Hokkaido Restaurant | Hibachi Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Updated: 22 Aug 2023
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Step into a world of flavor at Hokkaido Restaurant, the number one spot in town for savoring the rich culinary traditions of northern Japan.
Our master chefs expertly craft every dish using centuries-old cooking techniques and secret family recipes passed down through generations. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Hokkaido.
Transport your taste buds with our signature seafood caught fresh daily from the frigid Pacific waters. Our ramen and rice bowls overflow with hearty ingredients sourced straight from local farms and forests.
Close your eyes as you take the first bite of perfectly charred salmon glazed with sweet miso—can’t you just feel the breeze off Hokkaido Bay? Open them to find you’re still right here, but our food takes you on a journey across the sea and through Japan’s distinctive food culture.
With every flavorful bite, you’ll experience the passion and pride our chefs put into preserving an authentic Hokkaido dining experience. So come pull up a seat at the sushi counter or grab a table, because your food adventure starts now at Hokkaido Restaurant!
Table of Contents
The Essence of Hokkaido Cuisine
Hokkaido, Japan’s natural bounty and cultural heritage define the food of the region.
- At Hokkaido Restaurant, these qualities shine through in every dish we serve. The essence of Hokkaido cuisine comes from respecting the natural flavors of fresh, local ingredients and combining them in harmony.
- Hokkaido’s fertile land and surrounding seas provide an abundance of seafood, meats, and produce. You can taste the crisp sweetness of our vegetables harvested from nearby farms.
- Our chefs expertly prepare the freshest salmon, scallops, and crab sourced from Japan’s northern fishermen. We never overwhelm the inherent flavors of our ingredients. Instead, we enhance them with complementary spices, stocks, and cooking methods.
- Tradition also influences our cooking. Hokkaido cuisine blends indigenous Ainu, Japanese, and Western techniques. For instance, you might taste buttery corn porridge, an Ainu staple, or slurp ramen, which originated in Hokkaido.
- Our chefs have spent years perfecting recipes that showcase Hokkaido’s culinary legacy.
- From the locally-raised Wagyu beef to the handmade noodles in our ramen, Hokkaido Restaurant stays true to the region’s cultural and agricultural roots. We believe this commitment to authenticity and quality ingredients gives our diners a memorable taste of Hokkaido’s essence in every bite.
Enjoy the Freshest Seafood Straight from Hokkaido Fishermen
Our island location means we have access to pristine northern Pacific waters that yield some of the finest seafood in Japan. At Hokkaido Restaurant, we proudly serve the bounty of Hokkaido’s coasts to highlight the freshness and flavor of our local catch.
1. Sashimi Platters
Thin slices of the day’s freshest fish prepared as sashimi is a Hokkaido specialty.
Our platters feature seafood like:
- Tuna (maguro) – firm, rich, and fatty for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Salmon (sake) – a Hokkaido favorite, soft and buttery
- Sea bream (tai) – mild, light, and delicate
The fish is so fresh, you can taste the clean essence of the sea in every piece.
We serve our sashimi with real wasabi and soy sauce for dipping.
2. Grilled Specialties
Over a charcoal fire, we grill favorites like mackerel, trout, and octopus to enhance their smoky umami flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon or side of dipping sauce brings out the natural taste of the tender, juicy seafood. Grilling draws out the essential flavors of our fresh catches.
3. Creative Rolls
Our sushi chefs get creative with premium seafood, wrapping fish like salmon and yellowtail in rice and nori. We roll signature combinations like the Hokkaido Sunrise with crab, cucumber, and avocado. Our rolls highlight texture and complement the high quality of our fish.
The seafood at Hokkaido Restaurant offers diners the real taste of our beautiful island’s bounty.
Savor the Natural Flavors of Hokkaido’s Harvest
In addition to fresh seafood, we source the majority of our vegetables, herbs, and other produce directly from local farms. Our farm-to-table partnerships let you taste Hokkaido’s agricultural bounty in every bite.
1. Seasonal Salads
Our seasonal salads integrate freshly picked greens, vegetables, and edible flowers from Hokkaido famers.
In spring, enjoy early greens, radish, and cherry blossoms. Summer brings juicy tomatoes, okra, and sweet corn. We craft our dressings to complement, not overpower, the garden’s natural flavors.
2. Noodle Bowls
Many noodle dishes at Hokkaido Restaurant include farm-fresh ingredients.
Our winter ramen features locally foraged mushrooms and greens. Summer soba bowls highlight sweet heirloom tomatoes. We make our own noodles using organic eggs and Hokkaido wheat. Our broths and dipping sauces let the hand-pulled noodles and toppings shine.
3. Shared Sides
Complete your meal with sides like simmered Hokkaido pumpkin or our classic corn porridge. We often pickle or ferment local vegetables to add tangy accents to shared plates. Our chefs know how to highlight the essential flavors of each seasonal ingredient.
Sourcing locally allows Hokkaido Restaurant to provide diners with true farm-to-table fare that captures the rich abundance of our island’s agriculture.
Our Chefs Blend Tradition with Creativity
The culinary excellence at Hokkaido Restaurant stems from our chef’s mastery of traditional cooking methods combined with creative touches. Their technical skills and passion shine through on every plate.
1. Inheriting Tradition
Our head chef trained for over a decade under Japanese masters to learn prized regional techniques. He uses time-honored methods like:
- Grilling over binchotan charcoal to impart smoky depth
- Hand-pulling fresh noodles for the perfect chewy texture
- Simmering broths for days to achieve rich layers of umami
Our chefs inherit generations of wisdom to craft authentic Hokkaido cuisine.
