Located just a few minutes' walk from Maruyama Koen Station is "Ryoriya So," a Michelin 2-star restaurant. Across the street, you'll find "Sushi Zen," and nearby are "Nihon Ryori Toraya" and "Himeshara," among other traditional Japanese restaurants. The restaurant has only 4-5 counter seats and private rooms, creating an intimate dining experience. The friendly chef, Takashi Anezaki, originally from Hokkaido, trained in Kyoto and Kagawa before opening the restaurant in 2005. When making a reservation, mentioning that you are visiting from outside the area will allow the chef to incorporate local ingredients into the dishes. The meal starts with fresh ginger-marinated flounder, followed by a small sea urchin bowl. The king crab is served raw for the legs and slightly cooked for the body, paired with crab miso. The meal continues with a flavorful flounder soup, a delightful sashimi platter including tuna, conger eel, and giant clam, and a simple dish of eggplant and Kyoto chili pepper. Grilled abalone and octopus are cooked on a hot stone, allowing diners to adjust the cooking to their preference. A highlight of the meal is the Lake Biwa eel, which is rich in flavor. The meal ends with refreshing somen noodles and a traditional dessert of kuzu mochi with black syrup. The total cost for the meal is around 25,000 yen, making it a reasonable option for the quality and quantity of food. "Ryoriya So" offers a straightforward and delicious Japanese dining experience, perfect for a special occasion with close friends. If you're looking for authentic Japanese cuisine in Sapporo, this is the place to go.

I always passed by this place without noticing it. The mackerel pressed sushi left a strong impression on me. The deer broth was a new and amazing taste experience. The disappointing part was the sashimi, as it didn't seem very fresh. The atmosphere was great and the air was clean. The chef was also very friendly. I would love to visit again if I have the chance. Thank you for the delicious meal. ★

My husband's favorite restaurant, which he wants to visit at least once a year, was where we celebrated his birthday the other day. There is no other restaurant that we look forward to going to as much as this one, where reservations can be made in advance. The meals are usually course menus, but this time I asked for a smaller portion when I made a reservation over the phone. So the price may vary depending on the ingredients of the day. The course mainly consists of seafood dishes that go well with Japanese sake. They use ingredients from Hokkaido and Kyushu, and some ingredients that are not easily found elsewhere. All the dishes are made to bring out the full flavor of the ingredients, and the way they use dashi (broth) is amazing. There is no menu for the dishes, so I purposely didn't include any food photos, but there were many dishes this day and we were very satisfied with the content. It was a fun time with lively conversations with the landlady. Since we always go in the winter, I want to visit in the spring to early summer next time. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

I have used this restaurant twice in the past, and it is my favorite kaiseki restaurant in Sapporo. The first time I went, the food was perfect and truly impressive, but what really stood out was the hospitality and care from the owner and the female proprietor, making me want to go back again. You can only make a reservation for one group at lunch and dinner, so you have to book as soon as you decide on a date. (The number one reason I can't go frequently) It doesn't feel like a high-end restaurant at all. The menu consists of course meals only, usually ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 yen. It's a surprise what will be served. The dishes are made with seasonal ingredients, bringing out their true flavors wonderfully. I tried looking for the restaurant's page on Tabelog, but it seems they don't allow food photos, so I won't post any, but I wanted to record this for reference. I highly recommend it when you want to enjoy high-quality food in a private setting. Since I haven't been there in a while, I plan to make a reservation soon.

At the two-star restaurant in Nishi 28th Street Station, a couple runs the place. Tonight, there was only one person at the counter. The husband seems to have trained in Kanazawa. We heard interesting stories, such as the singer S. Tanaka making a reservation by phone and coming in person. The standout dish was the Hanasaki crab, the sashimi turned out to be fresh blowfish instead of scallops, and the tempura was fugu shirako, which was light and crispy for the season. The sake was a cloudy sake called Horai from Gifu. The finale of somen noodles in shiso broth was delicious.

I feel surprised to find a genuine Japanese restaurant in this place. Hokkaido is indeed a large place. It's amazing to discover such a hidden gem. We had lunch this time, but I definitely want to try it for dinner as well.

