This tiny (15-seat) hideaway restaurant is a true gourmet destination, serving high-level cuisine at down-to-earth prices. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Those with a fondness for cartoon-character dolls and action figures will find a kindred spirit in Yoshitomo Nara, whose paintings and sculptures of devilish children are as disconcerting as they are cute. [See FULL REVIEW.]

We're not sure whether to call it casual modern kaiseki or creative Kyoto cuisine, but the food at Agaru Sagaru is exquisite in both flavor and presentation. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Somewhere between bistro and beer hall lies the ambiguous territory of the wine izakaya. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Al Mina, Tokyo's only Palestinian restaurant, serves great Middle-Eastern cuisine and some decent Lebanese and Palestinian wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Although the restaurant occupies a corner of the architecturally ambitious Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium (Fumihiko Maki 1991), it seems to be a corner that the architects forgot - the bleak functionality of the space is only partially disguised by the tropical-resort motif. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent Scandinavian cooking from the former chef of Gamlastan in Kichijoji. Lunch starts at Y1500; dinner averages around Y4000 with drinks. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This comfortable, luxuriously spacious restaurant is designed around a "Napa Valley" theme and offers a big list of Napa wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Danish-style stews and other main courses in the restaurant area above the bread shop, and European-style breakfast in the morning. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tokyo's first and foremost Czech restaurant, Ano Prosim serves down-home fare like roast pork, pork cutlets and Czech-style risotto. [See FULL REVIEW.]

AC's atmosphere and decor are very European in feel, and the large food menu includes surprisingly authentic Belgian specialties like "stoemp" - a hearty platter of mashed potatoes and root vegetables. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tucked into a quiet Ebisu back street, Aotea Rangi is one of the few places in town where you can experience the charms of genuine New Zealand cuisine. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The pungent aroma of fermented fish paste permeates the tiny dining room, an olfactory advertisement of the authentic Khmer cuisine prepared by Apsara's Cambodian chef. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Modern Scandinavian cuisine and spiffy Swedish design from internationally renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, known for his highly acclaimed Aquavit and Riingo restaurants in New York City. [See FULL REVIEW.]

True to its name, the Armwood Cottage is Tokyo's answer to a log cabin in the mountains, with tall concrete buildings standing in for trees. [See FULL REVIEW.]

One of Tokyo's first Australian-only wine bars, with one of the largest selections of rare and expensive wines from that country. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The sign outside this old-school sake pub entices with the promise of jizake - local sake - and makes good on that offer. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Whether you're an abstemious vegetarian or a shameless hedonist, a meal at Asante Sana will leave you feeling positively virtuous. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The room is an unpretentious little basement with a long counter and six tiny tables, but the food is simply superb - creative, light-hearted French cuisine prepared by a master. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A popular spot for local Yotsuya diners, Aubergine offers a good assortment of European-style Japanese curries, including two-ingredient combination platters. [See FULL REVIEW.]

These days Tokyo has plenty of Southeast Asian restaurants, but few are as charming and satisfying as Ayung Teras in Shibuya. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Well-prepared Hungarian food and an excellent selection of around 40-50 Hungarian wines, mostly under Y10,000 and mostly served by the glass. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This simply named shop sells freshly made Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches in several enticing varieties, including beef yakiniku, roast pork, grilled chicken, ham and liver paste, shrimp avocado, and vegetable-cheese, all served on fresh-baked bread with lots of pickled vegetables. [See FULL REVIEW.]

If you're not well acquainted with the subtleties of horsemeat cuisine, Bakuro can be a revelation. [See FULL REVIEW.]

These days you can find pho in many a hip Japanese cafe, but you have to venture further out of your way for good, authentic bahn xeo, those wafer-thin, crepe-like pancakes that are the eponymous specialty here. [See FULL REVIEW.]

It's easy to appreciate the beauty of Bar Guapos, where Y1500 is enough for a glass of tinto or blanco and one or two tasty tapas. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Authentic American-style barbecue is the ambitious specialty at Bashamichi Taproom, along with a great selection of craft beers. [See FULL REVIEW.]

With its bright yellow door and sunny, brasserie-like interior, Big Boy has an atmosphere that's the complete opposite of old-fashioned jazz kissas. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This is the third Tokyo-area outlet from Australian celeb chef Bill Granger, known in particular for his gourmet breakfast menus. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Organic coffee and tea, breads made with 100% natural yeast, and a completely smoke-free environment - Bio Cafe provides body and mind a bit of respite in junk-food-glutted Shibuya. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Serving a menu of well-prepared tapas dishes and inexpensive wines, Biscotti makes a good refueling stop when you're in the neighborhood. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This bistrot branch of the highly regarded L'Artemis restaurant in Jingumae offers a more casual experience and convenient late-night hours. [See FULL REVIEW.]

