--- title: 16 Of The Best Restaurants In Niseko In 2026 date: 2025-12-02T20:01:00+09:00 author: Armelle Frimpong canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/best-restaurants-niseko" section: News --- [Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# 16 Of The Best Restaurants In Niseko In 2026 Dec 02, 2025 - [ ](mailto:?subject=16%20Of%20The%20Best%20Restaurants%20In%20Niseko%20In%202026%20on%20Uchi&body=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fbest-restaurants-niseko "Share by Email") - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fbest-restaurants-niseko&title=16%20Of%20The%20Best%20Restaurants%20In%20Niseko%20In%202026&description=So%20you%27re%20in%20Niseko%20and%20you%27re%20hungry%3F%20From%20fine%20dining%20restaurants%20to%20cosy%20izakayas%2C%20here%20are%20our%20top%20recommendations%20for%20the%20best%20places%20to%20eat%20in%20town.&caption=Uchi) ![The Flats chefs](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/The-Flats-chefs.jpg)There’s no denying that the Niseko of today stands apart as one of Hokkaido’s rock star locales. After all, what was once a quiet potato-farming town has now morphed over the years into one of the best all-year-round destinations to visit in Japan. Whether you’re here in the tranquil green season for some much-needed R&R or you’re hitting the world-famous japow hard, you’re going to need some serious refuelling options, and if you're looking for the world-famous après ski scene, [we've got a fine list for you here](https://uchijapan.com/news/niseko-best-bars-pubs-apres-ski). From special occasion restaurants to cosy izakayas in the snow, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots in town because here at Uchi, we don’t just work hard, we play hard. So in no particular order, let’s dig into the ultimate list of the best restaurants in Niseko. ## MAME, Niseko ![Mame niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/mame-niseko.jpg) Image credit: A delicate fish dish / Mame Niseko Led by celebrated chef Hideki Endo—previously of Matsuhisa Paris—[MAME](https://www.mame-restaurants.com/) is the spot if you’re looking to impress. Here, chefs incorporate Japanese Wasyoku, "Wa" (和) which represents harmony and balance—blending ingredients, flavours, and presentation while respecting nature and the seasons. It’s all about creating a beautiful, cohesive meal with seasonal produce, different textures, and cooking techniques that come together naturally. Combining haute Japanese cuisine with French flair, the fusion works of art that are created in front of your eyes are nothing short of outstanding. And while it doesn’t come cheap—as it shouldn’t!—we think you'll agree that the experience is totally worth it. ## Rakuichi Soba ![Rakuichi Niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/rakuichiniseko.jpg) Image credit: Soba Master Tatsuru Rai rolls out his legendary soba / Rakuichi A small, family-run restaurant with just 12 counter seats, [Rakuichi Soba](https://www.rakuichisoba.com/) absolutely needs to be on your Niseko dining hit list. World famous, this tiny spot has been thrilling foodies for years—including a certain Anthony Bourdain who declared it the best soba of his life—and it’s all down to the 100% buckwheat soba noodles (no mixed in wheat here), painstakingly hand-rolled out by soba master Tatsuru Rai at the beginning of each service. The restaurant itself is also a marvel. Thoughtfully designed and built by the soba master himself, the wooden interior exudes a cosy tranquillity and charm that can’t help but hint at the culinary delights you’re about to experience. Given the size of the establishment, they do not accept walk-ins so make your reservation for their legendary two-hour Soba Kaiseki course as soon as you know your travel dates. As taxis can be hard to come by in high season, make sure you have your transport sorted as well. ## The Flats Restaurant And Bar ![The Flats Restaurant And Bar, Niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/theflats.niseko_dish.jpg) Image credit: Beautifully-plated steak and vegetables / The Flats Restaurant & Bar If you’re seeking to experience modern Japanese haute cuisine at its finest, do yourself a favour and make a reservation for dinner at [The Flats Restaurant and Bar](https://www.theflats.jp/), where you’ll enjoy a meal you’ll remember for years to come. Service, ambience