Local gourmets have carefully selected and introduced the best hidden gems in Sapporo that you should try now in 2019.

"Originating from Sapporo. Authentic, richly flavored chocolate, handmade from cacao beans."

SATURDAYS Chocolate Factory & Cafe

SATURDAYS Chocolate Factory & Cafe is a chocolate specialty store located in the Soseigawa East area. The highly recommended and unique "Bean-to-Bar Chocolate" (from 961 yen, tax included) is handmade one by one using a method that makes the most of the flavor of the cacao beans. It is characterized by "small batch" (small-scale, small-scale production) that is particular about the selection of ingredients and manufacturing method, and "single origin" (single region, single variety) that does not blend cacao beans. In addition, no additives such as emulsifiers or flavorings are used.

"Not only is it delicious, but bean-to-bar chocolate is in the realm of art, even down to the packaging. The owner, Chikara Akimoto, is well versed in American culture, and his attention to detail is reflected in every aspect of the products and the store. The interior of the store is decorated with artwork by artists and miscellaneous goods collected from overseas, so just looking at it is enjoyable." (Sousuke Ichikawa, same below)

The cafe attached to the workshop serves drinks and sweets made with chocolate, which can be enjoyed either in or as takeaway.

"You're sure to find a flavor you like. Choose cheeses from around the world while tasting them at specialty shops."

fromageoaillerie éclairer

Fromageoaillerie éclairer, which opened in the Maruyama area in April 2019, is a specialty store that sells imported cheese from Europe, mainly from France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The lineup changes daily from about 60 types, with about 30 types of cheese beautifully lined up in a luxurious showcase. It is mainly sold by weight, starting from 100g, making it an attractive choice for easy purchase.

"You can sample the cheeses and the staff will explain everything to you, so even if you're not an expert, there's no need to worry. Finding a flavor that suits you is part of the fun."

There is also an eat-in space in the store where you can enjoy cheese and sandwiches with coffee and wine. The "Omakase 3-kind Cheese Plate" (1,078 yen including tax) is recommended by the staff after asking your preferences.

"In search of the best beer. Casual, stand-up craft beer."

Beer Cellar Sapporo

Sapporo, the birthplace of beer brewing in Japan, is a mecca for beer lovers. Beer Cellar Sapporo is a beer specialty store run directly by an importer and located along the streetcar street. It offers about 200 types of beer, including domestic beers, with a focus on craft beers imported directly from Portland, Oregon, USA.

There are about 10 kinds of fresh draft beer on tap at all times. The popular "Beer Flight" (1,100 yen, tax included) allows you to choose 4 types and taste them little by little. There is also a wide selection of snacks that go well with beer, so you can enjoy a variety of pairings.

The refrigerator is also stocked with bottled beers delivered directly from breweries both in Japan and overseas, and you can drink the products you purchase in the store.

"The appeal is being able to enjoy craft beer casually. The bottles and labels of bottled beer are so cool that you can't help but buy it just for the cover."

"Relax in a traditional Japanese house. Enjoy home-roasted coffee you'll want to drink every day."

Little Fort Coffee

Little Fort Coffee is a cafe located in a quiet residential area. The interior of the shop, which was renovated from an old house, is decorated with tasteful antique furniture and has a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

"The shop may be small, but every nook and cranny is tastefully designed, and you can feel the freshness of the young sensibilities behind the store. The coffee that the owner, Sumito Hashimoto, carefully brews one cup at a time is exceptional."

The in-house roasted coffee is based on the concept of "coffee you want to drink every day," with moderate acidity and bitterness, and a strong aroma and sweetness. In addition to blends and straight coffee, there are about 10 seasonal brands available. The "Little Fort Blend" (420 yen, tax included) is a particularly good balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, making it a flavor you'll never tire of. You can choose between hand drip and French press brewing methods. They also sell coffee beans that you can enjoy at home. Because they don't want people to choose based on price, all prices are a flat 650 yen (tax included) per 100g.

"A ramen that is new yet somehow comforting, showcasing the chef's unique sensibility and ingenuity."

Chinese noodles California

Sapporo is famous as the birthplace of miso ramen, but new ramen shops are popping up one after another. "Chukasoba California" is a popular shop that looks stylish like a vintage clothing store at first glance. The soy sauce-based ramen, which does not use any chemical seasonings, is simple, flavorful, and very satisfying. The price is also reasonable, so there is always a line at lunchtime.

