukan.
My recommended way to enjoy their proprietress's homemade secret sauce is to vary the taste using red chili pepper and grated garlic.
The friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again. Their homemade kimchi and pickles are also popular, so be sure to try them!
- Address: 1F Crystal Building, Minami 5-jo Nishi 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Hours: 17:00-23:00 (Last order 22:30)
- Closed: December 31 - January 2
- Phone: 011-552-6013
- Official Website: https://sapporo-jingisukan.info/
Sapporo Genghis Khan (Main Shop)
Source:Tripadvisor
"Sapporo Genghis Khan" is a Jingisukan specialty shop located a 5-minute walk from Susukino Station. As one of the premier Sapporo restaurants 2025, they carefully prepare their meat by removing excess fat and sinew, allowing you to enjoy the fresh umami flavor without any unpleasant taste.
My favorite aspect is their vegetable menu that changes with the seasons. I also highly recommend trying the "grilled garlic," which has a texture similar to freshly baked potatoes.
Their "Kimchi rice," white rice mixed with kimchi and sesame oil, pairs perfectly with Jingisukan.
This is a popular restaurant that gets crowded quickly. They don't take reservations, so I recommend lining up before opening time!
- Address: 1F Dai-6 Asahi Kanko Building, Minami 6-jo Nishi 6-7-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Hours: 17:00-22:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 011-512-2940
- Official X (Twitter): https://x.com/sapporojingisu
Sea Food
When it comes to Hokkaido, it's all about Sea Food! Sapporo Restaurants 2025 include all-you-can-eat seafood establishments that have become popular with tourists. The sushi ingredients are fresh, and the charm of Hokkaido is that everything you eat is delicious.
Here, I'll introduce some excellent sushi restaurants and a crab cuisine restaurant.
Sushi Miyakawa
Source:Tabelog
"Sushi Miyakawa" values the lingering taste sensation after the food enters your mouth. Their attention to texture when chewing is also part of their meticulous approach. Through bonds built with fishermen over many years, they procure the finest ingredients.
My recommendation is their "Uni" (sea urchin), which is directly shipped from various parts of Japan when it's at its most delicious. Their signature dish is sushi topped with plenty of uni and seaweed on rice that has uni mixed into it.
The menu offers only a ¥30,000 course (¥32,000 from June 1), where you can fully enjoy seasonal ingredients carefully selected by the sushi chef. Among Sapporo Restaurants 2025, this establishment stands out for its exceptional quality.
Please also enjoy the tableware and sake vessels that the owner has collected from all over Japan!
- Address: Rihtorare Maruyama 1F, 4-jyo-Nishi 25-2-2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business hours: 1st seating 17:00-19:15 / 2nd seating from 19:30
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone number: 011-613-2221
- Official website: https://www.sushi-miyakawa.com/
Sushizen
Source:Official website
"Sushizen" is a long-established sushi restaurant near Hokkaido Shrine. The owner, known as a master of sushi, has received commendations from the government.
The sushi uses carefully selected ingredients from Hokkaido and throughout Japan, showcasing the craftsmanship of this established restaurant. Dinner courses range from ¥13,200 to ¥30,000, while lunch courses start from ¥8,800.
In addition to sushi featuring abundant seasonal ingredients, they offer small dishes, grilled items, and exquisite dishes using fresh seafood from Hokkaido. Enjoy the colorful, delicate, and beautiful presentation as well.
Experience a moment of bliss by pairing your meal with the restaurant's original sake "Yuki no Hana" (Snow Flower). When exploring Sapporo Restaurants 2025, this historic venue should be on your list.
- Address: Maruni Hashiba Building 2F, 1-jyo-Nishi 27-2-7, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (Main store)
- Business hours: 11:30-14:30 (Last order 14:00) / 17:30-21:30 (Last order 21:00)
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Phone number: 011-612-0086
- Official website: https://sushizen.co.jp/en/
Hyousetsu No Mon
Source:Official website
If you want to fully enjoy crab, "Hyousetsu No Mon," established in 1964, is recommended. You can enjoy crab course meals prepared according to your preference—charcoal-grilled, hot pot, sashimi, and more.
