Noboribetsu Onsen's 10 Best Restaurants

Naturally, many restaurants in the area have also adopted this theme, with mouth-numbing noodles, flaming hot gyoza, and other spice-forward dishes popping up on menus (don't be surprised if you also see hints of the underworld creeping into the décor). 

However, there's also plenty of grub for mild-minded folk to get amongst, whether that's a wood-fired pizza, delicately-crafted pudding, or local seafood delicacies. You'll discover all of these suggestions and more in Uchi’s round-up of Noboribetsu Onsen's best restaurants, so read on. 

Get amongst oodles of noodles (specifically, ramen made from Hokkaido whole wheat) at Yunomachi Tsukemori Rikka. This spot is famous for its tsukemen—a type of ramen where the noodles are served separately, then dipped in a hot soup or broth—of which the beef curry flavour is a firm favourite. We're also pleased to report that there's vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Other notable mentions on the menu include the cute bear-shaped donuts, generously sized gyoza, and brightly coloured bowls of shaved ice (summer only). 

Let us just start by saying that dessert is a perfectly acceptable meal, in and of itself. Enter Konkon, where pudding shakes, raw chocolate pudding, and pudding soft serve ice cream are just part of a much wider treat situation, crafted from beautiful local produce like Hokkaido milk and Shiraoi eggs (Shiraoi being Noboribetsu's neighbour). On the savoury side there are half a dozen curries, also made with provincial ingredients like Noboribetsu pork; while the restaurant itself has recently been renovated, and is looking SHARP.  

No-one does gyoza here in Noboribetsu Onsen, better than Enmazaka. What makes these crunchy snacks superior is their size (definitely on the larger side—in fact, the menu describes them as 'jumbo'), paired with juicy fillings in two options: regular and spicy. The latter are also aptly known as 'Enma' gyoza, named after the King of Hell in Buddhism (and yes, also referenced in the restaurant's name). Enjoy these as part of a set meal, or slap on some sides—the fried chicken and sweet chili and sour cream fries are devilishly good. 

This is Noboribetsu Onsen's first bakery and trust us, it's a goodie. You'll find its light-filled dining room—complete with cosy fireplace—on the ground floor of the Adex Inn, where freshly baked bread (there's up to 20 different kinds each day!) and pastries, plus freshly roasted coffee await. We absolutely insist that you try this spot's signature dish, the Onsen Croissant, which is made with fermented butter and drinkable hot spring water; however the lamingtons and Kougyoku apple pie are also more than worthy of your coin. There's also a menu of pastas, soup and other items to order, though that might require a second visit. 

Nothing cheers the soul (and the stomach!) quite like a bowl of piping hot noodles, and you'll find some of Noboribetsu Onsen's very best at Hokuto-No-Oudon. This eatery is beloved for its gloriously thick strands of housemade udon, paired with rich soup and curry broths (including a vegan version), as well as donburi. The warm service combined with cosy surrounds—including traditional tatami mat seating—only add to this spot's appeal. 

We'd happily eat at Pizzeria Astra every day, if we weren't worried about turning into a ball of dough ourselves. Owner Daiki Osaka honed his pizza-making skills in Italy, before returning to Japan to set up a food truck and then this restaurant, where you can sample more than 15 varieties of pizza, each stacked with local toppings then blasted 'til bubbly and golden brown in the custom wood-fired pizza oven. The Ultimate Margherita is indeed supreme, however we're also rather partial to the teriyaki, local shitake mushroom and seasonal lemon pizzas. Finish up with a scoop of homemade lemonade syrup or Noboribetsu milk gelato. 

Some like it hot—if  'some' refers to you, you won't want to miss this ramen shop, known locally as Aji no Daio. Founded in the '70s, it is especially famous for its Jigoku (Hell) Ramen—an alarmingly red number that's available in spice levels known as 'avenues', starting at a mild-ish 0 and finishing at a near-nuclear 62. Those who manage to eat the hottest noodles on the menu will see their names immortalised on the wall alongside fellow fire-breathers (and rightly so!). This spot is on the smaller side and can get very busy, so be prepared to queue. 

Maruhira has been sourcing and processing sea urchins or 'uni' here in Hokkaido for more than 80 years. This is the brand's flagship restaurant, where of course, these coveted crustaceans are very much a part of the menu, along with other ocean-dwelling delicacies like ikura (marinated salmon roe). Dig into loaded donburi bowls, slurp on crab soup (featuring an entire crab!), graze over sashimi platters and crunch your way through fried octopus at this cosy spot just 15 minutes out of town, towards the coast. 

Any restaurant that can appease both locals AND tourists is clearly doing something right. Enter Isekura, a bustling eatery found in the centre of Nobibetsu Onsen that's famous for its charcoal-grilled meat and seafood dishes (using only the best Hokkaido produce of course), along with its many varieties of ramen (including a vegan version, and one made with a milk-laced broth). There's also a hefty selection of izakaya-style bites, rice bowls, set meals... and herein lies the secret to this spot's success. 

Some of the best sweet treats in town can be found at Hiyoridou. Sample traditional confections such as daifuku (mochi stuffed with sweet fillings like red pean paste and fruit, here topped with ice cream)—matcha tiramisu—and dango (colourful rice-flour dumplings smothered in syrup and other toppings), all beautifully handcrafted in the way that only the Japanese can. Take our advice and be sure to grab some extra treats to take home. 

Can’t get enough of this place? We don’t blame you. Search Uchi for your own dream home (or holiday home) in Noboribetsu.