Matsuo Jingisukan Sapporo Susukino 4-2

Residents of Takikawa, a city near the heart of Hokkaido, may already know Matsuo Jingisukan. A beloved institution since its humble beginnings in 1956, the restaurant has been serving jingisukan — Hokkaido’s iconic lamb or mutton grilled on a convex skillet — for nearly seven decades. Now with branches across Japan, its chapter in Sapporo’s Susukino, the city’s high-energy entertainment area, is sleeker and more sophisticated than the rest, with a new-kid feel. But all it takes is to slide into one of the elegant table booths and catch the telltale whiff of the sweet aroma of its signature marinated lamb to transport you back to the brand’s roots, proving that this branch stays true to its heritage. The secret to Matsuo Jingisukan’s mouthwatering barbecue is the restaurant’s signature sauce. A blend of soy, freshly juiced apples and onions impart a savory-sweet note that soaks into perfectly trimmed, lean cuts of lamb and mutton, all while tendering the meat. Vegetables are arranged around the grill’s moat, followed by marinated meat on the dome. As the meat cooks and conversation flows, the marinade drips down, enriching the vegetables with its deep, savory flavors. In addition to the traditional cuts, Matsuo Jingisukan’s Susukino branch also offers a rare, bone-in lamb steak marinated in the same signature sauce. The dining area, with its movable partitions, is ideal for large groups, as jingisukan, like yakiniku, is a communal dining experience. Consistently delicious and comforting, Matsuo Jingisukan proves that great food has the power to bring people together.