As evening descends in Sapporo, it’s impossible to escape the delicious aroma of freshly grilled yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Every yakitori restaurant in the area is proud to offer all the standard skewers, as well as house specialties, which go amazingly well with a refreshing alcoholic beverage. The relaxed atmosphere of a yakitori restaurant is perfect for any situation, whether you're alone or with a group of friends. This article has gathered together some of the best yakitori restaurants around Sapporo’s city center (Susukino, Odori, and Sapporo Station).
1. Sumibi Kushi-bunka Aburiya
Delicious charcoal-grilled yakitori! Beautiful night views! Over 60 varieties of local sake (Japanese alcohol)! What more could you ask for? It’s no wonder that this restaurant is hopping every day of the week! Not only is the local sake delicious, but they also stock 15 varieties of authentic shochu (another type of Japanese alcohol), as well as beer served in ice-cold mugs. There aren’t many yakitori places which boast delicious alcoholic drinks, delicious cuisine, and a fabulous night view!
They considerately serve their yakitori on warm trays.
Enjoy delicious charcoal-grilled yakitori while overlooking the beautiful night view of Susukino.
Sumibi Kushi-bunka Aburiya
Open: [Weekdays, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm) *Might close early if ingredients run out.
[Saturday] 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:00 am) *Might close early if ingredients run out.
Closed: Sunday
*If Monday also falls on a national holiday, then it will be open on Sunday and closed on Monday instead"
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Hosui Susukino Station
3-minute walk from Susukino Station
Address: 9F, New Blue Nile Bldg., Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
More Details 2. Sumibi Toriyaki Kisumu Main Building
While delicious yakitori is always a given, no restaurant can compare to the fabulous hospitality of Sumibi Toriyaki Kisumu! The yakitori here is cooked by an experienced chef over binchotan (high-grade charcoal made from ubame oak), which makes the exterior of the meat deliciously aromatic, and the inside mouth-wateringly succulent! A wide variety of alcohol is available here, all of which enhance the taste of the yakitori. You’re sure to have a fabulous time at this welcoming restaurant!
This restaurant serves courses which are perfect for banquets or work events.
The true charm of Kisumu can be experienced by the counter seats! Be sure to make a reservation - even on weekdays - to ensure your spot.
Sumibi Toriyaki Kisumu Main Building
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
*If a national holiday falls on a Monday, then the restaurant will be open on Sunday and closed on Monday instead
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY *Banquet costs 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Susukino Station
Address: B1F, Urban Sapporo Bldg., Minami 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
More Details 3. Sumibi Toriyaki Kisumu Annex
The specially selected, free-range chicken at this restaurant is delicately grilled to perfection by the skilled chef over the perfect level of heat generated by high-quality binchotan. The luxurious interior of this restaurant helps to create a peaceful, relaxing environment. Both the counter seats and private rooms are ideal for getting away from it all.
They serve mouth-wateringly delicious yakitori made by an experienced chef. Their extensive menu is the secret behind this restaurant’s popularity!
Their relaxing and comfortable counter seats are ideal for couples!
Sumibi Toriyaki Kisumu Annex
Open: [Weekdays, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
*If a national holiday falls on Monday, then the restaurant will be open on Sunday and closed on Monday instead.
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Susukino Station (next to Wings A Bldg.)
Address: 7-1, Minami 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
More Details 4. Yakitori Gourmet Kozo
Don't miss out on this restaurant's superbly fresh Hokkaido chicken that's slaughtered that morning! Savor its succulent liver, or have it as their famous chicken meatballs! Their tender liver is the most popular item on the menu, having been ordered over 35,000 times! It is often sold out before the shop's closing time. Of course, the other items on their menu won’t disappoint.
Their unbelievably fresh liver is the most popular item on the menu.
This restaurant is located near Odori and very easy to access. The retro look of this restaurant helps it stand out among the crowd.
Yakitori Gourmet Kozo
Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
*Subject to change during consecutive holidays.
Average price: 3,001 JPY - 3,500 JPY
Address: 2-15-1, Odori Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
Source:
hitosara (Japanese) 5. Yakitori Oden Zen
This popular izakaya (Japanese pub) is a 1 minute walk from Sapporo Station, making it a popular drinking spot for local commuters. The comfortable yet lively Showa era atmosphere of this izakaya is part of the driving force behind its popularity. The cozy setting brings customers back time and time again! The charcoal-grilled yakitori served here is extremely aromatic. They offer course menus with large portions for great prices!
Generous portions of meat and vegetables are threaded on skewers before being carefully grilled.
These are the best seats in the house! Chat with the head chef in these sought-after counter seats!
Yakitori Oden Zen
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm) *On weekdays, it is open continuously from 11:00 am - 11:30 pm!
[Weekdays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm *Lunch is only available on weekdays!
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 750 JPY
Access: Around a 1 minute walk from Sapporo Station
Address: B1F, Sapporo Nikko Bldg., Kita 4-jo Nishi 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (
map)
More Details 6. Yakitori no Ippei Sapporo Minami 4-jo Branch
Take in the atmosphere of this romantic Muroran yakitori (a style of yakitori that uses pork and onion, rather than chicken) restaurant. Gaining in popularity, this is their second branch in Sapporo. The Taisho-style interior is extremely comfortable and welcoming, which is typical of Ippei. You will not tire of this place, no matter how many times you go. Enjoy the traditional taste of Yakitori no Ippei in Sapporo!
This dish showcases the exquisite collaboration of fine Hokkaido pork, onions, sauce, and mustard.
This restaurant has a great reputation for making customers feel at ease. The counter seats come highly recommended!
Yakitori no Ippei Sapporo Minami 4-jo Branch
Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 2,001 JPY - 2,500 JPY
Address: 3F, 2M Bldg., Minami 4-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
Source:
hitosara (Japanese)
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.