If you're thirsty for a cachaca cocktail in the wee hours of the night, follow the circle-stamped road past Mark City to Blen Blen Blen. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A quiet Japanese bar serving an incredible selection of Belgian beers for serious beer connoisseurs, including many brands you won't find elsewhere in Japan. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The curry sauce here is scrumptious, with a natural fruit sweetness, well-balanced spices and complex flavors. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The Buri group run a couple of popular standup sake bars (Buchi in Shibuya, Buri in Ebisu), and now they've opened a standup French bistrot, with similarly inexpensive food and 100 different wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This casual bistro offers value-priced wines and meaty Mediterranean snacks late into the night. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The decor here captures the feeling of the French countryside, with mirrors everywhere, wood panels, and ducks and a deer head mounted on the walls. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Whether you're here for a dessert break, a casual evening meal, or an afternoon working on your laptop, Brooklyn Parlor supplies a fun, bustling backdrop. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tonkatsu doesn't get much better than this. Butagumi showcases premium pork brands - Spanish Iberico, Berkshire, Tokyo X, Agoo from Okinawa and many others, with several choices on any given day. [See FULL REVIEW.]

At first glance this elegant space looks like a typical cafe - artful ikebana arrangements on the eight small white tables, a small counter, and Bossa Nova music playing softly in the background. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Well off the beaten track in Sakuragaokacho, this cozy little wine bar is a nice place to share a bottle with friends on a rainy evening. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This cafe venture from the Michelin-starred Aimee Vibert in Nibancho offers above-average bistro fare in a casual setting. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Make yourself comfortable at Koenji's Cafe Apartment, where you are given a pair of slippers at the door. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This charming little cafe is located in an old office building that's now filled with art galleries. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Authentic Georgian and Russian food is prepared by native chefs in this unpretentious basement cafe. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Cafe Troisgros, a casual dining spot from Michelin-starred chef Michel Troisgros, turns out speedy, well-prepared lunches that offer good value for money (from Y1500). [See FULL REVIEW.]

Smart, cutting-edge California-influenced cuisine, with an emphasis on grilled items and sashimi. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Filling a gap in the Tokyo dining scene, The Chef's Table offers upscale Latin American cuisine paired with good, affordable wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The Grand Hyatt's Chinese restaurant offers a dim sum buffet at lunchtime every day for Y4200. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Very good Peking duck and other Chinese fare at amazingly low prices. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Mediterranean-inspired foods and drink from Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco, from TY Harbor chef David Chiddo. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This stylish two-story cafe-bar looks like a ski chalet that's been sliced along the diagonal, with big windows looking out over the picturesque (at least at night) Shibuya River. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tucked into a leafy lane along the Meguro River, Combine feels rather like a hidden gem. [See FULL REVIEW.]

It's hard to beat the prices at this casual wine bar in Shibuya. All of the 70+ varieties of wine are available for Y1900. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Hidden among the quiet streets north of Nishi Ogikubo station lies Copo do Dia, a tiny cafe that also functions as an informal Brazilian cultural center. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Fancy French food with a skyscraper view; prix-fixe dinners from Y8000, with lots of good wines in the Y10,000-15,000 range. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Craft Beer Market offers thirty different brews on draft, including a good number of seasonal specials. [See FULL REVIEW.]

When they aren't modeling for magazines or winning prizes for best in show, the twelve cats at this friendly cafe can be found stretching out on the cream-colored leather couches or curled up in cat beds. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Having conquered the worlds of music and fashion, "A Bathing Ape" founder Nigo has turned his attention to curry rice. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Spectacular "nouvelle Japonaise" cuisine in a stunning modern setting. Standout items on the menu include cold stuffed cabbage kimchee with cashew nuts, minced tuna and Korean bean paste (Y780), sauteed foie gras served on lotus-root cakes (Y1600), and homemade Satsuma pork sausages with a fresh wasabi-mayonnaise sauce. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Decanter is an international steakhouse with a distinctively modern sensibility. Chef David Ueno's menu is smart and engaging, with entertaining appetizers and first-rate steaks and chops. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Spectacular Taipei-style, hot-broth-squirting xiao long bao (shoronpo dumplings) and other dimsum fare. [See FULL REVIEW.]

In laid-back Yoyogi-Uehara, magazine-reading, designer sneaker-wearing hipsters gather at Dish, a cheerful cafe just a stone's throw from the station. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Like Italy, its much larger neighbor across the Adriatic, Croatia has a long coastline and a seafood-heavy Mediterranean cuisine built around grilled fish, scampi, mussels and calamari as well as goat cheese, dried ham and olives. [See FULL REVIEW.]

One of Japan's more famous yoshoku establishments, the decor here is 1960s-modern, with wood paneling and a big dessert cart. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Perhaps this isn't the narrowest bar in Tokyo, but it's certainly the narrowest bar offering such an impressive class of craft beers, both domestic and imported. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Gourmet burgers, sandwiches and upscale American diner fare at this tiny burger cafe. [See FULL REVIEW.]

