Otaru (Hokkaido)
Local Guide
Enjoy Otaru’s Culinary Delights with the 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 are some lunch spots where you can savor Otaru’s unique local cuisine and dishes highly regarded by locals, all while enjoying kid-friendly service.

Delicious flavors that nourish your body, made without artificial flavorings or processed foods

The “Dashimaki Lunch” features fluffy dashimaki tamago made with free-range eggs from Murakami Farm in Yoichi Town, along with warm, homemade tofu
The “Dashimaki Lunch” features fluffy dashimaki tamago made with free-range eggs from Murakami Farm in Yoichi Town, along with warm, homemade tofu

A traditional Japanese-style café located at the foot of Tenguyama, one of Otaru’s popular tourist spots. Born from the philosophy of “sparing no effort and cutting costs to serve delicious food,” it’s renowned for dishes that avoid artificial flavorings and processed foods.
Centered around brown rice cooked for two hours in a special pressure cooker, the menu features carefully selected ingredients from the Otaru area and throughout Hokkaido, along with natural broths and seasonings—resulting in dishes that are gentle on the body and full of rich, wholesome flavor.They spare no effort on the kids’ menu either, offering restaurant-quality dishes such as hayashi rice and curry rice made from scratch with Hokkaido ingredients, as well as ramen finished with duck bone broth and a homemade soy sauce-based sauce.

A cozy Japanese-style space where families with children can relax

The space, adorned with traditional joinery and antique art pieces that showcase the craftsmanship of yesteryear, embodies the owner’s passion for the best of the past
The space, adorned with traditional joinery and antique art pieces that showcase the craftsmanship of yesteryear, embodies the owner’s passion for the best of the past

The interior, renovated from a traditional Japanese house built in 1930 (Showa 5), exudes a charming, traditional Japanese ambiance. Beyond the table seating lies a tatami room, evoking an indescribable sense of nostalgia and comfort.A gallery space displaying ceramic works by local artists and a garden that changes its appearance with the seasons further enrich the experience, making for a truly enriching visit.
The warm consideration shown to families with children is another secret to “Nahan”’s popularity. With picture books, toys, children’s chairs, and a diaper-changing area available, you can enjoy lunch with peace of mind even when accompanied by babies or young children.

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The fact that ingredients are clearly listed on the menu reflects the restaurant’s confidence in its cooking—which relies on no artificial flavor enhancers. This approach is also well-received by customers with allergies.

Nahan
  • Address 1-3-13 Mogami, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Take the bus from JR Otaru Station, get off at the “Senshinbashi” bus stop, and walk about 3 minutes
  • Hours 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Last order at 3:00 p.m.)
  • Closed Sunday
  • TEL: +81-(0)3-77-78-068 050-3196-5673
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Notes Only store-bought baby food may be brought in

A wide array of flavors the whole family can enjoy, from nostalgic Western-style dishes to local specialties

“Otaru Ankake Yakisoba.” The sweet-and-spicy flavor of the special sauce leaves you wanting more
“Otaru Ankake Yakisoba.” The sweet-and-spicy flavor of the special sauce leaves you wanting more

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 range of dishes, from Western-style cuisine like beef stew, omelet rice, and Napolitan pasta to à la carte dishes that pair perfectly with beer.
“Otaru Ankake Yakisoba,” a local soul food, is also one of the popular menu items. Additionally, “Otaru Ushio Zangi,” made with salt derived from Otaru’s seawater, is a dish that pairs perfectly with beer. Kids’ plates are also available, allowing families to enjoy a delicious meal together.

Heartfelt hospitality is another reason why this restaurant has long been loved by Otaru residents

The spacious interior exudes a retro Showa-era charm. There’s also a Genghis Khan corner equipped with a smokeless roaster
The spacious interior exudes a retro Showa-era charm. There’s also a Genghis Khan corner equipped with a smokeless roaster

The classic atmosphere, which retains the charm of a traditional beer hall, makes this a special place for the people of Otaru. Many Otaru residents have fond memories associated with this restaurant—whether it’s a family outing, a date with a partner, or a gathering with friends.
The attentive and caring service is another reason why “New Sanko” has long been loved by people of all ages. They gladly accommodate strollers, allow guests to bring their own baby food, and provide children’s chairs and tableware—a huge plus for families with children. It’s sure to become a cherished memory for visitors to Otaru as well.

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Since the restaurant’s founding in the Showa era, it has been renowned for its delicious beer—so much so that people say, “For draft beer, go to New Sanko.” Enjoy the perfect golden ratio of beer to foam, created by skilled pouring techniques.

New Sanko Otaru Main Store
  • Address 1-3-6 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido, Sun Mall 1st Street MAP
  • Direction About a 5-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
  • Hours 11:30 AM–9:00 PM (Last Order: 8:30 PM)
  • Closed Days Year-end and New Year’s holidays
  • TEL: +81-(0)3-77-78-068 0134-33-3500
  • Parking Affiliated parking available

The “Jumbo Gyoza,” made from scratch every day—including the wrappers—is a masterpiece worth the wait

“Jumbo Gyoza” (5 pieces à la carte). Set meals served with rice, soup, and pickles are also popular
“Jumbo Gyoza” (5 pieces à la carte). Set meals served with rice, soup, and pickles are also popular

This gyoza specialty restaurant is 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—a flavor so delicious it’s addictive. Since the dumplings are well-seasoned, they go great with rice even without dipping sauce.

The space, blending Showa-era retro charm with Asian flair, offers a uniquely comforting atmosphere

In addition to raised seating areas where you can stretch out and relax, table seating is also available at the back of the restaurant
In addition to raised seating areas where you can stretch out and relax, table seating is also available at the back of the restaurant

The interior, renovated from a traditional Japanese house dating back to the early Showa period, features a retro atmosphere where Asian-inspired decor and hand-painted wall art blend harmoniously, creating a uniquely cozy ambiance. Baby chairs are available on the spacious raised tatami seating area, and the restroom is equipped with a diaper-changing table, so you can dine here with peace of mind even when bringing a baby.
With a beach and a golf course right next to the restaurant, it gets very busy in the summer with people enjoying gyoza while out for leisure activities. Since they often sell out during business hours, we recommend calling ahead to confirm availability before you go.

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The fried dishes prepared by the owner—a former Western-style chef—are also hugely popular. Regulars often order jumbo gyoza along with fried shrimp or fried oysters.

Gyoza Chaya Aozora, Zenibako 3-chome
  • Address 3-509-6 Zenibako, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction About a 5-minute drive from JR Zenibako Station
  • Hours11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays until 7:00 p.m.)
    *Closes when gyoza runs out (please call to confirm)
  • Closed Days Mondays and Tuesdays (Closed even on holidays)
  • TEL: +81-(0)3-77-78-068 0134-62-6606
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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The information is current as of the date the article was updated. Please check in advance before visiting as they are subject to change.