Scandinavian
A lot of upscale Aoyama shops seem to have an obligatory cafe area tucked into a corner somewhere, but the combination works especially well at this Copenhagen-based designer flower shop. While the food and drink aren't so very different from a dozen other area cafes, the lovely, plant-filled setting and the lively atmosphere set it apart. A lot of upscale Aoyama shops seem to have an obligatory cafe area tucked into a corner somewhere, but the combination works especially well at this Copenhagen-based designer flower shop. While the food and drink aren't so very different from a dozen other area cafes, the lovely, plant-filled setting and the lively atmosphere set it apart.
Lunch is served from 10am-3pm, with choices of open-faced Danish smorrebrod and panini sandwiches, big organic salads and fresh fruit juices. A set lunch with a couple of sandwiches, soup, salad and coffee or tea runs around Y1500.
After 3pm is teatime, with a nice selection of freshly made muffins and pastries to accompany your beverage. Tucked away on a quiet side street behind Aoyama-dori, Nomu Cafe is a pleasant spot for an afternoon break when you're in the area. [Show more] [Show less] 
Minami-Aoyama 5-7-2. Open 10am-8pm daily.
Andersen (Omotesando - Danish). 3407-4833
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.]
Minami-Aoyama 5-1-26. Open 8am-9pm (LO) daily.
A large assortment of open-faced sandwiches and other Danish specialties. Sandwiches range from Y800-Y1,200, and at lunchtime (11:30-2:30) they come with salad, wine, and dessert.
Roppongi 7-3-22. Open 11:30am-11pm (LO) daily.
Scandia (Yokohama Nihon-Odori - Danish). 045-201-2262
This well-regarded Danish restaurant has been here since the 1960s, and they serve a good assortment of marinated herring and other seafood dishes, steak tartar and other Scandinavian specialties. Dinner and drinks run around Y8000 per person, or you can go all out and try the all-you-can-eat smorgasbord for Y9000 per person. No lunch on Sundays.
Kaigandori 1-1, Yokohama Boeki Kyokai Bldg 2F. Open 11am-11pm (LO) daily.
Aquavit (Gaienmae - Swedish). 5413-3300
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. Lunches from Y1500 and dinners from Y6800; there's also a lounge area serving drinks and lighter food. Jackets are recommended for men in the dining room. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Tasty and filling Swedish food, with great homemade breads.
Roppongi 6-2-7, Daikan Bldg 2F. Open noon-3, 6-11pm. Closed Sundays.
Pickled herring and much more - their awe-inspiring smorgasbord is a real adventure in dining, so come with a hearty appetite. They also have an impressive selection of eight distinctive aquavits. Lunch 3,150, dinner Y6,090; there's also an a la carte menu and weekend dinner specials. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Nagatacho 2-14-3, Akasaka Tokyu Plaza 1F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-11pm (LO 9:30-10). Closed Sundays.
Allt Gott (Kichijoji - Swedish). 0422-21-2338
Excellent Scandinavian cooking from the former chef of Gamlastan in Kichijoji. Lunch starts at Y1500; dinner averages around Y4000 with drinks. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Kichijoji Honcho 2-28-1, Shibata Bldg. 2F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-9:30pm. Closed Mondays.
Ikea (Minami-Funabashi - Swedish). 047-436-1111
Ikea's in-store restaurant is a great place for an authentic, inexpensive Swedish meal. They also have a pretty well-stocked Swedish food section next to the exit, carrying Swedish breads, jams and preserves, herring and salmon, aquavit and two kinds of Spendrup's beer. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Chiba-ken, Funabashi, Hamacho 2-3-30. Open 10am-9pm daily.
Ikea (Yokohama - Swedish). 045-470-7500
Tasty meatballs, almond cakes and other Swedish delights are served in the restaurant, at quite reasonable prices. The food department also sells an interesting selection of imported Swedish food and drink - smoked salmon, rye crackers, candies, aquavit, and much more. Tasty meatballs, almond cakes and other Swedish delights are served in the restaurant, at quite reasonable prices. The food department also sells an interesting selection of imported Swedish food and drink - smoked salmon, rye crackers, candies, aquavit, and much more.
Free shuttle buses run from JR Shin-Yokohama (frequent) and Den-en-Chofu station (less frequent). [Show more] [Show less] Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Orimotocho 201-1. Open 10am-9pm daily.
