When people think of Sapporo’s food scene, the first thing that comes to mind is Jingisukan (Japanese-style grilled mutton)! If you’ve come all the way to Hokkaido, you’ll definitely want to try the authentic local version.
Since Jingisukan is made with lamb or mutton, some people might hesitate at first. But when it’s prepared with fresh, carefully selected meat, it’s absolutely delicious—and once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
I used to dislike lamb, but after moving to Hokkaido and trying the real deal, I instantly became a fan!
Lamb is also rich in carnitine, a nutrient known to help burn fat, which makes it increasingly popular among women who care about beauty, people on a diet, and even those training at the gym.
Alright!! When I go to Sapporo, I’m going to eat Jingisukan until I drop!
But here’s the catch—Sapporo has countless Jingisukan restaurants. If you’re visiting as a tourist, it can be hard to know where to find the truly delicious spots.
That’s why today, as two food-loving locals who relocated from Kobe and Nagoya, we’re sharing a carefully chosen list of the best Jingisukan restaurants in Sapporo—places that locals genuinely recommend.
Make sure to bookmark this for your Sapporo trip!
What is Jingisukan?
For those who have never heard of it, Jingisukan is Hokkaido’s soul food: grilled lamb or mutton served with a mountain of vegetables like onions, cabbage, and bean sprouts.
It’s cooked on a unique dome-shaped grill that resembles a helmet. The meat is placed in the center while the vegetables cook around the edges.
Some people pour sauce on while grilling, others dip the meat afterward. I still don’t know which is ‘correct’ (lol).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Lamb: Meat from sheep less than a year old. It has little odor and is perfect for beginners.
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Mutton: Meat from sheep over 2 years old. It has a stronger aroma but a richer flavor that many locals love.
The Four Types of Jingisukan
In Sapporo, Jingisukan comes in four variations:
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Fresh Lamb Jingisukan
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Fresh Mutton Jingisukan
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Marinated Lamb Jingisukan
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Marinated Mutton Jingisukan
Honestly, fresh and marinated taste so different they could almost be considered separate dishes. If you can try both during your trip, you’ll be a true Jingisukan master!
Locals grow up eating all kinds, but for first-timers, we recommend starting with fresh lamb or marinated lamb.
Health Benefits of Jingisukan
Jingisukan isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients.
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L-Carnitine: Promotes fat burning by transporting fat into your cells’ mitochondria. Great for dieters.
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High Protein, Low Fat: Lean, low-calorie meat that supports muscle growth.
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Essential Amino Acids: Lysine boosts immunity, methionine helps reduce allergies, phenylalanine can suppress appetite.
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Unsaturated Fatty Acids: The “good fats” found in olive oil and fish, known to prevent arteriosclerosis, lower blood pressure, and reduce bad cholesterol.
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Vitamins B1, B2, and E: Help metabolism, keep skin and mucous membranes healthy, and slow down aging of blood vessels.
Eat plenty of Jingisukan and you’ll be slim and glowing!
The Best Jingisukan Restaurants in Sapporo
1. Jingisukan Daruma
The legendary classic. Founded in 1954, Daruma specializes in fresh mutton Jingisukan.
Lines are constant—even during COVID when many restaurants were struggling, Daruma still had queues. Since they don’t take reservations, you’ll need to show up early, but it’s worth every minute.
The secret house sauce is light and refreshing, and you can customize it with garlic or chili from the table.
Daruma has six branches across Sapporo, each with slight differences (like locker availability or beer brands), so check before you go.
Since the smell can cling to clothes, I recommend visiting a branch with lockers if you care about that.
Don’t miss their special closing dish—Jingisukan chazuke (rice with tea poured over). The flavor of the lamb broth seeps into the rice and it’s heavenly!
2. Hokkaido Jingisukan Ezo-ya
Originally a locals’ favorite, this place shot to fame after being featured on TV. Now reservations are tough, but the food is worth it.
The specialty here is their extra-thick Jingisukan, hand-cut by skilled chefs. It’s over 1 cm thick yet surprisingly tender thanks to a special marinade.
Pair it with “On-the-Rice”—a bowl topped with sauce and egg yolk. It’s a perfect match.
If you want to drink as well, go for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan. Total satisfaction guaranteed.
3. Matsuo Jingisukan
Near Sapporo Station, this is one of the most popular places among both tourists and locals. Reservations are highly recommended.
Matsuo specializes in marinated Jingisukan, offering both lamb and mutton. It’s the nostalgic taste locals grew up with.
Unlike other restaurants, Matsuo doesn’t serve dipping sauces. Instead, the vegetables are cooked in the marinade, absorbing flavor.
And don’t forget the udon at the end! The noodles soak up all the meat juices—it’s insanely good.
4. Yozora no Jingisukan
This restaurant group has five locations around Susukino, all on upper floors with night views of the city.
They serve fresh lamb, hand-cut and best enjoyed medium rare. Each branch has slightly different menus, so even repeat visitors can try something new.
Cold Sapporo Classic beer + hot Jingisukan = perfection!
Perfect for a date. You can even order just the all-you-can-drink option.
5. Sapporo Jingisukan Shirokuma
If you want guaranteed top-quality Jingisukan, Shirokuma is the place.
They never use frozen meat—only chilled, ultra-fresh cuts. Their specialties are rare Hokkaido lamb (less than 1% of the market) and premium Australian fresh lamb.
Try both and compare! The Hokkaido lamb was so good it left me stunned.
Even people who dislike lamb often change their minds here, thanks to the tender, flavorful meat with no gaminess.
6. Hitsuji-tei
Once an Asahi Beer-owned restaurant, this spot is a paradise for beer lovers, offering fresh draft straight from the brewery.
The space is large, making it great for groups. The highlight is the all-you-can-eat six cuts of lamb, including chops, shoulder, tongue, and more.
I love that lamb chops are included—they look great in photos too!
Don’t miss the drink plan—you can sample three different craft beers.
7. Hige no Ushi
Perfect for solo diners, with lockers and a stylish, relaxed atmosphere.
The name means “Bearded Cow,” based on an old nickname for sheep. The menu includes rare cuts like lamb fillet and lamb tongue.
Unique feature: every table gets both a Jingisukan grill and a charcoal grill, even if you’re alone! You can enjoy both styles at once.
The lamb salt tongue is insanely good—try it!
8. Nama Lamb Jingisukan Yamagoya
A cozy, lodge-style restaurant with a simple menu focusing on high-quality fresh lamb.
The meat is tender, affordable (from 990 yen per portion), and paired with a special apple-based sauce that’s both sweet and refreshing.
They even serve mini tomatoes, which you can grill for a burst of sweetness. Refills are free!
Other highlights include venison, seasonal vegetables, and even grilled mochi for a unique closing dish.
9. Shepherd’s Restaurant Itadakimasu
A ranch-run restaurant serving lamb raised by the owner himself! They specialize in rare Hokkaido Suffolk lamb, known as the “king of meat.”
The meat is incredibly tender with no gaminess, delicious even with just salt. Despite its rarity, prices are reasonable thanks to direct sourcing.
They also offer rare cuts like liver and diaphragm, though availability is limited.
If you spot offal cuts on the menu, order right away—they sell out fast!
Conclusion
Jingisukan is the must-try dish of Sapporo. With so many restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming, but the spots above are guaranteed to impress.
We, at Samurai Trip Concierge, are here to make your Hokkaido journey smoother and more memorable. If you have any questions about traveling in Hokkaido, sightseeing, or local food, feel free to reach out!