The attractive point is the wide price range from ¥9,000 to over ¥20,000. Lunch is even more reasonable, starting from around ¥5,000.
My favorite is the "crab shumai" that can be ordered as an individual dish. It uses the meat from two types of crab, concentrating the umami flavor. The crab cream croquette using homemade white sauce is popular with foreign visitors.
For those who want to experience all that crab has to offer, this is a must-visit destination among the Sapporo Restaurants 2025 selection!
- Address: Minami 5-jyo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business hours: 11:00-15:00 (Last order 14:00) / 16:30-23:00 (Last order 21:30)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 011-521-3046
- Official website: https://www.hyousetsu.co.jp/
Ishikari Nabe
Ishikari Nabe, a local specialty originating from Ishikari City, is a hot pot dish where salmon and vegetables are simmered in a miso-flavored soup. With the rich umami of salmon infusing the broth, Ishikari Nabe warms the body and is a beloved home-cooked dish during Hokkaido's cold winters. One of its appealing points is that it can be prepared with various arrangements depending on the region or household.
Oga (Ishikari Nabe)
Source:Official website
If you want to taste Hokkaido specialties through Japanese cuisine, "Oga" is highly recommended. Among Sapporo Restaurants 2025, this establishment stands out with its abundant menu incorporating Hokkaido's seasonal ingredients, offering freshness with every visit. All seats are completely private rooms, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal, which is another attractive feature.
Oga's Ishikari Nabe is particular about its uniquely blended miso broth. Savor the fatty Hokkaido salmon together with fresh vegetables and mushrooms.
If you choose a course meal, you can enjoy not only Ishikari Nabe but also fresh sashimi, crab gratin, Ezo deer filet steak, and other Hokkaido specialties, which is recommended.
Please visit Oga where you can fully experience Hokkaido specialties from various angles!
- Address: Sansuri Building 8F-9F, Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 17:00-23:00 (Last Order 22:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 011-242-3328
- Official Website: https://oga-sapporo.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oga_sapporo/
Fermented Dining Pompokotei
Source:Tabelog
In recent years in Japan, fermented foods such as koji, miso, amazake, and kimchi have become trendy. "Fermented Dining Pompokotei" is where you can enjoy various dishes supervised by a fermentation sommelier.
The hot pot dishes based on healthy soup with simmered fermented ingredients have become the restaurant's signature. My recommendation is their new-style Ishikari Nabe with amazake and soy milk added. Enjoy ingredients such as salmon, scallops, and vegetables in a creamy miso preparation. Adding ramen noodles at the end is my favorite way to finish it.
The pound cake using sake lees and lassie made with apple vinegar and milk are also excellent. This is one of the finest Sapporo Restaurants 2025 for those who want to eat something both healthy and delicious.
- Address: Alpha Tanukikoji Building B1F, Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-12-2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:00 (Last Order 14:30) / Sunday, Monday-Thursday, Holidays Dinner 17:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:00) / Friday, Saturday, Before Holidays Dinner 17:00-23:00 (Last Order 22:00)
- Closed: New Year Holidays
- Phone Number: 011-219-2366
- Official Website: https://ponpokotei.foodre.jp/
- Official X: https://x.com/ponpokotei3
Fujikura
Source:Official X
"Fujikura" is a Japanese-style izakaya with completely private rooms. Even for dinner, course meals with all-you-can-drink start from ¥6000, allowing you to enjoy Japanese food relatively affordably.
Their Ishikari Nabe, generously filled with salmon, scallops, and vegetables, is one of their popular menu items. Adding butter for a Western-style twist is my favorite way to eat it at this restaurant. The creamy soup of miso and butter pairs well with rice or noodles.
Since Ishikari Nabe cannot be ordered as a single item, it's recommended to order it with seasonal dishes such as fried Hokkaido Atka mackerel and assorted sea urchin to experience local gourmet food.
