13 Must-Try Local Restaurants in Hakodate for an Unforgettable Dining Experience

1. Restaurant Sekkatei

A landmark dining experience, Restaurant Sekkatei has been a beloved establishment in Hakodate since its founding in 1879 (Meiji 12). Starting as a Russian eatery and bakery, it transitioned into a Western-style restaurant, gaining a devoted following over the decades. The restaurant’s historic main building is registered as a national tangible cultural property, offering guests not only a meal but a nostalgic experience in its charming retro setting.

Though known for a range of French and Russian cuisine, including full-course meals, the real hidden gem on the menu is the curry. In 1989, when the Emperor and Empress dined here, they enjoyed the "Rich Duck Curry (Mild)." You’ll also find other international curry variations, such as the medium-spicy Seafood Curry, British-style Beef Curry (Medium-Spicy), French-style Beef Curry (Mild), and Indian-style Chicken Curry (Spicy). The diverse selection lets you enjoy flavors from around the world.
For dinner, reservations are required for full-course meals, so if you wish to order from the grand menu, it's best to visit earlier. Dining at Sekkatei is a memorable way to enjoy the rich history and flavors of Hakodate—a must-visit that you’ll want to boast about to your friends.

2. Kaiseki no Sato Kira

This restaurant, aptly named for its creative kaiseki cuisine, showcases the finest local ingredients from Hakodate, combining French, Italian, and Japanese culinary techniques for a unique dining experience.
Their slogan, “Play with Western, Savor with Japanese,” perfectly captures the essence of enjoying Hakodate's culinary traditions while delighting in new, exciting flavors. It’s a great choice for those who want a balance of both classic and contemporary tastes. Thanks to its refined seasoning, it’s also highly popular with elderly guests.
Situated near the famous Tachimachi Cape, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of Hakodate's night skyline. The traditional sukiya-style building exudes a special charm, and stepping through its illuminated entrance promises a memorable dining experience. As a hidden gem on Mount Hakodate, visitors are sure to recommend it after just one visit.
Inside, private rooms with views of the nightscape make it perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or even family outings with young children, offering a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
The dinner courses are varied, with the menu changing based on the freshest available ingredients. From appetizers to desserts, every dish impresses with its quality. Even typically tricky dishes like crab are thoughtfully presented to enhance your dining experience, making it easier to enjoy on a date.
The service here is just as impressive as the food, with attentive staff providing friendly, courteous service that adds to the overall experience. It’s not just a meal—it’s a complete dining experience where both the cuisine and the service leave a lasting impression.

3. L'oiseau par Matsunaga

After honing his skills in Tokyo’s Minami-Aoyama and further refining them in France, the chef-owner has created a stand-alone restaurant in a quiet residential area where you can savor artfully crafted, delicate dishes. True to the owner’s motto, "Healthy for the body, delightful for everyone," this dining experience will truly resonate with you.
With private dining rooms available, it’s perfect for special celebrations or intimate gatherings. The ambiance is exceptional, with elegant touches in the lighting and interior decor. The dinner menu is a creative blend of premium Hokkaido ingredients and French culinary techniques, offering dishes that are not only original but engage all your senses.
A standout dish, “Smoked Wild Yellowtail (caught off the coast of Hakodate) with Turnips and Kaffir Lime Essence,” pairs the fresh catch of Hakodate’s waters with refined French flavors for an unforgettable taste. The extensive wine selection further enhances the dining experience, allowing you to find the perfect pairing for your meal. It’s no surprise that this place comes highly recommended by locals.
The restaurant also caters to non-alcohol drinkers with a selection of carefully crafted beverages, reflecting the thoughtful, attentive service that permeates the entire establishment. Whether you’re there for gourmet French cuisine or simply drawn in by the unique charm of the place, this is a dining destination you’ll want to return to. For an exceptional dining experience in Hakodate, look no further!

4. Karakusakan

Karasukan is a French restaurant that has been inducted into the Michelin Guide Hokkaido Hall of Fame. The owner-chef, who has gained experience in France, Tokyo, and Hakone, opened this independent restaurant in Hakodate, where fresh ingredients are abundant. The desserts are prepared by the Madame, and the dishes that arrive will make you appreciate their backgrounds.
The restaurant is highly rated for its excellent cost-performance ratio in terms of satisfaction with the food. The hot bread melts the butter as soon as it touches. Although it’s French cuisine, it has a nostalgic atmosphere, and the final dessert is served by wagon service, allowing you to choose three types, making it a satisfying dinner from the meal to the dessert.
Located in a quiet residential area, the exterior of the building gives off a historical and stately presence. It was originally used as a clinic, and the name "Karasukan" comes from the ivy that used to grow on the walls. The photogenic building is recommended for special occasions or as a memorable part of your trip.

