Sapporo’s Nijo Market is one of the city’s most popular food destinations, best known for its fresh seafood bowls and sushi. Tucked away in a quiet alley just behind the market, however, is a small eatery where you can enjoy beautifully handcrafted rice ball set meals from the morning.
Opened in October 2025, Onigiri Utari operates inside a shared izakaya space during the daytime and has quickly become a favorite among both locals and visitors. In this review, we’ll introduce the restaurant’s signature onigiri set meal and what makes it worth a visit.
A Hidden Gem in the Backstreets of Nijo Market
Just south of Nijo Market lies a narrow alley known as Nijo Shokudo-gai (Nijo Dining Alley). Lined with old-fashioned snack bars and local eateries, this charming lane still retains the nostalgic atmosphere of Japan’s Showa era. Compared with the bustling main market street, it offers a quieter, more relaxed place to explore.
Located along this hidden alley is Onigiri Utari, a cozy rice ball specialty shop that opened in October 2025. During the day, it operates inside the izakaya Utari, welcoming guests from 8:30 a.m. each morning.
Outside, colorful banners and signs featuring onigiri create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The shop blends naturally into the nostalgic streetscape of Nijo Shokudo-gai, making it feel like a place that’s been part of the neighborhood for years.
Inside, the restaurant is small and cozy, with six counter seats and one table for four. Guests are warmly welcomed by the friendly owner, whose cheerful smile adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Onigiri Utari is an excellent choice for breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a relaxing break while exploring Nijo Market.
Fluffy Rice Balls Take Center Stage｜Set Meals with Seasonal Side Dishes and Sanpei Soup
The menu features two main set meals: the Onigiri Set (¥1,200), which includes five seasonal side dishes and a bowl of traditional Sanpei soup, and the more substantial Fish Set (¥1,700), which adds the day’s simmered fish and fresh sashimi. Individual rice balls are also available à la carte.
During my visits, I had the opportunity to try both set meals.
Onigiri Set
The standard rice balls are served simply seasoned with salt. With the Fish Set, you can even enjoy up to two complimentary refills of the salted rice balls. For an additional ¥150, you can upgrade to flavored fillings such as salmon with skin, traditional pickled plum, or yuzu tuna mayonnaise.
Fish Set (includes the Onigiri Set plus simmered fish and sashimi)
I loved the variety of small side dishes! Even the little meat dish made the meal feel extra satisfying.
The first thing that surprised me was the texture of the rice balls.
They are made with Yumepirika rice grown by Farm Nakamura in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido.
According to the owner, her signature technique is to shape each rice ball with just three gentle presses, taking care not to crush the grains.
She even demonstrated the process for me. Watching her hands move quickly and delicately, it was easy to see how lightly each rice ball was formed.
When I finally took a bite, I understood why. The rice balls held together beautifully when picked up, yet gently fell apart once they reached my mouth. The light seasoning enhanced the natural sweetness of the rice, allowing the flavor of every grain to stand out.
Each set meal also includes five seasonal side dishes, such as simmered vegetables, dressed salads, and Japanese rolled omelet, making the tray as colorful as it is satisfying.
Everything was gently seasoned with a comforting, home-style flavor that paired perfectly with the rice balls. Being able to sample a variety of small dishes also made the meal feel well balanced and nutritionally satisfying.
Another highlight was the Sanpei soup.
While many Japanese set meals are served with miso soup, Onigiri Utari instead offers this traditional Hokkaido soup made with natural kelp from Rebun Island and wild salmon.
Filled with generous chunks of salmon and vegetables, the soup had a delicate, deeply savory broth infused with the rich umami of kelp.
The hearty Sanpei soup and flavorful side dishes made it impossible to stop eating the rice balls.
More Than a Meal｜A Place That Feels Like Coming Home
The set meal—featuring fluffy rice balls, hearty Sanpei soup, and a selection of seasonal side dishes—was more than just delicious. By the time I finished eating, I felt a comforting sense of warmth that lingered long after the meal.
Enjoying a well-balanced meal at a relaxed pace left me feeling both satisfied and genuinely nourished.
When I spoke with the owner, she shared the idea that inspired the restaurant:
“I want people to feel as if they’ve come home.”
She told me that she often hears from people who say they rarely have the chance to visit their hometown or enjoy their mother’s home cooking anymore. Others mention that they have been too busy to eat balanced meals regularly.
Wanting to create a place where anyone could casually stop by for a comforting, home-style meal was what inspired her to open Onigiri Utari.
Preparation begins early every morning, and on some days the owner’s mother helps prepare the dishes. Each side dish—from simmered vegetables and dressed salads to fluffy Japanese rolled omelets—is made by hand with care, giving the meal the warmth and familiarity of home cooking.
Because the restaurant is primarily run by the owner herself, you may need to wait a little during busy hours. If you visit, it’s worth allowing yourself a bit of extra time to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal made with genuine care.
For Gluten-Free Diners
While Onigiri Utari is not a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, many of its traditional Japanese dishes—such as the rice balls, Sanpei soup, and many of the seasonal side dishes—are naturally made without wheat.
That said, because the side dishes change daily, some items, such as fried foods, may contain wheat.
If you avoid gluten or need to follow a wheat-free diet for medical or personal reasons, it’s a good idea to ask the staff about the day’s menu before ordering.
Onigiri Utari｜Restaurant Information
This time, I introduced Onigiri Utari, located in Nijo Shokudo-gai near Nijo Market.
The rice balls are gently shaped by hand, creating a soft texture that beautifully falls apart in your mouth. Served alongside hearty Sanpei soup and carefully prepared homemade side dishes, the set meal is a wonderful choice for both breakfast and lunch.
You can enjoy the rice balls as individual items, or order a takeout set that comes with three small side dishes.
When visiting Nijo Market, why not take a break from seafood and experience a comforting Japanese-style meal featuring handmade rice balls?
This article is based on information from July 2026. Please check the restaurant’s official social media accounts for the latest updates before visiting.
| Name | Onigiri Utari |
| Address | Nijo Shokudo-gai Minami, 1-4, Minami 3-jo Higashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Open Map |
| Access | ・Approx. 5-minute walk from Bus Center Mae Station (Tozai Subway Line) ・Approx. 5-minute walk from Odori Station (Tozai Subway Line) |
| Phone | 080-4040-9103 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-15:00（L.O.14:30） |
| Closed | Irregular holidays ☆Please check the official Instagram account for the latest opening hours and holiday information. |
| Parking | None (Coin-operated parking available nearby) |
| Payment Methods | Cash only |
| Seating Capacity | 10seats |
| Children | Welcome |
| OfficialSNS | Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onigiriutari |
| External Links | Tabelog https://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010102/1082991/ |
| Notes | Reservations are not available for seats. |
