One of the early pioneers in Tokyo French cooking, they predate the wave of cheap bistros; prices start in the Y4,000-Y5,000 range (not including wine).[feedback]

Nishi-Ikebukuro 3-27-1. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

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. Service is prompt and cheerful, and there is an affordable prix fixe lunch (Y1200) and dinner (Y2000) with over a dozen appetizers and main courses to choose from. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Takadanobaba 2-9-12. Open noon-1:30, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays, some Tues.

Rich, hearty traditional French cuisine in a crowded bistro-style restaurant near Shinjuku Gyoen.[feedback]

Shinjuku 1-6-11. Open noon-2, 6-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

This bistrot branch of the highly regarded L'Artemis restaurant in Jingumae offers a more casual experience and convenient late-night hours. The kitchen covers the standards very well - excellent grilled lamb and pork confit - but they also turn out dishes we don't often see at the typical bistrot - blood sausage served with chunks of baked apple, avocado-shrimp salad, and an eye-opening red pimento creme brulee. The extensive wine list starts at around Y3000; budget Y4500-7500 for dinner. Tables are a bit snug, but there's no smoking, except in the tiny garden area out front. The restaurant is very popular with a young local crowd, so advance reservations are recommended. [See branch review] [feedback]

Sendagaya 4-5-11, Victoria Plaza 1F. Open 5pm-1am (LO). Closed Tuesdays.

The first Japanese branch of Marc and Philippe Delacourcelle's popular Parisian wine bistro, Le Pre Verre offers French organic wines and modern, casual French food (the same menu as in Paris). Mix-and-match three-course dinners are Y4500, and in the daytime you can stop by the bar for cheese, charcuterie and wines by the glass. There's some terrace seating during warm weather. [feedback]

Jingumae 5-10-1, Gyre 4F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Lauburu is dedicated to the art of serious eating - specifically, the serious consumption of pork. Billed as a French/Basque country-style bistro, the food here is prepared simply - no rich, complicated sauces or sculptural statements on the plate, just good honest country cooking. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 6-8-18. Open 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

The excellent French kitchen attached to the Blue Note jazz club. Full-course dinners from Y5000 upstairs; tapas and lighter snacks down on the first floor. (If you're going to a show at the club, you can coordinate your dinner here with starting time for the performance.)[feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 6-3-16. Open 5:30-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Spectacular, creative, fun French haute cuisine from the famous Michelin three-starred chef. Dinner starts at Y17,450, and the market lunch is Y7,350 (+12% service); wines cover the full range, starting around Y5000. [feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 5-3-2, Aoyama Square Bldg 4F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm. Closed Sundays.

Sweet and savory Breton-style crepes, with hard cider to wash them down, in a rustic French farmhouse-style dining room.[feedback]

Jingumae 4-9-8. Open 10am-11pm LO (-12 Fri,Sat.; -10 Sun.). Closed Mondays.

Excellent French cooking and a substantial wine list (around 180 varieties), starting in the Y3000 range but covering all the bases. They also have an extensive and unusual selection of eaux-de-vie. Lunch starts at Y1000; three-course dinners from Y4000. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Jingumae 2-31-7, Villa Gloria 101. Open noon-2:30, 6-9:30pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays.

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.][feedback]

Sakuragaokacho 26-1, Cerulean Tower Hotel 40F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.

Recommended by a reader. Full-course lunches and dinners only; lunch Y1,200-2,700, dinner Y3,500-6,500.[feedback]

Sakuragaokacho 20-12. Open 11:30am-2, 6-9:30pm (LO) daily.

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. If you get tired of standing there's also a sit-down restaurant in back; snacks up front average around Y700, with main courses in the restaurant averaging Y1500. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Shibuya 1-10-12, Miyagi Bldg 2F. Open 5pm-3am daily.

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. The restaurant is connected with Hazel Grouse Manor in eastern Hokkaido, which supplies them with fresh vegetables, seafood and wild game. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Hiroo 1-10-6. Open 5pm-2am. Closed Mondays.

This tiny (15-seat) hideaway restaurant is a true gourmet destination, serving high-level cuisine at down-to-earth prices. Owner-chef George Sumura is a veteran of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and a two-star restaurant in Brussels, and his cooking has a number of Belgian influences, like his mussel dishes and stews made with Belgian beers. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 1-23-15. Open 11:30am-2, 5-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Dainty, overpriced French food in a pleasantly post-modern setting; not worth a special trip, but nice enough if you're in the neighborhood. Lunch Y1,800, dinner from Y3,800.[feedback]

Ebisu 3-9-25, La Maison Franco-Japonaise. Open 11:30am-1:30, 6-9:30pm. Closed Sundays.

