Niseko

Amazing food and atmosphere is consistently one of the things people remember most about their Niseko holiday, but for all of the cozy little izakayas, ramen houses, and yakitori joints, there were precious few places to enjoy top notch fine dining.

If you've been around more than a few years, you remember an incredible little French restaurant in Kutchan called Bistrot le Cochon. Everyone who'd eaten there missed it dearly and wondered what happened to the chef. Good news, he's still around, and he's the head chef at The Barn.

The Barn at Kimayama

Actually, that's not good news... that's exceptional news. And it only gets better, because Niseko's premier bar and restaurant management dream team is also back for the 2011-2012 season, assuring that from the moment you walk in, you're sorted for the evening, and will be leaving full and content.

The main dining floor is spacious, and the Dutch gambrel barn-style architecture's high ceilings yield a comfortably cozy yet wide open space, suitable for groups small or large. The French cuisine is exquisite, and the wine selection expansive. While waiting for dinner, or in lieu of it, shoot on upstairs to the bar and enjoy your Niseko nightcap in style, with proper cocktails served by a proper barman.

Now we just need to convince a Michelin Guide inspector to schedule a ski holiday... because there's a new star in town. See you at The Barn.