Best Seafood Restaurant in Hokkaido: Exploring Global Tastes

Are you planning a trip to Hokkaido and looking for the best seafood restaurants to dine at? You're in luck because Hokkaido is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. With a wide variety of seafood options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right restaurant for your taste buds. In this article, we'll guide you through the top seafood spots in Hokkaido, so you can indulge in the best seafood dishes the island has to offer.

Hokkaido is home to some of the best seafood in Japan, thanks to its abundant natural resources. The island's cold waters provide a perfect breeding ground for a variety of seafood, including king crabs, scallops, salmon, and sea urchins. Hokkaido's seafood is known for its freshness and quality, making it a popular destination for foodies from around the world.

Whether you're a seafood aficionado or just a casual diner, Hokkaido's seafood restaurants have something for everyone. From traditional Japanese restaurants to modern fusion spots, you'll find a diverse range of dining experiences to savour. So, let's dive into the best seafood restaurants in Hokkaido and discover the culinary delights of the island.

Key Takeaways

• Hokkaido is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, making it a popular destination for foodies.
• The island's cold waters provide a perfect breeding ground for a variety of seafood, including king crabs, scallops, salmon, and sea urchins.
• Hokkaido's seafood restaurants offer a diverse range of dining experiences, from traditional Japanese restaurants to modern fusion spots.

Top Seafood Spots in Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the northernmost region of Japan, is known for its delicious seafood cuisine. From crab and sea urchin to squid, salmon, and salmon roe, the variety of seafood Hokkaido boasts is endless. If you're a seafood lover, then Hokkaido is the place for you. Here are some of the top seafood spots in Hokkaido that you should definitely check out.

Sapporo Delights

Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the region. One of the must-visit places is the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, which is one of the largest seafood markets in Japan. Here, you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including Hokkaido's famous crabs, salmon, and sea urchin. You can also enjoy some delicious seafood dishes at the market's many restaurants.

Another great seafood spot in Sapporo is the Kaisen Yatai (Seafood Stalls) in Susukino. This is a group of food stalls that serve fresh seafood caught in the nearby waters. You can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled squid, crab legs, and sashimi, while sitting on a stool on the street.

Hakodate Freshness

Hakodate is a port city in southern Hokkaido and is known for its fresh seafood. One of the best places to try the local seafood is at the Hakodate Morning Market. This market is open from early morning until noon and offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including squid, salmon roe, and sea urchin. You can also enjoy some delicious seafood dishes at the market's many restaurants.

Another great seafood spot in Hakodate is the Lucky Pierrot burger chain. Although it's known for its burgers, it also serves some delicious seafood burgers, such as the shrimp burger and the squid burger. Make sure to give them a try!

Otaru Specialities

Otaru is a small port city located northwest of Sapporo and is known for its fresh seafood. One of the best places to try the local seafood is at the Otaru Sankaku Market. This market is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including crab, shrimp, and scallops. You can also enjoy some delicious seafood dishes at the market's many restaurants.

Another great seafood spot in Otaru is the Otaru Kihinkan. This is a historic building that has been converted into a restaurant and serves some of the best seafood dishes in the city. Make sure to try the grilled squid and the crab croquette!

Seasonal Seafood Guide

If you're planning to visit Hokkaido, you're in for a treat. Hokkaido is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. From crabs to scallops, Hokkaido has it all. Here's a seasonal seafood guide to help you plan your meals during your visit.

Spring

Spring is the season for Hokkaido's famous hairy crabs, also known as kegani. These crabs are sweet and succulent, and they are best enjoyed between April and May. Hokkaido is also known for its salmon, which is in season from April to June. You can enjoy salmon in various forms, such as grilled, sashimi, or sushi.

Summer

Summer is the season for Hokkaido's delicious squid, also known as ika. These squids are sweet and tender, and they are best enjoyed between June and August. Hokkaido is also known for its scallops, which are in season from July to September. You can enjoy scallops in various forms, such as grilled, sashimi, or sushi.

Autumn

Autumn is the season for Hokkaido's famous king crabs, also known as tarabagani. These crabs are sweet and succulent, and they are best enjoyed between September and November. Hokkaido is also known for its saury, which is in season from September to November. You can enjoy saury in various forms, such as grilled or fried.

Winter

Winter is the season for Hokkaido's famous snow crabs, also known as zuwaigani. These crabs are sweet and succulent, and they are best enjoyed between December and February. Hokkaido is also known for its oysters, which are in season from December to February. You can enjoy oysters in various forms, such as grilled or raw.

Overall, Hokkaido is a seafood lover's paradise. Make sure to try these seasonal delicacies during your visit.

Dining Experiences to Savour

When it comes to seafood, Hokkaido is a treasure trove of delicious options. From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional izakayas and seafood markets, there's something for everyone. Here are some dining experiences you won't want to miss:

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Hokkaido boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants that serve up some of the best seafood in the world. One such restaurant is Moliere, which offers French cuisine with a Japanese twist. The restaurant's signature dish is the "Crab and Caviar," which features Hokkaido crab and Russian caviar. Another Michelin-starred restaurant to try is Sushi Miyakawa, which serves up some of the freshest sushi in the city.

Traditional Izakayas

For a more relaxed dining experience, check out some of Hokkaido's traditional izakayas. These casual pubs serve up a variety of small plates, perfect for sharing with friends. Sapporo Beer Garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Here, you can enjoy Hokkaido seafood and wash it down with a cold Sapporo beer. Another izakaya worth visiting is Yakitori Torimatsu, which specializes in grilled chicken skewers but also offers a variety of seafood dishes.

Seafood Markets

No trip to Hokkaido would be complete without a visit to one of its many seafood markets. The Nijo Market in Sapporo is one of the most popular, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood. You can even sample some of the seafood on offer at one of the market's many food stalls. If you're looking for a more authentic experience, head to Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO, where you can watch the fishermen bring in their catch and then enjoy it at one of the on-site restaurants.

Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or a more casual meal, Hokkaido has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to savour some of the world's best seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which restaurant in Otaru is celebrated for serving the finest crab dishes?

If you're looking for the best crab dishes in Otaru, look no further than Sankaku Market. This bustling market is home to a variety of seafood vendors, but the crab dishes at Kitaichi Hall are particularly renowned. You can enjoy a range of crab dishes, including grilled crab, crab hotpot, and even crab sushi.

Can you recommend a seafood restaurant in Hokkaido that offers a truly authentic local experience?

For a truly authentic local experience, head to Kaisen Misakiko in Sapporo. This seafood restaurant is located right next to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, so you can be sure that the seafood is fresh and of the highest quality. The restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes, including sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood hotpot. Plus, the prices are reasonable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious diners.

What are the must-try seafood delicacies unique to Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is known for its incredible seafood, and there are several must-try delicacies that you simply can't miss. One of the most popular is ikura, or salmon roe, which is at its best from September to November. Another must-try is uni, or sea urchin, which is rich, creamy, and has a unique flavour that's unlike anything else. Finally, don't miss out on kaisendon, a seafood rice bowl that's topped with a variety of fresh seafood and is a Hokkaido specialty.