Tasting local specialties and regional dishes while hopping between various shops on a “foodie journey” is one of the joys of travel. Hakodate is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and strolling through this exotic port town while savoring its is endlessly enjoyable.
This time, we bring you a curated list of 15 must-visit food spots in Hakodate. It also includes some hidden gem eateries worth a special trip—check them out!
1. 【Lucky Pierrot】 Hakodate’s Must-Eat Landmark! A Fun-Filled Local Burger Icon
Hakodate’s culinary icon is none other than “Lucky Pierrot”! This chain, which once topped Japan’s best local burger rankings, boasts 17 locations across Hakodate. Each outlet features unique themes like tropical paradise, amusement park, or Christmas, making them perfect for Instagram-worthy shots and family-friendly outings.
The star of the menu, the “Chinese Chicken Burger,” is a national burger contest champion! Its sweet-spicy sauce paired with generous mayonnaise is a hit with both adults and kids. Beyond burgers, the menu offers yakisoba, curry, and more, ensuring you’ll never tire of the variety!
- Lucky Pierrot (ラッキーピエロ)
- Address: 23-18 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order 8:30 PM, varies by location)
- Access: Near Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, 15-minute walk from Hakodateyama Ropeway
- Website: https://luckypierrot.jp/
2. 【Hasegawa Store】 Hakodate’s Unique Convenience Store with Sizzling Yakitori Bento
Hakodate’s “unconventional convenience store,” Hasegawa Store, is famous for its signature “Yakitori Bento” and has over 10 locations. Introduced in 1978, this bento skyrocketed to fame after a celebrity endorsement. Fun fact: the “yakitori” here is actually made with pork, not chicken, following southern Hokkaido tradition.
In southern Hokkaido, “yakitori” means pork! Check the bento lid for adorable pig illustrations. Grab an order sheet, select your portion and flavor, and check out. With five flavors like soy sauce, salt, and miso, the freshly grilled, piping-hot skewers are sure to satisfy!
- Hasegawa Store (ハセガワストア)
- Address: 23-5 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Access: 5-minute walk from Suehiro-cho tram stop
- Website: https://www.hasesuto.co.jp/
3. 【Ajisai Ramen】 Hakodate’s Ramen Pinnacle: 80-Year-Old Salt Ramen Legend
The essence of Hakodate ramen lies in its salt-based broth, and the 80-year-old “Ajisai Ramen” is a standout. Located opposite Goryokaku Tower, its second-floor dining area offers stunning views of Hakodate’s cityscape while you dine.
The top pick, “Ajisai Salt Ramen,” features a broth made with southern Hokkaido kelp, blended with pork and chicken bone essence for a light yet rich flavor. For a twist, try the exclusive “Ezo Oil Pepper,” a spicy mix of Hokkaido scallops, sardines, and pepper oil for a bold new taste!
- Ajisai Ramen (函館麺厨房あじさい)
- Address: 29-22 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:25 PM
- Closed: Fourth Wednesday of the month (postponed if a holiday)
- Access: 10-minute walk from Goryokaku Koen-mae tram stop
- Website: https://ajisai.tv/
4. 【Jiyoken】 Classic Ramen Shop with Crystal-Clear Salt Broth
Established in 1947, “Jiyoken” is a veteran of Hakodate’s ramen scene, located near Tohoku’s largest food stall village, Daimon Yokocho, making it the perfect finale for a night of food exploration.
With a wide range of ramen options, first-timers should go for the “Hakodate Salt Ramen.” Its crystal-clear broth looks light but delivers deep flavor, irresistible to salt ramen fans. The homemade straight noodles are chewy, smooth, and a delight to eat.
- Jiyoken (滋養軒)
- Address: 7-12 Matsukaze-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Closes when broth runs out)
- Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
5. 【Hakodate Morning Market】 Squid Fishing Experience with Fresh Sashimi on the Spot
Hakodate Morning Market is a seafood lover’s paradise, with a unique live squid fishing pool at its center! Visitors can catch their own squid and have it turned into sashimi on the spot, blending fun and flavor.
Freshly caught morning squid is transformed into translucent, tender sashimi by skilled chefs. The crisp, sweet flesh embodies the essence of freshness, with every bite bursting with oceanic sweetness!
- Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市)
- Address: 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido (inside Eki-Ni Market)
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Closes when squid runs out, varies by season)
- Closed: Third Wednesday of January-June and October-November, December 31 - January 4, days with no squid catch due to bad weather
- Access: 5-minute walk from Hakodate Station
- Website: https://asaichi-ekini.com/ikatsuri/
6. 【Uni Murakami】 Michelin-Recommended! Savor the Pure Sweetness of Additive-Free Sea Urchin
Located at the entrance of Hakodate Morning Market, “Uni Murakami” is a Michelin Guide Hokkaido-featured hotspot. A must-try is their additive-free sea urchin, direct from their processing plant, offering unmatched freshness, texture, and flavor!
Besides the top-selling additive-free sea urchin rice bowl, their sashimi set is lavishly topped with sea urchin. The Hakodate Station branch offers evening dishes like baked sea urchin, sea urchin tamagoyaki, and luxurious sea urchin chazuke, perfect with a glass of sake!
- Uni Murakami (うに むらかみ)
- Address: 22-1 Otemachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Last order 2:30 PM)
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Access: 3-minute walk from Hakodate Station
- Website: https://www.uni-murakami.com/hakodate/
7. 【Gotoken】 Legendary Curry at a Meiji-Era Western Restaurant
Founded in 1879, “Gotoken’s” main restaurant, Yukawatei, is a designated tangible cultural property of Japan. From casual Western dishes like burgers, pasta, and sandwiches to formal set meals and kids’ menus, it’s perfect for families.
Gotoken’s signature curry, refined over three generations of chefs, blends British, French, and Indian styles and is even available as a retort pouch. Pair it with unique sides like garlic fries, peanuts, fukujinzuke, pickled leeks, or red ginger for a delightful experience.
- Gotoken (五島軒)
- Address: 4-5 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: January 1-2, Tuesdays
- Access: 5-minute walk from Jujigai tram stop
- Website: https://gotoken1879.jp/
8. 【Suzuya Shokudo】 Hakodate Morning Market’s Seafood Wholesale Cafeteria
A perennial favorite at Hakodate Morning Market, “Suzuya Shokudo” is run by Marujige Funaoaka Shoten. Partnering with nearby hotels for breakfast service, it’s bustling from early morning. Kick off your day with a slightly indulgent breakfast!
Among the various set meals and rice bowls, the “Pick-Your-Own Five-Topping Seafood Bowl” is a must. Choose five toppings from sweet shrimp, crab, salmon, squid, or salmon roe, and the staff will pile them high. Add sea urchin for an extra fee! Kid-sized portions are also available.
- Suzuya Shokudo (すずや食堂)
- Address: 10-4 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Last order 1:30 PM)
- Closed: January 1-2, Tuesdays
- Access: 3-minute walk from Hakodate Station
- Website: https://www.hakodate-asaichi.com/suzuya/
9. 【Morning Market Cafeteria Nibankan】 Signature 500-Yen Rice Bowls! Grilled Fish Sets Are a Steal Too
For budget-conscious foodies, head to “Morning Market Cafeteria Nibankan” at Eki-Ni Market, just a 2-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station. Located on the market’s second floor, it serves breakfast and lunch (no dinner) starting at 8:00 AM.
The signature “500-Yen Rice Bowls” include options like crab, mixed seafood, salmon and roe, or squid sashimi. Affordable tuna, squid sashimi bowls, grilled fish sets, and seafood bowl + grilled fish combos are around 1,000 yen.
- Morning Market Cafeteria Nibankan (朝市食堂 二番館)
- Address: 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido (inside Eki-Ni Market)
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Closed: January 1-2, Tuesdays
- Access: 2-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
- Website: https://asaichi-ekini.com/nibankan/
10. 【Asari Honten】 Michelin-Listed Sukiyaki Shop’s Fried Beef Croquettes
With a century of history, “Asari Honten,” a Michelin Guide Hokkaido-listed sukiyaki specialist, is a must-visit. Beyond its signature sukiyaki served in elegant tatami rooms, the attached butcher shop hides a gem: the fried beef croquette.
