Local Guide
Enjoy Otaru gourmet food with the whole family. 5 lunch spots recommended for trips with children

If you're going on a family trip, you want to enjoy memorable gourmet food, as well as a place where you can feel at ease even with your children. Here are some lunch spots with kid-friendly service where you can enjoy sushi unique to Otaru, local gourmet food, and exquisite dishes that are recognized by locals.

The sushi at this long-established fishmonger is extremely fresh.

"Children's Seafood Chirashi Set" 2,200 yen. Children's menu available for children up to 14 years old
"Children's Seafood Chirashi Set" 2,200 yen. Children's menu available for children up to 14 years old

Sushi is a must-try when visiting Otaru. Otaru Masazushi Main Branch is a great place to enjoy the taste of one of Otaru's most famous restaurants with your children. The seafood is delivered as soon as possible from the company's own fishmonger, so it's super fresh. When in season, you can enjoy ingredients unique to Otaru, such as herring, mantis shrimp, and saltwater sea urchin.
For children, there are three types of menus available: sushi, salmon roe rice bowl, and seafood chirashi, each with a fried dish or chawanmushi. Although they may be small in size, the extremely fresh taste is sure to satisfy even children's palates.

The atmosphere of a long-established restaurant and warm hospitality will satisfy both adults and children

Enjoying freshly made sushi at a counter lined with fresh ingredients is a pleasure you won't find at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Enjoying freshly made sushi at a counter lined with fresh ingredients is a pleasure you won't find at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.

Among the many sushi restaurants lined up along Otaru Sushi Street, Masazushi stands out with its large, four-story building. Although it is a long-established restaurant that dates back to before the war, its friendly and warm hospitality makes it feel unassuming.
The restaurant is fully equipped with elevators, and the spacious floors are step-free, making it easy to move around with a stroller. There are table seats, tatami rooms, and sunken kotatsu tables where you can relax with your children, but at Masazushi, children are also welcome to sit at the counter. The unique tension of facing the chef and the moment you get to see his nigiri technique up close will be a valuable experience that brings you one step closer to becoming an adult.

Comments Local Guide
Sushi sets featuring seasonal ingredients start at 3,300 yen, and children's menus start at 800 yen. You can enjoy the flavors of this famous restaurant at reasonable prices.
Otaru Masazushi Main Store
  • URLhttp://www.masazushi.co.jp/shop_honten.html
  • 住所1-1-1 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 11 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station
  • 営業時間11:00-15:00 (LO14:30), 17:00-21:00 (LO20:30)
  • 定休日Wednesdays, New Year's Day, and other irregular holidays
  • TEL0134- 23-0011
  • 駐車場free
  • メモPrice change coming soon

Delicious food that your body will love, without the use of chemical seasonings or processed foods

"Otaru Jidori Egg Rolled Egg Lunch" with fluffy rolled egg and warm homemade tofu, 1,390 yen
"Otaru Jidori Egg Rolled Egg Lunch" with fluffy rolled egg and warm homemade tofu, 1,390 yen

This traditional Japanese café is located at the foot of Mount Tengu, a popular tourist spot in Otaru. It is known for its dishes that do not rely on chemical seasonings or processed foods, and were created with the idea of "sparing no effort and cutting costs to make delicious food."
The menu, which is centered around brown rice cooked for two hours in a special pressure cooker, uses carefully selected ingredients from around Otaru and Hokkaido, as well as natural dashi and seasonings, and is healthy and full of flavor. The kids' menu is no shortcut, either, with dishes like hayashi rice and curry rice made from roux using local Hokkaido ingredients, and ramen finished with duck soup and homemade soy sauce, all of which are delicious just like a specialty restaurant.

A cozy Japanese space where families with children can relax

The owner's passion for the good old things is embodied in the space decorated with antique art and fittings that highlight the handiwork of old craftsmen.
The owner's passion for the good old things is embodied in the space decorated with antique art and fittings that highlight the handiwork of old craftsmen.