and of course, the beautifully-plated food are all a 10 here and it goes without saying that for these reasons, reservations are essential. With three options to indulge this 2025/26 winter season you can either book a table to dine a la carte, splash out on a two-hour omakase course or opt for the three hour Special Wagyu Beef Course if you’re really pushing the boat out. Both latter options accommodate a maximum of eight people and you’ll be seated at the divine chef’s table where you can get up close and personal with the chefs at work (main article image above). Lush. Open from December to March, bookings can be made from October. ## Tsubara Tsubara ![Tsubara niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/tsubara.niseko.jpg) Image credit: A warming soup curry / Tsubara Tsubara A curated list of the very best restaurants in Niseko would surely be incomplete without the inclusion of [Tsubara Tsubara](https://niseko-soupcurry.com/)—famous for their soup curries with incredible depth of flavour. Choose from five curries (and one for kids) with either original soup or coconut milk as the base and add the toppings of your choice, then mull over their 1-20—yes, you read that right—levels of spice. A word to the wise, only seasoned chilli enthusiasts should even contemplate trifling with levels 15-20. Given this restaurant’s popularity and delicious food the likelihood that you will need to queue for a spot at the table is high, especially during the winter season. But for a bowl of warming curry we say the wait is most definitely worth it. ## Taruzushi ![Taruzushi Chris](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/325001/Taruzushi_Chris.jpg) Image credit: Delicious sushi on offer at Taruzushi / supplied A hidden gem in Niseko, if you’re on the lookout for unreal sushi—and let’s be real, who isn’t?—make a beeline directly for [Taruzushi](https://maps.app.goo.gl/a2PMxf7prGGjXBVK9). Small yet perfectly formed, you can expect a high quality omakase journey here at the hands of talented sushi chef Hiro and his wife. With just six counter seats and a small table besides, reservations are essential, especially during the busy winter season. Prepare to be impressed, if you can get a table. ## HakuSteak ![Hakusteak](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/hakusteak.jpg) Image credit: A wagyu steak is sliced / HakuSteak If your idea of the perfect meal involves a deliciously umami and marbled wagyu steak seared to perfection then you’ve come to the right place because at [HakuSteak](https://hakulife.com/hakusteak/), you’ll find some of Niseko’s best. Not only is their wagyu procured from a small farm that’s been rearing the Japanese black since 1946 but HakuSteak is also one of the only places you’ll be able to reliably try it in town. Offering a modern Kaiseki menu—multi course haute cuisine—featuring their HakuSteak, this small restaurant more than punches above its weight with every last detail given careful consideration, plus you’re in good hands with Chef Tsubasa Hanawa at the helm. As you might expect, you’ll need to reserve a table in advance to enjoy this unforgettable culinary experience. ## Sushi Hanayoshi ![Sushi Hanayoshi niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/hanayoshi_niseko_IG.jpg) Image credit: A fine spread of sushi and nigiri on a plate with accompaniments / Sushi Hanayoshi A must visit for all self-respecting sushi lovers, [Sushi Hanayoshi](http://niseko-hanayoshi.com/) is the cream of Niseko’s sushi crop. This hidden gem deals in impeccable seasonal food from Hokkaido which local chef and owner Ryohei Yoshioka personally procures from the markets early each morning by selecting the freshest seasonal seafood landed in the nearby Iwanai and Suttsu bays among others. These include the finest in-season picks of salmon roe, Botan shrimp, scallop, Ezo Abalones and Sea Urchin. Only the best fresh tuna is acquired from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, the new edition of the famous former Tsukiji marketplace. Traditionally furnished with wooden floorboards and shoji (window screens covered with a translucent washi paper) Sushi Hanayoshi stands apart for the careful consideration that is taken to ensure that each piece of sushi is delivered at its most precise moment of perfection, to the extent that the skilled chefs take note of the daily weather to