Niseko, renowned for its powdery snow and stunning landscapes, also boasts a culinary scene that captivates the senses. The top Niseko restaurants offer a gastronomic journey through the rich flavors.
From intimate traditional izakayas serving local delicacies to upscale establishments showcasing the finest Japanese and international cuisines, Niseko’s dining landscape is diverse and enticing. Indulge in the region’s famed seafood, fresh from the surrounding waters, and savor meticulously crafted dishes that reflect the seasonal abundance. With a blend of authenticity and innovation, the top Niseko restaurants promise not only a satisfying meal but an unforgettable culinary adventure, making them essential stops for anyone exploring this winter wonderland.
How to choose Niseko restaurants
Choosing the right restaurant can significantly enhance your dining experience. Here are some tips on how to select a restaurant:
• Cuisine Preferences: Consider your cravings and preferences. Choose a restaurant that specializes in the type of cuisine you’re in the mood for, whether it’s Japanese, Italian, or local specialties.
• Reviews and Ratings: Check online reviews on platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google. Reviews from other diners can provide insights into the quality of food, service, and overall atmosphere.
• Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, locals, or travel guides. Personal endorsements often lead to satisfying dining experiences, and locals can point you to hidden gems.
• Ambiance: Consider the ambiance you desire. Whether you prefer a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, a trendy setting, or a fine dining experience, choose a restaurant that aligns with your mood.
• Location: Evaluate the restaurant’s location. Is it conveniently located for you? Consider proximity to your accommodation, attractions, or the overall convenience of getting there.
• Price Range: Set a budget and look for restaurants within that range. Be aware that prices can vary, and some restaurants may offer lunch or special menus that are more budget-friendly.
• Menu Variety: Check the menu to ensure it has a variety of options that suit your preferences. This is especially important if you’re dining with a group with diverse tastes or dietary restrictions.
• Special Features: Some restaurants may have special features like scenic views, live music, or themed nights. Consider these extra features if they align with your preferences.
• Reservation Availability: Check if the restaurant accepts reservations, especially if you’re planning to dine during peak hours. This can save you from waiting and ensure you have a table.
• Cleanliness and Hygiene: Observe the restaurant’s cleanliness and hygiene standards. A clean and well-maintained establishment is indicative of attention to detail and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Local Authenticity: If you’re in a new location, consider trying local cuisine for an authentic experience. Look for restaurants that showcase the region’s culinary specialties.
• Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: If you have allergies or specific dietary restrictions, ensure that the restaurant can accommodate your needs. Check if they have a menu with suitable options or can modify dishes accordingly.
Remember, the best restaurant for you depends on your personal preferences and the occasion. Taking the time to research and consider these factors can lead to a more enjoyable dining experience.
Top Niseko Restaurants You Should Choose
1. Cucina Italiana Santo
Savor Authentic Italian cuisine with a global twist at a farmhouse restaurant. Located between Niseko Village and Hirafu, this restaurant promises an exquisite blend of Hokkaido’s finest ingredients and the artistry of Italian, and France culinary excellence.
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy, crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from Hokkaido, Italy. Handmade fresh pasta boasts a perfect texture, thanks to meticulous flour mixtures.
Explore the dynamic daily menu, featuring luxurious seasonal ingredients and limited-quantity items displayed on the blackboard. Experience the Tuscan masterpiece T-bone Bistecca Fiorentina, a delightful fusion of sirloin and fillet that excites both the palate and the eyes.
Enhance your culinary adventure with an extensive selection of over 30 wines, mainly from Italy, including the owner’s discovery, Sass’al Sole from Montecucco in Tuscany.
• Open hours: 6:00 – 10:30 pm daily
• Address: 259 Kabayama, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0078, Japan
• Telephone: +81136223388
• Style: Italy
• Restaurant Status: Kindly specify the total number of individuals, including children, when making your reservation. Please be aware that seat preferences may not always be guaranteed. If they are unable to reach you within 15 minutes of your reserved time, there is a possibility of reservation cancellation; hence, it is imperative to inform them promptly if you anticipate a delay. For reservations with a party size of 9 or more, they kindly request direct contact with the store for personalized assistance. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
2. The Barn By Odin
Enjoy alpine-inspired culinary delights and artisanal cocktails amidst the cozy ambiance of Hokkaido’s warmest and most authentic bistro – The Barn. Delighting in the region’s finest ingredients, sourced from Niseko and beyond, The Barn presents an exquisite menu featuring signature dishes like the innovative Sushi Foie Gras and the tantalizing Flame Grilled Wagyu Sushi.
Immerse yourself in the inviting atmosphere of this rustic bistro as you savor Hokkaido Mussels Steamed in Niseko Sake, relish the rich flavors of Steak from Tokachi in Central Hokkaido, and pair your meal with fine wines sourced from the owners’ vineyards in the picturesque Burgundy region of France. The Barn offers a culinary journey that seamlessly blends the essence of Hokkaido with international sophistication.
