In the far northern reaches of Japan, Hokkaido is well-known for having some of the best food in all of the country, thanks to its mild climate that offers an ideal environment for growing produce. From unique foods that the region gave birth to, to classic Japanese dishes that are given an extra boost of flavor from the delicious local produce, Sapporo offers a ton of incredible eating experiences at the many restaurants that line its streets.
Yukikaze Ramen
Located next to Sapporo busy nightlife area of Susukino, skip the 'miso ramen street' that's usually packed with tourists and head to Yukikaze instead, a tiny cramped shop that's always full of locals willing to queue to get another taste of this legendary bowl of noodles. Miso ramen is a specialty of the city and heading to Sapporo without trying a bowl would be sacrilege. If you're looking for one of the best places to dine on this delicious dish in the city then look no further than Yukikaze, although be prepared to queue if you're visiting at peak times.
Address: 4 Chome-2-6 Minami 7 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Okushiba Shoten
The culinary creation of Sapporo, soup curry can be found on almost every street in the city. Out of of the hundreds of shops, it can be hard to choose which store to go and try this unique take on Japanese curry. Although there are a ton of delicious restaurants here, one of the best is Okushiba Shoten. The uniquely spiced dish gets a whole extra addition of flavor from the use of shrimps to make the soup stock that's helped propel the restaurant to becoming one of the best in the city. Make sure to go for one of the dishes topped with their homemade burgers, it's perfectly juicy and melts in the mouth.
Address: B1F Hokuren Bldg, 1-3 Kita 4-Jo Nishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Ohiso
You'll often hear locals saying the further north you go, the tastier the seafood will be and the whole of Hokkaido is well-renowned for offering some of the best you'll find in Japan. Head to the city's Nijo Market as early as you can make it if you want some of the freshest seafood you'll find here. Ohiso is a well-reputed shop that's been serving bowls of seafood on rice for years. Go for the seafood bowl topped with sea urchin, salmon roe and king crab if you want to try some of the seafood the area is most famous for, but any of their offerings are super fresh and tasty.
Address: 2 Chome Minami 3 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Susukino Sushikin
For the true seafood lovers you won't want to just stop at seafood bowls, the shores around the island are full of all kinds of delicious aquatic creatures and it's highly recommended to try them prepare by local sushi chefs. Susukino Sushikin is a must-try if you're looking for something at the higher-end, the shop is legendary focusing on local and seasonal ingredients to create an omakase menu that changes regularly.
If you're looking for something a bit cheaper, Kaitensushi Pasaaru is a conveyor-belt style sushi restaurant that uses deliciously fresh ingredients at much more affordable prices. While it's not quite the incredible experience you'll get at Susukino Sushikin, the sushi is some of the best you'll find at this price point.
Address: 4 Chome-7 Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Ikina Izakaya Aiyo Kita-sanjo
Offering a range of different local products, Ikina Izakaya Aiyo is a Japanese-style bar that offers a range of different delicious dishes from the island of Hokkaido well worth checking out. Some of the must-try dishes include grilled fish such as the seasonal hokke along with imomochi, a kind of potato cake that's usually accompanied with butter and a soy-based sauce. Along with the local dishes, the restaurant offers a number of different Japanese rice wines from the island, or wash it down with a glass of Sapporo lager.
Address: 1F, STV Kita-sanjo Bldg, Kita 3-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Conclusion
A food lover's paradise, Sapporo is a must-visit for anyone that's looking to delve further into the delicious cuisine of Japan. The city is full of incredible foods and restaurants you just won't find further south. If you're looking for more restaurants to try it's best to just follow your stomach while in the city, there's a wealth of incredibly tasting eateries just waiting to be discovered there.