I heard from a tour guide that the best place to indulge in seafood is in Otaru, known for its freshness. Taking the advice to heart, I made my way to the famous Sankaku Market early in the morning at 10 AM to beat the crowds. Sankaku Market is a narrow alley filled with several fish stalls, offering an authentic and down-to-earth experience. Among the few seafood restaurants available for dining, I chose one that caught my attention.

The staff noticed us lingering outside and warmly invited us in. Each table was equipped with a tablet that had an English interface, making it incredibly convenient for tourists like me to place orders. I decided to try their sea urchin and crab meat seafood donburi, scallop sashimi, and Sailfin poacher sashimi.

The scallop sashimi was a standout. It was sliced into 7 to 8 pieces, each chunky and bursting with freshness. The sweetness was remarkable, leaving a delightful sensation in my mouth. The seafood donburi featured two types of sea urchin, one darker and one lighter in color. The darker sea urchin had a richer and sweeter taste, while the lighter one had a smoother texture. The crab meat in the donburi was incredibly fresh and sweet, likely sourced directly from freshly caught crabs.

Lastly, the Sailfin poacher sashimi was a revelation. The flesh of the fish was light in color and had a delicate texture. It was both tender and refreshing, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. I noticed that the restaurant had a preserved specimen of a Sailfin poacher on display, which seemed to be their signature dish.

If you find yourself in Otaru's Sankaku Market, don't miss the opportunity to savor the delectable seafood offerings at this hidden gem of a restaurant.