In the village of Hirafu within Hotel Dharma Niseko is Mame Niseko, led by chef-owner Hideki Endo, who was previously of Matsuhisa Paris. Known for its innovative and contemporary Japanese fare, diners can select between two options—a standard omakase course and its premium counterpart.

Mame Niseko

Address: 1-chome−6−14, 1F Hotel Dharma Niseko, Nisekohirafu 2 Jo, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 50 3528 8176

Led by Malaysia’s very own Jon Lee of Penrose, Chuya boasts cocktails crafted with seasonal produce (order the strawberry, yuzu, and elderflower gin-based concoction). By day, the bar is a serene tea house, and while I did not have a chance this trip, I hear the soft serve is especially delectable.

Chuya Teahouse & Bar 

Address: 919-5-7 Aza, Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido.  +81 136 44 3491

Walk into Bianca Omakase (after taking your boots off), and it feels akin to entering someone’s home, fully furnished with quaint wooden shelves and soft carpets. That is what Yuichi Ito, the Best Pizzaiolo 2022 in Japan, and his team aim to offer—an intimate, pizza-forward, seasonal chef’s table located just above Baby Crosta.

Visit for the innovative pizza toppings (my personal favourite is the cured duck, foie gras, and grape) and faultless pizza crust, but you’ll leave raving about the house-made cured meats and stracciatella.

Bianca Omakase

Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. Instagram / @biancaomakase

A culinary ground often graced with exciting pop-ups, Mandala Club Niseko is led by sake expert Elliot Faber and head chef Esca Khoo. While previous takeovers have seen the talents of Holly Graham of Tokyo Confidential and Vijay Mudaliar of Singapore’s Native and Analogue, I catch a dinner curated by George Calombaris, Masterchef Australia judge and chef-owner of The Hellenic House Project in Melbourne. 

Mandala Club Niseko

Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 80 3294 3052

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An izakaya by night and a ramen shop by day, Gogyo by Ippudo runs the gamut when it comes to Japanese comfort food. Try the Hakata Tonkotsu ramen, topped with tender pork slices, or the spicy ramen for an extra kick. 

Gogyo by Ippudo 

Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 136 44 1152

Niseko Loft Club, founded in 1989, is known for Genghis Khan, a Hokkaido delicacy of grilled mutton. Located in Hirafu, the restaurant serves cuts of lamb, venison, beef, and deer cooked at your table. 

Niseko Loft Club 

Address: Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 136 44 2883

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