Recommended gourmet spots in Niseko! 15 carefully selected restaurants where you’ll want to try everything

Potatoes, asparagus, corn... The vegetables in Niseko are extremely fresh and rich in flavor. Of course, it’s not just the vegetables—there are also fruits like melons, meats such as lamb and pork, and even seafood. That’s what makes Niseko a gourmet hotspot with a wide variety of ingredients. And these delicious ingredients are made even more delightful! Niseko is full of gourmet spots where you can enjoy dishes that are a treat for the eyes as well. In summer, visit between your leisure activities; in winter, satisfy your hungry stomach after enjoying winter sports in Niseko. Here we introduce our “Top Recommended Gourmet Spots in Niseko.”

1. FF - Handmade Ham & Sausage Restaurant

"Handmade Ham, Sausages & Restaurant FF" is a shop offering handmade ham and sausages that fully draw out the natural umami of the meat through a carefully crafted method. The charming log cabin-style building has a sausage factory on the first floor and a restaurant on the second floor.

Especially recommended for gourmets is the "Nürnberger Bratwurst." While most sausages are smoked, boiled, and then grilled, this one is grilled directly over charcoal fire in its raw stuffed form without any additional processing. The pure flavor of the meat comes through clearly. One bite and the juicy meat juices burst in your mouth. Since it’s grilled only after your order is placed, you can also enjoy the aroma and sizzling sound.

FF is located right at the foot of the popular Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort, a favorite of skiers and snowboarders. After a day of sweating on the slopes—beer and sausage! Just imagining such a night in Niseko is enough to make your stomach growl.

2. Okutsuchi Farm Stone Oven Bakery

The bread from "Okutsuchi Farm," made with dedication and care, is more like a “bread workshop” than a “bakery.” It is a recommended gourmet spot focusing mainly on German-style bread.

The owner couldn’t forget the taste of the bread he had during an agricultural training trip to a small town in Germany. After much trial and error in Niseko—even building a stone oven by hand—this bread was born. With an eat-in space available, you can enjoy the bread while taking in views of the fields where ingredients like rye and black beans are grown, along with Niseko’s clean air.

On weekends and public holidays, they offer a special menu item: a “soup” rich in vegetable flavor. They also sell handmade ham and sausages, free of preservatives, color fixatives, or any additives. These flavorful items, seasoned with natural salt and spices, pair perfectly with the bread. Be sure to take some home and enjoy the taste of Niseko there too.

3. Craft Beer Restaurant 2nd Floor

"Craft Beer Restaurant 2F" is a recommended gourmet spot located on the second floor of the Niseko Beer Brewery. This brewery, "Niseko Beer," opened in the summer of 2014 in Niseko, known for its clean water. They brew a variety of beers using Niseko’s delicious water, including pilsners, pale ales, porters flavored with locally sourced salmon flakes, and refreshing fruit beers using Niseko-grown produce.

They also offer creative dishes made by a Japanese chef who is particular about using Niseko ingredients—perfectly paired with the beer. The roast set of Hokkaido beef fillet, beer-flavored frank sausages, and an assortment of Niseko cheeses come highly recommended. With the expansive views of Niseko through large windows, the combination of scenery, beer, and cuisine makes it easy to see why this place is popular with foreign tourists as well.

4. Famous Water Udon Nonokasa

"Famous Water Udon Nonokasa" makes udon using some of the most famous natural water sources in Hokkaido. Visitors to Niseko will surely see Mount Yotei, a mountain often referred to as “Ezo Fuji” due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji, and loved by many. Several natural spring water spots flow from Mount Yotei, and the udon here is made using that water and Hokkaido-grown wheat.

The chewy texture of the udon is delightful, but the soup stands out most. The moment you sip it, the rich aroma of bonito fills your mouth. It also pairs exceptionally well with tempura made from vegetables or shrimp. The vegetable toppings, especially for tempura udon, are nearly double the size you'd find at other shops, but are light and crispy, making them easy to eat.