The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from a Japanese house built in 1930 (Showa 5), is filled with a Japanese atmosphere. Behind the table seats is a spacious tatami room, giving off an indescribable sense of nostalgia and comfort. The gallery space, which displays ceramic works by local artists, and the garden, which changes its appearance with the seasons, also add color to your spiritually enriching time.
The secret to Nahana's popularity is their warm consideration for families with children. Picture books, toys, high chairs, and a diaper changing space are all provided, so even those with babies or small children can enjoy lunch in peace.

Comments Local Guide
The ingredients are clearly stated on the menu, a sign of their confidence in not relying on chemical seasonings, and are popular with people with allergies.
Vegetables
  • URLhttps://www.cafenahana.com/
  • 住所1-3-13 Mogami, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスTake the bus from JR Otaru Station, get off at the "Senshinbashi" bus stop, and walk for about 3 minutes
  • 営業時間11:00〜16:00(L.O.15:00)
  • 定休日Sunday
  • TEL0134-24-1713
  • 駐車場free
  • メモOnly commercially available baby food may be brought in.

From nostalgic Western cuisine to local delicacies, there's a wide variety of flavors the whole family can enjoy

"Special seafood fried noodles with thickened sauce" 1,380 yen. The sweet and spicy taste of the special sauce is addictive
"Special seafood fried noodles with thickened sauce" 1,380 yen. The sweet and spicy taste of the special sauce is addictive

Founded as a beer hall in 1954, this long-established Restaurant continues to be loved by the people of Otaru. It offers a wide range of menu items, from Western dishes such as beef stew, omelet rice, and Neapolitan pasta to curry, ramen, and other a la carte dishes that go perfectly with beer.
The "Special Seafood Ankake Yakisoba" is a luxurious upgrade of the local soul food "Otaru Ankake Yakisoba" using plenty of crab, scallops, shrimp, squid, etc. There is also a cute kids' plate inspired by the popular turtles and walruses at "Otaru Aquarium", so parents and children can enjoy a delicious time together.

The warm hospitality is one of the reasons why the restaurant has been loved by the people of Otaru for so long.

The spacious interior has a Showa-era retro feel. There is also a Genghis Khan corner equipped with a smokeless roaster.
The spacious interior has a Showa-era retro feel. There is also a Genghis Khan corner equipped with a smokeless roaster.

The classic space that still retains the appearance of a beer hall is a special place for the people of Otaru. Many Otaru residents have fond memories of this store, such as going out with the family, going on dates with their significant other, or chatting with friends.
The attentive and considerate customer service is one of the reasons why New Sanko has been loved for so long by people of all ages and genders. It is also a pleasure for families with children to be able to bring in strollers, bring in baby food, and have chairs and tableware for children. It will also be a place of precious memories for those visiting Otaru.

Comments Local Guide
Since its establishment in the Showa era, the deliciousness of its beer has been so well-established that it has been said, "If you want draft beer, go to New Sanko." Please enjoy the golden ratio of beer and foam created by the skilled pouring techniques.
New Sanko Otaru Main Store
  • URLhttps://www.newsanko.jp/shop/otaru.html
  • 住所Otaru City, Hokkaido, 1-3-6 Inaho, Sun Mall 1st Street MAP
  • アクセスAbout 5 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station
  • 営業時間11:30-21:00 (Last Orders: 20:30)
  • 定休日January 1st
  • TEL0134-33-3500
  • 駐車場Affiliated Parking available

The "jumbo gyoza" dumplings, which are made from scratch every day, are a delicacy worth waiting in line for

"Jumbo Gyoza" 5 pieces for 680 yen, set meal (with rice, soup and pickles) for 980 yen
"Jumbo Gyoza" 5 pieces for 680 yen, set meal (with rice, soup and pickles) for 980 yen

This gyoza specialty shop is located in the Zenibako district of Otaru, near Sapporo. Many people line up every day to get their hands on their "jumbo gyoza," which are about 10cm wide and very filling.
The "Jumbo Gyoza" uses cabbage and pork from Hokkaido, garlic from Aomori, and ginger from Kochi. Everything from preparation to cooking is done by hand every day. When you take a bite, the chewy texture of the thick skin, the sweetness of the crunchy cabbage, and the juicy flavor of the pork fill your mouth, making it an addictively delicious dish. The dumplings are well seasoned, so they go down well with rice even without sauce.