2. Creative Twist
While respecting tradition, our chefs also exercise creativity.
They expertly balance traditional and modern to make each dish special. Examples include:
- Playful presentations like seafood bento boxes
- Unexpected flavor pairings like curry ramen with crab
- Elegant plating styles that are as artful as they are appetizing
Through dedication and innovation, our talented chefs share their passion for Hokkaido cuisine with every guest.
Elevate Your Meal with Sake Pairings
Beyond our menu, Hokkaido Restaurant offers an extensive list of high-quality sake to complement your dining experience. Our staff helps guide you through the pairing process.
1. Premium Sake Selection
With guidance from our sake sommelier, you can explore exquisite brews from across Japan.
We proudly pour regional sake like:
- Light and aromatic daiginjo from Akita perfect with sashimi
- Robust genshu from Hiroshima that stands up to grilled meats
- Complex nigori from Kyoto to accent rich wagyu dishes
- Refreshing ginjo from right here in Hokkaido to cleanse the palate
Our sake list has something to enhance every plate.
2. Knowledgeable Service
Our staff completes ongoing sake training to provide excellent recommendations. They help guests find pairings that harmonize with each meal and suit personal taste preferences. Whether you’re new to sake or a longtime enthusiast, we invite you to enrich your dining experience with the ideal sake accompaniment.
Say “kampai” as you savor the many flavors of Hokkaido cuisine alongside our hand-selected sakes.
Experience Gracious Hospitality in a Cozy Setting
In addition to amazing cuisine, Hokkaido Restaurant provides gracious hospitality in a setting designed for comfort. Our staff and atmosphere make every visit feel like an escape.
1. Friendly Service
From the moment you enter, our courteous staff provides seamless service with sincere warmth. They are happy to offer recommendations, answer any questions, and ensure your meal meets expectations. We aim to anticipate needs while being unobtrusive.
2. Relaxing Ambiance
Traditional design elements create a peaceful atmosphere inviting you to unwind:
- Warm wood accents and shoji screens provide a soothing natural look
- Zabuton floor seating in private nooks offers a cozy option for intimate meals
- An outdoor garden terrace surrounded by pines invites open-air dining
The restaurant’s thoughtful touches enhance the hospitality experience.
At Hokkaido Restaurant, exquisite food and drink come with equally excellent service in a calming, welcoming setting. We look forward to sharing the spirit of Hokkaido with every guest.
Final Words
Our tour through Hokkaido Restaurant has showcased the riches of authentic Japanese cuisine from the northern island of Hokkaido. When you dine with us, you embark on a delicious journey experiencing:
- The fresh catch of the day from pristine Pacific waters prepared masterfully as sushi, sashimi, or grilled seafood.
- Garden-fresh salads, sides, and noodle bowls overflowing with farm-to-table vegetables, herbs, and fruits.
- Generations-old cooking techniques blended seamlessly with creative new twists resulting in culinary works of art.
- The warm welcome of our knowledgeable staff in a serene setting combining tradition and comfort.
Hokkaido’s bountiful harvest of sea and land shapes the mouthwatering flavors on our menus. We honor the region’s cultural heritage in every dish prepared with passion. We invite foodies and Japanophiles alike to savor an authentic gastronomic adventure with us.
From the first tasty morsel to the final satisfying bite, let your palate be dazzled.
A memorable culinary experience awaits at Hokkaido Restaurant!
FAQs
What do Japanese say when you leave a restaurant?
When leaving a restaurant in Japan, it is polite to say “Gochisōsama deshita.” This phrase expresses gratitude for the meal and excellent service provided.
Is it rude not to finish food in a Japanese restaurant?
It is not necessarily rude if you do not finish all of your food at a Japanese restaurant. However, you should try to order only what you can eat to avoid wasting food.
Leaving just a few bites behind shows your satisfaction.
Can you share food in a Japanese restaurant?
Yes, sharing food amongst your table is perfectly fine at Japanese restaurants.
The restaurant designs many dishes to be shared family-style.
Simply use the communal chopsticks provided or ask your server for extra utensils.
What do waiters say when you enter a Japanese restaurant?
You will hear waiters greet guests with “Irasshaimase” when they enter a restaurant. This welcoming phrase means “Please come in” and shows Japanese hospitality.
What is considered rude in Japanese restaurants?
Rude actions in Japanese restaurants include sticking chopsticks straight up in rice, passing food chopsticks to chopsticks, blowing your nose at the table, and loud slurping. Be mindful of etiquette.
What is it called when you sit on the floor in a Japanese restaurant?
Sitting on cushions on the floor is known as “seiza” style in traditional Japanese restaurants. It shows respect for customs but tables are also common.
Is it rude to clear your plate in Japan?
It is polite to finish most of your meal, but you do not have to clean your plate completely. Leaving a few bites signals you are full and satisfied.
Is it polite to burp after a meal in Japan?
Burping is considered quite rude in Japan. Excuse yourself from the table if you need to burp to avoid being impolite.
What is the Japanese rule for food?
Key Japanese etiquette rules include properly handling chopsticks, not overfilling soy sauce dishes, and avoiding rubbing together or licking chopsticks. Follow customs.
Is it OK to ask for a fork in a Japanese restaurant?
Requesting a fork is fine at restaurants used to foreign guests. But using chopsticks properly is appreciated if you have chopstick skills.
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