influence the level of vinegar to be used in the fish and the rice to achieve the optimal taste. Next level. All this is delivered in a friendly atmosphere and you’ll leave not only for a new appreciation of raw fish but memories that will last a lifetime. Pro tip—sit at the counter for a chance to watch the master at work. Please note that children under the age of 12 are not permitted. ## The Select New to Niseko in 2024, The Select comprises the triple threat of three renowned Sapporo and Tokyo-established restaurants plus a great bar. A trip to any of these establishments is always a good time. ## Dan ![Dan Niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/dan.niseko.jpg) Image credit: Someone hard at work plating up yet another exquisite dish / Dan [Dan](https://dan-niseko.com/) is the love child of two longstanding, celebrated Japanese restaurants in Sapporo and Urakawa, Hokkaido and offers contemporary Japanese cuisine in a 10 seater spot. Walk-ins are not available here so you must reserve their omakase course in advance. Each dish is prepared with exquisite attention to detail and presented as a legit work of art served on Japanese antique tableware from the Edo period and contemporary artists collected by the owner from around Japan. But it doesn’t stop there, with rare vintage champagne, French wine and 30 types of sake from limited edition drops to Japanese favourites (ask about the secret menu) and some 15 Japanese whiskies (including Hibiki), a good time here is guaranteed. ## Yakitori Fujiwara ![Yakitori Fujiwara at The Select Niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/yakitori-fujiwara-theselectniseko.jpg) Image credit: Delicious yakitori being attended to on the grill at Yakitori Fujiwara / The Select We love a good yakitori restaurant and Tokyo’s [Yakitori Fujiwara](https://yakitorifujiwaraniseko.hp.peraichi.com/) at The Select is one of Niseko’s finest. For the ultimate culinary journey opt for the full tasting menu where you’ll witness the absolute weapon Chef Fujiwara using the yakitori rest and repeat method from your position at one of only 10 counter seats. This restaurant is open from December to March with bookings available to be made from October. ## Sushi Isono ![Sushi Isono at The Select, Niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/sushi-isono-theselectniseko.jpg) Image credit: Someone plates up at Sushi Isono / The Select Sapporo’s sister restaurant in Niseko—[Sushi Isono](https://sushi-isono.com/niseko/), offers the same exquisite Omakase sushi in an intimate, beautifully designed space and with outstanding sushi chefs at the helm. Be warned though, the food here has been known to bring people to tears. Open for dinner only and with 10 counter seats available, advance booking is essential. ## Bar Haku ![Bar Haku Niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/barhakuniseko.jpg) Image credit: The already legendary wa-jito / Bar Haku To top off an excellent feed, swing by the fourth establishment at The Select, [Bar Haku](https://www.theselectniseko.com/about-bar-haku). With handcrafted libations by award-winning mixologists using innovative seasonal ingredients the cocktails here are nothing short of transformative. Perfect for apres ski libations after a hard day on the slopes and walk-ins are welcome. ## Ebisutei ![Ebisutei](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/325003/Ebisutei.jpg) Image credit: Cosy Ebisutei is seen in the snow / supplied If we were awarding points for vibes alone [Ebisutei](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Buvgt5iFBQp6NGb6) would be a shoe-in every time. Just as well then that the food here is also on point. An izakaya in Hirafu town offering tasty plates featuring everything from grilled Hokkaido crab and fish to tempura and thick sashimi alongside charming service, be sure to book ahead as space is limited. ## AFURI Ramen And Dumpling ![AFURI Shio Ramen](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/AFURI-Shio-Ramen.jpg) Image credit: AFURI's signature Shio Ramen / AFURI If you’re craving a flavourful, steaming bowl of al dente ramen while in the snow capital, look no further than buzzing local hot spot [AFURI Ramen And Dumpling](https://afuri.com/). It was a fine day indeed when this world-famous ramen restaurant decided to open slap bang in the middle of Niseko at Setsu. As we all know, ramen is