This cozy little cafe is furnished with Alvar Aalto-designed chairs and lamps amid a grove of birch trees. Up front is a small shop area selling Finnish ceramics, glassware and other beautifully designed goods. The background music is a mix of Scandinavian jazz and Nordic Lounge, and the cafe occasionally hosts live jazz performances and design- and fashion-related events. This cozy little cafe is furnished with Alvar Aalto-designed chairs and lamps amid a grove of birch trees. Up front is a small shop area selling Finnish ceramics, glassware and other beautifully designed goods. The background music is a mix of Scandinavian jazz and Nordic Lounge, and the cafe occasionally hosts live jazz performances and design- and fashion-related events.
The menu offers a selection of Finnish and Nordic dishes such as Jansson's temptation (a potato and anchovy casserole), salmon-potato soup, and pear-coconut fruit soup. The Karelian pies are served like open-face sandwiches, with toppings of smoked salmon, marinated mini-tomatoes, and a delicious combination of spinach, bacon, egg and cheese. Food is served through the day, or you can just stop in for a coffee or one of several vodka-based cocktails. [Show more] [Show less]
Russian
Sungari (Shinjuku Kabukicho - Russian). 3209-4937
Well-prepared Russian standards like Chicken Kiev, and lots of vodka.
Kabukicho 2-45-6. (on "American Boulevard" across from station) Open 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Sungari (Nishi-Shinjuku - Russian). 3343-5047
This basement branch of Sungari serves the same tasty Russian food as the main branch in Kabukicho, but in a plainer, more subdued dining space.
Nishi-Shinjuku 1-7-2, Subaru Bldg. B1F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 4:30-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Solid, stick-to-your-ribs Russian food and a panoramic view over Shibuya Station.
Dogenzaka 1-2-2, Tokyu Plaza 9F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
Authentic Georgian and Russian food is prepared by native chefs in this unpretentious basement cafe. Georgian- and Russian-themed set menus (Y3000-3200 for lunch or dinner) are a good introduction to the kitchen's most popular dishes. Authentic Georgian and Russian food is prepared by native chefs in this unpretentious basement cafe. Georgian- and Russian-themed set menus (Y3000-3200 for lunch or dinner) are a good introduction to the kitchen's most popular dishes.
The excellent Geogian menu starts with the wonderfully named "herring in a fur coat," a layered construction of beets, potatoes, finely diced herring fillets, eggs and carrots. Other apps are a spicy ratatouille-style ajapsandali and refreshing, lightly pickled cabbage, followed by khachapuri, a flaky pie stuffed with cheese.
The main event is tabaka - a big helping of garlicky roast chicken with crisp skin and succulent, juicy meat. We also enjoyed the eggplant with walnut paste and the kharcho (spicy beef) soup, but perhaps the thick, syrupy Georgian coffee is an acquired taste.
There's also an extensive a la carte menu, and lots to drink (Georgian wines, Russian vodkas). Y1000-range lunch specials are served until 5pm. [Show more] [Show less] Kichijoji-Honcho 1-4-10, Nine Bldg B1F. Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
German
Keitel (Shinjuku - German). 3354-5057
Typical German dishes and selected German wines and beers. Budget around Y5000 for dinner.
Shinjuku 5-6-4. Open noon-2:30, 6-10pm (LO) daily.
Serving relatively expensive German beers and decent pub grub in a cavelike basement, this branch of the Franziskaner group is worth knowing about mostly for their late-night hours.
A few good German beers at sensible prices, along with sausage-and-meat platters. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
A spacious bar serving meaty German fare and great beer. Four German brews from Spaten and Franziskaner are on draft (starting at Y600/glass) with several more by the bottle. The Y3500 prix-fixe menu consists of assorted German hams, sausages, pork cutlets, spaetzel dumplings in cheese sauce, and a pretzel. Unusual for this neighborhood, they're open till 4am Thursday and Friday nights.
Situated on Roppongi-dori right in front of Roppongi Hills, this branch of the popular chain offers good German beers, sausages and other snacks, and (relatively) late-night hours.
Roppongi 6-4-1, Metrohat/Hollywood Plaza 101. Open 11am-1am (LO) daily.
Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs food and a friendly atmosphere. They feature several different German beers on tap.