Deluxe-level cooking and service in an elaborate castle-like setting. At dinnertime there's a rather extravagant 18-course tasting menu for Y35,000 per person (plus 12% service charge). Downstairs you'll find "La Table de Joel Robuchon" (03-5424-1338) - a more casual, convivial restaurant with inventive cuisine and a very reasonable wine list; prix-fixe lunch from Y2800 and dinner from Y5000.[feedback]

Meguro-ku, Mita 1-13-1, Yebisu Garden Place. Open 11:30am-1:30, 6-8:30pm (LO) daily.

Tasty buckwheat galettes, dessert crepes and interesting salads and starters. The drinks menu features inexpensive wines and hard cider from Normandy. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 2-3-10. Open noon-3pm, 5-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Intriguing "French colonial" cuisine, with prix-fixe lunches from Y1050, dinners from Y3990. The long, narrow dining room is pleasantly decorated and very casual.[feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-16-3. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-9:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Normandy-based regional cooking from chef Bernard Anquetil (formerly of the popular Brasserie Bernard in Roppongi). Full-course dinners Y6,000 - Y12,000, not including drinks.[feedback]

Sarugakucho 29-18, Hillside Terrace B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO) daily.

The traditional French food and ambience here has made it popular with French customers. Lunch from Y4000, dinner from Y8000.[feedback]

Hachiyamacho 13-13. Open 6-10pm (LO).

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. Plus, some dozen savory souffles. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 3-13-10. Open noon-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

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.][feedback]

Hiroo 5-17-11. Open noon-2, 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.

This cozy bistrot serves hearty French country cuisine - cassoulets, blood sausages - and many reasonly priced wines by the glass or bottle. The late-night hours are convenient, and perhaps the best time to visit; the counter can get a bit cramped and smoky earlier in the evening. [feedback]

Ebisu 2-23-3. Open 7pm-3am. Closed Mondays.

This modern French restaurant specializes in fish and seafood, using first-rate ingredients and creative recipes. The charming dining room fits well with its Shirogane surroundings - tiled floors, beveled glass windows, artistic cartoon sketches on the wall, subdued lighting. Prix-fixe menus starting at Y4800 offer very good value for money, and lunches start from just Y1500. The extensive wine list is mostly French, but there are many reasonably priced choices from Italy, Portugal and the New World. [feedback]

Shiroganedai 5-3-8. Open noon-5, 6-10pm (LO) daily.

"New-style French dining" in a very stylish dining room. The food is first-rate and the ambience is casual, with all counter seating. The focus of attention is the open kitchen space on the other side of the counter - a performance space really - where the chefs go about their work. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Roppongi Hills, Hillside 220. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO) daily.

A friendly cafe-brasserie with authentic French atmosphere and good, reasonably priced food. The daily Y1000 lunch is an especially good deal, and is served until 5pm. Evening specialties include north-African dishes like lamb and rabbit couscous and Moroccan tajine. Call ahead to arrange a non-smoking table. [feedback]

Roppongi 5-17-1, AXIS Bldg 1F. Open 11am-11pm daily.

Excellent French cooking in a pleasant traditional setting (there are just 17 seats, including 5 at the counter). The cheese selection is especially good, as the owner-chef is also a cheese monger. There's a big wine list focusing mostly on Bordeaux and Burgundies, with a median price of around Y8000, plus a good assortment available by the glass. Prix-fixe lunches from Y2940 (Saturdays only), dinner from Y5775. [feedback]

Azabudai 3-4-14. Open 6-11:30pm (LO; 9:30 Saturdays). Closed Sundays.

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. The bar menu offers wine-compatible nibbles like a tasty rillette sandwich, or you can explore the more serious restaurant menu. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Azabu-Juban 2-14-2. Open 11:30am-3, 6-11pm (LO) daily.

This stunning venture from the Hiramatsu group and the famous French chef Paul Bocuse occupies one of the most spectacular public spaces in Tokyo, inside the new national art gallery. Three-course prix-fixe lunch is Y1800; in the evening a la carte mains average around Y2700. [feedback]

Roppongi 7-22-2, Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan 3F. Open 11am-9pm (LO; lunch -2pm). Closed Tuesdays.

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. The foie gras on daikon appetizer features large slabs of foie gras and lightly stewed daikon, perfectly balanced in flavor. There's also an outstanding foie gras and duck confit main course served in a bed of mashed potatoes and leeks, and rather amazing lamb chops in mustard sauce. Some of the desserts, like the banana flambee, are a major theatrical production. The best deal is Y3500 for a three-course dinner that you'd expect to pay much more for. Wines start at Y2500 and reach very high levels. Lunches start at Y1000.[feedback]

Akasaka 6-3-16, B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm. Closed Sundays.

Regional dishes and wines from southwest France are the specialty in this cozy little bistrot-style restaurant. Budget around Y4000 for food; wines start at around Y3000/bottle. [feedback]

Akasaka 6-4-15. Open 6pm-1am (LO). Closed Sundays.

