Robata-yaki and exquisite salmon roe—must-try indulgences in Kushiro

When talking about great places to eat in Kushiro, we cannot leave out Robata Renga. Directly managed by Marua Abe Shoten, a long-standing Kushiro fishery, the quality of the ingredients is beyond question. You grill the food yourself, which is a rare treat in Kushiro—the birthplace of robata-yaki, a fireside cooking style where staff usually control the grilling. Enjoying this culinary experience inside a brick warehouse that has withstood a century of wind and weather only adds to the atmosphere. In early summer, fatty chum salmon graces the menu. Come autumn, Shishamo smelt and Akiaji salmon take center stage. Indulge in the flavors of the north, including Atka mackerel, crab, oysters, and scallops. The crowning glory is Marua Abe Shoten’s popular salmon roe. Its delicious taste can win over even Hokkaido natives who are accustomed to eating salmon roe. Featuring a delicately soft membrane, the umami flavor bursts in your mouth. Exquisitely paired with white rice, every bite elevates the joy of visiting Japan. Create unforgettable travel memories as you gather around the irori hearth, sharing lively conversation while grilling fresh seafood and savoring one of Kushiro’s true treasures—salmon roe. 

*Information accurate as of July 2025