food of the gods at any time of year but it’s to be particularly appreciated during the long winter season, when you’re best advised to make a booking ahead of time. Famous for its yuzu-infused offerings where you can dig into three different types of yuzu ramen, try the yuzu shio edamame and wash it all down with a yuzu highball. We’d be remiss not to mention the outstanding Yuzu Tsuyu Tsukemen which comes with a cold dipping sauce and special shout outs also go to the star dumpling side dishes. Vegans are also well catered for with the flavoursome vegan rainbow bowl. All in all, this place is a must for your Want To Go list. ## Kitchen ![Kitchen niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/kitchen_niseko.jpg) Image credit: The dining room with snow banked up outside the window / Kitchen Niseko Perhaps you’re envisioning a relaxed, sophisticated dining experience complete with minimalist decor and fresh seasonal fayre that you’re really going to want to write home about? Enter [Kitchen, Niseko](https://www.kitchen-niseko.com/). Sister restaurant to the now sadly closed Michelin-starred French restaurant KAMIMURA, Kitchen has been wowing locals and visitors since opening in 2019. We highly recommend the delicious omakase course to experience the full culinary journey but if you’re after some a la carte options alongside exquisite wines they can cater for that too. ## Niseko A-nabeya ![Niseko A nabeya](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/a-nabeya-fb.jpg) Image credit: A hotpot with ingredients ready to go alongside a side salad and sashimi / Niseko A nabeya Nestled in the Niseko Annapuri ski resort area, expect outstanding traditional sukiyaki (Japanese hotpot) using high-quality local ingredients served up in a warm, rustic and cosy wooden 60-year-old A frame building. Special shout outs go to the sake pairing suggestions for the hotpots at [Niseko A-nabeya](https://r.goope.jp/niseko-a-nabeya/) but you should also definitely try their sashimi and burgers. With only six tables you’ll need to reserve your table during the high season. Combining good vibes, a festive atmosphere, great service and hearty portions, you’ll leave with a happy belly and a smile on your face, guaranteed. ## Karabina ![Karabina niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/karabina_niseko.jpg) Image credit: A cosy wooden interior with a hearty stove in the middle / Karabina Only open for the winter season, sitting pretty right next door to Rakuichi Soba and sharing a car park, [Karabina](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5SHgi7qF9myeC8XRA) is a cosy little Izakaya-style spot found at the top of a wooden staircase. Offering everything from hearty stews to perfectly cooked karaage chicken and grilled mackerel with salt make sure you leave some room for dessert as their black sesame ice cream is definitely worth a try. Reservations are a must. ## The Taj Mahal ![The Taj Mahal Niseko](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/taj-mahal-food.jpg) Image credit: A fine-looking spread including curries, naans and sides / The Taj Mahal If you’re craving a good Indian meal, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the [Taj Mahal](https://www.tajmahalgroup.com/) which boasts not one but two locations in Niseko—The Taj Mahal Annapuri and The Taj Mahal Niseko Hirafu. Offering authentically flavoursome curries and meats with an option to choose your spice level, this place gets our vote every time, as well as being easy on the pocket. A word to the wise—ordering up a deliciously crunchy and fluffy naan bread that’s bigger than your face is pretty much obligatory here. Not only are these restaurants halal, vegan and vegetarian friendly, but they also offer gluten-free options and table-filling party sets. No time to stop? Preorder and pick up your flavoursome Indian meal from the food truck handily parked next to the Niseko Hirafu branch. Now you've got some ideas on where to find the best restaurants in town, slide over here to check out the [best bars, pubs and après ski in Niseko](https://uchijapan.com/news/niseko-best-bars-pubs-apres-ski) and wider Hokkaido. [ Want to make your stay a little more permanent? Browse 1000s of Niseko property listings only on Uchi. ](https://uchijapan.com/properties?search%5BrefinementList%5D%5Barea.title%5D%5B0%5D=Niseko%20Area&search%5BsortBy%5D=date_desc)