The space combines Showa retro and Asian tastes for a mysteriously comfortable atmosphere.

There is a raised area where you can stretch your legs and relax, and there are also tables at the back of the store.
There is a raised area where you can stretch your legs and relax, and there are also tables at the back of the store.

The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from an old house built in the early Showa period, is a retro space with Asian-style objects and hand-painted wall art that blend in perfectly, creating a mysteriously comfortable atmosphere. There is a baby chair on the large tatami raised area, and a diaper changing station in the restroom, so you can use the restaurant with peace of mind even if you have a baby with you.
There is a swimming beach and a golf course right next to the restaurant, so in the summer it is bustling with people who come to enjoy gyoza while enjoying leisure activities. They often sell out during business hours, so we recommend calling ahead to check before heading out.

Comments Local Guide
The fried food menu, created by the owner who used to be a Western food chef, is also very popular. Regular customers often order jumbo gyoza with fried shrimp or fried oysters as an additional dish.
Gyoza Teahouse Aozora Zenibako 3-chome
  • URLhttps://aozoragyouza.com/
  • 住所3-509-6 Zenibako, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 5 minutes by car from JR Zenibako Station
  • 営業時間11:00-17:00 (Saturdays and Sundays -19:00)
    *Ends when gyoza are sold out (please call to confirm)
  • 定休日Mondays and Tuesdays (closed even on public holidays)
  • TEL0134-62-6606
  • 駐車場free

Spicy for adults, mild for children. Enjoy authentic tantanmen noodles.

From the front: "Children's Soup Tantanmen" (with juice and dessert) and "Children's Plate" for 500 yen each
From the front: "Children's Soup Tantanmen" (with juice and dessert) and "Children's Plate" for 500 yen each

This train-shaped cafe is located on the grounds of the Otaru Museum, known for one of the best railway exhibits in Hokkaido. Their signature dish, "Tantanmen," comes in a plain (800 yen) or soupy (850 yen) version, with white sesame and black sesame flavors, and is an authentic taste that stands out with the numbing effect of Chinese Sichuan peppercorns and the spiciness of homemade chili oil. You can also choose the level of spiciness, numbness, amount of noodles, and toppings.
They also have a mild version of Dandan noodles for children, but the complex flavors of rich sesame sauce, meat miso, and cashew nuts remain. There is also a plate with an assortment of dishes that small children will enjoy, so parents and children can enjoy a delicious meal together.

The restaurant has a dining car atmosphere and hosts fun events from time to time.

The nostalgic space that makes use of the atmosphere of an old train brings back memories for older people and is fresh for the younger generation.
The nostalgic space that makes use of the atmosphere of an old train brings back memories for older people and is fresh for the younger generation.

The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from a Showa era train car, has an atmosphere reminiscent of a dining car of the past. Old-fashioned luggage racks, electric fans, seat number tags, and other features remain intact, so children who love vehicles are sure to be delighted. Chairs for children are also provided, as well as sofa seats where families can relax.
With the desire to make it "easy for people of all ages to use," the cafe also holds events other than food that can be enjoyed, such as art exhibitions by local artists and Halloween candy grab challenges. They also plan to hold more events and workshops for children in the future.

Comments Local Guide
In spring, the cherry blossoms in front of the restaurant are in full bloom, making it feel like you're enjoying a cherry blossom viewing session while riding the train.
Haru then sunny.
  • URLhttps://www.instagram.com/haruhare2022/
  • 住所1-3-7 Temiya, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスTake the bus from Otaru Station Bus Terminal and get off at the "General Museum" stop
  • 営業時間11:00-19:00, Mid-December to end of March 11:00-17:00 (L.O.)
  • 定休日Tuesday
  • TEL0134-65-8324
  • 駐車場free
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.