Where to dine in Sapporo

In Hokkaido, travellers visit Noboribetsu for hot springs, Hakodate for night views, and Sapporo for unforgettable food. Known as the culinary heart of Hokkaido, Sapporo is where local ingredients meet creative street flavours, from sizzling soup curry to fresh seafood bowls and steaming bowls of miso ramen.

If you’re planning what to do in Sapporo, make food half your itinerary. Wander through Nijo Market, sample yakitori in Susukino, and discover ramen tucked inside cozy underground alleys.

This guide brings you local favourites, hidden gems, and must-try Sapporo dishes that showcase the true taste of Japan’s northern capital. Get ready to eat your way through winter warmth and local flavour!

Slurp Your Way Through Sapporo Ramen Alley

No food guide to Sapporo is complete without ramen. But instead of the usual tonkotsu or shoyu, you should try the miso ramen, which Sapporo practically invented, as well as the garlic-infused ramen.

The best place to explore both is Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) in Susukino, a bustling, narrow street packed with tiny shops, each with its own twist on these classic bowls. Here are two spots you absolutely can’t miss:

Try Signature Miso Ramen at Sapporo Ramen Kifu

If you’re wandering through Ramen Alley wondering where to start, make a beeline for Sapporo Ramen Kifu. Their Original Miso Ramen is the fan favourite, and yes, every bowl comes with their specially selected seasoned egg.

The thick, curly noodles, along with a melty slab of chashu and a pat of butter, are very addictive. Add in corn, bean sprouts, garlic, and a perfectly seasoned egg, and you’ve got a bowl that captures the spirit of Sapporo ramen.

Local Tip: Go early! Kifu is a favourite among Sapporo locals, which means seats fill up quickly, especially at peak hours. Luckily, you can skip the line completely by reserving your table through KKday. Get instant confirmation the moment you book—no stress, no second-guessing.

Address: 1F, Daimatsu Building, 3-1 Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City
Average Price: 1000JPY – 2000 JPY
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m
Fri, Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m
Contact: +81 11-513-0050
Nearest Station: 3 minutes walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku Line of the Sapporo Municipal Subway; 3 minutes walk from Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line of the Sapporo Municipal Subway; 172m from Susukino Station

Taste Rich Garlic Ramen at Ichiryuan near Sapporo Station

While Kifu gives you tradition, Ramen Sapporo Ichiryuan gives you full-on personality. Just a few minutes from Sapporo Station, this cozy spot is famous for its bold garlic-infused ramen. Expect a rich white miso base layered with a deep garlicky kick. The noodles are also slightly thinner but wonderfully chewy.

Pairing your bowl with an ice-cold Sapporo Premium Beer is considered by many locals as the “proper” way to enjoy ramen here. You can also book ahead through KKday for immediate confirmation!

Local Tip: If you want the full experience, ask for their half garlic, half spicy combo. It’s an off-menu mix regulars swear by for the best balance of heat and depth.

Address: B1F Hokuren Building 1-1 Nishi 4-jo Kita Ward Chuo City Sapporo
Average Price: 1000JPY – 2000JPY
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat-Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Contact: 011-219-3199
Nearest Station: The Hokuren Building is located directly above Sapporo Station on the Toho Subway Line

Savour the King of Crabs in Sapporo

Hokkaido is famous for seafood, but nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to its crab. Be it king crab, snow crab, hairy crab, or the beloved tarabagani, Sapporo has restaurants that treat this ingredient like royalty. Check out the top spots below:

Dine Like Royalty at Kani Honke

Kani Honke, a legendary crab restaurant in Sapporo, has been in business for half a century. Their hairy crabs are directly delivered by plane from Tomakomai, Hokkaido.

Expect a full-on crab feast from start to finish. Imagine steamed king crab legs, delicate crab sashimi, and charcoal-grilled crab. They also have a cozy crab hotpot or crab rice porridge to warm you right through Sapporo’s winter chill. Plus, you can reserve your table through KKday for quick confirmations and easy communication.

Local Tip: Go for the full course menu during dinner. It’s the best way to sample multiple crab preparations without missing any of the house specialties, especially the charcoal-grilled crab, which regulars say is the highlight.

Address: 1-18 Kitasanjo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Average Price: 10,000JPY
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Contact: +81 11-222-0018
Nearest Station: 5 minutes walk from the South Exit of JR Hakodate Main Line Sapporo Station; Exit 13 of Sapporo Station on the Sapporo City Palace Subway Namboku Line and Toho Line

Enjoy Crab Sukiyaki at Kaniya Sapporo Crab House

If you want to experience Japanese crab cuisine at its finest, Kaniya Sapporo Crab House is a must-try. This popular restaurant serves fresh, high-quality crab in every form: from sashimi to grilled legs to their famously comforting Crab Sukiyaki.

Their bestseller is the King Crab Sukiyaki Set, a luxurious 12-course feast designed for crab lovers. Everything soaks up the savory broth, turning the crab unbelievably tender and flavorful.

