5 Hokkaido Casual Dining Spots for Exceptional Seafood Cuisine Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Dec 14 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Seafood Hokkaido Hakodate Otaru

5 Hokkaido Casual Dining Spots for Exceptional Seafood Cuisine

Hokkaido, the northernmost region of Japan, is surrounded by the Sea of Okhotsk, the Japan Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, making it a region abundant in seafood. Many travelers visit Hokkaido specifically for its fresh seafood. From crab and sea urchin to squid, salmon, and salmon roe, the variety of seafood Hokkaido boasts is endless. Here, we introduce a restaurant where you can casually savor the bounties of the sea from Hokkaido.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Hokkaido, Hakodate, and Otaru.

Nihon no Teppen KANI CLUB Wakkanai Gyoko Chokuso

Enjoy fresh crab delivered directly from Wakkanai at a reasonable price.

Located a 10-minute walk from Chitose Station, Nihon no Teppen KANI CLUB Wakkanai Gyoko Chokuso is a restaurant where you can savor freshly caught crabs. As the name suggests, the crabs are landed and directly delivered from Wakkanai Fishing Port in Wakkanai, located at the northernmost tip of Japan. You can enjoy these crabs through boiling, grilling, and sashimi preparation. The hair crab, snow crab, and king crab grown in the Okhotsk Sea are particularly flavorful. Indulge in the seasonal crab with the "Grilled Luxurious Crab Set."

5 Casual Dining Spots to Enjoy Exceptional Seafood Cuisine in Hokkaido

While crab specialty restaurants are often associated with a high-end and luxurious image, this establishment, themed as a Neo-Izakaya, offers a stylish and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy for travelers to enter. The spacious interior is accommodating, allowing even those with strollers to enter without any issues, making it family-friendly. With a variety of crabs, seafood, seasonal vegetables, and an extensive drink menu, this restaurant provides a casual setting where you can easily enjoy the delicious flavors of Hokkaido.

Nihon no Teppen KANI CLUB Wakkanai Gyoko Chokuso

Open: [Tuesday-Thursday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) / [Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) *Open weekdays from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm upon reservation / [Saturday] 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) / [Sunday] 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: About 10 minutes walk from JR Chitose Station
Address: 1-6, Saiwaicho, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation

Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main branch

A reservation-better seafood izakaya to enjoy local ingredients.

Located a 2-minute walk from Goryokaku Koen-mae Station, Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main branch is an izakaya supported by local customers. The chefs are all seasoned veterans with over 10 years of experience, and the restaurant is known for the stability and reliability of its dishes. The "Home-Made Atka Mackerel Salted and Dried Overnight," prepared from scratch in the kitchen and dried in a dedicated area, is delicious down to the skin, with a thick and moist texture. The "Sashimi of Live Squid" requires advance reservation and offers a delightful chewy texture.

The serene and modern Japanese-themed interior of the restaurant features exclusively sunken kotatsu-style private rooms. These private rooms, suitable for both small groups and larger parties, accommodate everyone from the elderly to children, allowing guests to relax without worrying about their footing. The detached-style private rooms provide a perfect atmosphere for enjoying a peaceful meal. There are also banquet rooms available that can accommodate varying group sizes. Due to the high demand, especially on weekends, it is advisable to make reservations in advance.

Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) [Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY
Access: 161 meters from [Goryokaku Koen-mae Station]
Address: 4-8 Honcho, Hakodate city, Hokkaido Map

More Details Reservation

Uni Senmonten Yoichiya Otaru Unga Branch

Irresistible for uni lovers: compare and enjoy uni from various regions.

Located near the Otaru Canal, Uni Senmonten Yoichiya Otaru Unga Branch is a restaurant that offers a selection of Uni carefully chosen from various regions, including Hokkaido. The "5 Best Sea Urchin Comparison Bowl" allows you to savor Uni from different regions each day, making it a luxurious delight for Uni enthusiasts. If you want to indulge in a variety of seafood, the "Yoichiya Seafood Bowl Special" is highly recommended, overflowing with a generous assortment of ingredients.

Blending into the streets of Otaru, lined with buildings exuding a sense of history, is an atmosphere reminiscent of a stone-built warehouse. Upon passing through the noren curtain and entering, the interior transforms into a modern and tranquil space. With an inviting ambiance suitable for solo visitors, it's also popular among travelers. The carefully selected Uni and seafood are sure to satisfy both the stomach and the soul. Why not create lasting memories of your journey by savoring the premium Uni generously piled on a bowl?

Uni Senmonten Yoichiya Otaru Unga Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 10:00 am - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute by car from the Sasson Expressway Otaru IC / 60-minute from Sapporo City via National Route 5 / 15-minute walk from Otaru Station
Address: 2-18, Sakai-machi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation

Hakodate Dining Gaya

Indulge in the luxurious experience of enjoying freshly boiled live crabs from the in-house tank.

Located just a short walk from Hakodate Station West Exit, Hakodate Dining Gaya is an izakaya where you can savor fresh seafood from the nearby seas of Hakodate. As it is a seafood wholesaler directly operated by Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market, the freshness of the seafood is outstanding. You can enjoy dishes made with Hokkaido ingredients, such as freshly boiled crab, lively sashimi of fish, nigiri sushi, and yakitori skewers made with Yubari Sakura Hime chicken. Don't miss the three limited sets and seafood bowls available during lunchtime.

The interior of the restaurant is equipped with both counter seats and private rooms. Whether you're a family, a small group, or a larger party, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about your surroundings. Additionally, there is a large aquarium in the restaurant. Upon receiving your order, they cook lively crabs, scallops, and fish from the aquarium. The taste of freshly boiled crab is exceptional. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from ordering to serving, but the deliciousness is worth the wait.

Hakodate Dining Gaya

Open: [Opening hours] 17:00 - 00:00 (last order 23:00). The above hours may vary depending on the season. / Lunch 11:30 - 14:30 (last order 14:00)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk from the west exit of JR Hakodate station. When facing Mt. Hakodate from the west exit, you will see the restaurant sign. Hakodate Morning Market Area entrance.
Address: 8-14 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido Map

More Details Reservation

Kita no Donburiya Takinami Shokudo

Enjoy exceptionally fresh seafood bowls in a fishmonger-operated eatery inside the market.

Located in the triangle market where seafood shops line up in front of Otaru Station, Takinami Shokudo is situated in a corner of this market. It is a directly operated store of Takinami Shoten in the market, ensuring exceptional freshness. A recommended dish is the "Original Wagamama Bowl," where you can choose 3 or 4 items from 10 selections, including homemade salmon roe, fresh sea urchin, and seasonal toppings. These bowls, tailored to individual preferences, are generously portioned, guaranteeing a satisfying dining experience.

Outside and inside the restaurant, there are photos of the menu displayed everywhere, making it enjoyable to consider what to eat and choose. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, suitable for individuals or groups, and even families with small children are welcome. You can enjoy a lively and bustling meal with the sound of chatter and laughter. It's also fun to check out the array of seafood displayed at Takinami Shoten, located diagonally across from the restaurant.

Kita no Donburiya Takinami Shokudo

Open: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm, [December 31] 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, [January 2 and 3] 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,300 JPY
Access: Right next to Otaru Station. Located on the premises of the Otaru triangle market
Address: Otaru triangle market, 3-10-16, Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.