Niseko restaurants: tempting dishes to try
By Cara Whiteman
Posted on 21st January 2020
If you're joining us for TSW Japan or simply heading to Niseko on your own adventure, then you're in for a treat. This town in the north of Japan is not only a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders, but it's also packed with some amazing places to eat. From Hokkaido-style shrimp tempura to seriously sumptuous soba, check out these Niseko restaurants for deliciously warming dishes.
Restaurants in Niseko
The Barn
Brett and Takoya, former owners of the legendary après-ski bar, Wild Bill's, opened this beautiful barn-style restaurant to feature French cuisine classics with a Hokkaido-style twist. Think steak tartar served with mountain wasabi, smoked radish, lemon and mayonnaise and sushi filled with foie gras. The lofty space even has a post-dinner bar above the kitchen, serving a selection of French and 'new world' wines, alongside local Hokkaido craft beers. Their late opening time means their happy hour is from 10-11:30pm.
During the winter, The Barn is open as usual for dinner from 5:30-10:30pm. This lively bistro is a popular option in the evenings so it would be wise to book well in advance. Their menu is available in English on their website.
📍The Barn, 170-323 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
nisekobarn.com
Sessa
Hankering for Wagyu beef? Sessa is your top pick. With a menu consisting of quality A5-A4 Wagyu plus Hokkaido's famed local seafood, you'll be glad you arrived hungry. Options include steamed local oysters and fried Hokkaido chicken plus a Kagoshima Wagyu sirloin served in a hot chilli tomato hotpot. Plus, Sessa offers a pick-up service for anyone staying in the local area, so make sure you book well in advance. During the winter, Sessa is open for lunch Friday-Monday from 11am-2pm and dinner Friday-Wednesday 5-10pm. Their menu is available in English on their website. 📍Sessa, 133-14 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido. niseko-sessa.com
An Dining
Housed on the ground floor of Ki Niseko Hotel, An Dining is a great option at any hour of the day. From a sumptuous breakfast buffet to their sophisticated, Japanese Izakaya-style dinner menu, this is the perfect all-rounder for your trip to Niseko. Think entrées like steamed Zuwai crab meat, spinach and salmon caviar with Dashi vinegar jelly plus mains like slow-braised Ebetsu pork belly with mustard potato puree and a Japanese omelette. During the winter, An Dining is open every day between 7am-10pm, with their café/bar open between seatings for meals. All their menus are available in English on their website. 📍An Dining, 1F Ki Niseko, 183-43 Aza Yamada, Kutchan, Hokkaido. kiniseko.com/diningRestaurants close to Niseko
Rakuichi Soba
Located in a picturesque wooden cabin on the edge of Annupuri, you'll need to catch a taxi to get there - but it will be worth the trip. This 12-seat restaurant is famed for its exquisite soba dishes by noodle master Tatsuru Ra. Think smoked scallops served with sea urchin and a shabu-shabu (Japanese hotpot) of Iberian pork loin. During the winter, Rakuichi Soba is open for lunch (midday seating) and dinner (7pm seating) by reservation only, so make sure you book well in advance. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays from December-March. Their menu is available in English on their website. 📍Rakuichi Soba, 431 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido. rakuichisoba.com