Minshuku Aotsuka Shokudo

Among Otaru's seafood-focused cafeterias, this minshuku sits at the lower end of the price spectrum while maintaining ingredient quality that earned it three Tabelog Diner 100 selections. Shirokuma Shokudo operates in a similar format but offers a wider price range (JPY 1,000–5,999) and a more central location near the canal district, making it easier to reach by foot if you're staying in downtown Otaru. For travelers prioritizing convenience over scenery, Shirokuma is the better pick. If you're willing to dedicate 40–50 minutes round-trip on the bus or 20 minutes by car, the ocean views and spacious seating here justify the extra logistics, especially if you're traveling with a group or children who need room to move.

Yoichiya Uni Specialty Restaurant offers a more focused menu centered on sea urchin, with a quieter atmosphere and smaller capacity. If uni is your priority and you prefer a less communal setting, that venue is worth the comparison. For general Hokkaido seafood variety at the lowest price point, Yamanaka Bokujou Otaru ten operates at under JPY 999 per meal, though the ingredient sourcing and presentation are a step below the Tabelog-recognized tier. If you're booking only one seafood meal in Otaru and want the combination of award recognition, low prices, and ocean views, this minshuku is the most practical choice, provided you can handle the bus schedule or have a rental car. For travelers without transportation flexibility, stick to Shirokuma or one of the sushi counters closer to the canal.