If you're in the mood for fantastic fresh fish and seafood, Ebisu Kaigan is the next best thing to an early-morning trip to Tsukiji Fish Market. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This cozy cafe bar is furnished with European and Japanese antiques and heavy-duty lights used for shooting movies; the ambience seems almost like that of a private detective's office in a Raymond Chandler novel. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tapas bars and restaurants are over Tokyo, but El Pulpo may be the only place that bills itself as a "marisqueria" - a Spanish restaurant specializing in seafood. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The sign outside of Elevage reads simply, "Rare wine and spirits," but one look inside and wine lovers will swoon, whiskey connoisseurs will drool. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Skillful Italian cooking in a casual but comfortable trattoria setting. Main courses include game in season, and the finest small-farm-raised meats and regional seafood year-round. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The tasteful Kyoto-modern decor here is definitely the most impressive in the entire Marunouchi Oazo complex. [See FULL REVIEW.]

They've pulled out all the stops to recreate the feel of an open-air Italian caffe-bar here - barrel tables, chalkboard menus, old advertising posters, grafitti on the walls, hams hanging from the ceiling, with Italian radio providing the soundtrack. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Esogie's owner Lucky Isiwe has recreated a little slice of Lagos in Shinjuku 3-Chome. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Open since May 2009, this friendly and elegant eatery has redefined Italian food in Shonan. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Innovative cuisine, friendly service, and the feel of a comfortable neighborhood bistro. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A change of pace from the down-home Korean restaurants and boisterous makkoli bars surrounding it, Festina Lente has ambitions to be a proper cocktail bar. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This cozy little cafe is furnished with Alvar Aalto-designed chairs and lamps amid a grove of birch trees. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tucked away on a quiet Gaienmae back street, directly across from a bird shop, this three-story part-time art gallery is a relaxing refuge for an afternoon coffee and pastry. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A very spacious, relaxing place to while away some time. Wine and other drinks are relatively inexpensive, and there are plenty of light dishes to nibble on. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This flagship restaurant of the Grand Hyatt bills itself as a French brasserie, with a very spacious setting and a dramatic open kitchen. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The grilled chicken here is just about perfect - the wings and the "kashiwa" (chunks of chicken thigh) are especially recommended, and most of the side dishes and non-chicken grilled items are excellent as well. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This branch of Galali offers a big selection of shochu, mostly the kokuto (sugarcane) variety, and excellent food to go with it. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The Georgian chef at this tiny bar-restaurant turns out a good range of tasty dishes from his native land, with flavors that are quite exotic for Tokyo. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This large traditional coffeeshop plays classical music and specializes in European curries and espresso. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This multi-purpose art space/cafe-bar is way off the beaten track but it draws a crowd of loyal regulars, including personalities from the Tokyo art scene and local hipsters. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Gomaya, a venture of the Shimo-kitazawa-based Jackpot group, serves up its own very original take on "neo-Japonesque" cuisine. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Inside Glien Passage, the theme-park-extravaganza restaurant complex in Aquacity, Gompachi offers a straight-ahead robatayaki menu - yakitori, grilled fish, assorted side dishes and a handful of soba variations to round things out. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Breakfast is served from 6am here, either in the vast living-room-style indoor space, the sprawling back garden area, or up front where you can watch foot traffic heading to and from Sendagaya station. [See FULL REVIEW.]

British celeb chef Gordon Ramsay's first restaurant in Japan serves the Conrad Tokyo luxury hotel in Shiodome. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The specialty of the house is a dish called samgetang - a richly flavored Korean stew made from tender chicken meat, ginseng, garlic, Korean dates and rice. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The owner of Grape Choice has an encyclopedic knowledge of wine, and his list covers France, Italy, Australia, California, Washington and even Japan, starting around Y5000-6000 and climbing rapidly. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Oysters, fresh seafood cocktails, and a few Cajun specialties like gumbo at a stylish counter bar. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Satisfying home-style French cooking at terrific prices. The menu sticks to hearty classics such as buttery pork rillets with corchicons pickles, escargots sizzling in garlic butter and roast lamb in red wine sauce. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A joint venture by ham importer Principe and wine producer Zonin, this casual wine bar specializes in top quality cured meats from San Daniele del Fruili and Italian wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Gyossantei is a great place to sample the regional cooking of Miyazaki Prefecture, along with good sake from around the country. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A welcome addition to the roster of fine restaurants near NHK. The food-buyer is a key member of the team here, and every dish respects the freshness and unique flavors of its ingredients. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A "hawker-style SE Asian canteen" in a pretty cafe setting; they specialize in very authentic Singapore-style Hainanese Chicken Rice (steamed chicken served with jasmine rice and various sauces). [See FULL REVIEW.]

Spicy winter stews and homestyle Korean cooking from this branch of the tiny but very authentic Halleluyah in Okubo. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Great, authentic Tunisian cooking in a cheery and spacious basement dining room. The roast fish is especially recommended. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent American-style barbecue and nice microbrew beers to go with them are the surprising finds at this charming neighborhood bar. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The eel here is prepared the old-fashioned way, beginning once you've placed your order, and it's grilled quite thoroughly to complement the rich fattiness of the fish. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Hazelburn offers an impressive line-up of Scottish whiskies, along with English draft ales and well-prepared Scottish and English pub food. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Chef Hiromichi Kodama, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurant Chemins, prepares elegant modern classics - tender beef cheeks in red wine and perfectly cooked slices of foie gras drizzled with a port wine reduction, served with bite-sized morsels of braised pear. [See FULL REVIEW.]

