Addi Dela C.
Google
We chose to dine at the Garden View this time, not the museum building, and it turned out to be a great decision. It was our anniversary, so we were looking for something that felt a bit more special and relaxed, and this side of the property delivered exactly that.
I honestly did not expect how different the experience would be. The Garden View area was noticeably less crowded and offered a beautiful view of the grounds in winter—fresh snow everywhere, quiet, and very atmospheric. It felt calmer and more intimate compared to the busier museum-side dining halls, which made the meal feel more intentional and unhurried.
We were promptly seated upon entry. While there were not many diners at the time, we had still made a reservation, which I would strongly recommend if you are visiting during a holiday, weekend, or peak tourist season. The process was smooth and efficient from the moment we arrived.
We ordered the lunch set, which is only available for a limited time during the day, and added the black wagyu à la carte. For first-timers, they make things very easy. There is an English menu, a helpful card that explains the recommended grilling order—starting with vegetables—and even a beer “compass” that guides you based on preferences like richness, bitterness, and clarity.
Food-wise, everything was solid to excellent. The lunch set came with a garden salad with light seasoning and vinaigrette, made with fresh vegetables, and an egg drop soup that was surprisingly good and comforting. The portion of beef strips was generous. The vegetables stood out for their quality—very fresh and firm. The portobello mushrooms were especially good, to the point that I regretted not ordering an extra serving.
The meat was excellent: juicy, tender, and almost milky in texture. We cooked ours mostly to medium, though my partner preferred his a bit more well done. For beer, we chose the classic option for a balanced taste, and it paired perfectly with the grilled meat.
Service was efficient and helpful. The staff were not overly warm or chatty, but they were attentive, quick, and clear when answering questions, which worked well for this type of dining experience.
Overall, this was a very good experience and one I would happily repeat. If given the choice, I would definitely dine on this side of the property again for a quieter, more scenic meal.
Final tip: skip dessert at the restaurant. Instead, head to the souvenir shop and get the famous Hokkaido ice cream in a cone, then enjoy another round or two of beer to properly cap off your visit.