Roppongi 5-18-1, 2F. Open 5-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
It looks just like an ordinary coffee shop, but they serve German sausages, excellent bread and rolls, and many excellent German beers. (AKA "Die Wurst")
Although the dining room is notably lacking in atmosphere and music, the kitchen prepares outstanding German cuisine, including some fantastic game dishes in the autumn months. Prices may seem high at first, but portions are much larger than average for Tokyo. They also offer a very good selection of German beers - in all different styles - from around the country.
Roppongi 1-9-9, Roppongi 1st Bldg. B1F. Open 11:30am-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays, 3rd Sat.
An impressive food menu and a decent selection of German beers, specializing in Spaten, Franziskaner and Flensburger.
Akasaka 5-5-11, 2F. (from Akasaka Sta. exit 7 turn right and walk about 2 min.; it's on the right) Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Part of the popular Franziskaner chain, Franz club offers a decent selection of German beers and nice roast meats, sausages, ham and similar fare, served well into the wee hours of the morning. Budget around Y4000 at dinnertime. There's also a deluxe weekend brunch priced at Y2980.
Hard-to-find German beers, German wines, and assorted snacks are on offer at this branch of the small Franziskaner chain. The meat-heavy food menu is more interesting and diverse than might be expected.
Nihonbashi 3-8-16, Buyo Bldg B1F. (1 block S of Takashimaya) Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Pauke (Ichigaya - German). 3264-7890
Traditional, meaty German fare along with live music.
Yonbancho 4-8, B1F. Open 5pm-2am (LO 1:30). Closed Sundays and holidays.
Good imported German beers, sausages and other German fare, from the management of German Farm Grill (in Shibuya). The three-story bar is warm and comfortable, especially the spacious third-floor area.
Kanda Surugadai 3-1. (on Hongo-dori a couple blocks north of Yasukuni-dori) Open 10:30am-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Swiss and Austrian
Fondue-centered full-course dinners from 5000 yen.
Nishi-Azabu 4-4-5, APA Hotel 1F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-11pm daily.
They've been serving classic Swiss cuisine, including fondue, since 1965. Budget around Y7000 at dinnertime.
Higashi-Azabu 1-3-7. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5:30-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Ningyocho 2-6-12. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Ramukana (Yotsuya 3-chome - Swiss). 6457-4942
Beautiful heirloom vegetables, sourced from small farms all over Japan, are the pride of the kitchen at Ramukana. The menu's centerpiece is a hearty cheese fondue, served with raw vegetables, bread, and optional "toppings" such as the excellent smoked bacon chunks. A couple of nice Swiss house wines are available by the bottle, carafe or glass (Y5000 / Y2600 / Y900), along with reasonably priced French wines starting at Y3500. Beautiful heirloom vegetables, sourced from small farms all over Japan, are the pride of the kitchen at Ramukana. The menu's centerpiece is a hearty cheese fondue, served with raw vegetables, bread, and optional "toppings" such as the excellent smoked bacon chunks. A couple of nice Swiss house wines are available by the bottle, carafe or glass (Y5000 / Y2600 / Y900), along with reasonably priced French wines starting at Y3500.
Among the impressive array of starters and side dishes, the bagna cauda is a standout, with nine or ten different vegetables (described in loving detail by our waiter) paired with a well-balanced anchovy sauce and a dish of artisanal salt. The homemade pork sausage is also excellent, and the shrimp, salmon and avocado salad was so good we were tempted to order a second portion.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and casual, with a classic sixties-jazz soundtrack and homey, Alpine-village-in-Tokyo decor. Budget around Y5000 for ample food and drink. [Show more] [Show less] Arakicho 3-10, Dai-3 Halcyon 2F. Open 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
This rather informal restaurant prepares Austrian food - particularly the cuisine of the South Styria region - including crepe-like palatschinken pancakes and wiener schnitzel. There are a few reasonably priced Austrian wines starting at Y3000 per bottle.
Akasaka 2-12-11, Charmant Akasaka 2F. Open 5:30-10:30pm. Closed weekends.
Romanian
Darie (Omotesando - Romanian). 3797-7374
Authentic and homey Eastern European cooking from Tokyo's very first Romanian restaurant, which was located in Ginza for 32 years before moving to Aoyama. The brightly colored basement dining room is casual with an Old-World stylishness, and service is cordial and professional, with detailed explanations of the various dishes as they're being served. Authentic and homey Eastern European cooking from Tokyo's very first Romanian restaurant, which was located in Ginza for 32 years before moving to Aoyama. The brightly colored basement dining room is casual with an Old-World stylishness, and service is cordial and professional, with detailed explanations of the various dishes as they're being served.
