15 Delicious Izakaya in Sapporo, Hokkaido Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: May 23 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Delicious Izakaya in Sapporo, Hokkaido

Surrounded by different seas rich in marine resources-the Pacific Ocean on the southeast side, the Sea of Japan on the west side, and the Okhotsk sea in the north-Hokkaido offers plenty of seafood like ikura (salmon roe), crab, and salmon itself. This article presents a collection of 15 izakaya (Japanese pubs) in Sapporo, the heart of Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the best marine products.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Sapporo.

1. Chuka Izakaya Shanshan Chubo JR55 Bldg. Branch

"Chuka Izakaya Shanshan Chubo" is the perfect place for those who want to casually enjoy Chinese cuisine. The charm of the restaurant lies in its diverse lineup of Chinese dishes. Specialties include juicy pan-fried dumplings, mapo tofu and tantanmen with customizable spiciness levels, and the "Angel Shrimp Chili" with its delightful texture. The "Yufutsu-produced Salted Karaage," winner of the Salt Sauce category at the Karaage Grand Prix®, is a dish that tantalizes the appetite with the aroma of sansho pepper. In addition to excellent beer that pairs well with dumplings and spicy dishes, the restaurant also offers a variety of drinks such as Chinese liquor, highballs, sours, and shochu.

Chuka Izakaya Shanshan Chubo JR55 Bldg. Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / [Weekdays, Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm, Drink L.O. 10:30 pm) / [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Food L.O. 9:30 pm, Drink L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday (closes following holidays of the building and New Year's holiday)
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Sapporo Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line and the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line
Address: 7F, JR 55 Bldg., 5-chome, Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
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2. Kanade Susukino Branch

15 Delicious Seafood Izakaya in Sapporo, Hokkaido

This seafood izakaya prides itself on its cuisine comprising an abundance of gifts from the sea directly delivered from the market. The interior, created by a famous designer, is furnished with seating that make the restaurant popular with ladies looking for a relaxing and cozy space. Their [Sashimi] is highly recommended. You can either order your favorite fish separately, or taste more delicacies all at once with [Sengyo no 3-kind Assortment] (980 JPY) or [Sengyo no 5-kind Assortment] (1,480 JPY). If you order the [Maguro Kama no Teppanyaki] (980 JPY) dish instead, you'll get to enjoy the delicious fat meat of a tuna pectoral fin, which grow right under the gills with only 2 fins available per tuna. Definitely worth trying.

Kanade Susukino Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
[Friday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 5:00 am
[Saturday] 4:30 pm - 5:00 am
[Sunday] 4:30 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,800 JPY
Address: 5F, Kitako S4 Bldg., 3-6-2, Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
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3. Akane Sapporo Branch

A restaurant in the middle of Susukino shopping district. In their Kyoto-style private rooms, you can taste delicious, creative Japanese dishes. The most recommended one is [Maguro no Danmen Sashi]. It's a luxurious tuna sashimi sliced crosswise. This way you get to eat lean meat, medium fatty, and premium fatty tuna bits one after another to feel the differences in fat and texture. If you're into grilled fish, try their [Tokudai Hokkeyaki] (1,280 JPY). It's made with a cut-open striped atka mackerel caught in the Okhotsk Sea and dried overnight, so it's more tender than the regular atka and literally overflows with delicious thick fat.

Akane Sapporo Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Friday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 4:30 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
[Saturday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None *Closed on January 1 due to the facility being closed
Average price: [Dinner] 2,980 JPY
Address: 5F, Keiai Bldg., 4-16, Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

4. Kaisen Bal Nemuroya

You can find this izakaya on the 4th floor of a building in Susukino, a famous shopping area. Their dishes are made with fresh seafood caught in Hokkaido. The colorful and luxurious [Honjitsu no Otsukuri 5-kind Assortment] (1,680 JPY) contains masterpieces such as shellfish served with its shell on and fish sashimi arranged in the shape of the original fish. Named after the owner, [Yasuda Rolls] (980 JPY) are maki-zushi (sushi rolls) made with salty shari (vinegared rice), omelet, and tuna or salmon sashimi. They are then topped with colorful ikura or other fish eggs to delight both eyes and taste buds. This makes you truly feel the passion of the chef who aims to "please the customers with delicious food." Make sure you try their nigiri-zushi (hand-formed sushi) as well!

