10 Of The Best Rusutsu Restaurants In 2026

In addition to being a bonafide japow paradise, this spot offers an abundance of off-mountain activities, many of which can be enjoyed year-round—think hot springs, golfing, hot air balloon rides, horse riding, and even a dedicated theme park.

Not to mention eating out, which some might consider the most important activity of all. Rusutsu has this in the bag, with everything from casual beers and bites and Mongolian BBQ to flashy fare from a chef who's worked in multiple Michelin-starred kitchens. Refuel from your adventures, whatever the season with these: the 10 best restaurants in Rusutsu.

You know that saying, 'some like it hot'? Well those are exactly the kinda people you'll find at Rusutsu Sakaba, the home of bubbling hot pots, burnished skewers, and near-nuclear bowls of ramen. What's even hotter is how much the menu pays homage to local ingredients (Rusutsu pork and potatoes feature heavily). This spot also offers an impressive selection of sake and shochu, complete with tasting notes to help you find your fave drop. What can we say? That's hot. 

For those willing to put their (petrol) money where their mouth is, a truly unforgettable dining experience awaits just a short drive out of town at Le Mantaro. Located inside a beautifully restored barn, this one offers the setting of all settings (and by that, we mean up-close views of Mount Yotei). And the aesthetics are only a taste of what's to come—elegant, farm-to-table fare from the hands of chef Noboru Murakami, who has worked in MULTIPLE Michelin-star kitchens. Needless to say, you'll wanna book ahead. 

In winter, Mokumokuya is to your stomach what an onsen is to the rest of your body—the perfect way to warm up after a chilly day on the slopes. This spot specialises in the Genghis Khan style of BBQ, whereby bottomless cuts of lamb and mutton are given the flame-grill treatment over a helmet-shaped hot plate, right at your table (you can even cook the meat yourself, if you're keen). For a well-rounded meal, order a side of Hokkaido's beloved Sapporo beer. 

If it's delicious, unpretentious fare you're after, The Red House will see you right. Located in the heart of Rusutsu, its east-meets-west vibe has become a hit with the tourist set. Dig into Angus beef burgers slathered in wasabi mayo, Korean-style Rututsu pork with lashings of melted cheese, melt-in-the-mouth Hokkaido sirloin with Hokkaido potato wedges to match, and other hearty dishes featuring a local spin. We also hear very good things about the shabu shabu. 

Yes, it can be hard to get a table here (and the vibe is borderline chaotic), but nonetheless, Tanpopo Shokudo remains one of Rututsu's most popular spots for a bite to eat. So popular in fact, it's had to expand in recent years just to meet customer demand. Expect all the usual izakaya suspects (gyoza, yakitori, fried chicken), alongside some tasty local specials (we're looking at you, Hokkaido scallops). The generous portion sizes, cheap prices and solid liquor line-up only make this spot more delicious. 

UO-TERU is a relatively new addition to the Rututsu dining scene, and a welcome one at that thanks to its elevated take on the classic izakaya. Beautifully-presented dishes are something of a signature here, as is a focus on fresh, local seafood. Hakata broiled Mentaiko, rib roast on sea urchin, and salmon with roe presented in the manner of a flower are just some of the dishes you'll have the privilege of dining on. Bottom line: bring your appetite—and your camera. 

This cosy izakaya may be a long way from the real Rodeo Drive, but that doesn't make it any less iconic. Here you'll be treated to some of the area's best hospitality thanks to the friendly owners, who have been serving up their belly-warming food and drink to the community for more than two decades—making this one of the area's longest-standing restaurants. Rodeo Drive is particularly well-known for its house-smoked dishes (the oysters are a must) and whisky menu.

If fresh seafood and fine sake sounds like your dream dinner situation, look no further than Kakashi. Inside its thoughtfully-designed dining room, complete with privacy partitions and horigotatsu (low-to-the-ground seating with dedicated spaces for your feet), you'll enjoy sashimi, rice bowls and more made with seafood sourced fresh each morning from the local market. Do add on a couple of shots of local sake, to wash it all down. And if you can find it in your heart stomach to break away from the seafood-and-sake combo for just a mo, order yourself some of their bruleed Hokkaido cheesecake with chocolate churros. You won't regret it. 

No Rusutsu best restaurant list would be complete without some mention of sweets, which is where the glorious, sugar-coated goodness that is Daniel Street Cafe & Pastry comes into play. Your sweet tooth will be working overtime with this one's decadent line-up of desserts including pastries, cakes, and the signature Hanamori Kuma Cream Puff. This bad boy has 'good time' written all over it, featuring a crispy puff pastry shell crafted with Hokkaido wheat, filled to bursting with rich, velvety custard the colour of sunshine, made from Biei milk. You're welcome. 

And finally, if you haven't quite had your fill of izakaya just yet, be sure to check out Takibi. This family-run tavern, found just a short trip away in Kimobetsu, is an absolute tonic for the soul (as is its sake selection). Takibi's menu is centred around the seasons and like many other spots on this list, puts Hokkaido's abundant produce (some of which the owner forages himself!) in the driver's seat. Don't leave without trying whatever iteration of hot pot happens to be on the menu at the time of your visit. 

See yourself making Rusutsu a regular holiday destination, or even your home? Time to check out the area's very best real estate listings.