シロクマ Shí Táng - Otaru

We hv searched online and known that this is a lovely place to enjoy special cuisine here. However when we finally got there and were so excited since it took us for almost 20 mins walk, the host gave us a rejection even we did see there were some vacancy seats. “Reservation only”, with a big cross gesture, we don even hv time to ask but hv to walk out the door immediately. Quite disappointing. I don’t think this is a foreigner-friendly eating place. Especially the host must couldn’t distinguish ppl from speaking Chinese or Korea or China or Hong Kong whoever it is when not speaking Japanese.

Dropped in to have lunch and I was lucky there was no queue! The couple running the small homely place are extremely nice. The food was fresh and the taste was exquisite! I had the crab and crab miso pasta and it was outta this world! Thank you for such a excellent lunch! I’ll be back again! Just remember to bring cash as they don’t take credit cards or digital money.

Went there earlier before their opening at 11am. There were no fanciful signboard of their restaurant, I saw two people queuing in front of the restaurant and ask if I’m at the correct place, and they said yes. Waited in the snow for about 15mins before their opening. Near opening, a lady came and greeted us to come in. Ordered the beef rice bowl, it was awesome. I never regret my decision of choosing this place for my lunch in Otaru.

Great food and reasonable price. They offer different types of Japanese courses. You will want to visit here more than once.

Small and cosy place, maybe full. Expect to wait outside till there will be a vacant seat. Food is cooked in front of customers, fresh and delicious.