Elm Garden

Elm Garden has long been one of Sapporo's most romantic dining destinations, with a space that features round tables draped in crisp linen, subdued lighting and occasional live music performances. However, the restaurant's true charm lies in its breathtaking, ever-changing garden vistas; floor-to-ceiling windows frame a stunning 3,000-square-meter landscape that transforms with the seasons. In spring, diners enjoy dishes inspired by the delicate blooms of three varieties of cherry blossoms; winter blankets the landscape in pristine white snow and calls for heartier, warm staples of broths and hotpots. Originally established as the beloved Elm Villa in 1946, Elm Garden poured itself into Sapporo, constantly taking local ingredients and imbuing them with the complex kaiseki concept. The items are, of course, seasonal: Head chef Kobayashi Masakazu collaborates with local growers and suppliers from across Japan to secure the freshest produce. Kobayashi also takes pride in the restaurant’s signature soup stock, crafted primarily from kombu and Hokkaido-grown ingredients. It's the base of most of his courses, or what he would often describe as "pleasurable Japanese dishes." To complement this culinary experience, Elm Garden boasts over 100 labels of primarily French wines, as well as local Hokkaido sakes and rare brews from across the country. Between its popularity as a wedding venue and its constant reinterpretation of kaiseki, Elm Garden is helping to write the next chapter of Hokkaido's legacy. Elm Garden has been chosen for the Sapporo Premium Selection 2024.