No ordinary soba shop, this is the Tokyo venture of restaurateur Koichi Kobari, who ran the highly acclaimed, celebrity-patronized Honmura-An restaurant in New York's SoHo district before returning to Japan. [See FULL REVIEW.]

At lunchtime this neighborhood coffee shop serves a dazzling assortment of "British-style" curries, with variations like smoked pork and egg; mushroom, clam and egg; and smoked chorizo sausage and egg. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Ibiza calls itself a "fisherman's diner," and this unpretentious neighborhood spot offers a great selection of fresh-caught fish and seafood. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Another venture from the Chanto group, this new-style Korean restaurant is billed as a Korean robata, combining Korean cuisine with a rustic Japanese farmhouse-style open-hearth setup. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Ikea's in-store restaurant is a great place for an authentic, inexpensive Swedish meal. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tasty meatballs, almond cakes and other Swedish delights are served in the restaurant, at quite reasonable prices. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Venetian-style specialties, with a casual Venice-style wine and tapas stand-up bar in front. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The atmosphere at this hidden-away third-floor walkup is comfortable and homey, with big sofas and mismatched chairs and white concrete-block walls. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This popular international chain restaurant serves New York-style Italian fare, with a focus on Roman cuisine. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A small, casual Italian wine bar that serves around twenty wines by the glass, in all price ranges, along with light snacks. [See FULL REVIEW.]

If it weren't for the illuminated sign advertising "Fish and Sake" in English, you might have trouble finding this second-story hideaway in Ebisu. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The food dishes are small, inexpensive, and very eclectic in origin (pizza, spring rolls, gyoza dumplings, roast potatoes). [See FULL REVIEW.]

No ordinary ramen shop, Ivan Plus stakes out its territory on the noodle frontier, exploring new styles and trends in the ramen world and offering innovative new dishes. [See FULL REVIEW.]

"Global comfort food" in a lovely, beach-resort-style setting from Chef David Chiddo and the TY Harbor team (Cicada, Beacon). [See FULL REVIEW.]

Jap Cho Ok serves up modern Korean cuisine that hasn't lost its bite, with an emphasis on herbs and spices and fresh, top-grade ingredients. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A friendly, casual little spot with some of the better Mexican fare available in town. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Jusanya is a small neighborhood yakitoriya with above-average chicken and an unusual sake selection. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The Mandarin Oriental's casual-dining spot offers creative contemporary cuisine with an Asian twist, plus a great view of Ginza and Marunouchi. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The hostess at Kado greets customers with a polite, "Douzo, agate kudasai." As when visiting any Japanese home, guests are requested to leave their shoes in the genkan. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Upscale okonomiyaki and moderately priced teppanyaki steaks at a friendly neighborhood grill. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The heady aromas of exotic herbs and spices wafting out of the kitchen summon up images of far-off lands, and the atmospheric Tibetan music on the stereo completes the picture. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Very high-quality "Imperial" Thai cuisine, popular with Thai customers. Highlights from the huge menu include an encyclopedia of soups, creative seafood dishes (like kipper stuffed with shrimp in chili sauce), and Isan barbecue items from northeast Thailand. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Fantastic charcoal-grilled, free-range chicken and choice sake in a comfortable setting. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Coffee lovers as well as jazz fans will have good reason to try this charming little cafe - they grind the beans for each cup after they get an order, and the three original-blend coffees here (Y600) are excellent. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Shamo is a breed of game bird known for its tasty, slightly chewy meat, and it's the bird of choice on the busy grills at Kokekokko. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Although it's best known in its convenience-store and yatai manifestations, oden can be a cuisine of great subtlety and refinement, and Konbuya in Nishi-Azabu is an excellent place to investigate the mysteries of gourmet oden preparation. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This down-to-earth izakaya is best known for their hoto - flat udon noodles served with pumpkin and other vegetables in a buttery miso-based broth. [See FULL REVIEW.]

First-rate seasonal Japanese cuisine and well-selected sake in a beautiful setting high above Shinjuku. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Sliding open the door of Kuri feels like unearthing a secret treasure. Hidden on the second floor of a drab building in Ginza, this cozy bar seats a scant twelve, yet boasts a menu featuring over 100 varieties of sake. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Kurobutaya is a friendly, upbeat izakaya with a stylish flair that sets it apart from run-of-the-mill drinking spots. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Old-fashioned Japanese-style Western favorites like hayashi rice (braised beef in a dark demiglace sauce), curries and crab croquettes. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A good selection of local sake and fantastic fresh seafood. The decor is stylish and modern, the atmosphere relaxed. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Behold the ume El Dorado, where up to 250 kinds of umeshu await you: Bar Kutoma. A tiny realm with room for about twenty, benevolently ruled by a soccer-loving umeshu expert, this late-night Ohashi spot offers tasting flights (umeshu kikisake set) for Y1000. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Great charcoal-grilled dishes, seasonal fish and vegetable items and a nice sake selection. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This long-established izakaya mini-chain serves excellent Kyushu cuisine and a good assortment of sake and shochu from the southern island. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Perfect for a dignified yet unpretentious lunch or dinner date, this tiny dining room serves the best traditional French cuisine in the neighborhood, a bit of Paris's Latin Quarter in Takadanobaba. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent French cooking and a substantial wine list (around 180 varieties), starting in the Y3000 range but covering all the bases. [See FULL REVIEW.]