5. Uni Murakami Hakodate Main Store

Hakodate is synonymous with seafood, and when it comes to the city’s culinary gems, “Uni Murakami Hakodate Main Store” is often at the top of the list. As a restaurant directly run by a sea urchin processing company, it offers a range of dishes made with fresh, additive-free raw sea urchin that is hard to find elsewhere.
The star of the menu is the “Uni-don” (sea urchin rice bowl), but don't overlook other delights such as sea urchin gratin or sea urchin-stuffed omelets. Every dish, as the name of the restaurant suggests, is packed with uni, and each one is a must-try for seafood lovers.
In addition to sea urchin, the restaurant features live tanks where you’ll find crabs, abalone, scallops, and other fresh seafood. These are prepared on the spot, ensuring that the taste is as fresh as it gets. Their “Grilled Course” is a popular option, offering the luxury of grilling seafood that’s fresh enough to be eaten as sashimi.
Dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients, the vegetables served here come from Hakodate and around Hokkaido. No matter what you order, you’re in for an unforgettable dining experience that truly captures the flavors of Hakodate.

6. Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main Store

Just a short walk from Goryokaku Koen-mae Station, near Hakodate’s famous Goryokaku Tower, the ‘Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main Branch’ offers a slightly upscale dining experience, but the carefully crafted dinner options justify the price.
The restaurant specializes in sourcing local ingredients like Danshaku pork and fresh live squid, presenting a true taste of Hakodate’s culinary culture. Every dish highlights seasonal ingredients, freshly caught and served the same day – a rare treat that makes dining here feel truly special.
For those visiting Hakodate, this is a great spot to enjoy local delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to reserve the popular ‘live squid sashimi,’ as it often sells out!

7. Enoteca La Ricolma

With a hidden-like exterior, "Enoteca La Ricolma" offers a special atmosphere to enjoy a unique dinner in Hakodate. It is a reservation-only Italian restaurant, and its small interior is always filled with customers.
The dinner courses are categorized by price, and every course lets you savor the rich flavors of Hakodate's local ingredients. The sommelier, who is also the wife of the owner, is present to recommend excellent wines to pair with your dinner, which adds to the enjoyment.
Not only are the dishes delicious, but even the olive oil served with the bread is surprisingly good. The menu changes based on what ingredients are available, offering a fresh experience every time. Local ingredients that people may be familiar with are transformed into unique and special dishes, giving regular diners something new and exciting to look forward to.
The flavors are distinct without being overly strong or heavy, with the perfect balance of salt and sauce, enough to impress even the most discerning food lovers. When making a reservation, the restaurant asks about any ingredients you dislike, so there’s no need to worry about being served something you can't eat. It’s also a great spot for a romantic date.

8. Umeno Sushi

Featured in the Michelin Guide, 'Umeno Sushi' is one of the most popular restaurants in the seaside city of Hakodate. With over 40 years of history, this long-standing establishment offers an exceptional dining experience. You can savor seasonal ingredients from Funka Bay and Hakodate in an omakase course, available for both lunch and dinner at consistently reasonable prices.
The tuna, caught using the traditional single-line method and processed onboard, is especially favored among the sushi options. Their official website regularly updates the status of the day's catch. Every ingredient is carefully selected with meticulous attention to detail, and their side dishes are also highly praised.
Beyond the freshness and flavor of the ingredients, Umeno Sushi stands out for its masterful techniques. The rice, perfectly seasoned with vinegar, reflects their commitment to quality. The restaurant’s clean, traditional Japanese ambiance includes both counter seating and private rooms, making it a welcoming choice for solo diners and families alike.

9. Yakiniku Restaurant Bari Bari Saran

Located near Goryokaku Park along Takasago Street. They use top-grade premium black Wagyu beef, carefully selected with a discerning eye. It's no wonder they have many fans!!
While Hakodate is famous for seafood, “Yakiniku Restaurant Bari Bari Saran” brings a new level of indulgence with its use of A5-grade Wagyu beef. Some may already be familiar with their name, as Saran’s specialty meats often appear at top food fairs across Japan.
At Saran, it’s not just about the high-quality meat — everything from the grilling equipment to the charcoal used is given meticulous attention. The restaurant uses smokeless roasters so diners can fully enjoy their meals without worrying about smoke or lingering oil odors. The perfect charcoal for this roaster is oak charcoal from nearby Onuma Komagatake, chosen for its excellent heat and suitability for grilling.
Bari Bari Saran offers omakase (chef’s choice) full-course meals and special platters, ensuring you’re served the most delicious cuts available. The Wagyu is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The restaurant’s other dishes are just as beloved, with local favorites like Hakodate squid and Korean-style chijimi. Guests can choose from a range of seating, including sunken kotatsu, tatami mats, and tables, offering comfort for any dining style.
For an added touch, the second floor boasts a room with views of Goryokaku’s skyline, offering diners the chance to enjoy Hakodate’s nightscape along with their meal. Whether you're with family or on a romantic date, Bari Bari Saran promises a memorable dining experience, with top-notch Wagyu and breathtaking views.

