This series introduces lunch buffets that I've personally tried and thought, "I want to come back here!" This time, I'm excited to share my experience at Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo, which just opened in July 2024! Their highly anticipated lunch buffet is already creating a buzz.

Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo opened in July 2024, right next to Nakajima Koen subway station. The lunch buffet I'm introducing today has become incredibly popular there. The dishes, created by Executive Chef Toshisuke Tanaka, who honed his skills studying in France, have been captivating visitors since the very beginning.

The interior has a chic atmosphere, reminiscent of a café or restaurant on a French street corner.

What immediately catches your eye in the center of the buffet corner is the cold deli section, featuring 20 different items. The vegetable delis, made with an abundance of fresh vegetables, generously use ingredients from Hokkaido. The variety is extensive, ranging from elaborate dishes that could be appetizers in a full-course meal to Western-style side dishes you'll want to try making at home.

Popular items like fruit and prosciutto salad and seasonal vegetable cake salé are all lined up.

A key feature of all the deli items is their generous use of vegetables.

Chef Tanaka also has a strong interest in the "local cuisine" of Hokkaido and countries around the world. On the day of my visit, there was a deli inspired by the Ainu dish Rataskep (a stew of wild plants and vegetables) and a Vietnamese-style salad. "Hokkaido is rich in ingredients and has many local dishes. I want to use French techniques to turn them into deli items and incorporate the essence of various international cuisines," says Chef Tanaka.

Familiar ingredients are given a twist with Asian-style seasonings or creative combinations.

The ratatouille, a regional dish from Southern France, is also packed with Hokkaido-grown vegetables.

At the hot menu corner, fresh dishes are constantly served from the semi-open kitchen. The Mini Courtyard Burger, which is quite filling despite its name, and the authentic Nepalese curry made by a Nepalese chef are extremely popular. Personally, I was impressed by their commitment to authenticity, using proper long-grain Basmati rice for the curry.

With a firm bun and a meaty patty, it's more filling than it looks!

Hearty meat dishes and moules marinières also make an appearance.

You can see the chefs bustling about inside the semi-open kitchen.

Boulangerie-cafés, where you can casually enjoy bread and prepared foods, are popular in Paris and across Europe. Here, you can experience that atmosphere with a variety of delis, salads, and dips.

Plate up a little bit of each deli, salad, and dip...

...and enjoy them with bread. Highly recommended!

Here, you can also watch the pâtissier putting the finishing touches on the desserts. The desserts, completed right before your eyes, are a highlight not only for their authentic taste but also for their beautiful presentation. With light mousses and jellies, and each portion being small, you'll be tempted to try every single one, even if you're full.

The fruit in the fruit tarts changes with the seasons, so it's always a delightful surprise!

The cakes are not too heavy, and each has a distinct flavor, so you won't get tired of them.

If it's available, you must try the tiramisu. It has a creamy, sophisticated flavor that's not too sweet.

The restaurant, located on the 2nd floor of the hotel, offers a sweeping view of lush greenery. Another plus is the attentive staff; it's easy to ask for more water, fresh cutlery, or questions about the dishes. The layout of the buffet station allows for multi-directional flow, preventing congestion and allowing you to smoothly grab food from any open section. You can enjoy the buffet without any minor stresses.

Cutlery and glasses are already set at the tables, enhancing the welcoming mood.

The main attraction is the diverse vegetable deli, where you can encounter new flavors and make fresh discoveries. You can spend time as if you were chatting on a Parisian street corner, nibbling on a wide variety of deli items. The sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere of the interior and the staff strike a perfect balance.

・Deli items showcasing French techniques in ingredient combinations and seasonings.
・Exciting dishes infused with the essence of international cuisines!
・The hidden gem is the authentic Nepalese curry.
・A comfortable atmosphere with pleasant, unpretentious service.

*Photos are from the time of the interview. Menu items may vary depending on the season.

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