Recommended Lunch and Dinner Spots for a Perfect Date in Otaru Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 20 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Hokkaido

Recommended Lunch and Dinner Spots for a Perfect Date in Otaru

Otaru - a romantic town that is easily accessible from Sapporo - is incredibly popular for dates. The great food is an indispensable part of a date in Otaru. Although the area is famous for its seafood, it has a lot of other delicious food to offer as well! Here is a selection of fantastic restaurants in Otaru that serve standard seafood cuisine, as well as a variety of other Otaru favorites. They also have great atmospheres that are suited for dates, so do consider them when making plans!

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Hokkaido.

1. Kita no Donburiya Takinami Shokudo

For breakfast, you can drop by this restaurant and try their popular [Wagamama Bowl], where you can select 3 - 4 toppings from 9 different types. It is located within Otaru Triangle Market, which is near Otaru Station, so it is the perfect first stop for a date in Otaru. The aforementioned [Wagamama Bowl] is highly recommended. The seafood that they procure directly from Takinami Shoten, a fish wholesaler found within the market, is extremely fresh!

The vinegared rice that goes perfectly with the delicious toppings is 100% Nanatsuboshi brand rice from Hokkaido.

The lively atmosphere of the market is energizing!

Kita no Donburiya Takinami Shokudo

Open: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm *Open from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm on December 31, and 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on January 2 and 3.
Closed: None *Except for New Year's Day
Average price: 1,500 JPY
Access: In Otaru Triangle Market, which is near Otaru Station
Address: Sankaku Ichiba-nai, 3-10-16, Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
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2. Very Very Strawberry

Drop by this restaurant, which is near Otaru Canal, for lunch. This is a trattoria where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere and flavors of Italy. The menu is based on food that the owner, who is an enthusiast of Italy, discovered while traveling throughout Italy, with the added flavors of Otaru. Their authentic Italian cuisine and atmosphere make it seem like you are on a date in Italy!

Even the desserts are all authentic Italian dolce, handmade by the owner, and come in sizeable portions!

A trattoria in its own brick building with a classic, romantic interior.

Very Very Strawberry

Open: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm)
[Weekdays] Dinner from 6:00 pm
[Weekends, National Holidays] Dinner from 5:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: 2,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Minami-otaru Station
Address: 1-2-29, Irifune, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
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3. Otaru Masazushi Zenan

Since this restaurant is located along Otaru Canal, it has a perfect view of it, making it a great spot for lunch during a date strolling around the canal. Along with the finest sushi, you can also enjoy Otaru's ji-zake (Japanese local alcohol) here. It is a sister restaurant to Otaru Masazushi Main Branch, which is a well-established local sushi restaurant.

It is so close to Otaru Canal that you can feel the breeze from it! This restaurant is a perfect spot to stop by in-between sightseeing.

The interior with glass windows has a calm atmosphere that's accentuated with soft lighting.

Otaru Masazushi Zenan

Open: [Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 10:00 pm *Closed between 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Monday
Closed: Thursday (may change due to national holidays and events)
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: Around 3 - 4 minutes by taxi from Otaru Station, or right next to the Honkyoku mae Bus Stop
Address: 1-2-1, Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
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4. Minatomachi Italian Gabacho

This warm restaurant, designed in the image of Southern Italy, is a nice place for lunch. Enjoy pizza, made with homemade dough and baked in a stone oven, at this restaurant, which is directly connected to Otaruchikko Station. Its prime location makes it a convenient place to visit, even on days with bad weather. It is also directly accessible from a movie theater, making it a perfect place to stop by after a date at the movies.

The pizza, baked in a stone oven, is outstanding! The dough is crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

The interior of the restaurant has a warm atmosphere that's reminiscent of Southern Italy.

Minatomachi Italian Gabacho

Open: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm) *During winter (January 4 - late February), this changes to 11:00 am - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,200 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: Directly connected to Otaruchikko Station. If you go by car, it's near the Otaru Interchange. Parking available at Akagame.
Address: 1F, WING BAY OTARU Gobangai, 11-5, Chikko, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
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5. Otaru Masazushi Main Branch

This restaurant is a nice place for dinner, and is located near Otaru Canal. The best seating at this famous sushi restaurant is by the counter. Located on Otaru Sushiya Street (Otaru Sushiya-dori), a street lined with long-established sushi restaurants, this outstanding restaurant is the perfect last stop on a date in Otaru. The sushi that you get at the counter, where you can admire the magnificent skills of their sushi chefs, is out of this world!

This is the wide approach that continues on from the entrance. The stylish exterior will heighten your expectations.

Reservations are necessary for their counter seating, where you can enjoy freshly prepared sushi. This is a great place for the last stop on your date.

Otaru Masazushi Main Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays]11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Closed: Wednesday (may change due to national holidays and events)
Average price: 3,500 JPY *Set menus go from 1,580 JPY - 7,350 JPY
Access: Around 3 - 4 minutes by taxi from Otaru Station
Address: 1-1-1, Hanazono, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
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6. Robataya Tsurukichi

Located near Otaru Canal, this restaurant is a nice place for dinner. This is a robataya (izakaya, or Japanese pub, with seats surrounding a central stove where the food is prepared) that's popular with the locals. Found in the Hanazono district, this lively restaurant also has private rooms. If you're on a date, sit side by side at the counter, where you can see the large hearth. You can also consider the private rooms where you can enjoy each other's company.

There is a large hearth in the restaurant. Experience the excitement of watching food being cooked right in front of you!

Reservations are required for their private rooms. Enjoy each other's company in a comfortable Japanese-style room!

Robataya Tsurukichi

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,500 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Otaru Station
Address: 1-8-23, Hanazono, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
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7. Mariner Bar (Sushi bar) Grand Park Otaru

Located near Otaruchikko Station, this restaurant is a nice place for dinner. It is a modern bar and restaurant overlooking Ishikari Bay and Otaru Port Marina. You can savor sushi, amuse-bouche, and Italian dishes prepared by specialized chefs while enjoying the beautiful nightscape. Relax and enjoy your evening in Otaru!

Their elegant sushi are magnificent dishes made with ingredients unique to Otaru.

Enjoy a romantic evening with a view of Otaru Port Marina's lights.

Mariner Bar (Sushi bar) Grand Park Otaru

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: Directly connected (5-minute walk) to Otaruchikko Station. Near the Otaru Interchange of Sasson Expressway.
Address: 2F, Grand Park Otaru, 11-3, Chikko, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido

8. Terrace Brasserie Grand Park Otaru

This seaside hotel restaurant with a great view of Ishikari Bay and Otaru Port Marina is a nice place for dinner, and is located near Otaruchikko Station. Their popular buffet consists primarily of ingredients procured from Hokkaido, prepared by chefs specializing in each type of cuisine. Savor their food in the restaurant's airy and romantic setting!

Everything, including the sweets, are made on site by chefs specializing in each culinary genre.

Dinner with a view of the sea at night. This is a luxurious space to relax in, which is typical of hotel restaurants.

Terrace Brasserie Grand Park Otaru

Open: A la carte 11:00 am - 8:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) Lunch Buffet 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
[Friday - Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner Buffet 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm *Check with them for their opening hours over holidays like Christmas and Golden Week
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dessert Buffet 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,800 JPY
Access: Directly connected (5-minute walk) to Otaruchikko Station. Near Otaru Interchange on Sasson Expressway.
Address: 2F, Grand Park Otaru, 11-3, Chikko, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.