Kaisen Bal Nemuroya

Open: 5:00 pm - 5:00 am　
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 4 minutes on foot from Susukino Station. Proceed south from Exit 5 and turn left at the third intersection. We are located on the 4th floor of the light brown building on the left.
Address: 5.3 Building 407, 3-chome, Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (Map)
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5. Kobachi

A seafood izakaya located on a corner near Susukino Station. Here you can have plenty of dishes made with ingredients directly delivered from the producers of various areas of Hokkaido. The [Ibaragani] (2,200 JPY), a magnificient crab species available in the Okhotsk Sea, has many extra thorns compared to its fellow red king crab, making it difficult to find on the market, and that's why it's nicknamed "the legendary crab". The meat is sweet and the ovaries called [Uchiko] are a delicacy you can very rarely have outside of Hokkaido, so don't miss it. Other recommended dishes are the [Shishamo Sashi], the [Hokke Sashi] (800 JPY each), and the [Kinki Sashi] (1,300 JPY), that are sashimi cuts of Hokkaido's typical fish.

Kobachi

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, TM-29 Bldg. (formerly: Aurora Bldg.), 4-1-11, Minami 6-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

6. Umi Hachikyo Main Branch

On the first floor of a building near Susukino Station sits this restaurant with a lively atmosphere that makes it look exactly like a fisherman's hut, inside and out. Their flagship dish is [Tsukko Meshi] (small size: 1,890 JPY; medium: 2,290 JPY; large: 4,990 JPY), which is a donburi (rice bowl) topped with plenty of ikura. It is a truly spectacular experience to watch the staff smearing your rice with tons of ikura right before your eyes while vigorously shouting their traditional "Oisah!" cheers. Another great dish of theirs, [Kani Misoyaki] (1,000 JPY) that consists of seared snow crab meat and crab innards is a great match for alcohol as well as a delicious accompaniment to rice.

Umi Hachikyo Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Sunday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 4,500 JPY
Address: 1F, Miyako Bldg., Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

7. CRACLU

A crab-centered izakaya located in Susukino. It is directly managed by a crab wholesaler, which means they can afford to sell their crab for a very reasonable price. If you're here to taste plain crab meat, have it [Shabu-Shabu]-style! It is a cooking method in which the crab is briefly passed through a piping hot dashi (broth) and then seasoned with tare (sauce). If you order their [Kani Shabu Course] (from 2,980 JPY), you'll also get some appetizers and side dishes. Alternatively, you may want to try luxurious [Kani Cream Croquettes] (480 JPY each), made with the meat of a whole snow crab claw. Another great way to enjoy crab is [Kani Shumai] (2 dumplings: 480 JPY; 3 dumplings: 620 JPY). "

CRACLU

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Address: 2F, Japan Land Bldg., Minami 5-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

8. Kaisenya Hakodate Main Branch

In the Susukino shopping district you can also find this place that serves live squid directly delivered from Hakodate, a port city in southern Hokkaido. The restaurant's signature dish is [Katsu Ika Odori Zukuri] (1,800 JPY). However, if you want to try many sashimi types, then order [Hakodate Assortment (for 3 - 4 people)] (3,980 JPY). The ice bowls, crafted by the chef himself, are worth seeing. If you prefer cooked seafood, try [Hakodate Tokujo Kaisen Hamayaki] (3,980 JPY) that will allow you to grill your own fish directly over charcoal. [Tako Tsubo Katsu Takoashi Ippon Odoriyaki] (799 JPY) is also a popular dish, available for one serving per person.

