1. Otaru Masazushi Main Branch
Cuisine: Sushi
As a long-established pillar of Otaru's famous 'Sushi Street,' Otaru Masazushi Main Branch provides a quintessential high-end sushi experience. The sushi is crafted with very fresh, high-quality ingredients, often featuring seasonal catches. Diners can expect attentive service and an ordering system via a tablet with English options, making it accessible for international visitors. While not a budget option, it offers excellent value for the quality of sushi received, especially when compared to larger cities. Consider sitting at the counter for an authentic view of the chefs at work.
Price: High-end; sushi sets from approximately ¥6,050 (USD 40).
Getting There: Located on 'Sushi Street,' which is a short walk from the Otaru Canal area. Many restaurants in this area are easily accessible on foot from Otaru Station.
2. Takinami Donburi Restaurant
Cuisine: Kaisendon (Seafood Bowls)
Nestled within the lively Sankaku Market, Takinami Donburi Restaurant is a must-visit for those craving fresh and generous seafood bowls. The vibrant market atmosphere adds to the dining experience, with guests often choosing from a wide variety of daily catches to top their rice. The seafood don featuring ten different seafood items comes highly recommended, known for its abundance and freshness. Given its popularity, arriving early is advisable to avoid queues.
Price: Mid-range; seafood donburi from approximately ¥3,300 to ¥4,400 (USD 22-29). Crab soup is available for about ¥660 (USD 4).
Getting There: Conveniently located inside Sankaku Market, directly adjacent to JR Otaru Station. It is easily reachable on foot.
3. Naruto Honten
Cuisine: Japanese Fried Chicken (Zangi)
For a taste of local comfort food that stands apart from the prevalent seafood, Naruto Honten is renowned for its signature Zangi, Otaru's delicious fried chicken. This restaurant offers a cheerful and casual dining atmosphere, popular among both locals and visitors seeking a hearty and reasonably priced meal. Beyond the famous fried chicken, the menu provides a good selection of other dishes.
Price: Cheap Eats; meals are reasonably priced.
Getting There: The main shop is well-known in Otaru. It is typically within walking distance from the central Otaru Station area.
4. Yabuhan Soba
Cuisine: Soba Noodles
Offering a traditional Japanese dining experience, Yabuhan Soba is set within a charming historic merchant house, providing a calm and inviting atmosphere with both table and tatami seating options. The restaurant is celebrated for its well-balanced and flavorful soba broth. A popular choice is the hot soba with egg and shrimp tempura. It is a highly regarded spot for a traditional noodle meal, often attracting queues during peak lunch hours.
Price: Cheap Eats to Mid-range; a typical dish like hot soba with egg and shrimp tempura costs around ¥1,320 (USD 9).
Getting There: A short walk from Otaru Station, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the city center.