Freshly fried, these croquettes burst with juicy beef flavor and creamy, sweet mashed potatoes—a true delight. Made with high-quality beef trimmings, they match the restaurant’s premium cuts. At under 100 yen each, they’re perfect for snacking on the go but sell out fast, so get there early!
- Asari Honten (阿さ利本店)
- Address: 10-11 Horaicho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Access: 1-minute walk from Horaicho tram stop
- Website: https://asarihonten.com/
11. 【Kantaro】 Generous Sushi with Less Rice, More Fish
Originating in Hakodate, “Kantaro” has its flagship in Uguracho and branches in Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, and Tokyo. True to its motto of capturing Hakodate’s essence, it uses generous cuts of fresh fish with smaller rice portions.
Unlike typical conveyor belt sushi, the Goryokaku Moat-side “Sushi & Seafood Goryokaku Park Branch” offers a serene setting with conveyor, garden-view private rooms, and banquet halls. Sushi sets with fish soup are perfect for a midday boost during sightseeing.
- Kantaro (函太郎)
- Address: 25-17 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Access: 10-minute walk from Goryokaku Koen-mae tram stop
- Website: https://www.rdcgroup.co.jp/kantarobrand/s_kantaro/
12. 【Ganso Koike】 Freshly Fried Katsu Curry Rice
“Ganso Koike,” a magnet for curry lovers even from out of town, exudes Hakodate’s nostalgic Showa-era vibe with its retro interior.
The signature freshly fried katsu curry rice features perfectly cooked white rice, a 7-hour-simmered curry sauce, and thinly sliced katsu for maximum flavor absorption. This Indian-style curry wins with its rich, mild taste rather than spice, with moderate portions ideal for foodies saving room for more.
- Ganso Koike (元祖 小いけ)
- Address: 22-4 Horaicho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays, New Year’s Day
- Access: 5-minute walk from Horaicho tram stop
- Website: https://www.ganso-koike.com/
13. 【Coffee Room Kikuchi】 Hidden Gem’s Mocha Soft Serve
Near Yunokawa Onsen, the veteran “Coffee Room Kikuchi” gained fame from a popular TV show. Its bright yellow building stands out, and while the menu is diverse, locals rave about the “Mocha Soft Serve.”
With a grainy ice texture and rich coffee aroma, it also comes in a vanilla mix option. Enjoy it as a sundae indoors or grab it from the takeout window—perfect for a drive-by treat. Its proximity to Yunokawa Onsen makes it ideal for a post-soak dessert.
- Coffee Room Kikuchi (コーヒールームきくち)
- Address: 3-13-19 Yunokawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM (Takeout until 7:00 PM)
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Access: 8-minute walk from Yunokawa tram stop
- Website: https://coffee-kikuchi.com/
14. 【California Baby】 Hakodate’s Beloved Retro Café with “Cisco Rice”
At the foot of Hachiman-zaka, “California Baby,” originally a Taisho-era post office, was transformed into a café in 1976. Its white exterior and 1960s American retro decor make it a local favorite, nicknamed “Calibaby,” and a must-visit hotspot.
The signature “Cisco Rice” is a Hakodate icon, drawing crowds for its hearty portion of buttery rice topped with two giant sausages and rich meat sauce!
- California Baby (カリフォルニアベイビー)
- Address: 23-15 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Closed: Thursdays
- Access: 5-minute walk from Suehiro-cho tram stop
- Website: https://coffee-kikuchi.com/
15. 【Jolly Jellyfish】 Local Favorite “Steak Fried Rice” in a Retro Space
Since 1982, “Jolly Jellyfish” has been a local favorite. In 2022, it relocated from the former residence of writer Hitoshi Tsuji at the foot of Hakodate Mountain to the renovated former Hokkaido Government Hakodate Branch building. Facing Motomachi Park, it offers free picnic baskets and mats for park dining.
The signature “Steak Fried Rice” features beef atop buttery fried rice, drizzled with a 40-year-old secret soy sauce. Customize it with add-ons like fried eggs, cheese, or avocado for a personalized treat!
- Jolly Jellyfish (ジョリージェリーフィッシュ)
- Address: 12-18 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:00 PM)
- Closed: Irregular
- Access: 7-minute walk from Suehiro-cho tram stop
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/jollyjellyfish_motomachi/