Kaisenya Hakodate Main Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. Food 10:30 pm, Drinks 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku subway line.
Address: Dai-ichi Seijusha Bldg., Minami 7 Jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (Map)
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9. Maruhan

This izakaya is located on the top two floors of a building from which you get a full view of Susukino. In order to offer the freshest seafood, they have a huge fish tank inside with live shrimps and squids. These are caught as soon as the order is received to be made into amazingly delicious dishes by the chef. [Katsu Awabi (limited quantities available)] (980 JPY plus tax) is perfect if you want to taste raw abalone sashimi, but butter-grilled abalone is pleasantly flavorful as well. Don't forget to try their [Akkeshi-san Kaki no Ganganyaki] (1,480 JPY plus tax) too, which consists of oysters directly delivered from Akkeshi, a town in east Hokkaido that's known as the top oyster production area in the prefecture, and steamed in an empty can ("gangan").

Maruhan

Open: [Monday - Thursday] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 3:00 am
[National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: Sunday *If it's a National Holiday, it will be closed on Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Address: 8-9F, Mimatsu Muraoka Bldg., Minami 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

10. Kita no Sakanadukushi

A Japanese style izakaya located inside of Susukino's Tanukikoji Shopping Street (Tanuki Koji Shoten-gai), at the 1st floor underground. All seats are by horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu tables) in private rooms, allowing customers to enjoy their meals in private. Aiming to offer "authentic delicious food from Hokkaido", the owner buys the ingredients at the market and the chef uses his skills to turn them into fantastic dishes for their customers. Their top product is the [Kara-tsuki Kaki (Raw / Grilled)] (580 JPY each), shell-on oysters directly delivered from Akkeshi. Their meat is particularly thick and round and whether you eat them raw or grilled, you'll feel their umami (Japanese savory taste) spread in your mouth.

Kita no Sakanadukushi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Dinner 4:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Alpha Minami Sanjo Bldg., Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

11. Isaribi

On the 6th floor of a building near Sukisuino Station, you can find a place that offers Hokkaido's fresh seafood and morning harvest vegetables grilled robatayaki-style. Robatayaki is a cooking method where the chef cooks your food on a grill installed on the counter. Grilling seafood and vegetables over charcoal is the best way to enhance their original flavor. For example, when fish is slowly grilled over charcoal, the outside becomes crispy while the meat inside stays fluffy. Any excess fat goes away, and the flavor is more condensed. Consider ordering [Tokudai Hokke no Shioyaki] (1,280 JPY) or [Hotate no Butter Shoyuyaki] (780 JPY), as both are excellent.

Isaribi

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Address: 6F, No.11 Green Bldg., 3-1-4, Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

12. Asobigokoro to Omotenashi Hotaru

From Susukino Station you'll reach this restaurant on Minami Sanjo Street (Minami Sanjo-dori) in 3 minutes on foot. The atmosphere inside is quiet and relaxing, and there are private rooms of all sizes: small for couples, medium for groups of 4 to 6 people, and many more. The ingredients used here are all seasonal and directly delivered from production areas not only in Hokkaido, but also in various places all over Japan. Their [Otsukuri 5-kind Assortment] (2,590 JPY) is a sublime sashimi platter made with seasonal fish from different ports of Hokkaido as well as Hokuriku, the northwestern region of Japan's main island. Another great option is their [Surumeika Ichiya-boshi Shichirin Aburi] (683 JPY), squid dried overnight in the restaurant and then seared on a shichirin grill (an earthen charcoal brazer), gaining an intense flavor that will amaze your taste buds.

Asobigokoro to Omotenashi Hotaru

Open: [Sunday / Public holiday] Normal hours: 17:00-01:00[Friday / Saturday / Pre-holiday] Normal hours: 17:00-03:00 [Monday-Thursday] Normal hours: 17:00-02:00
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: A three minute walk from exit 2 at Susukino subway station, or a five minute walk from exit 10 at Odori subway station. Follow Minami Sanjo-doori (heading west is one-way traffic).
Address: 5-chome Minami 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