For the gourmet crowd, why not try “Udon-suki,” a regional hot pot dish from Osaka? It’s available only in the colder seasons. The chef trained at a famous Osaka udon shop and highly recommends this menu item.

5. Niseko LOFT Club

Founded in 1989, "Niseko LOFT Club" is a hugely popular spot often referred to as a “must-visit” when in Niseko. The main attraction is without a doubt the 100% “Genghis Khan” grilled lamb. The thick cuts of lamb are first to catch your eye, then grilled over charcoal like barbecue.

It’s more like a lamb steak than traditional Genghis Khan, with no gaminess and a tender texture that keeps you coming back for more. Since the lamb is so delicious, try lightly grilling it rare or medium with just salt and pepper for seasoning. The shop claims it “overturns the concept of Genghis Khan,” and with its looks and flavor, that statement is easy to believe. If you crave lamb in Niseko, "Niseko LOFT Club" is the place to be.

6. DEL SOLE

Wood-fired pizza restaurant "DEL SOLE" is so popular with Niseko locals that it's hard to get a seat without a reservation. Located just steps from Annupuri International Ski Resort, it’s a charming green cottage-style pizza restaurant. The flames from the pizza oven, which is visible from the seating area, create a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a girls’ night out or a meal with someone special.

Of course, the pizza tastes fantastic! The crust is soft and chewy in the center, crispy on the edges, and pairs wonderfully with any topping. The cheese is plentiful and gooey. Each pizza is about 30 cm in diameter and reasonably priced, offering great value. Takeout is also available, so you can bring your pizza back to your hotel or cottage and enjoy it with your favorite wine or Niseko cheese.

7. Takahashi Dairy Farm Niseko Milk Workshop

When thinking of Niseko, Hokkaido, dairy products are a must. “Takahashi Dairy Farm Niseko Milk Workshop” is a highly recommended shop for sweets made from rich milk. Takahashi Dairy Farm puts great care into everything, starting with the soil that grows the grass fed to the cows. The milk, made with time and love, is rich yet refreshing in taste. Each dessert reflects that same care and attention.

One of the most popular items is the “Special Cream Puff,” which is filled with cream only after an order is placed to ensure it’s in its most delicious state. The outer shell is crisp, the inside creamy—creating perfect harmony in each bite. In addition to sweets, the facility also sells fresh vegetables straight from local farms and offers hands-on experiences like accessory-making, making it an enjoyable spot beyond just dining.

8. Mount Yotei Winery

"Yotei Winery" is a must-visit spot for wine lovers, located at the foot of Mount Yotei in Niseko. Niseko was designated a special wine production zone in 2014, bringing increased attention to winemaking in the area. The climate, with sharp temperature differences and low rainfall, makes it ideal for grape growing—similar to conditions in Europe. Grapes grown with love in this challenging climate develop a uniquely deep sweetness.

The winery is run by Yotei Green Business Co., Ltd., which is also dedicated to organic farming. Their grapes are organically grown, and their wines are crafted naturally, without unnecessary additives. A standout recommendation is the “Yotei Sparkling Wine,” with fine, delicate bubbles. As an aperitif, it enhances the umami of vegetables and seafood with its refreshing flavor. This sparkling wine is a limited-edition product sold only at the winery, so it’s worth checking stock availability before visiting.

9. Hanakichi

“Sushi Hanakichi” is a restaurant boasting fresh and delicious seafood, despite being located inland in Niseko, Hokkaido. The owner trained in Tokyo for 15 years before returning to open Hanakichi in his hometown. He takes pride in using Hokkaido ingredients and places strong emphasis on serving seasonal delicacies.

The presentation is also exceptional! The dishes are so beautiful you’ll want to take a photo, and the plates and glasses are made by local Niseko artists. Recommended side dishes include the “Hanakichi Seafood Salad” topped with Niseko-grown fried potatoes, and the “Cheese Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard).” These are perfect for pairing with drinks before your sushi arrives. The unique Niseko flavors will keep you coming back for both food and drinks. If you’re craving sushi during your Niseko trip, this is the place to go.

