A Foodie's Guide To Hakuba

Want to know the ultimate trap when you’re planning your itinerary for Hakuba?

‘I’ve got a bunch of restaurants saved on my Instagram.’

Yep – if a restaurant has gone viral, chances are it’s not only popping up in your feed, but by the time you actually go check it out, the lines are massive. 

So what’s the angle here – don’t eat? Absolutely not, the vibrant food scene is one of the best parts of a trip to Hakuba! What we are saying though, is that if you’ve been eyeing off some hotspots that you’re really keen on, now’s the time to start booking.

And if you haven’t and now find yourself freaking out because you’re thinking about everyone else pre-searching their dining options, we have you covered. 

Here’s some of Hakuba's hottest dining options worth adding to your list.

Mimi's

Why not start the list with one of Hakuba’s highest ranked restaurants. 

Mimi’s is an experience like no other, offering unique high-end Italian fine-dining experience made entirely from local produce. 

Run by a husband and wife chef team, Kazu and Yuki, Mimi’s is one of those meals that’ll ruin all good Italian food for you moving forward. Anytime you’re eating out in future and someone says the food is good, you’ll be the friend hitting them with a ‘hmmmm, compared to the Italian I had in Hakuba…’

Tori Co

A favourite amongst the Rhythm crew, Tori Co, located in the Wadano village, is a modern izakaya that specialises in yakitori (BBQ chicken). 

Whether you’re out on a date or with the entire fam, Tori Co is an awesome spot for one of your first nights in Japan, offering a similar feel to a Spanish tapas in the sense that you can try a lot of different dishes and lock in your favourites at the beginning of the trip. 

Calico

Whether you’re hitting up their food truck out front of the OYUKI store or visiting their main hub on the Echoland mainstreet, Calico is your go-to for all things smash burgers. If it’s not, it will be. 

But as a word to the wise, unless you want to get a smash burger every day of your trip, hold off until one of your final days. Otherwise, all other food options will be out the window – you’ll get off the slopes and your first thought will be ‘Calico.’ Seriously, some addictively good burgs.

Traumerei

Found yourself struggling to decide between Hakuba or Courchevel this winter season? Why not get the best of both worlds – luxe French dining in Hakuba!

And not only is the food amazing, Traumerei’s setting in itself will be a huge highlight for all the Instagrammers out there.

We’re talkin’, amazing French inspired-cuisine served over 8 courses, in a refurbished manor – a dining experience that’ll make you the envy of all your friends back home. 

The Meat Library

Rather have an epic charcuterie over a hearty meal like curry or ramen? The Meat Library has you covered. 

A seasonal (winter only) offering curated by Andreas ‘Andy’ Ertle, the Meat Library is known for its 90-minute all-inclusive tasting experiences, serving artisanal charcuteries, alongside smoked salmon and fresh breads.

And when we say smoked, we mean it. Andy’s techniques sees him using traditional European techniques such as ash-curing and hemp-wrapping to create the perfect flavours.

Bar Refuel

Sometimes a light dinner option sounds like a great move. Other times, it means that 3-hours later when you’re out and about, you’re dying of hunger. 

If you ever find yourself in that situation, the appropriately named Bar Refuel will be your saviour. 

Not only do they act as one of the hottest nightcap spots around the Happo region, they also serve up some top-notch burgers until all hours of the night. 

Takahasi-Ke

You know how when it comes to the snow, people always recommend their second or third favourite run? People get so defensive about their favourite spots. 

That’s the case for Takahasi-Ke – a true local favourite which stands up as one of Hakuba’s most iconic ramen spots. 

Situated at the base of Able Hakuba Goryu, Takahasi-ke serves up some of the most delicious ramens around the whole region, making it a perfect go-to spot for an after-shred dinner or mid-lesson lunch. 

Blizzard

The staples. If you’ve got a picky eater in the fam, Blizzard will be your spot. Only a short walk from our stores in Happo, and right at the base of the gondola, Blizzard is known for its perfect snow pub atmosphere. Serving up the classics like woodfire pizzas and pasta dishes that’ll be sure to make the kids happy after a day out on the slopes.