Enjoy Otaru’s Culinary Delights with Your Family: 3 Recommended Lunch Spots for Traveling with Kids
On a special family trip, you naturally want to enjoy memorable dining experiences without worrying about bringing the kids along. Here, we introduce lunch spots where you can savor Otaru’s unique local cuisine and dishes highly regarded by locals, all while enjoying kid-friendly service.
1Nahan
Delicious food that pleases the body without chemical seasonings or processed foods.
This old private house café is located at the foot of Mount Tengu, a popular sightseeing spot in Otaru. The cafe is known for its cuisine that does not rely on chemical seasonings or processed foods, and was born from the idea of "making delicious food while sparing no effort and cost.
The menu, centering on brown rice cooked in a special pressure cooker for two hours, uses carefully selected ingredients from Otaru and other areas in Hokkaido, as well as natural soup stock and seasonings, and is full of flavor and good for the body. The kids' menu is no slouch either, with dishes such as hashed rice and curry rice made from roux using local ingredients, and ramen noodles with duck soup and homemade soy sauce sauce, all as delicious as those served at specialty restaurants.
A cozy Japanese-style space where children can feel at home
The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from a Japanese house built in 1930, is full of Japanese atmosphere. A tatami room spreads out behind the table seating, creating an indescribably nostalgic and cozy atmosphere. A gallery space lined with ceramic works by local artists and a garden that changes its expression with the seasons also add to the richness of the experience.
Another secret of "Nahana's" popularity is the warm consideration given to customers with children. Picture books, toys, children's chairs, and a diaper-changing area are provided, so you can enjoy lunch with your baby or small child in peace.
Local Guide
Supporters
Ingredients are clearly listed on the menu as a sign of confidence in their work, which does not rely on chemical seasonings. It is also popular among those who are concerned about allergies.
2: New Sanko Otaru Main Store
From nostalgic Western cuisine to local delicacies, there is a wide variety of tastes that can be enjoyed by the whole family!
Founded in 1954 (Showa 29) as a beer hall, this long-established Restaurant continues to be beloved by the people of Otaru. It offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from Western-style cuisine such as beef stew, omelet rice, and Napolitan pasta to à la carte items that pair perfectly with beer.
“Otaru Ankake Yakisoba,” a local soul food, is also one of the restaurant’s popular dishes. Additionally, “Otaru Ushio Zangi,” made with salt derived from Otaru’s seawater, is a perfect match for beer. The restaurant also offers kids’ plates, allowing families to enjoy a delicious meal together.
Heartfelt customer service is one of the reasons why Otaru citizens have loved our restaurant for a long time.
The classic space that retains the atmosphere of a beer hall is a special place for Otaru residents. Many Otaru residents have fond memories of this restaurant, whether it is a family outing, a date with a girlfriend, or a chat with friends.
The attentive and considerate service is one of the reasons why "New Sanko" has been loved by men and women of all ages for a long time. It is also a great pleasure for people with children to be able to enter the restaurant with strollers, bring in baby food, and prepare chairs and tableware for children. It will be a place of cherished memories for those visiting Otaru for sightseeing.
Local Guide
Supporters
Since its establishment in the Showa period (1926-1989), New Sanko has been known as "New Sanko for draft beer," and has an established reputation for the deliciousness of its beer. Enjoy the golden ratio of beer and foam created by the skillful pouring technique.
- New Sanko Otaru Honten
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Sun Mall 1st Avenue, 1-3-6 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
5 min. walk from JR Otaru Station
11:30-21:00 (LO.20:30)
Year-end and New Year's holidays
0134-33-3500
Affiliated Parking available
3Gyoza Chaya Aozora, Zenibako 3-chome
Jumbo gyoza" handmade from the skin every day is a gem worth waiting in line for.
A gyoza specialty shop located in the Zenibako district of Otaru City, near Sapporo. Every day, long lines form as people flock to try the “Jumbo Gyoza,” which are about 10 cm wide and incredibly satisfying.
The “Jumbo Gyoza” are made with Hokkaido-grown cabbage (the variety varies by season), Hokkaido-raised pork, garlic from Aomori, and ginger from Kochi. Everything from preparation to cooking is done by hand every day.Take a bite, and the chewy texture of the thick wrapper, the crisp sweetness of the cabbage, and the juicy umami of the pork fill your mouth—it’s an addictively delicious experience. Since they’re well-seasoned, they go great with rice even without dipping sauce.
The space where Showa-era retro and Asian tastes match is strangely comfortable.
The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from an old private house from the early Showa period (early 20th century), has a retro space with Asian-style objects and hand-painted wall art, creating a strange sense of coziness. Baby chairs are available on the large tatami mat floor, and there is also a diaper changing table in the restroom, so you can use the restaurant with your baby without worry.
There is a bathing beach and a golf course near the restaurant, and the restaurant is crowded with people enjoying gyoza during leisure time in the summer. Since gyoza are often sold out during business hours, we recommend that you call in advance to confirm the availability before going out.
Local Guide
Supporters
The fried dishes prepared by the owner, who used to be a Western-style chef, are also very popular. Regular customers order jumbo gyoza with fried prawns or fried oysters.
- Gyoza Tea House Aozora Zenibako 3-chome
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- 3-509-6 Zenibako, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- 5 minutes drive from JR Zenibako Station
- 11:00-17:00 (Sat. and Sun. -19:00)
Closes when gyoza are sold out (call to confirm). - Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (and also on national holidays)
- 0134-62-6606
- Free of charge
MAP
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
OMO5 Otaru
Otaru, Hokkaido
A boutique hotel in a renovated historical building. You can enjoy a retro trip to Otaru.
Access by bus Approx. 9 min. walk from JR Otaru Sta.
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From 6,000 yen