Recently, it has become a bit difficult to go out to eat with my mother. Especially in restaurants where we have to be mindful of our surroundings, I find it tiring and can't enjoy myself. But I still wanted to have delicious Japanese food... During my visit to Sapporo in July, while talking with the owner of Jozan, he suggested that I try Sosan. I had heard of the restaurant before but didn't know much about it. It requires a reservation, and only one group is accommodated for lunch and dinner, so it feels like a private dining experience. It has a quiet and mysterious atmosphere facing the main road of North 1st Street, with a small sign reading "Sosan". Upon entering, a woman greeted us and we changed into slippers before climbing a steep staircase to the second floor. The spacious room had a calm atmosphere with a mix of traditional tatami seating and chairs. We could hear the sounds of cooking coming from the kitchen, but couldn't see the owner. We had an 8-course kaiseki meal, from appetizers to dessert, priced at 10,000 yen per person (plus 10% service charge). I can't reveal the details of the dishes, but it was a traditional kaiseki experience with subtle flavors and unique ingredients. The use of hokke in the soup dish was particularly impressive, as it had no fishy smell and tasted delicious. It's hard to express my thoughts on the food without revealing the specifics, but the hospitality of the female staff (possibly the wife?) was warm and attentive, reminiscent of a Kyoto lady. Dining in such an intimate setting allowed us to relax and enjoy our meal. As we left, the owner and the woman saw us off outside. The owner seemed kind and gentle.

This is a Michelin two-star restaurant that I had seen passing by before. The restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis, with only one group allowed for lunch and dinner. I remember trying to make a reservation over the phone in the summer, but couldn't get one. It may be easier to book now. The prices for lunch and dinner are around 10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 yen. I opted for the 10,000 yen course on this occasion. There is also a 10% service charge. There is parking available for one car at the back of the restaurant, so it's best to check with the staff if you plan to drive there. Inside the restaurant, there is a steep staircase with a bell to ring for assistance. I was helped by a server who was there at the time, and I took off my shoes before climbing the stairs. The rooms are very spacious, almost too luxurious for just two people. They can accommodate groups of 2 to around 10 people, mainly catering to business entertainment. Since being listed in the Michelin guide, there has been an increase in younger and tourist customers. Allergies were communicated in advance, and adjustments were made accordingly. The handwritten menu includes handwritten drink options as well. Photography is allowed, but the menu and dishes cannot be shared publicly. The meal consisted of eight courses, including water sweets. The sashimi and other dishes were quite substantial, and I found myself getting a bit tired of eating the same thing. The soup was the highlight for me, particularly the miso soup with natural nameko mushrooms flavored with sansho pepper. The steamed dish was a bit too much for me, and the rice at the end was a bit watery. Overall, the experience may have been influenced by the day, my health, and timing.

Visited for the first time on 11th October 2010. Across the road from my favorite cute cake shop Aniversaire, there is a shop called "Soh" that I went to. The entrance of the shop is narrow, and as soon as you enter, there are stairs leading up to the second floor. Around the second step of the stairs, there was an item with incense burning, enveloping me in a pleasant fragrance and soothing me. I felt the hospitality from the entrance and was very impressed. I felt a sense of anticipation for the world inside the shop that was yet to be seen above the stairs. The interior of the shop, being limited to one group per day for both lunch and dinner, was small, about 8 to 10 tatami mats in size. There were decorations like a tokonoma, hanging scrolls, and a figurine performing kyogen, all placed behind the glass of the sliding doors, looking lovely in their autumn attire. Moreover, there was a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere that made it a calming space. I had the 10,000 yen course. The menu was handwritten and carefully detailed, with plenty of seasonal ingredients being used. The dishes had a simple and gentle taste, especially suitable for those in their 50s, with just the right amount of seasoning. There was a decent amount of saltiness, a strong dashi flavor, making it a taste that anyone from young to old could find "delicious" in their own way. It was not delicate but very meticulous, leaving an impression of being straightforward and in the middle. Overall, the dishes were stable with no misses or outstanding dishes. The dishes were on average a notch above the average taste level. The most memorable dish was the warm dish combining grated yam and salmon roe. It was an interesting and delicious dish that I had never tried before. The matsutake mushroom soup had plenty of matsutake mushrooms and had a truly straightforward taste without any unnecessary embellishments or playfulness. It felt like a taste from the old days, which was nice. The final somen noodles with dipping sauce had a creamy finish with a color resembling milk and matcha, made from shrimp broth, with a hint of chili pepper, making it a slightly unique dish. It was surprisingly refreshing and delicious despite its appearance. The portion size was quite satisfying for me, who eats a lot, but it might feel a bit lacking for men who eat a lot. On the way out, the host and the chef saw us off outside. It was then that I saw the face of the chef for the first time, and to my surprise, he was a young cook. I had assumed that the dishes were prepared by a chef in his 50s, so this unexpected discovery brought me joy. It is a shop where you can relax in a limited private room, so it seems suitable for various occasions. Both the service and the food were warm and welcoming, making it a great place. Even for those without much experience in kaiseki, ryotei, or Japanese cuisine, I believe the taste is enjoyable, making it highly recommended for people of all ages and genders.