"New-style French dining" in a very stylish dining room. The food is first-rate and the ambience is casual, with all counter seating. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The two tiny dining rooms are rustic and cave-like, the stucco walls decorated with animal pelts and a boar's head. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Convivial bonhomie beams from the second-story window of this lively tapas bar in Kagurazaka. [See FULL REVIEW.]

"French kushiyaki" is the specialty at this casual bistro, including a Y4300 omakase menu of various charcoal-grilled skeweres of meat and seafood. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Located on the first floor of the Robuchon castle in Ebisu, this is a much more casual version of the main dining room upstairs, with inventive modern cuisine and a very reasonable wine list; prix-fixe lunch from Y2950 and dinner from Y7800. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent, spicy Thai and Laotian food. Dinners Y2,500-5,000. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Lauburu is dedicated to the art of serious eating - specifically, the serious consumption of pork. [See FULL REVIEW.]

It's hard finding a good breakfast in Tokyo outside of the international hotels, but this Roppongi Hills cafe delivers the goods. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Suppose you've already decided to eat prime rib at Lawry's, and are committed to at least the 300gm Lawry's cut for Y3500. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The chef here trained in a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France, and prices are very reasonable for the quality level. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Hearty, authentic French country-style cooking. There's a small wine bar at the entrance where you can stop for a glass or two along with snacks like raw oysters and venison carpaccio. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Le Gaulois turns out impressively accomplished French cuisine, but despite the serious kitchen it maintains the warm, down-to-earth feel of a neighborhood restaurant. [See FULL REVIEW.]

With its red leather upholstered seats and wood and brass fixtures, Le Lion offers a little slice of Lyon on the backstreets of Ebisu. [See FULL REVIEW.]

With its Francophile name and decor, this Ebisu hideaway has all the trappings of a French bistro, but it's one of the best places for dim sum in the city. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Service is friendly, and staff are ready to help you choose from among the twenty wines by the glass, mostly from Roussillon, Langedouc and other southwestern French regions. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Bistro-style food from Petit Bedon chef Philippe Batton (including perfect duck confit and world-class roast potatoes), plus an eye-opening selection of wines from southern France, with many choices available by the glass. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Yes, this cafe would be worth knowing about for their dessert souffles alone. But they also offer a full menu of remarkably high-quality French cooking, from straightforward starters like scallop salad and foie gras to substantial meat and fish dishes. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The doors of this contemporary French restaurant open soundlessly onto a white dining space that gleams with polished surfaces. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The chef at Libre hails from San Francisco, and his mission is to bring good Cali-style burritos to Tokyo. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Nestled in overstuffed chairs with pillows covered in candy-colored pastel silk, visitors can enjoy spectacular views while listening to live Bossa Nova from 2:30-midnight. [See FULL REVIEW.]

If you're having a busy afternoon in Jiyugaoka, perhaps shopping for designer napkin rings and artisanal salt, Lobros is the perfect spot for a refreshing tea break. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Lohotoi serves up an excellent menu of high-quality, freshly made Hong Kong-style dim sum on weekends, something that has made them popular with Chinese customers from the neighborhood. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Unlike most yoshokuya, the decor here won't make you sigh with nostalgia - the dining room is done up in a tasteful pastel color scheme from the current century. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This flashy tropical-themed restaurant serves Thai-inspired European fusion cuisine - something that wouldn't be out of place at an adventurous Mediterranean restaurant inside an upscale Phuket resort hotel. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The sprawling, comfortable space off a Harajuku side street is filled with mismatched furniture and charmingly primitive artwork (or perhaps projects from a kindergarten art class). [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent traditional French cooking in a comfortable, smoke-free dining space reminiscent of a provincial French inn. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Manaita is a small, friendly neighborhood izakaya with a very good sake selection. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Sumptuous is the word for the Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Nihonbashi. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Two popular Nagasaki noodle dishes - Nagasaki champon and sara-udon - are the specialties of the house here, starting at prices under Y1000. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tokyo's first Portuguese restaurant, with hearty, traditional country-style fare - stews, risotto-style rice dishes, and plenty of fish and seafood. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Manuel Churrascaria serves northern Portugal-style charcoal-grilled dishes - pork, chicken and seafood - along with other traditional Portuguese cuisine. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This casual neighborhood spot serves up gourmet burgers, upscale diner fare and assorted vodka cocktails. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A liquor shop, a standing bar, and a casual sit-down grill, Bar Maru is many things to many people. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Choose from about fifteen wines by the glass or bottle, or pick a Latour or Mouton from the back and put it on your expense account. [See FULL REVIEW.]