Local Tip: Arrive slightly early by securing your table via KKday. Then,  request a room with tatami flooring for the most relaxing, traditional sukiyaki experience. Locals say it enhances the meal’s “Japanese inn” feel.

Address: 2 Chome−11−11 Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 〒064-0804, Japan
Average Price: 10,000JPY
Hours: Mon-Sun: Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Contact: +81 11-222-1117
Nearest Station: 10 minutes walk from Gion 4 Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Main Line; 12 minutes walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line

Sip and Explore the Taste of Sapporo Beer

Sapporo is literally the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, Japan’s oldest beer brand. No wonder it’s full of places that serve craft brews, seasonal pours, and the classic Sapporo Premium Beer. Here are our top picks:

Pair Steak and Craft Beer at MASUYA Meat & Craft Beer

Meat lovers, rejoice! MASUYA Meat & Craft Beer is the ultimate spot for those who believe life’s better with a juicy steak in one hand and a cold craft beer in the other. Their Hokkaido beef steak is tender, smoky, and melts in your mouth. As a cherry on top, the local craft beers are rotated regularly, giving you a chance to taste unique flavors from the region.

Book through KKday for instant confirmation, no language hassle, and guaranteed access to Sapporo’s best steak and craft beer experience.

Local Tip: Try the tasting flight first to find your perfect beer pairing, then order a Hokkaido steak cooked medium-rare for the juiciest experience. Regulars swear it’s the ultimate flavor combo.

Address: Flower Building 2F, 5-2-33 Kita-23-jo Nishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Average Price: 1000JPY – 2000JPY
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Friday, Saturday: 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Contact: 011-746-7202
Nearest Station: Sapporo Subway Namboku Line Kita 24-jo Station, 2-3 minutes walk from Exit 1

Discover Local Vrews at Shokudo Volta

Craft Beer Shokudo Volta is a stylish, minimalist bar that focuses on letting the beer shine. They offer a constantly rotating selection of unique seasonal craft beers, as well as Japanese sake and their signature lemon sour. They also have a creative menu of meat dishes designed to pair perfectly with the beers.

Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Susukino Station, it’s easy to drop by whether you’re exploring the city or winding down after a day of sightseeing. You can also score a stress-free entry via KKday.

Local Tip: Ask for the seasonal special tasting flight, it’s a fantastic way to explore new flavors!

Address: 1F Harebare Building 3-8-6 Chome, Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido,
Average Price: 4000JPY – 5000JPY
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Contact: +81 11-212-1585
Nearest Station: 5-minute walk from Susukino Station (all lines); 1-minute walk from Shiseikan Shogakumae Station

Warm Up with Sapporo’s Iconic Hotpot and Shabu-Shabu

When the cold wind blows across the city, which is often, nothing comforts the soul like a hotpot. Sapporo has some of the best shabu-shabu and nabe restaurants in Japan, thanks to high-quality local beef and fresh produce.

Feast on Premium Beef Shabu-Shabu at Zen

Zen offers top-tier beef like Kobe, Matsuzaka, and Yonezawa, some of the finest cuts you can find in Japan! Thinly sliced, perfectly marbled, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, the beef here really does speak for itself. Zen doesn’t just shine with its meat. The broths are light yet aromatic, letting the beef flavor shine through. And fresh sides like tofu and mushrooms round out the meal.

This spot is ideal for couples seeking a warm, cozy dinner or families wanting to share a high-quality, comforting meal. Large private rooms can accommodate up to 40 guests, making it perfect for group gatherings as well. Book your table ahead via KKday for easy reservation in your language.

Local Tip: Try ordering multiple cuts in one meal to compare textures, a fun way to experience the subtle differences between Kobe, Matsuzaka, and Yonezawa beef.

Address: 1st Floor, Yamaguchi Central Building, Minami 2-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
Average Price: 5000JPY – 6000JPY
Hours: Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Contact: +81 11-219-6522
Nearest Station: 5-minute walk from Exit 35 of Odori Subway Station

Try Unlimited Crabs and Beef at Kagayoi

If you’re dreaming of an all-you-can-eat feast in Sapporo, Kagayoi delivers in style. Here, you can enjoy three types of crab, Hokkaido beef, and Hokkaido pork in an unlimited shabu-shabu experience.

The shabu-shabu broth is light but flavorful, enhancing the natural sweetness of both crab and beef, while the selection of sides keeps the meal fresh and satisfying. For an extra 1,200 yen, you can enjoy free-flow draft beer and other drinks!

Local Tip: After booking via KKday, arrive hungry and pace yourself. Start with the crabs before diving into the beef and pork shabu-shabu. The crab is especially popular, so savor it early!

Address: 7th Floor, Odori Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Hokkaido Odori Street
Average Price: 10,000JPY
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Lunch) / 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Dinner); Friday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Lunch) / 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Dinner)
Contact: +81 11-596-0838
Nearest Station: 1-minute walk from Odori Station. Odori Station BISSE 3rd floor, directly connected to the underground walkway.

Experience Local Genghis Khan BBQ

You can’t talk about Hokkaido food without mentioning Genghis Khan (Jingisukan), the region’s beloved mutton barbecue.