• Open hours: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (last order 8:00 pm)
• Telephone: 0136-23-0888
• Address: 170-323 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, 044-0081
• Style: Fine Dining
• Restaurant Status: Reservations must be made on the booking site. Please note that the Barn usually starts taking reservations closer to the winter season.
3. Ezo Seafoods Fresh
Savor the epitome of Hokkaido’s seafood treasures right here in the heart of Niseko, Ezo Seafoods Fresh. Formerly known as Ezo Seafoods, Ezo Seafoods Fresh stands as a premier seafood supply shop and takeaway haven, nestled along the charming Momiji Street in Niseko-Hirafu.
Indulge in the convenience of Fresh Takeaway, where an array of delights awaits—from delectable sashimi and sushi platters to enticing cooked seafood, vegetable dishes, and an assortment of premium seafood products like sides of salmon, fresh scallops, and trays of oysters. Elevate your dining experience by bringing the ocean’s bounty straight to your home, allowing the flavors of Hokkaido’s finest seafood to become a part of your culinary sanctuary. Ezo Seafoods Fresh beckons, inviting you to immerse yourself in the unparalleled pleasures of Niseko’s seafood offerings.
• Open hours: 5:00 – 8:00 pm daily
• Telephone: +81136223019
• Address: 170-165 Nisekohirafu 2 Jo, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0089, Japan
• Style: Seafood
• Restaurant Status: Bookings must be made directly with Ezo Seafoods restaurant via their website. Please note that the restaurant will require your credit card details to secure a booking.
4. La Villa LUPICIA
Nestled in the picturesque Kabayama area, La Villa LUPICIA stands as a culinary haven where meticulously prepared dishes come to life alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.
At La Villa LUPICIA, indulge in the epitome of Hokkaido’s finest offerings brought straight to your table. Lupicia’s commitment to excellence is evident as they source the freshest local produce, infusing their creations with culinary ideas and inspirations from around the world. Prepare for a dining experience that transcends boundaries, as Lupicia invites you to savor the very best of Hokkaido through a lens of global sophistication and culinary mastery.
• Open hours: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (last dinner order 9:00 pm). Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
• Telephone: 0136-21-7880
• Address: 58-5 Aza Kabayama, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0078, Japan.
• Style: Fine Dining
• Restaurant Status: Bookings must be made directly with La Villa LUPICIA restaurant. Please click here to access the booking site. La Villa Lupicia will require your credit card details to secure a booking and re-confirmation needs to be made on the day of the reservation.
5. Teuchi-Soba Ichimura
At Teuchi-Soba Ichimura, the commitment to excellence is palpable in each bite, as the soba noodles are lovingly crafted daily with homemade flour. Step into a realm where carefully selected ingredients and the art of soba-making converge, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.
These delectable noodles are complemented by a symphony of carefully chosen ingredients hailing from Kuromatsunai, Takikawa, and the local area. Savor the essence of Hand-made Soba Ichimura’s five preferences, where the use of special buckwheat, Dashi crafted from dried tuna and mackerel, and the incorporation of Niseko’s natural water elevate each dish.
With a meticulous touch, the proficient Soba chef weaves together the flavors of Japanese yam, mushrooms, tender duck from Takikawa, and thoughtfully selected local ingredients, including mountain leaves and beans from Takikawa. Every bowl tells a tale of craftsmanship, with the handmade soba noodles acting as the canvas for a culinary masterpiece.
• Open hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Telephone: 0136-23-0603
• Address: 68-4 Aza-Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
• Style: Noodle
• Restaurant Status: Reservations are not accepted for lunch; walk-ins only.
6. Rakuichi Soba
Step into the intimate world of Rakuichi Soba, where the art of handmade soba takes center stage. Using 100 percent local buckwheat, the soba master orchestrates a culinary symphony, crafting each noodle with a dedication to authenticity. Join the soirée with Rakuichi’s Kaiseki dinner – an exquisite balance of taste, texture, and color, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, wooden interior.
• Open hours: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm. Closed Wednesdays, Thursdays, and 1 January
• Telephone: 0136-58-3170
• Address: 431 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1511
• Style: Noodle
• Restaurant Status: Please note bookings are accepted advanced reservations only, no walk-ins. Bookings must be made directly on the online booking portal.
7. Tsubara Tsubara
Tsubara Tsubara is hailed as Niseko’s most renowned soup curry haven. This establishment, nestled in the heart of Hirafu, Niseko’s central tourist district, exudes a tranquil Japanese ambiance, creating a perfect retreat for connoisseurs worldwide.
Discover the essence of Manyoshu’s “Tsubara Tsubara,” a term that encapsulates the spirit of doing things to one’s heart’s content. Indulge in a leisurely dining experience where the smooth, spicy flavors of Tsubara Tsubara’s soup curry take center stage, offering a variety of styles to suit every palate.
Step inside and find yourself immersed in a calm interior that mirrors the best of Japan, complemented by large windows that usher in ample sunlight. Whether you’re seeking an intimate table seat or a spot at the counter, Tsubara Tsubara accommodates with 30 box seats and 20 counter seats, providing the perfect setting for family gatherings or diverse banquets.
