Top 5 Local Foods to Try in Sapporo: Best Restaurants Near Sapporo Sta. and Susukino

When visiting Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, food is one of the highlights you cannot miss. From rich miso ramen to fresh seafood, Sapporo offers a wide variety of local specialties. Here are five must-try dishes and restaurants conveniently located around Sapporo Station and Susukino.


1. Miso Ramen — Sumire Susukino

  • Dish features: Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen. Thick noodles are paired with a rich, savory miso-based broth, often topped with bean sprouts, green onions, and roasted pork.
  • Restaurant: Sumire is one of the most famous miso ramen shops in Japan, known for its piping hot soup that comes with a layer of oil to keep it warm until the last bite.
  • Price range: Around ¥1,000–¥1,500 per bowl.
  • Access: 5 minutes on foot from Susukino Station.

2. Jingisukan (Grilled Mutton) — Jingisukan Daruma Honten

  • Dish features: A Hokkaido specialty, jingisukan is grilled lamb or mutton served with vegetables, cooked on a dome-shaped iron grill. It’s flavorful, juicy, and best enjoyed with cold beer.
  • Restaurant: Daruma Honten is a legendary spot with decades of history. The staff grills the meat right in front of you, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor.
  • Price range: ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person.
  • Access: 5 minutes on foot from Susukino Station.

3. Soup Curry — GARAKU Sapporo Honten

  • Dish features: Soup curry is a uniquely Sapporo dish, featuring a spicy, aromatic broth filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. It’s lighter than traditional curry, yet full of flavor.
  • Restaurant: GARAKU is one of the most popular soup curry spots, with a cozy interior and a wide selection of spice levels to suit every taste. Expect a line during peak hours.
  • Price range: ¥1,200–¥2,000 per bowl.
  • Access: 6 minutes on foot from Susukino Station.

4. Crab Cuisine — Yukikatei (Kani to Dosan Ryori Yukikatei)

  • Dish features: Hokkaido is famous for crabs such as king crab, snow crab, and hairy crab. They can be enjoyed boiled, grilled, or as sashimi.
  • Restaurant: Yukikatei specializes in fresh crab and other Hokkaido ingredients, offering everything from à la carte dishes to luxurious course meals. Perfect for a special night out.
  • Price range: ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person.
  • Access: 8 minutes on foot from Sapporo Station.

5. Sushi — Nemuro Hanamaru (JR Tower Stellar Place)

  • Dish features: Hokkaido’s cold waters produce some of Japan’s best seafood. Conveyor-belt sushi is an affordable way to enjoy top-quality fish.
  • Restaurant: Nemuro Hanamaru is a hugely popular kaiten sushi restaurant, with fresh seafood delivered directly from Nemuro port. Despite being in a shopping mall, it attracts long lines daily.
  • Price range: ¥150–¥500 per plate.
  • Access: Inside JR Tower Stellar Place, directly connected to Sapporo Station.

Recommended Dining Scenes

  • Lunch: Try miso ramen at Sumire or soup curry at GARAKU — both are hearty yet reasonably priced, perfect for midday refueling.
  • Dinner: Go for jingisukan at Daruma with a cold beer, or enjoy a luxurious crab feast at Yukikatei for a memorable Hokkaido night.
  • Anytime snack or casual meal: Stop by Nemuro Hanamaru for fresh sushi plates. It’s great for groups or even solo travelers.

Summary

Sapporo is truly a gourmet paradise where every meal can be a highlight of your trip. From quick and satisfying bowls of miso ramen to special dinners featuring Hokkaido crab, the city offers something for every taste and budget. Since most of these restaurants are very popular, visiting during off-peak hours or preparing to wait in line will ensure a smoother experience.

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