Ishikari Nabe requires reservation one day in advance. When exploring Sapporo Restaurants 2025, be sure to taste it along with local Hokkaido sake!
- Address: Lion Building Taiyokan 1F, Minami 6-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: Monday 18:00-0:00 (Last Order 23:30) / Tuesday-Saturday 17:30-0:00 (Last Order 23:30)
- Closed: Sunday
- Phone Number: 011-531-6488
- Official X: https://x.com/fuji_kura
If you're visiting Sapporo, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the many delicious dining options. Why not join a guided tour? This tour takes you to three carefully selected izakayas (Japanese pubs) with a local guide.
What I love most is experiencing the local atmosphere in izakayas bustling with residents. In these establishments, you can enjoy various Hokkaido specialties like fresh seafood and lamb at reasonable prices.
From the second stop onwards, the guide who knows Sapporo inside out will choose traditional bars or unique izakayas based on your preferences.
If you want to fully enjoy Sapporo's nightlife, I highly recommend participating! The Sapporo Restaurants 2025 guide highlights this as one of the most authentic culinary experiences in the city.
- Meeting point: Susukino Station
- Tour area: Izakayas around Susukino
- Start time: 18:00
Ramen
Ramen is a popular Japanese food among foreign tourists. Sapporo is known as the birthplace of miso ramen. Sapporo ramen is characterized by medium-thick curly noodles that pair perfectly with miso soup. Topping with butter and corn is also standard, so be sure to try it!
Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo
Source:Tripadvisor
"Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho," the birthplace of miso ramen, features 17 ramen shops lined up side by side.
My recommendation is the miso ramen from "Misogin." The soup combines Japanese chicken stock with Hokkaido red miso, giving you the authentic "traditional miso ramen" experience. First, try the version with the classic toppings: chashu (pork), boiled egg, corn, and butter!
Yokocho also has shops offering diverse flavors, such as salmon-based ramen and rich pork bone ramen simmered in extra-large pots. I recommend visiting different shops on consecutive days to experience various tastes!
- Address: Sapporo-shi, Chuo-ku, Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-8, N Grande Building 1F
- Business hours: Varies by shop
- Closed days: Varies by shop
- Phone number: Varies by shop
- Official website: http://www.ganso-yokocho.com/
Ebisoba Ichigen Main Shop
Source:Tabelog
"Ebisoba Ichigen" is a recommended ramen shop for shrimp lovers. The soup made from sweet shrimp concentrates the flavor and umami of shrimp.
A unique feature of this shop is that you can choose from three arrangements of the base shrimp soup:
- "Sonomama" - Experience the direct flavor of shrimp
- "Hodohodo" - "Sonomama" blended with tonkotsu (pork bone) soup
- "Ajiwai" - "Hodohodo" with added richness
You can choose salt, miso, or soy sauce flavors, and thick or thin noodles.
My favorite combination is "Sonomama, miso, thick noodles." The thick noodles perfectly absorb the soup filled with the natural umami of shrimp—it's absolutely delicious! I highly recommend trying it during your visit to Sapporo Restaurants 2025.
- Address: Sapporo-shi, Chuo-ku, Minami 7-jo Nishi 9-1024-10
- Business hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM the next day
- Closed days: Irregular
- Phone number: 011-513-0098
- Official website: https://www.ebisoba.com/ig2649/
Soup Curry
Soup curry, originating from Hokkaido, is a signature dish featuring thinly-textured curry soup with large cuts of meat and vegetables. You can enjoy it by scooping rice and dipping it into the soup or by pouring the soup over your rice. This local delicacy is a must-try food when visiting Hokkaido.
SOUP CURRY GARAKU
Source:Tabelog
"SOUP CURRY GARAKU" is a specialized soup curry restaurant known for its exquisite soup made with Japanese dashi and secret spices. Enjoy it with their healthy rice blend that combines Hokkaido-grown rice from contracted farmers with five grains.
