Local Guide
Enjoy Obihiro and Tokachi, a treasure trove of food, with an exquisite lunch

The Obihiro/Tokachi area of Hokkaido, with its vast fields and pastures, is one of Japan's leading agricultural regions and a veritable treasure trove of food. Here are some mouth-watering lunches where you can enjoy the flavor of locally grown meat and vegetables.

A "Michelin Guide" Bib Gourmand tonkatsu restaurant.

Excellent with special Japanese grated sauce. Shabu-katsu set meal: 1,400 yen
Excellent with special Japanese grated sauce. Shabu-katsu set meal: 1,400 yen

The pork is made from "Tokachi long bean pork" from Obihiro's Matsui Chikusan, which is raised on food produced in Tokachi. The meat is so tender that it can be cut with chopsticks and the crispy batter is well known for its flavor, and was selected as a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the "Michelin Guide Hokkaido" in 2012 and 2017. The owner recommends the "Shabu-katsu," which is made by layering about 25 pieces of ultra-thinly sliced shabu-shabu ribeye meat like a mille-feuille, wrapping it in a batter, and deep frying it. The texture is light and crispy, and the tenderness and sweetness of the meat will surprise you. This is one of the popular dishes, which is available only in limited quantities, created by the owner who wants customers to "enjoy pork in various ways.

The secret of the flavor is the blend of animal and vegetable oil and homemade bread crumbs.

The clean restaurant has an unpretentious, homey atmosphere.
The clean restaurant has an unpretentious, homey atmosphere.

The owner is particular about using a blend of two types of animal and one type of vegetable oil for light frying. The secret to the delicious taste is to coat the tender lean meat with sweet fat with homemade breadcrumbs that have been left to rest for three days, and fry it first at a high temperature for crispiness, followed by slow frying at a lower temperature to cook the meat through to the inside. The familiar loin and filet cutlets are excellent, but the "Tonkatsu-ya no Ton-don" (pork cutlet shop's pork bowl), a daring twist on Obihiro's famous pork bowl, is also popular. The juicy taste of the pork cutlet on rice topped with the sweet and spicy pork bowl sauce is also noteworthy.

Local Guide Comment
The moment you put our signature triple-fried pork cutlet in your mouth, you will feel happiness. The fried shrimp was also a perfect match with the tartar sauce!
Tonkatsu Masa
  • Address 15-15-1, Higashi 1-jo-minami, Obihiro, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Obihiro Station
  • Business hours 11:00-14:00 , 17:00-20:00
  • Closed Sunday
  • TEL 0155-23-5188
  • Parking Free of charge

Enjoy Tokachi brand pork "Dorobuta" with local beer!

Ajiwaru Dorobuta ribeye steak (300g) 1,880 yen
Ajiwaru Dorobuta ribeye steak (300g) 1,880 yen

The restaurant is owned by the owner, who raises "Dorobuta," a brand of pork that represents the Tokachi area, where the pork culture is deeply rooted, on his own farm. The pigs are raised on pasture in the vast Tokachi land, and are said to consume plenty of nutrients such as nuts and minerals contained in the natural soil, resulting in meat with a suppressed odor characteristic of pigs. The restaurant offers a one-plate daily lunch using "Dorobuta," homemade cured ham and sausages, Tokachi cheeses and vegetables, as well as Obihiro's local beer. You can fully enjoy the bounty of the Tokachi land.

Cheerful dinner in a country-style restaurant

A large hall with a vaulted ceiling where large groups can relax comfortably.
A large hall with a vaulted ceiling where large groups can relax comfortably.

The exterior of the restaurant has a strong impact, with an illustration of a "Dorobuta" welcoming diners. The interior of the restaurant, with its atrium and 120 seats, is on a grand scale, and the elaborate country-style interior will make you feel happy. In the corner of the restaurant, there is a sales corner where you can purchase homemade sausages, ham, bacon, and other products made from "Dorobuta. A time spent choosing souvenirs will be a fun and memorable experience.

Local Guide Comment
The Dorobuta Loin Steak has a strong flavor and sweetness. The Neapolitan special and the fried rice special have been a staple of the menu for a long time and are also highly recommended.
Rancho El Paso
  • Address 6-13-20, Nishi-Jurokujo-Minami 6-chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 min. from JR Obihiro Station by car
  • Business hours 11:00-15:00, 17:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
  • Closed Open daily (closed temporarily for maintenance, etc.)
  • TEL 0155-34-3418
  • Parking Free of charge

Directly managed by a fresh fish restaurant, hearty bowls of seafood

Sushi morning set meal for 600 yen. Often sold out immediately upon opening, so early arrival is recommended.
Sushi morning set meal for 600 yen. Often sold out immediately upon opening, so early arrival is recommended.