You'll hear all sorts of jazz here, with an emphasis on the lastest CDs from American and European musicians. [See FULL REVIEW.]

One of the strangest interiors of a Tokyo bar - in addition to the counter area there are several cozy, semi-private sculpted fiberglass "cocoons" fitting 2-4 people. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Stylishly modern and surprisingly spacious, Meal Muji makes a pleasant retreat from the crowds of Shinjuku's shopping district. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A down-to-earth little shop that offers an impressive variety of sakes for tasting. [See FULL REVIEW.]

It's a bustling cafe-lounge space by day, with late-night dining and DJ club events on weekends. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A very casual, home-style restaurant with many Burmese customers. You can assemble a hearty meal or a light snack from the extensive menu of small dishes - some 50 appetizers, salads, meat dishes, noodle items and desserts, most priced in the Y500-900 range. [See FULL REVIEW.]

"Belarus home cooking", with down-home dishes like chicken crepes, stuffed peppers and pork-and-potato dumplings. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Mixx is among the first bars in Tokyo to wholeheartedly embrace the trend of molecular mixology. [See FULL REVIEW.]

You'll find exceptionally good regional cuisine from Shimane Prefecture and very reasonable prices at this old-fashioned izakaya. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Chef Morisaki has been plying his trade since 1998 in this hidden space a few blocks from Kamakura station. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Mugs Cafe is the joint venture of three young designers, and the decor is a fusion of fifties cool and Asian lounge. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Among the ranks of craft-sake specialty pubs in Tokyo, Musshu (the name means "sake dream") stands out for its balance of cozy atmosphere, good food, and decent prices. [See FULL REVIEW.]

With its overhead backlit menus and unpretentious furnishings, this late-night joint looks like a cross between a fast-food stand and a Chinese noodle shop. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The unusual specialty of the house is Korean futomaki - fat sushi rolls filled with vegetables, bulgogi, cheese, kimchee, glutinous black rice - some ten variations in all, including a sampler set if you can't decide. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Vegetable kaiseki is the unusual specialty at Nagamine, a relatively new restaurant in Ginza that's run by a long-established vegetable wholesaler based in nearby Tsukiji. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Occupying the second floor of a newish office building, Nakamura is a very tastefully appointed modern izakaya, with sophisticated lighting and sleek furnishings. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Far off the beaten path, on a backstreet between Omotesando and Gaienmae, Nalu Cafe packs a little something for everyone into a tiny space. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Nana is a slick, modern izakaya specializing in the regional cuisine of Kyoto, obanzai-ryori. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The bustling Kabukicho neighborhood may seem like a strange place for a jazz kissa, but Narcis is a great spot for listening to quiet jazz, and their stylish interior design is reminiscent of old cafes in New York City's East Village. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Despite the close quarters, Navel is a relaxing place to enjoy a couple of drinks and a bite to eat. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The welcoming staff and softly lit, comfortable atmosphere make Nekorobi a popular destination. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This popular cafe-bar was featured as a setting in Haruki Murakami's novel "Norwegian Wood. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Perched on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt hotel, the New York Bar makes good on its promise to offer the best view of Tokyo. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Meat is Nissin's strong point, with over a dozen types of cold cuts, a cornucopia of sausages, and unusual items like pheasant, rabbit, and even kangaroo meat. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A hole-in-the-wall bar serving Shan-style cuisine, which draws on influences from neighboring Yunnan and Sichuan in China. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent grilled meats and flamboyantly expensive New World wines in the Grand Hyatt's flagship restaurant. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Top-quality Kansai-style oden - not only does Ohdako have some of the most delicious oden in Tokyo, they have the good sense to serve with it some of the finest sakes available. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The interior of this hip Shibuya cafe is a cross between old-fashioned American diner and urban industrial loft, with a big open kitchen and wood- and glass-paneled booth seating. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Grilled seafood and steaks from Oregon. Charcoal-grilled dry-aged steaks start at Y3800; there's also a nice selection of Oregon wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]

In addition to their regular yakiniku menu, Ozakkyo offers three varieties of tasty barbecued pork to be grilled at your table and served in do-it-yourself lettuce wrappers. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The cheerful green exterior of this recently opened cafe/trattoria adds a bit of color to a street lined with generically tasteful shops selling luxury goods. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Perhaps the best deli counter in town, with a huge selection of cold cuts, pates and salads. [See FULL REVIEW.]