My recommendation is the "Tender Chicken Leg and Vegetables," featuring a generously topped juicy bone-in chicken thigh. You can savor the tender simmered chicken and colorful vegetables in abundance.
This curry, one of their standard menu items, is definitely worth trying at least once when exploring Sapporo Restaurants 2025! Don't miss their unique toppings such as fried mochi, cheese spring rolls, and seared bacon, as well as their refreshing homemade lassi.
- Address: Okumura Building B1F, North Entrance, 2-6-1 Minami 2-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 11:00-15:30 (Last Order 15:00) / 17:00-21:00 (Last Order 20:30)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 011-233-5568
- Official Website: https://s-garaku.com/shop-garaku/
Suage+ Soup Curry
Source:Tabelog
"Suage" is a popular soup curry restaurant with 5 locations throughout Sapporo city.
Their signature soup features onions sautéed for over 8 hours, combined with chicken stock and tomatoes, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavors of the vegetables. The soup is light yet rich in umami, making it a taste you'll want to experience again and again at Sapporo Restaurants 2025.
They primarily use vegetables from their own farm, which are stored in temperature-controlled facilities on the farm premises.
My favorite is their Vegetable Curry packed with carefully selected vegetables. I also recommend adding charcoal-grilled lamb as a topping.
Be sure to visit "Suage" where you can rediscover the deliciousness of vegetables!
- Address: Toshimatsu Building 2F, Minami 4-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: Weekdays 11:30-21:00 (Last Order 20:30) / Weekends & - - Holidays 11:00-21:00 (Last Order 20:30)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 011-233-2911
- Official Website: https://suage.info/stores/suage-plus/
Zangi
Zangi is fried chicken that has been marinated in a sauce of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients. Its characteristic is that it has a stronger flavor than typical karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and it's commonly enjoyed as an accompaniment to alcohol or as home cooking.
There is a theory that the name "Zangi" originates from Chinese.
Sapporo Zangi Hompo Sapporo Station Store
Source:Tabelog
Located right next to JR Sapporo Station, "Sapporo Zangi Hompo" is a specialty shop where you can enjoy a wide variety of Zangi flavors. In 2025, Sapporo restaurants like this one continue to be must-visit destinations for tourists seeking authentic local cuisine.
10 types of flavors:
- Salt
- Soy sauce
- Japanese-style soy sauce
- Yuzu salt
- Pickled ginger
- Seaweed salt
- Red hot
- Tartar sauce
- Cheese
- Zantare
My recommendation is the "Pickled Ginger" flavor, which is hard to find elsewhere. The chicken is marinated together with pickled ginger, creating a refreshing taste.
The thick special soy sauce "Zantare" is also one of my favorites. The Sansho pepper adds a spicy accent that goes perfectly with beer.
One nice point is that you can order each piece individually, allowing you to try various flavors. The Chinese noodles, a hidden popular menu item, are also recommended!
- Address: 1F Kaneko Building, 4-13-4 Kita 8-jo Nishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo
- Business hours: 11:30-23:30 (Last order 22:30)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone number: 050-5385-3496
- Official website: https://zangi.fuhdo.jp/sapporo/?utm_source=reference&utm_medium=zangi.fuhdo
Hotei
Source:Tabelog
Many Sapporo restaurants have been evolving in 2025, but "Hotei" is a Chinese restaurant that has been loved by locals for many years. Locals even say, "When you think of Zangi in Sapporo, this is the place!"
The Zangi here lets you enjoy crispy skin and juicy meat, and another attractive point is that each piece is large and satisfying. It's eaten dipped in a soy sauce that has a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
Another signature dish alongside Zangi is "Mabo-men," which is Chinese noodles in a mapo tofu soup. Its moderate spiciness becomes addictive, and you'll find yourself wanting to eat it regularly.
The "Strongest Set," which allows you to enjoy both of these dishes, is a popular menu item at this restaurant. If you're visiting for the first time, ordering this is a safe bet!
This is a recommended restaurant for those who want to casually enjoy authentic flavors.
