Top 5 Places to Eat in Sapporo

Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Bustling nightlife in Sapporo with illuminated signage and traffic, showcasing vibrant urban culture.
Wei Wen Lai, Pexels

Sapporo's dining scene is a vibrant showcase of Hokkaido's rich agricultural and seafood bounty, drawing in food enthusiasts, families, and couples with its diverse culinary offerings, particularly its renowned ramen, soup curry, and fresh seafood.

1. Ramen Shingen

Cuisine: Miso Ramen

Ramen Shingen is celebrated for its deeply flavorful Sapporo-style miso ramen, featuring a rich, creamy, yet smooth broth complemented by firm, thin, dark yellow noodles. The restaurant also offers spicy miso options and delicious fried rice, which is highly recommended. Patrons should anticipate queues, especially during peak dining hours, as it is a popular spot among both locals and visitors.

Price: ¥880 - ¥1250 per bowl (~$6 - $8.50 USD)

Getting There: Located in the Susukino district, it is accessible via the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line to Susukino Station, followed by a short walk.

2. Gotsubo Oyster Bar

Cuisine: Fresh Oysters and Seafood

Gotsubo Oyster Bar is a small, highly-rated establishment known for its exceptionally fresh, plump, and juicy oysters offered at a surprisingly reasonable price. This spot provides a casual, street-food-like experience, where oysters can be enjoyed fresh, boiled, or grilled, often with a squeeze of lemon. It is ideal for a quick, high-quality seafood snack. A queue often forms, but it tends to move efficiently.

Price: Around ¥150 per oyster (~$1 USD)

Getting There: Situated close to Nijo Market, Gotsubo is within comfortable walking distance from many central Sapporo attractions.

3. Soup Curry GARAKU

Cuisine: Soup Curry

Soup Curry GARAKU is a highly popular and classic choice for Sapporo's signature soup curry, consistently receiving praise for its rich and aromatic broth that is distinct from traditional curries. The menu allows for extensive customization, including choosing from various spice levels (from 1 to 40) and adding toppings such as tender braised pork belly and pan-seared broccoli. While long waiting times are common, many find the flavorful and generously portioned dishes to be well worth the wait.

Price: Approximately ¥1,380 - ¥1,550 per dish for standard options (~$9.50 - $10.50 USD), with additional cost for extra toppings.

Getting There: The main restaurant is located in central Sapporo, in the Susukino district, and is often found in a basement setting near the Tanukikoji shopping street.

4. Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place

Cuisine: Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaiten-zushi)

Nemuro Hanamaru is a highly frequented conveyor belt sushi restaurant, celebrated for its fresh, high-quality seafood directly sourced from Nemuro. The establishment offers a broad selection of authentic sushi at reasonable prices. While long queues are typical due to its immense popularity, the service is efficient, and diners can order specific items directly from the chefs in addition to selecting from the circulating belt.

Price: Reasonable for the quality; individual plates start around ¥140 (~$1 USD).

Getting There: Conveniently located on the 6th floor of JR Tower Stellar Place, the restaurant is directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, making it easily accessible.

5. Jingisukan Juttetsu

Cuisine: Jingisukan (Grilled Lamb)

Jingisukan Juttetsu specializes in aged fresh lamb, prepared on a traditional shichirin charcoal grill. Their 'Fresh Lamb Jingisukan' is a signature dish, enhanced by a unique seafood-based sauce. The restaurant maintains a lively atmosphere, reminiscent of an old Japanese merchant town. Due to its significant popularity among both tourists and locals, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to secure seating.

Price: Average dinner cost is around ¥5,000 per person (~$34 USD).

Getting There: Jingisukan Juttetsu is a five-minute walk from Susukino Station or Nakajima-Koen Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line.

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