"The name is unusual for a typical ramen shop, but I think it has good taste. The owner, Masashi Yuto, cooks very cool dishes, and he makes ramen with the utmost care."

The signature dish, "Shin Chuka Soba" (680 yen, tax included), has a soup with concentrated chicken carcass flavor and a clean aftertaste. The custom-made medium-thick straight noodles mix well with the soup. The crunchy texture of the onions sprinkled throughout adds an accent. Ichikawa's recommendation is the "Niboshi Soba" (photo / 580 yen, tax included). With one sip of the clear amber soup, the elegant and gentle flavor of niboshi fills your mouth.

"A cozy restaurant that will ease your tired body and mind."

Dining and Space Ogawa no Jikan

This restaurant is run by the husband and wife duo Yohei Ogawa and Mizuki, a registered dietitian. The reason they started the restaurant was because they wanted people who were tired to drink Mizuki's homemade soup, which helped Yohei when he was a company employee and was exhausted both physically and mentally. The meals, titled "For those who are a little tired," change depending on the customer's physical condition at the time, such as "Relieve summer fatigue" during the hot season.

"This is a wonderful restaurant that is filled with the couple's passion. Each dish is carefully prepared, and it feels as if their love is seeping into every corner of your body. Once you've finished eating, you'll feel a sense of lightness in both body and mind. Please enjoy."

The first thing you'll notice when you enter the restaurant is the scent of wood. The space is made of natural materials such as solid wood and diatomaceous earth, and is decorated with greenery, making it a comfortable space that makes you want to stay forever. As the number of meals is limited, we recommend making a reservation.

"It's cheap, tasty, and filling. This is the local Chinese food spot."

Popular Chinese food and side dishes Ichijo Marufuji

Located a little outside of central Sapporo along the streetcar street, the Chinese izakaya "Taishū Chuka to Sozai Ichijo Marufuji" is bustling with locals. The wide variety of Chinese dishes and side dishes are all hearty and have a comforting taste. Another plus is that the prices are reasonable. It is always crowded during weekday lunch hours.

"Everything on the menu is cheap and delicious, this is the real deal: popular Chinese food. The 'Clay Pot Chinese Rice Bowl' (770 yen, tax included) served in a piping hot clay pot is full of ingredients and is recommended as a final dish after drinking. Even if you're full, you'll find yourself eating more and more."

You can come here with colleagues, friends, family, or even by yourself. With a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere and bright, friendly service, you'll feel right at home even if you're just stopping by as a tourist.

"Creative French cuisine made with luxurious ingredients from Hokkaido, served in an extraordinary space."

RESTAURANT DAFNE

RESTAURANT DAFNE is the first restaurant outside of a coffee shop that MORIHICO. has created, located inside the cultural facility Sapporo Citizens' Communication Plaza, which opened in October 2018. With a ceiling height of 10 meters, you will be amazed by the open and sophisticated space. You can enjoy authentic French cuisine in a casual setting.

"You can casually drop in and enjoy a meal in your everyday clothes. Enjoy not only the food prepared by a chef who trained in France, but also the extraordinary atmosphere."

They use ingredients unique to Hokkaido, a treasure trove of food, such as game meats like lamb and Ezo deer, and vegetables delivered directly from farmers. They are particular about not only the taste but also the appearance, expressing the charm of Hokkaido in one dish.

There are three courses for lunch, and the standard "DAFNE" (2,860 yen including tax) has three main dishes to choose from. For dinner, you can order a la carte in addition to the course menu. Please try pairing it with organic wine or Hokkaido wine.

Savoring the local flavors is one of the joys of traveling

It's great to visit famous restaurants while sightseeing, but another great part of traveling is to wander around the city, drop into a restaurant that catches your eye, and discover new gourmet foods. These beloved local restaurants have their own unique personalities and charms, and allow you to experience the food culture that is unique to the region. Discovering new gourmet foods that you've never tried before is sure to make your trip to Sapporo an even more enriching experience.

Sosuke Ichikawa

Representative director of Atelier Morihiko Co., Ltd. and representative of "MORIHICO." He founded the cafe "Morihiko" in 1996 and currently operates 13 stores in Hokkaido. He is involved in a wide range of businesses, including cafe management, sales of coffee beans and baked goods, and store branding and design, with a focus on coffee brands.
Official website: https://www.morihico.com

*Some content was updated on February 14, 2020.