13. Uomasa Sapporo Susukino F45 Branch

Born in Hakodate, the main core city of southern Hokkaido, this restaurant chain serves dishes made with products from its hometown. All these ingredients are stocked from Hakodate fishermen and farmers with whom there is a relationship of mutual trust. To be able to serve products that were harvested in the morning that same night, the company has its own truck to go around farms and markets in Hakodate to collect vegetables, marine products and any ingredient with the exception of live fish, and then brings them to Sapporo. A recommended dish is the [Atka no Ichiya-boshi (Homemade)] (the price varies according to size and season). They pick only the best atka among the daily catch at the market and dry it overnight in the restaurant's kitchen. Your tastebuds will thank you for the incredible flavor the skilled chef creates.

Uomasa Sapporo Susukino F45 Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of the Susukino Station on the Sapporo Subway Namboku Line
Address: 8F, F45 Bldg., Minami 4-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

14. Hokkaido Marugoto Dining Umaissho

Just 1 minute away from Susukino Station on foot, there is this izakaya with counter seats, table seats and even relaxing horigotatsu as well as private rooms. Their menu consists of seafood dishes made with fresh marine products stocked from various areas of Hokkaido. The open kitchen surrounded by the counter will offer you a front-row seat at the skillful chef's cooking show. He can make you a large variety of elaborate dishes. The most recommended ones are the [Handmade Kani Shumai], dumplings stuffed with a lot of crab meat, and the fried [Garlic Shrimps] you can eat with the shell on (780 JPY plus tax each).

Hokkaido Marugoto Dining Umaissho

Open: Weekdays & Saturday: usually 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.; Sunday & holidays: usually 5:00 p.m.-midnight
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 1 min. walk from Subway Nanboku Line Susukino Station.
Address: Miyako Bldg. 7F, 3-chome Minami 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

15. Japanese Restaurant Asian Kitchen Gorilla

14. Japanese Restaurant Asian Kitchen Gorilla

Japanese Restaurant Asian Kitchen Gorilla is a restaurant on the 1st floor of a building about 3 minutes on foot from Susukino Station. It's open until 5:00 am. You can choose between the counter, a regular table, a sofa, or a kotatsu private room to best enjoy the deep flavors of fresh products directly delivered from various parts of Hokkaido. If you order their [Katsu Ika], the chef will take the squid out of the fish tank and immediately prepare it for you. Freshness, texture, and flavor: everything is perfect. After that you can have their [Gorilla Kaki] (from 230 JPY plus tax) raw, grilled, bamboo steamed, or marinated with oil. If you're particularly hungry, [Tokudai Botan Ebi] (1,280 JPY plus tax), 3 or 4 times larger than regular botan shrimps, makes for a quite fulfilling meal. Enjoy food that is not only delicious, but also cheap and safe to eat.

Japanese Restaurant Asian Kitchen Gorilla

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,200 JPY
Access: Three minute walk from Sapporo City subway Nanboku Line Susukino Station Exit 4
Address: Japan Land Bldg. 1F, 5 Minami Gojo Nishi , Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

16. Chikaranchi

Located on the 4th floor of a building at a 3-minute walk from Susukino Station, this izakaya offers creative dishes made with products stocked mostly from Hokkaido, but also from other parts of the country. The interiors are Japanese style and there's a nice jazz music playing in the background, making the atmosphere quiet and relaxing, both at the normal tables and the horigotatsu seats. The staff will bring you the recommended products of the day so that you can pick your favorite. The daily handmade [Chikaranchi Special Croquettes] (680 JPY plus tax) are very popular and they're filled with crab cream and cheese. Cut them the size you prefer and stuff your cheeks!

Chikaranchi

Open: Monday-Thursday: usually 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.; Friday & Saturday: usually 5:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m.; Sunday & holidays: usually 5:00-midnight
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 3 min. walk from Subway Nanboku Line Susukino Station.
Address: Daimex Sanbankan 4F, 3-chome Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

If you found the ideal izakaya in Sapporo on this list, then go for it! And don't forget to try the best products of the season: crab in spring, uni (sea urchin) in summer, salmon in fall and scallops in winter!