- Address: 9-1-3 Minami 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business hours: 11:00-14:30 / 17:00-22:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone number: 011-272-4050
- Official website: https://zangihoteigroup.com/other1/
When You Visit Sapporo, Enjoying Exquisite Sake and Nikka Whisky is a Must!
Delicious alcohol is an essential part of Sapporo's nightlife. Looking ahead to Sapporo Restaurants 2025, many establishments are already enhancing their drink menus with local specialties. The local Sapporo Sake "CHITOSETSURU" has a refreshing, clean taste that's perfect even for beginners. Make sure to visit their museum and direct stores too!
When thinking of Hokkaido, you can't forget "Nikka Whisky," which is acclaimed worldwide. Known for its rich flavor and smoky aroma, Nikka Whisky originated in Yoichi town, about an hour away from Sapporo.
Here are some recommended bars where you can enjoy Sake and Nikka Whisky in Sapporo Restaurants 2025:
The Nikka Bar
Source:Official website
At "The Nikka Bar," you can enjoy your drinks in a sophisticated atmosphere while comparing various Nikka Whiskies, including rare varieties. They offer tasting sets with clear pricing, which is convenient. They even pay special attention to the ice to enhance your whisky tasting experience.
My recommendation is that you can enjoy authentic meals alongside your drinks. The freshly fried "Nikka Special Katsu Sandwich" is absolutely delicious. The bar's original raw chocolates pair perfectly with whisky.
Enjoy the delicious drinks and Sapporo's night view!
- Address: 2F, Third Green Building, 3-1-2 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Hours: 18:00-1:00 (next day)
- Closed: Open 365 days
- Phone: 011-518-3344
- Official Website: https://nikkabar.jp/
The Bar Nano Gould.
Source:Official website
"The Bar Nano Gould." is a popular bar where even first-timers feel comfortable. The warm wooden interior creates a hidden retreat atmosphere.
My recommendation is their extensive lineup of Japanese whisky. You're sure to find a favorite drink here.
Their cocktails using Hokkaido sake and local fruits are also popular. Enjoy seasonal cocktails that you can only taste here.
The Hokkaido cheese platter pairs well with any drink and is a dish I highly recommend ordering.
Spend a memorable evening in Sapporo in this relaxing space.
- Address: 4F, J-BOX Building, Minami 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Hours: 18:00-24:00 (Last order 23:30)
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 011-252-7556
- Official Website: http://nano.sapporo-bar.net/gould/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarnano.gould/
If You Like Sake, Try Joining Bar Hopping Tours with Locals in Various Parts of Japan!
For those planning to travel around Japan, I recommend participating in bar hopping tours in each city. Here, I'll introduce tours in Shinjuku and Osaka, both famous gourmet spots. Please use this as a reference for how these tours typically work!
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Shinjuku, nicknamed "the city that never sleeps," has many establishments to enjoy nightlife. This tour takes you to three carefully selected izakayas with a guide who knows Shinjuku well.
After wetting your whistle at the first spot, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink various alcohols at the second place. Try Japanese appetizers like yakitori and agedashi tofu. The tour concludes with a final drink at the last establishment.
Feel free to join as if you're going out for drinks with friends!
- Meeting point: In front of Black pillar (Next to Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi Shop)
- Tour area: Around Shinjuku
- Start times: 17:00/17:30/18:00/18:30/19:00
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
To enjoy Namba, one of Osaka's main entertainment districts, how about this tour? It's approximately a 3-hour tour visiting three izakayas or bars recommended by your guide.
You can experience Osaka's food culture, known as "the city of culinary delight," by tasting local foods like takoyaki, kushiage, and okonomiyaki with beer or shochu!
The atmosphere of Osaka's izakayas, known for their friendly service, can be enjoyed whether you're alone, a couple, or with family. Enjoy the lively nightlife unique to Namba
- Meeting point: Right in front of Namba HIPS (5-8 mins walk from Namba station)
- Tour area: Around Namba
- Start times: 18:00/19:00