The Obihiro Local Wholesale Market is a major distribution center for agricultural and marine products from the Tokachi area, as well as food products from inside and outside of Hokkaido. The market restaurant Fujizen is located on the second floor of the food-related general center within the market. Originally a cafeteria for middlemen and others working early in the morning, it was renovated 10 years ago and is now open to the public. As a sushi restaurant under the direct management of a fresh fish store, the freshness of the sushi is second to none. The "Sushi Morning Set Meal," a daily special seafood bowl filled with large tuna, scallops, negitoro, etc., is priced at an unbeatable 600 yen. 20 servings are available between 7:00 and 10:00, so it is recommended to come early.

Enjoy the spirit of craftsmanship and the liveliness of the market

A space with an authentic sushi counter
A space with an authentic sushi counter

As is typical of a market diner, you buy your meal ticket from a ticket machine, but in a corner of the spacious restaurant with seating for 100, there is a counter with a case for the ingredients, and you will see a chef working at a sushi bar, making sushi in an efficient and professional manner. The restaurant also offers a variety of luxury menu items such as omakase nigiri and special raw chirashi at prices much lower than the market price. The restaurant also has a cafeteria corner with a menu that includes kaisen-tendon (rice bowl with tempura and seafood) and buta-don (rice bowl with pork). After dinner, it is recommended to join the locals on the first floor and enjoy shopping.

Local Guide Comment
The menu is very extensive with both a sushi section and a set meal section. I was surprised at the volume of the tendon! The sea urchin bowl was also very generous and the sea urchin melted in my mouth!
Market Shokudo Fujizen
  • Address Obihiro Local Wholesale Market, 1-5-1, Nishi 21-jo Kita, Obihiro, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Obihiro Station
  • Business hours Cafeteria 6:00-14:00, Sushi 7:00-14:00 (L.O.13:30)
  • Closed Closed on Sundays, national holidays, and irregular Wednesdays
  • TEL 0155-37-2500
  • Parking Free of charge

Deeply nostalgic curry with roux sauce from a long-established restaurant

The standard
The standard "Indian Curry" is 453 yen, with five different toppings and a choice of five levels of spiciness.

For more than 50 years since the first store opened in Obihiro in 1968, this curry roux store has been a soul food for Obihiro residents. There are three types of curry roux: "Indian roux," which is made with plenty of beef and aged with dozens of spices; "Basic roux," which brings out the flavor and sweetness of onions; and "Vegetable roux," which contains potatoes, carrots, and onions, all with a nostalgic and deep flavor. The "Basic Roux" has a sweet taste, while the "Vegetable Roux" has potatoes, carrots, and onions.

A casual favorite of Obihiro citizens

The posters of Hollywood stars decorating the restaurant were the idea of the restaurant's former president, who was a movie buff.
The posters of Hollywood stars decorating the restaurant were the idea of the restaurant's former president, who was a movie buff.

Of the 12 restaurants located in Obihiro and its suburbs, the "Machinaka Branch" in the center of the city is easily accessible from Obihiro Station, and is convenient for tourists as they can enjoy the local flavors in a casual manner. The "Machinaka Store" in the center of the city is easily accessible from Obihiro Station and is convenient for tourists as they can enjoy the local flavors in a casual manner. Some locals bring their own pots and pans to take out, making it a favorite restaurant in Obihiro.

Local Guide Comment
The aroma of the spices will increase your appetite! Although it was very hearty, I finished it in no time at all.
Curry Shop Indean
  • Address Machinaka Branch: 10-1-1 Nishi 2-jo Minami, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Obihiro Station
  • Hours of operation 11:00-21:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0155-20-1818
  • Parking Free of charge (3 cars)

Chicken rice, a cheap and tasty traditional taste

Chicken rice set meal
Chicken rice set meal" 800 yen, with a refreshing ginger flavor that you will never get tired of.

Founded in 1969. The spirit of the predecessor, who wanted to "give people a full meal at a reasonable price," has been passed down to the second generation, and the restaurant has long been loved for its tasty and hearty dishes. The "Chicken rice bowl" is synonymous with the restaurant. The sweet and spicy chicken meat goes well with the rice and the ginger flavored sweet and spicy chicken meat, making your chopsticks go faster and faster. The set meal comes with zangi (deep-fried chicken) and salad, and is a satisfying meal. The menu also includes yakitori (grilled chicken), chicken hot pot, rice dishes, noodles, a la carte dishes, sweets, and more.

Enjoy the playful interior design and hospitality

A warm welcome awaits you in the fun interior handmade by the first and second generations.
A warm welcome awaits you in the fun interior handmade by the first and second generations.

The exterior of the restaurant is Western-style, but once inside you will find a warm, retro Showa-style atmosphere. Most of the interior is handmade, including stained glass and furniture made from scrap wood. The private rooms have unique names such as "Mexico" and "Tomariki," and the elaborate interior design of each room is a delight to the eye. The ordering system using nostalgic black or pink phones is also unique. Families and groups, as well as solo diners, will have a great time here.

Local Guide Comment
The chicken minced meat in the rice is superb! It tastes nostalgic. The room is private, so it is safe to bring children.
Chicken Ito
  • Address 28-2-8 Nishi 5-jo Minami, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Obihiro Station
  • Business hours 11:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
  • Closed Wednesday
  • TEL 0155-22-3076
  • Parking Free of charge
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.