The 14 Best Restaurants In Hakuba In 2026

Ranging from cosy izakaya and humble ramen shops to mountain-top Italian and French dining in the forest, there's no shortage of top Hakuba eateries to whet your appetite. Note that during the winter, many of these spots get super busy, so be sure to book ahead (in fact, many are reservation-only). Once you've filled your boots, check out the best bars in Hakuba for a night cap or three. 

Dine on exquisite French cuisine prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at the famed Traumerei. You'll find this spot tucked away inside a boutique hotel styled like a European manor, sitting pretty amongst the forest. Don't forget to also put the fab French wine list to work. 

You may be in Japan, but a meal at Gio's will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. And it's all thanks to chef Giovanni De Trana aka Gio, who has used his experience in the luxury hotel sector to craft an exquisite menu of Italian dishes made with local ingredients. Plates piled high with fresh pasta and tiramisu in flavours like strawberry and pistachio are just some of the treats you can look forward to, along with a stellar wine offering. Mamma mia. 

If you’re looking for Hakuba's best restaurants Denenshi tops the list. And for good reason. This spot serves up elevated Japanese and French fare—with set menus for each—inside a Euro-style cottage that's so cosy, it feels almost like your own private dining room. We're inclined to go with the Japanese option (when in Rome and all that), especially as it's been known to include dishes like roast beef with miso sauce and matcha-chocolate cake. Oof. 

No visit to Hakuba is complete without checking out Mimi's, which many consider the area's best restaurant. Husband-and-wife team Kazuyuki and Yuki Shimamoto are Italian-trained, so expect dishes that fuse the best of Japanese ingredients and European techniques, along with killer cocktails and a carefully curated wine list. Better yet, you'll enjoy this at its exquisite dining room in the mountains, located inside the Phoenix Hotel. 

Eating ramen is one of our favourite pastimes, and no-one does the noodle-and-broth combo here in Hakuba better than Ramen Tottsuan. People flock to this spot in their droves (though whether they can get a seat is another story—there's only about 20) for noodles shipped especially from Osaka, added to a 12-hour-simmered soup and topped with local delicacies like Hakuba pork. Factor in some sweet mountain views, and you've got yourself a dream meal. 

Having worked in not one, but two Michelin-starred kitchens, it's safe to say that Shingo Suzuki knows his way around the kitchen. You can find that kitchen at Vive, where he plates up perfection in the form of contemporary Japanese, with a spotlight on local ingredients. The degustation here is particularly outstanding—think foie gras mousse, mushrooms with 24ct gold, and a whole tin of caviar (and that's just for starters). 

This dedicated sushi restaurant is a rare find in Hakuba (sushi is not considered a local cuisine here). Seafood fans will wanna take a deep dive into the sashimi, sourced directly from the Sea of Japan—while there is also soba, tempura and of course, roll upon roll of flavoursome sushi to get amongst. Coupled with a super casual atmosphere, Kikyo-ya is a particularly popular spot for families.

Izakaya fans are sure to adore Tori Co., which is housed inside an inviting wooden cabin adorned with lanterns. This spot is beloved for its yakitori (skewered meats grilled over binchotan charcoal) but make sure you leave room for its other delightful bites like the camembert cheese mochi, and red chilli French fries. Fruit sake and cherry cola optional. 

Journey to the top of the world (in reality, the top of the Happo One gondola, almost 1700 metres above sea level) and be treated to mouthwatering food and jaw-dropping views at Pilar. Classic Italian cuisine is the name of the game here (perfect for carb-loading after a day on the slopes), with plates of piping hot pasta and cheese platters as well as pizza, hot dogs and even soft serve ice cream if you fancy.

Aguraya started life as a stall before expanding into a fully-functioning restaurant just a few years ago. Its hot pot-like oden is just the thing to warm your soul on a cold winter's day (or any day, for that matter)—featuring an incredible homemade broth which you can also enjoy in a drink mixed with sake, that's popular amongst the locals. If you can stretch to a bowl of the ramen, you won't be disappointed. 

More than a cute name (and a cute face—just look at that house-like facade, strung with fairy lights!), Hummingbird is a darling of the Hakuba dining scene. Its five tables (yes, five) are pretty much always full, which speaks volumes about the food here and means yes, you will definitely need a reservation. Chow down on fusion comfort food prepared by a husband-and-wife duo (again, cute) including chicken in white wine, barbecue beef, and a to-die-for chocolate cake. 

If you're in the mood for meat, there's only one place for it and that's Niku Masa. This cosy spot—it literally has three tables—offers only the best cuts around, including local wagyu sirloin and New Zealand-sourced beef tenderloin (now that's a flex). Balance things out with a crisp salad and some hearty veg, or go all in with its highly-rated homemade sausages and pate (we promise we won't judge). 

Finding Izakaya Hie is half the fun. Once you've arrived (and made sure to duck your head as you step through the teeny tiny front door), get cosy and order up a storm of shareable small plates—think sashimi, baked avocado and more skewered meats than you can poke a yakitori skewer at. Tag on an ice-cold beer or a cheeky sake to wash it all down. 

When it comes to aesthetics, Lava Rock might just take the cake. With an eight-metre-high triangular ceiling, long tables, windows overlooking a snowy forest in the winter AND an open kitchen where you can see the chefs in action, this spot inside the Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba hotel is a total vibe. As for the food, that's equally on-point and marries elements of both Japanese and Western cuisines—the Shinshu wagyu beef and raclette cheese hamburger is particularly delish. 

Now you've eaten your way around Hakuba and no doubt have fallen in love with the place, have a browse of all the properties now on sale on Uchi.