It’s named after Genghis Khan because people believed Mongolian warriors ate a lot of lamb, and the grill resembles a warrior’s helmet. Sapporo has many places that serve this hearty dish, but two stand above the rest:

Try the Famous Genghis Khan Grilled Lamb

Matsuo is the place to try Genghis Khan, the island’s iconic lamb dish. A local favourite for over 60 years, they’ve perfected this classic: tender mutton marinated in a slightly sweet sauce made from apples and onions, with a touch of soy sauce.

As the meat cooks, the juices flow down onto fresh vegetables, infusing them with smoky, savoury-sweet flavour. The combination of tender lamb, flavorful sauce, and sizzling grill is what makes Matsuo a Hokkaido institution.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to cook the vegetables in the lamb juices. It’s the secret to getting that authentic smoky-sweet flavour that locals rave about.

Address: 5-12 Myojin-cho 3-chome, Takigawa City, Hokkaido, Matsuo Main Store
Average Price: 4000JPY – 5000JPY
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Contact: +81 125-22-2989
Nearest Station: A 0-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nishi-28-chome Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line; 15 minutes on foot from Takigawa Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line

Taste Fresh Mutton at Sapporo Jingisukan Shirokuma

For lamb lovers who want it fresh and unseasoned, Sapporo Jingisukan Shirokuma in Susukino is a must-visit. This intimate izakaya specializes in premium cuts grilled right at your table, letting you savor the natural flavor of the meat.

They even serve the rare “Phantom Japanese Lamb”, featured in the Hokkaido Michelin Guide, which accounts for less than 1% of domestic distribution! Pairing it with a cold Sapporo Premium Beer makes the experience iconic.

Local Tip: Ask for a tasting of different lamb cuts. The flavor changes depending on origin and age, and this is the best way to fully experience the depth of Japanese lamb.

Reserve ahead via KKday to skip the wait and guarantee a table.

Address: Joyfull Sapporo 1F, 3-6-31 Minami-Rokujo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Average Price: 5000JPY – 6000JPY
Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.; Thursday – Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.; Sunday: Closed or optional 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Contact: 011-552-4690
Nearest Station: 3 minutes walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku Subway Line, 1 minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Subway Line

Feel the Izakaya Spirit of Sapporo Nights

Once you’ve explored all the daytime food spots, it’s time for the real fun: izakaya nights! Sapporo’s nightlife is full of laughter, sizzling dishes, and endless drinks. Basically, the kind of warm atmosphere that makes you feel instantly welcome.

Join the Night Buzz at Tsukada Farm

Tsukada Farm is a popular izakaya chain across Japan, but the Sapporo branch has its own charm. This place bursts with energy: staff shout greetings, dishes arrive fast, and everyone looks like they’re having a great time.

They specialise in local izakaya cuisine, featuring chicken from their own farms, carefully selected Wagyu beef, and fresh vegetables. Pair your meal with Sapporo Beer, a yuzu cocktail, or other handpicked Japanese drinks, and you’ve got a perfect casual night out.

Local Tip: Go with a group and order a variety of small plates. The experience is way more fun when you can try a little bit of everything while enjoying the lively izakaya buzz.

Address: 2F, Higashikan Sapporo Station Building, Kita 7-jo Nishi 4-chome 1, Kita-ku, Sapporo,
Average Price:4000JPY – 5000JPY
Hours: Mon – Fri: 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Contact: +81 11-738-6011
Nearest Station: 2-minute walk from JR Hakodate Main Line Sapporo Station North Exit

Celebrate with a Meat Cake at Sapporo Nikuazabu

Yes, you read that right: a meat cake! Sapporo Nikuazabu delivers its signature “meat cake,” made from stacked slices of A5 Kuroge Wagyu beef. It’s not just Instagram-worthy, it’s ridiculously delicious too.

As a bonus, their yakiniku menu is packed with high-quality wagyu cuts, carefully prepared by staff for the perfect grill. Each bite pairs beautifully with their rich, flavorful dipping sauces.

Local Tip: Reserve a course in advance via KKday if you want the meat cake. It’s popular and only available when paired with a course. This ensures your celebration goes off without a hitch.

Address: 1F, F2 Fujiei Building, 8-5-2 Minami 2-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Average Price: 3000JPY – 5000JPY
Hours: Mon–Fri: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Contact: 011-212-1129
Nearest Station: 201m from Sapporo City Tram Nishi 8-chome Station; 9-minute walk from Subway Nishi 11-chome Station; 10-minute walk from Subway Susukino Station

Plan Your Sapporo Food Adventure Next with KKday

With so many places to eat and drink, planning your Sapporo itinerary can feel overwhelming. That’s where KKday comes in handy. They offer foodie tours, brewery experiences, market visits, and even ramen-making classes.

From slurping miso ramen in hidden alleyways to grilling mutton on a dome-shaped plate, sipping local craft beers, and indulging in fresh Hokkaido crab, your Sapporo trip is going to be delicious.