10. La Tachi

La Tachi is a French restaurant that, at first glance, looks like an ordinary house. Inside, the space is stylish with a white-based interior, and the vivid tablecloths catch the eye. Run by a husband-and-wife team, La Tachi offers a homely atmosphere. The open kitchen is a highlight, allowing guests to enjoy watching the cooking process.
There is a counter, so it's great that you can easily drop by even if you're alone. The dinner course allows you to experience a relaxing, mature atmosphere. The recommended dinner courses, which can be chosen at reasonable prices, are famous for their high cost-performance.
In addition to the taste, the reason for the high satisfaction level is also the volume, including desserts. All courses come with a dessert, where you can choose from 10 different kinds of sweets. At this cozy restaurant, you can take your time and fully enjoy the recommended full-course dinner.

11. Ryotei Fumoto

With its grand, traditional Japanese-style gate, Ryotei Fumoto exudes an air of formality and elegance. At first glance, it may seem like a place reserved for special occasions, especially if you're planning to visit for dinner.
But once you step through the door, you’re warmly greeted by the hostess and staff, allowing you to relax and enjoy a serene dining experience. It’s no wonder this establishment has earned two Michelin stars, making it the only restaurant in Hakodate to receive such an accolade.
The dinner here is nothing short of extraordinary. Hakodate’s finest seafood is artfully presented, with each dish a visual delight in true ryotei fashion. The menu can be tailored when you make your reservation, but rest assured, everything served is of the highest quality. From fresh seafood to tender meats and vegetables, the exquisite cuisine reflects the richness of Hakodate’s culinary heritage.
All dining rooms are private, offering a tranquil view of the beautiful garden. Reservations are required, so be sure to book ahead when planning your visit to Hakodate. This venue is also perfect for celebrating special occasions.

12. Asari Main Shop

Asari Main Shop, a long-established sukiyaki specialty restaurant founded in the 34th year of the Meiji era, is likely known to everyone in Hakodate. The main shop has experienced three major fires in Hakodate since its founding. The current building was constructed in the 9th year of the Showa era.
In the Meiji period, the building was rebuilt from a villa owned by a doctor from Aomori. The exterior, reminiscent of a Meiji-era beef hot pot shop, exudes the dignity of an old establishment. Once inside, the tatami-matted interior offers a calm, inn-like atmosphere.
The restaurant offers several dinner courses, and their A5-grade beef is highly recommended. Their unique sauce, made with chicken stock, is lighter than usual but has a concentrated umami flavor. It’s also nice that the staff prepares the sukiyaki for you at the table.
There is a butcher shop on the first floor, and their crispy croquettes are also highly recommended. Be sure to enjoy them along with the sukiyaki. While seafood might often be the focus in Hakodate, you can enjoy an excellent sukiyaki dinner at this long-standing establishment!

13. Nebokke

"Nebokke" is the king of hokke (atka mackerel). While hokke is one of Hakodate's specialties, Nebokke is an especially prized variety. The restaurant "Nebokke" serves this rare delicacy, making it a must-try dinner experience exclusive to Hakodate.
Larger and richer in fat compared to standard hokke, Nebokke is renowned for its exceptional flavor. However, due to its high risk of parasitic infection, it was traditionally deemed unsafe to eat raw. But thanks to advanced techniques and extensive research, the Hakodate restaurant "Nebokke" has become the first in the world to offer Nebokke sashimi safely.
If you've never had raw hokke in sushi or sashimi form, you’re not alone. On your next visit to Hakodate, be sure to stop by and savor this one-of-a-kind dish. Nebokke, prepared with traditional methods, will surely leave you wanting more.

◎ Summary of Hakodate's Recommended Dinner Spots

Hakodate boasts an array of fantastic dining experiences, from its famed seafood dinners, an essential experience for visitors, to charming restaurants that evoke the city's nostalgic ambiance, and even exquisite French cuisine. These are just a few of the many highly recommended dinner spots in Hakodate.
Whether you're thinking about the perfect dinner companion, the mood of the day, soaking in Hakodate's night views, mingling with locals in a peaceful neighborhood, or indulging in dishes that are uniquely Hakodate, there’s a dining scene for every occasion.
Planning ahead can enhance your experience, but spontaneous visits often lead to delightful surprises. We hope your dinner in Hakodate becomes a cherished memory.