As the name implies, pates - pork, duck, sweet potato, campagne and several more - are the specialty at this comfortable late-night wine bar. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Patrons lounge on pod-shaped seats beneath polished chrome trees, while ambient electronic music mingles with the soft glow of lavender neon from behind the black marble bar. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Modern, very creative French cuisine from one of France's top chefs. Prix-fixe lunches are Y6,000-10,000; dinners 18,000 to 23,000. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This lively after-work pub is a great place to try makkoli, the very drinkable Korean version of milky-white nigori ("cloudy") sake. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Billing themselves as the first vegetable sushi specialty restaurant in the world, Potager is very serious about their creations, and their ten-piece nigiri lunch is an entertaining and affordable gourmet treat. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This upscale fast-food shops offers unusual burgers like maguro with wasabi dressing and chicken with ume and shiso. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The very talented Chef Ueki serves up contemporary international cuisine with a French base; it's the kind of place where the staff lovingly describe every ingredient on each plate as it arrives at your table. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Solid, self-assured new American cuisine and an inspired selection of 40 California wines in an exuberantly urban setting. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Beef tongue is the main ingredient in the kitchen at Rikyu, where it's transformed into well over a dozen different dishes, from tongue sausages, meatballs, and terrines to curries and Western-style stews. [See FULL REVIEW.]

(Formerly called "Asli".) This attractive little restaurant is justifiably proud of their top-quality organic vegetables and free-range chicken from Fukushima. [See FULL REVIEW.]

With just twelve seats Dar Roiseau may be the smallest Moroccan restaurant in town, but the kitchen manages to turn out an impressive variety of Middle Eastern dishes. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Now here's something you don't expect to find in the middle of Roppongi Hills - an old-fashioned down-to-earth izakaya. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Very affordable Romanian fare in a festively overdecorated dining room. At lunchtime there's a choice of grilled chicken, pork cutlet and similarly meaty options for Y1000, including free soft drinks. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Superb, inventive American cuisine from noted Tokyo chef Ian Tozer, built around a deceptively casual menu. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Good Burmese food and ambitiously multi-lingual karaoke in Burmese, Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Harajuku doesn't offer a lot of options in the izakaya category, so we were happy to discover this stylish spot in the architecturally ambitious b6 shopping mall. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The sugidama cedar ball hanging outside the door promises good sake inside, and this modern izakaya doesn't disappoint. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Thousands of maneki neko (good-luck cat statues) fill the interior of this spacious cafe-bar. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Unlike many sake-connoisseur pubs, the food here stands on its own, and would make Seigetsu worth a visit even if they only served tea. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The camouflage net-covered, cast-iron exterior of Seirinkan (formerly acclaimed pizzeria Savoy) strikes an imposing figure, but inside atmosphere is lively and fun. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The Mandarin Oriental's Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant offers an excellent weekend dim sum lunch from 11:30am-4pm. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Choose from a wide assortment of sherries (well over 100), along with Spanish tapas. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A charming, unassuming converted coffee shop where every surface is covered by bric-a-brac - spice jars, tea-making equipment, musical instruments, wooden carvings of horses, and the like. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A great brewpub in Kurohime, Nagano Prefecture, making some of the best craft beers in Japan; there's also a nice menu of local dishes like smoked char and homemade sausages. [See FULL REVIEW.]

People don't come to Shinshu Osake Mura for the atmosphere, or the music (there isn't any). [See FULL REVIEW.]

Shousuke is a spacious, two-story affair - downstairs there's a big sushi counter, and upstairs are several semi-private booths for two, four or more, separated by bamboo blinds for privacy. [See FULL REVIEW.]

You might not expect to find a bustling late-night drinking scene on the seventh floor of an office building, but Soba Kichi is just one small part of the very lively "Home" restaurant complex in the Shin-Maru Biru across from Tokyo Station. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Good, inexpensive tofu dishes in a flashy setting. The decor is more exciting than the food, which is on the traditional side. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tokyo has no shortage of good yakitori shops, but Souten really stands out from the the crowd thanks to the quality of both their chicken and their craft sake. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The chef here is a veteran of a hotel restaurant in Kerala, in southern India, and the chef's menu (Y3500) includes three Indian curries along with European-style appetizers and three desserts. [See FULL REVIEW.]

You've probably seen it as you walk from Shinjuku station to Takashimaya Times Square - a nicely landscaped terrace, a bright yellow sign, and a metallic, retro-50s trailer home that's been converted into a grill. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Pickled herring and much more - their awe-inspiring smorgasbord is a real adventure in dining, so come with a hearty appetite. [See FULL REVIEW.]

You'll find American-style burgers, meatloaf, chili and regional Cajun and Tex-Mex specialties here at this Tokyo branch of a Seoul-based restaurant. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The specialty of the house here is bulgogi, a traditional Korean marinated and grilled meat dish, but the stylish decor and all-black color scheme might make you think you'd wandered into a trendy California-style restaurant by mistake. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Exciting, well-centered modern American cuisine - drawing on European and middle Eastern and Asian influences - from this bayside brewpub. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A joint venture between Mushu sake pub and several sake companies, Takara serves both Japanese food and Spanish tapas, plus sake, awamori, shochu, excellent Japanese microbrew beer (Baird's), and Spanish wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A beautifully appointed Ginza-style establishment on a back street in Ebisu. Full-course dinners range from Y5000 to Y12,000 per person, but it is perfectly acceptable to allow your guest to assume they cost much more. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The decor is minimalist industrial (all burnished steel counters and crisp metal blinds), the attitude is sophisticated without being snobbish, and the food is custom-designed izakaya fare based on the classics. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Tamaya has all the makings of a great neighborhood wine bar: a lively but relaxed atmosphere, a well-chosen selection of reasonably priced wines; and tasty, tapas-sized dishes. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent southern Kyushu specialties made from freshly flown-in ingredients. The tonkotsu-ni, chunks of pork stewed in shochu overnight, was especially outstanding, as was the chawan-mushi. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Here inside the Mandarin Hotel's 38th-floor lounge, the seven-seat Tapas Molecular Bar serves cutting-edge modern cuisine. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Modern French cuisine from chef Tateru Yoshino, formerly of the Michelin-starred Stella Maris in Paris. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This comfortable basement spot calls itself a makkoli bar, with a surprising 11 varieties of the Korean version of "cloudy" sake. [See FULL REVIEW.]