Congratulations on receiving two Michelin stars! I felt a sense of duty as a Hokkaido food blogger to try out this restaurant without any reviews. The dishes were traditional yet avant-garde, focusing on simplicity and showcasing the quality of the ingredients. The presentation was elegant, with dishes served in beautiful pottery. The octopus appetizer and hamo with plum sauce were delicious. The maguro otoro steak was a bit too salty for my taste, but the ayu and winter melon soup was exquisite. Overall, the meal was a work of art and a high-class gourmet experience. The total cost for three people, including recommended sake pairings, was 39,800 yen. Congratulations on being featured in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido edition with two stars! Your dedication to culinary excellence is truly commendable.

The atmosphere and food at this restaurant are impeccable. It is the finest dining establishment in Sapporo. The chef's innovative dishes, which highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients without unnecessary seasonings, are like works of art and incredibly delicious. The restaurant provides individualized hospitality to each group, allowing guests to fully enjoy their meal in a quiet, Showa-era ambiance without any distractions. I miss the butterbur sprout noodles. It's hard to get a reservation, but this is the number one restaurant I want to visit again.

I think it was shortly after the restaurant opened, and I happened to visit for lunch. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious the food was. At that time, it wasn't really featured in any guidebooks, but I had been curious about it for a while. When I had dinner there later on, I was truly impressed. The dishes were not flashy or overly creative, but rather traditional kaiseki cuisine with a refined touch and a hint of innovation. It was rare to find such a Kyoto-like dining experience in Sapporo. It was the most impressive Japanese cuisine I had in Sapporo. I have visited a few times since then, and the level of amazement varies depending on the budget, as the dishes are omakase style. However, you can still enjoy exquisite dishes that you won't find in other restaurants in Sapporo. I ordered their osechi (New Year's meal) for New Year's Day, and although it may not look fancy, it was surprisingly delicious with a traditional touch and a hint of creativity. It paired well with sake, and I ended up finishing it all in just one day...

On November 14, 2014, I had the Premium class GOZEN meal at New Chitose Airport. The restaurant, Sawayasu, opened in Maruyama, Sapporo in 2007, and has only 10 seats. It operates on a reservation-only basis, with only two parties allowed for lunch and dinner each. It seems like a place suitable for business entertainment. The meal included dishes like corn egg yolk kudzu tofu, scallop chrysanthemum manjo, chestnut wheat gluten dango (with chicken, eggplant, yam, green pepper), and grapefruit Campari sauce. The crab rice and chestnut rice in the second course were not very exciting. Compared to my previous experience at Kagamiman in Osaka Itami Airport, this meal fell short. Thank you for the meal.

Sapporo Autumn Fest. I participated in Chef's Kitchen! This shop is on a different level, like Michelin...? I didn't know that Σ(｀・д・´) The dishes I unknowingly ordered were. Venison stew and cheese potato salad with onions and green peppers. The tender stew had a light Japanese flavor, and it went so well with the mashed potatoes inside the cute pouch. It was a wonderful dish (*´∀`*) It was great to be able to enjoy it outdoors so casually ★

At the Autumn Fest at Chef's Kitchen. Japanese food at Chef's Kitchen is quite rare. I have to go! I had Ezo venison stew and cheese potato salad. The stew was tender and lightly seasoned, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. It was a masterpiece (*´∀`)♪ The potatoes were also a hit! My little one was gobbling them up (lol) And the presentation. The potatoes were served in a cute pouch with a ginkgo leaf decoration, really capturing the seasonal vibe. While outdoor events often have good food, I was also impressed by the visual appeal. I'm sure the restaurant has many other wonderful dishes to offer. I'd love to visit someday. It was delicious! Thank you for the feast (*´∀`)♪

★★Michelin★★