Tabelog ratingAt meli melo (メリメロ), a tiny six-seat counter in Sapporo, a chef trained in the three-star kitchens of Paris presents a highly personal vision of French cuisine. The focus is squarely on the exceptional produce of Hokkaido, transformed through classic technique but often with a Japanese or Asian sensibility. The experience is deliberately theatrical, with each course of the tasting menu finished and plated before you.
Guests consistently praise the ingredient-led cooking, with its delicate sauces and thoughtful textures. Dishes that draw frequent acclaim include a chilled soup of corn and sea urchin (uni), a creamy stracciatella-style cheese with shrimp, and a rich risotto with large abalone. Main courses featuring standout local pork, beef, or pigeon are also highlights, as are seasonal desserts like mont-blanc or preparations with shain muscat grapes. The wine pairings are considered well-chosen, and the intimate service is often described as attentive.
While the cooking receives near-universal praise, some practical aspects draw criticism. The restroom is a shared facility on the building's floor, not within the restaurant itself. A few reviewers have found the service to be variable, noting staff could seem cold or that the chef might spend time chatting with regular customers. As service for all guests begins at the same time, punctuality is essential.
Expect to pay for a premium experience. The typical spend is around ¥10,000–¥14,999 for lunch and ¥20,000–¥29,999 for dinner. Reviewers have recently reported tasting menus at ¥8,800 and a lunch reservation at ¥13,200. A glass of Billecart-Salmon champagne was noted at ¥2,200. Most diners feel the quality of the cooking and ingredients justifies the price, with the lunch menu often highlighted as particularly good value.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance, typically via the OMAKASE booking platform. Service for all guests starts at the same time, so punctuality is required.
- Seating: There are just 6 seats at the counter.
- Getting there: The restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the Messe Building, a 5-minute walk from Susukino Station.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 10% service charge applies.
- Language: English-speaking staff and menus are available.
- Facilities: The restaurant is non-smoking. Parking is not available. Note that the restroom is a shared facility located outside the restaurant on the same floor.