In addition to the typical selection of sashimi, grilled fish and other izakaya fare, Tenmamichi also offers a nice variety of kushiage (deep-fried skewers of seafood, vegetables and meats) and oden (stewed fishcakes in broth). [See FULL REVIEW.]

This friendly wine bar has a lively atmosphere and a neighborhood feel. Although interior is fairly large (and certainly bigger than it appears from the entrance), the counter setup with its display of tapas-style daily specials gives it a cozy feeling. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Excellent grilled fish and meats and friendly service in this lovely converted two-story house. [See FULL REVIEW.]

At Tokyo's original Tiki lounge, wooden masks glower, faux torches blaze, and hula dancers shake it, shake it, baby. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Good Indian-style Japanese curry. Medium-spicy variations include tomato, chickpea, lentil, pork, chicken, lettuce, cheese, mixed-vegetable (potato, carrot, chickpea), and mixed (tomato, cheese, spinach). [See FULL REVIEW.]

The impressive sake list includes a number of small-kura limited-edition seasonal sakes; there's also plenty of shochu. [See FULL REVIEW.]

TFR presents an eclectic menu of ethnic cuisines from around the world, including tagines, couscous and other Middle Eastern dishes. [See FULL REVIEW.]

This small neighborhood yoshoku-ya serves "European stews and English curries." The flavor of the curry is rather unique and very appealing - similar to other European-style Japanese curries but with an intriguing hint of medicinal herbs. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Creative Japanese cooking - a nice balance between traditional dishes and interesting surprises. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The excellent chicken meat used here is a special type from Nara Prefecture - a bird bred from shamo game hen and two other types of chicken. [See FULL REVIEW.]

An African-themed restaurant with Afro-French fusion dishes and a selection of exotic meats. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Trois offers a good selection of reasonably priced wines from around the world, including many organic and biodynamic varieties. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Top-class tempura and seasonal dishes, and entertainingly elaborate presentation; condiments include various flavors of grated daikon and five different types of gourmet salt. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Located in the lobby of the Conrad Hotel, TwentyEight is an oasis of muted monochromes with discrete edges. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The Egyptian fare at this tiny deli-style shop is tasty and impressively inexpensive. [See FULL REVIEW.]

A tofu and yuba specialty restaurant with branches throughout Japan. Full-course dinners range from Y3,600; lunch from Y1,900. [See FULL REVIEW.]

New York's Union Square Cafe has been a serious gourmet destination since the mid-1980s, and this new sister store aims to bring the excitement to Tokyo. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Ushi-tora is a specialty beer bar that attracts Japanese connoisseurs from all over town with its collection of twenty beers on tap, most of them local microbrews. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The little tasting room in the back of this well-stocked liquor store is a good place to wind up a shopping afternoon or start off an evening in Ginza or Marunouchi. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Run by a New Zealand meat company, Wakanui was set up to introduce Tokyo gourmets to premium beef, lamb and wines from New Zealand, and they succeed quite admirably at that mission. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Disarmingly casual, comfortable yet stylish, Wanoba is the kind of place that will impress your friends with your knowledge of cool, hidden late-night hangouts. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Billing itself as a traditional Texas smokehouse, White Smoke offers a good selection of Texas barbecue-style dishes - beef brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, turkey breast, pork chops, chicken and burgers. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Organic grocer Daichi wo Mamoru Kai supplies this smart Japanese bistro with organic fish and meat, pesticide-free produce, and even organic alcohol. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Gorgeous modern stone/wood/tatami/glass dining rooms (designed by Yanagiya Manabu), floor-to-ceiling windows, and a world-class view. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Totally unpretentious dining - it feels like you're eating in the top restaurant in some small provincial town. [See FULL REVIEW.]

Like a good man, a predator-free champagne bar in Roppongi is hard to find. Fortunately, there's Zero Bar. [See FULL REVIEW.]

The smart interior here is a very Tokyo-exotic mix of baked-mud walls, heavy wooden furniture, and organic-looking extra-terrestrial lighting fixtures like something from the set of "Alien". [See FULL REVIEW.]

This pristine restaurant in Azabu-Juban specializes in contemporary Spanish cuisine with a respectful nod to modern French gastronomy. [See FULL REVIEW.]