Robata

Wow! I can not recommend this place highly enough. You will be delighted by Robata’s oba-chan, sitting before you, grilling your food on the open fire like the true expert that she is. The miso-ginger squid is hands down one of the best things you will ever put in your mouth. Everything we ate was perfect, and we were mesmerized by our chef. The sake and ambience added to this unique and fabulous experience. Also, get the asparagus. Trust me.

- dee slattery -

Big thanks to the staff in the restaurant. We are the customer who asks to have 6 seats. I am very sorry, and I have no idea it is how hard to have 6 seats at the same time. When I sat in the restaurant, I realized it's a warm and peaceful place. We are very happy to see the restaurant reopen in September and how lucky we are to have seats on that night. It's our honor to have grandmother cook all the dishes. Again, I am very appreciative that a beautiful staff allow us to reserve 6 seats and let our dream come true. I promise when I go to the restaurant next time, I will only have 1 or 2 people and much know how to enjoy the place and feeling.

- Meng Yuan Hsieh -

Heard that the restaurant has been reopened lately after the fire and thus made the reservation when we visited Hokkaido this Autumn. Really enjoy the vibe of the restaurant and was impressed by grandma, who handled all the orders by herself in her own pace. Despite no price was shown in their menu, we found that the pricing was reasonable to us. Overall, it is a place that bring us good memories and we wish grandma healthy and cook for many more customers in the future.

- Christo Andie -

Robata in Kushiro is a well-known and iconic dining spot—and for good reason. It’s notoriously difficult to get a reservation due to its limited seating and high demand, so planning ahead is essential. Dining time is restricted to around 1.5 to 2 hours per party, but every minute is worth it. What makes this restaurant truly special is its signature scene: an 80-something-year-old woman quietly and skillfully grilling behind the robata (charcoal hearth). Watching her work is like witnessing a living piece of culinary tradition. Despite her age, she grills each item with incredible precision. The results speak for themselves—every dish was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The staff here are also excellent. They’re friendly, professional, and even speak English, which makes the experience much more accessible and enjoyable for international visitors. They’re happy to explain the menu or recommend dishes if you’re not sure what to try. The atmosphere is intimate and authentic, a rare find that combines history, hospitality, and outstanding food in one memorable experience. From fresh seafood to seasonal vegetables, everything we tried was delicious and beautifully prepared. Robata isn’t just a meal—it’s a cultural experience. If you’re visiting Kushiro and manage to snag a reservation, don’t miss the chance to dine here. It’s a perfect example of how tradition, craftsmanship, and hospitality come together in Japanese cuisine.

- Tsui Begonia -

I have lived in Hokkaido for 12 years and will move to the main island of Honshu in the spring. I wanted to experience Hokkaido seafood before I left. So while I was in the city, I found this place near my hotel. The atmosphere is great. I was surprised that several of the staff spoke English well. I guess they have a lot of foreign customers. They were quite friendly and helpful. The food was great. I spent ¥6600 for two draft beers, two oysters two scallops potato with butter, a bowl of Salmon flavored rice soup and two shiitake mushrooms. A splurge for me but as far as a delicious meal and a nice atmosphere I think it was reasonable.

- Ted Jones -

It was full house when the 4 of us arrived without reservation, so we booked for a slot, took a walk to Nusamai Bridge then went back to Robata an hour later at 6.45pm. We were glad we had waited, the service, food, atmosphere and even the cute little washroom is a must-go! Obasan was very focused and extremely committed on grilling all the food to perfection. All the service staff were friendly, busy but attentive. We enjoyed ourselves very much, ate and drank to our fill. Must order draft beer.

- Karen Tan -