As you peruse the lunch menu, tantalize your taste buds with options like the hearty Chicken & Vegetables Curry, the Japanese-style Chicken Meatball Curry, or the Veggie Curry, each priced at 1,600 yen. For the little ones, the Kids Curry at 900 yen ensures a delightful dining experience for the entire family.
At Tsubara Tsubara, let the harmonious blend of Japanese authenticity and global flair elevate your culinary escapade. Unwind, enjoy, and savor the essence of Niseko’s finest soup curry in an atmosphere that seamlessly merges tradition with modern sophistication.
• Open hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Closed on 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
• Telephone: 0136-23-1116
• Address: 132-14 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081
• Style: Japanese Dining
• Restaurant Status: To make a reservation please contact the restaurant by phone (English spoken).
8. Ebisutei
Ebisutei, a beloved local gem in Niseko, stands as a testament to authentic and down-to-earth Japanese izakaya cuisine, capturing the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. This culinary haven has garnered a reputation for its unwavering commitment to delivering genuine flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Renowned for its mastery of Oden, a cherished winter delight in Japan, Ebisu-tei invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese culinary traditions. The cozy izakaya ambiance sets the stage for a dining experience that goes beyond mere sustenance – it’s a celebration of flavors, camaraderie, and the warmth of genuine hospitality.
Ebisutei’s menu is a symphony of options, offering a delectable array of sashimi, refreshing salads, Hokkaido-style fried chicken that’s both crispy and succulent, expertly grilled fish, and, of course, the star of the show – Oden. Each dish is a culinary journey, meticulously crafted to transport you to the heart of Japan’s gastronomic heritage.
As you navigate the menu, let the aroma of simmering Oden broth and the sizzle of perfectly grilled fish guide your choices. Ebisutei beckons you to savor the diverse flavors and textures, creating an experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned izakaya enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, Ebisutei promises a delightful rendezvous with the soulful essence of Japanese comfort cuisine.
• Open hours: 6:00 pm – 12:00 am (last order 11:00 pm)
• Telephone: 0136-22-6544
• Address: 155-132 Nisekohirafu 2 Jo, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0089, Japan
• Style: Japanese Izakaya
• Restaurant Status: Ebisutei will accept bookings from 1 month in advance. Reservations can be made directly with the restaurant by phone.
9. Sapporo Ramen Daishin Niseko branch
Discover the culinary legacy of Sapporo Ramen Daishin, where every bowl is a journey through time and flavor. Nestled in Niseko, Sapporo Ramen Daishin invites you to savor the essence of authentic Sapporo ramen, a traditional dish Japanese proudly since the 60th year of the Showa era.
For those seeking to share the soulful flavors of Sapporo, sets of 4 make for delightful gifts, encapsulating the spirit of Japanese culinary craftsmanship. Come, savor the artistry that defines Daishin—a celebration of tradition, taste, and timeless elegance.
• Hours: 11:00 am – 2:45 pm, 5:00 – 7:45 pm (Tuesdays are closed)
• Telephone: +81136558818
• Address: 1 Chome-1-11 Minami 10 Jonishi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0044, Japan
• Style: Ramen
• Restaurant Status: reservations; only walk-in guests.
10. Genghis Khan Taka
Genghis Khan Taka is the gateway to the unique Mongolian barbecue experience in Niseko. You’ll indulge in culinary delight as you savor specially selected, fresh meat in a relaxed atmosphere.
Choose from three enticing menus: the Regular course, Luxury Course, and VIP course, each offering a distinct culinary journey. Elevate your Niseko dining adventure with Genghis Khan Taka, where exquisite flavors and a welcoming atmosphere converge.
• Open hours: 3 pm – 11 pm, daily
• Telephone: +818021350663
• Address: 621-4 Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1522, Japan
• Style: Barbecue restaurant
• Restaurant Status: To secure your reservation, a deposit via credit card is mandatory. Credit card reservations are deposit-only, with the payment settled at the establishment on the day of your visit. Cancellation charges will be applicable, following the cancellation policy, and will be deducted from the initial deposit made during the reservation process. The restaurant operates only in the winter season. It is advisable to contact the restaurant before visiting.
11. Niseko Pizza
Niseko Pizza is a quality Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes. This cozy eatery offers a diverse menu including various pizzas, pasta dishes, and enticing grilled items. All are prepared using the finest ingredients by professional chefs. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite on the go or seeking a cozy spot to enjoy a leisurely meal, Niseko Pizza promises to deliver a mouthwatering Italian dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.
• Open hours:
Mon – Fri: 4pm – 10pm
Sat – Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Wed: Close
• Address: 1 Chome 1-14, Minami 6 Johigashi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0036.
• Phone: +81 136-55-5553, 136-55-6655.
Read more: Niseko Food Delights: A Culinary Expedition Through Unique Flavors