Prix-fixe lunches range from Y1600-3500, with a smaller Y1200 option on weekdays only. The mid-priced "osusume lunch" (Y2600) starts with traditional fish and vegetable pastes served with bread. Ingredients vary seasonally - we had a smoky grilled eggplant paste and a salmon-egg paste, which made very appetizing starters. The main course included a few different dishes, the high point for us being the mititei, a sausage-like, charcoal-grilled patty of lamb, beef and various spices. There was also a credible cabbage roll stuffed with beef and pork; roast potatoes; and a portion of unseasoned polenta to which we were instructed to add salt and pepper to taste.
Lunch also included a green-bean soup with sour cream and dill, and papanasi, a memorable dessert of fluffy hot pastry with cottage cheese, cassis and sour cream. All these dishes and many more are served a la carte in the evening, or you can splurge on one of the prix-fixe menus, priced from Y3800-6000. Romanian and Hungarian wines mostly run from Y3500-6000/bottle, while the house wine is Y2800/bottle or Y500/glass. [Show more] [Show less] Kita-Aoyama 3-13-1, KIta-Aoyama Sekine Bldg B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9:30pm (LO). Closed Tuesdays.
Romania (Nakano-Sakaue - Romanian). 5334-5341
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. 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.
For dinner you can choose from a number of simple, inexpensive set meals (around Y2000) or a more deluxe a la carte menu. Romanian wines start at around Y4000. There are a few outdoor tables looking onto the Nakano-Sakaue main intersection. [Show more] [Show less] Honcho 1-32-24. Open 11:30am-3, 5-10pm. Closed Mondays.
Hungarian
Az Finom (Jingumae 2-chome - Hungarian). 5913-8073
Well-prepared Hungarian food and an excellent selection of around 40-50 Hungarian wines, mostly under Y10,000 and mostly served by the glass. The dining space has an old-fashioned European air about it, with a big wide counter area, three tables and a tiny private room off to one side. Well-prepared Hungarian food and an excellent selection of around 40-50 Hungarian wines, mostly under Y10,000 and mostly served by the glass. The dining space has an old-fashioned European air about it, with a big wide counter area, three tables and a tiny private room off to one side.
Lunches are Y1200 (main course) and Y2500 (three courses), and feature dishes like sauteed sea bass, stuffed cabbage and chicken stew. There's a wider menu at dinner, with starters like foie gras, Hungarian salami, stuffed mushrooms and beef tartar, plus assorted soups. Budget around Y6000 for food and a few glasses of wine. [Show more] [Show less] 
Jingumae 2-19-5, Azuma Bldg B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Paprika.hu (Shirogane-Takanawa - Hungarian). 6277-2037
Traditional Hungarian cooking and a good selection of Hungarian wines. Main dishes range from Y1200-1600.
Takanawa 1-1-11. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-11pm. Closed Sundays.
Country (Jiyugaoka - Hungarian). 3717-4790
Hungarian cooking; full-course dinners are Y3000-5000.
Jiyugaoka 1-28-8, Jiyugaoka Depaato 3F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Bulgarian
Sofia (Kyobashi - Bulgarian). 5200-0141
Sofia serves authentic Bulgarian cuisine - hearty stews and vegetable soups and lots of yogurty dishes. Set lunches from Y800 and prix-fixe dinner menus from Y3500, or order a la carte.
Yaesu 2-5-12, Prarie Yaesu Bldg 2F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Croatian
Dobro (Kyobashi - Croatian). 5250-2055
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. At the same time, northeastern Croatia borders Hungary and is close to Austria, so Eastern European culinary influences are also strong. Dobro, a well-hidden Nihonbashi spot, does an excellent job introducing this often overlooked cuisine to Tokyo diners. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Kyobashi 2-6-14. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Greek
Argo (Hanzomon - Greek). 3265-5504
This very stylish "restaurant and library cafe" serves Greek- and Mediterranean-influenced French food, with an emphasis on seafood. In the daytime there's a nice view out over the greenery of the Imperial Palace grounds. Prix-fixe dinners from Y6000, lunch from Y1640.
Kojimachi 1-4-2, One Four Two by Tojo 9F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Sparta (Yokohama Kannai - Greek). 045-253-1645
This Greek landmark has been serving hearty, home-style food since 1953 (although they moved to a new location in 2010). The bright, spacious dining area includes lots of counter seating as well as tables.