10. Toukabi Nana

If you want to slowly enjoy drinks and the taste of Niseko, Hokkaido, the izakaya “Toukabi Nana” is highly recommended. The restaurant is located on the second floor of a log house-style building, and the warm lighting and wood stove create a cozy, welcoming space. It feels less like a restaurant and more like visiting a relative’s house in Niseko.

Highlights include dishes like potatoes, fried chicken (zangi), grilled hokke, salted squid, and asparagus—each delicious and satisfying. Don’t forget to order the “Asari (clam) rice porridge” to finish your meal. It’s a gentle, warming dish that comforts from within. You’ll feel like a local while enjoying your time here. Shuttle service is available with advance request—contact the restaurant for details.

11. K's FACTORY

Located in front of the station in Kutchan Town, "K's FACTORY" is a place where you can enjoy a wide selection of wines and dishes that pair well with alcohol. Since it’s styled like a bar, one of the recommended features is that you can sample a variety of small dishes even when dining alone.

While the menu is mainly focused on meat dishes, it also features seasonal offerings from Hokkaido, including dishes made with oysters, salmon roe, and venison. With its reasonable pricing, you can enjoy both food and drinks without worry. Delicious and affordable, it's a gourmet spot even locals in Niseko keep coming back to.

12. Honda Coffee Shop

Why not enjoy a cup of coffee while blending into the streets of Niseko? “Honda Coffee Shop” is a recommended gourmet spot where time flows slowly, enhancing that feeling of being a traveler.

As you enter the shop, you're enveloped by the gentle aroma of coffee. They also offer shakes and juices, so those sensitive to caffeine can feel at ease. Be sure to pair your coffee with handmade waffles, cakes, or buttered toast—sweet treats that complement the experience. Simply doing nothing and gazing out at the streets of Niseko feels like the ultimate luxury here. The building also houses the “Niseko General Support Center,” making it convenient for looking up information on tourist spots.

13. Snack and sandwich shop Graubünden

“Graubünden” is highly recommended for those wanting to enjoy fresh vegetables from Niseko. Its charming appearance—with a green pointed roof, brick and wood walls—adds to the welcoming atmosphere. During the pleasant seasons, you can enjoy your meal at the garden tables. It’s perfect for girls’ outings or a date.

The generous portion sizes mean you can eat lots of fresh vegetables. If you still have room, be sure to order a slice of cake as well. These are on the larger side, making them great for sharing and comparing flavors.

14. Ruhiel

“Ruhiel” is a must-visit for lovers of homemade Italian gelato. Some fans even say they travel to Niseko just to eat it. As you step inside, you’ll find a lineup of colorful gelato flavors that are fun to look at and completely free of artificial coloring or preservatives. Made with the natural hues of fruits, and without using frozen fruit, the menu changes with the seasons.

Crafted using Hokkaido milk and natural water from Mount Yotei in Niseko, along with the team’s attention to detail, it’s no wonder Ruhiel has so many repeat customers across Japan. Look for the large gelato sculpture out front to find your way.

15. Farm Restaurant Jagata

At “Farm Restaurant Jagata,” you can enjoy Niseko’s specialty potatoes served hot and fluffy. Set against a beautiful backdrop with sweeping views of Mount Yotei beyond the fields, it’s a truly Niseko-esque setting. Due to its popularity, it’s best to visit early to avoid lines.

On the premises is a “snow storage house,” a unique feature of heavy-snow regions like Niseko that uses snow instead of electricity to store vegetables. This special storage method boosts the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Their highlight dish is the croquette—simply seasoned with salt and nothing else—made from these sweetened potatoes. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, it’s a taste unlike anything you’ve had before. The recommended way to eat it is “half as-is, half with special sauce.” Takeout is also available, making it a great stop during a drive.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced 15 gourmet spots that showcase the flavors of Niseko. When traveling, you naturally want to try as many delicious local dishes as possible. Niseko still has many more gourmet places to explore. Check out spots that match your travel style and make the most of your trip!