Maruyama Bar Kuro | Exquisite Italian cuisine using Hokkaido ingredients and a luxurious vintage wine experience. Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

Maruyama Bar Kuro | A luxurious experience of exquisite Italian cuisine using Hokkaido ingredients and vintage wines.

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: Last updated: September 11, 2018

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Italian restaurant "Maruyama Bar Kuro" in Maruyama

Over 2000 bottles of wine

Maruyama Italian This is the kind of shop that locals, the residents of Sapporo, secretly frequent.
I'm sure there are many tourists visiting Hokkaido who would like to know about such shops.

So, this time, we've selected some recommended Italian restaurants that are popular with local Sapporo residents. Let's get started!

*Notice of the closure of Maruyama Bar Kuro*
We are very sorry to announce that Maruyama Bar Kuro closed its doors at the end of May 2017.

However, our group's affiliated restaurants, BLANC, YNZU, Shu, YOICHIYA, and Agohige, remain open! You can enjoy the same quality of food and wine there.

Below is some information about the bar "Maruyama Bar Kuro" from when it was still in business, for those who have fond memories of it.

Italian restaurant "Maruyama Bar Kuro" in Maruyama

The restaurant we're introducing today, "Maruyama Bar Kuro," is located in Maruyama, a popular area in Sapporo City.
This restaurant reopened in April 2013 as an Italian bar.

The first thing that catches your eye about the exterior is its moody yet casually chic appearance.

Maruyama Italian

Upon entering the restaurant, you'll be greeted by a bright, spacious, and relaxing interior that's typical of Italian restaurants.

Maruyama Italian

And, taking advantage of the renovation, Chef Yuji Okumura was brought in from a popular Italian restaurant in Hakodate.

Maruyama Italian

His dishes, in particular, are renowned for their exquisite selection of ingredients from Hokkaido, made possible by his connections with local producers in Setana and Imakane towns.

Maruyama Bar Kuro's cuisine

I tried it right away.
Here are three carefully selected items.

First up is the "Homemade Tagliatelle with Ezo Deer Ragout Sauce" (a dish from the dinner menu).

Maruyama Italian

Ezo deer meat raised in Hokkaido is marinated in red wine and slowly cooked over time.
The simmered ragu sauce is absolutely delicious.

We mix it well with our homemade tagliatelle pasta and enjoy it.

Incidentally, Ezo deer is high in protein, low in calories, and rich in iron, making it very nutritionally balanced and popular among women for its beauty benefits. It has a wild, rustic flavor that is typical of Hokkaido.

Next up is "Stewed Wagyu Beef Tripe with Lampredotto" (a dish from the dinner menu).

Maruyama Italian

Lampredotto is sometimes described as an Italian-style "offal stew." In Italy, it's a popular dish often found at street stalls.

The beef tripe (giara, or abomasum) is simmered slowly in cilantro and wine until it becomes incredibly tender.
I've heard that tripe has a strong, distinctive taste, but it was so delicious that I didn't even notice that at all.

Finally, "Flounder Carpaccio from Hokkaido" (one of the appetizer dishes).

Maruyama Italian

Freshness is key when it comes to fish carpaccio. It's said that you can't enjoy it unless it's made with seasonal, natural ingredients.
This carpaccio made with flounder from Hokkaido was incredibly fresh and delicious.
Because of its simple seasoning, the freshness and deliciousness of the food really stood out.

In addition to the dishes introduced here, we also have other exquisite dishes using Hokkaido ingredients, such as Hokkaido Akkeshi clams "Bianco or Rosso" and carbonara made with Fafi eggs from Ota Farm, which are renowned for their delicious eggs in Hokkaido.

Over 2000 bottles of wine

Another selling point of this shop is its collection of over 2000 bottles of wine stored in its underground wine cellar.
I'm overwhelmed by the selection of products.

Maruyama Italian

By the way, this cellar is a must-see, as you can also peek into it through the "floor window" inside the store.

Final thoughts

Maruyama Italian

What did you think.

With a wide selection of wines, primarily old vintages, and Italian cuisine that makes the most of Hokkaido ingredients, this restaurant offers an exquisite culinary collaboration that will satisfy Italian food connoisseurs, wine lovers, and Hokkaido food enthusiasts alike. It is truly one of Sapporo's finest establishments.

I highly recommend you try it when you visit Sapporo.

*The menu items listed are subject to change periodically.
The menu items featured here are from the time of my visit.
Please note that some items may currently be sold out.
For the latest information regarding various store details, please check the store's website or contact the store directly.

Maruyama Italian

Maruyama Bar Kuro
Address 〒064-0820
1-12, Odori West 27-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City(Next to KFC)
There are two parking spaces available across the street.
Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Maruyama Park Subway Station.
Contact TEL & FAX 011-613-9600
Opening hours: Lunch 12:00 - 14:00
Dinner: 17:30 - 24:00
Regular holiday: Every Tuesday
Average budget: [Lunch] 1600-4000 yen, [Dinner] 4000-5400 yen
Seating capacity: 47 (44 at tables, 3 at the counter)
Access: Estimated taxi fare (from Susukino Station to Maruyama Park Station)
¥1,110 - ¥1,290 (approximately 10 minutes)

Article written and photographed by Maverick

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