Reliable, classic French cooking in a bistrot-style setting. Lunch ranges from Y1300 (just a main dish and coffee) to Y5000; dinner is Y5000-Y9000, or a la carte. Entrees include roast lamb (Y3200) and steak tartare with fried potatoes (Y3000); starters also average around Y3000.[feedback]

Akasaka 1-3-13, Tameike Suzuki Bldg. 1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Sophisticated, modern and creative cuisine from Chef Shinomura, a veteran of several distinguished restaurants in the French provinces. Prix-fixe lunches from Y4200, dinners from Y9450.[feedback]

Roppongi 3-1-1, T-Cube 1F. Open 11:30am-1:30, 6-9:30pm (LO) daily.

The two tiny dining rooms are rustic and cave-like, the stucco walls decorated with animal pelts and a boar's head. The name means "the hunt", and the specialty is seasonal game (pheasant, boar, deer), much of it bagged by the chef himself. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Roppongi 3-5-7. Open 6-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

This modern French-Japanese seafood-centered restaurant features a splashy entrance hall (literally - it comes complete with waterfall) and a gorgeous two-story main dining room with views of the Rainbow Bridge. Prix-fixe menus from Y6800, with an optional 4-glass "wine bank" for Y3950. [feedback]

Higashi-Shimbashi 1-5-2, Shiodome City Center 41F. Open 11:30am-3, 5:30-11:30pm daily.

The Conrad Hotel's all-day dining restaurant is also from Michelin 3-star chef Gordon Ramsay (like his namesake restaurant next door), and the format here is brasserie-style with a big open kitchen. Breakfast is served from 7am.[feedback]

Higashi-Shimbashi 1-9-1, Conrad Tokyo Hotel 28F. Open 7am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Modern French cuisine from chef Tateru Yoshino, formerly of the Michelin-starred Stella Maris in Paris. The menu includes dishes like risotto of watercress with frogs legs; carpaccio of Canadian shrimp with corn ice cream; duck foie gras with crystalized eggplant in cacao sauce; and roast lamb with pumpkin puree. The attached wine bar offers cheaper a la carte options and very late hours for this office neighborhood. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Higashi-Shimbashi 1-7-1, Park Hotel Tokyo 25F. Open 7-10:30am, 11:30-2pm, 6-9pm (LO) daily.

Lavish contemporary and traditional French fare in a luxurious setting here in the Imperial Hotel's flagship French restaurant. Chef Thierry Voisin, formerly of Michelin two-star Les Crayeres in Rheims, mans the kitchen. Breakfast starts at Y3465, lunch at Y5775, and dinner at Y12,600.[feedback]

Uchisaiwaicho 1-1-1, Imperial Hotel Mezzanine. Open 7-10am, 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10pm daily.

The third Tokyo restaurant from Lyon-based celeb-chef Paul Bocuse offers prix-fixe dinners from Y5500-9500. Wines are Y5000-250,000, with less scarily priced options by the glass or carafe. The impressively large dining room has a curved wall of windows overlooking Ginza to the south. [feedback]

Ginza 2-2-14, Marronnier Gate 10F. Open 11am-2:30, 5:30-9pm (LO) daily.

Buckwheat gallettes and hearty French country-style cooking, much of it using imported ingredients. Lunch averages around Y1500, and is served till 2:30, but you can stop in for galettes all through the afternoon. The old-fashioned Parisian-cafe decor helps create a warm atmosphere. The bar area is open till 3am Tuesday through Saturday nights. Wines range in price from Y4500 to Y50,000/bottle, with about 10 varieties available by the glass or carafe.[feedback]

Ginza 2-6-16, 2F. Open 11:45am-9:30pm daily.

Master chef Alain Ducasse's joint venture with Chanel provides excellent modern French cuisine in a lovely setting. The food isn't quite as spectacular as the prices though - mains average Y8000-9000, with prix-fixe dinner menus from Y17,000. Lunches start at Y6000 (for a three-course vegetarian menu), and there are a few wines under Y10,000. There's also a popular afternoon tea set (Y2600) served from 2:30-4pm.[feedback]

Ginza 3-5-3, Chanel Building 10F. Open 11:30-2:30, 2:30-4 (tea), 6-9:30pm (LO) daily.

Upmarket French wines and excellent country-style French cooking; chef Masashi Hadachi (formerly of Aux Bacchannales in Harajuku) is in charge of the kitchen. The bistrot-style setting is casual, occasionally cramped. Y4500 prix-fixe for three courses in the evening. Their afternoon cafe menu (2-6pm), featuring sandwiches, steak frites and other light fare, is worth knowing about if you're in need of a late lunch in this neighborhood.[feedback]

Marunouchi 3-3-1, Shin-Tokyo Bldg. 1F. Open 8am-midnight (from 11am weekends). Open every day.

Fancy modern French cuisine, with dishes like oyster and fennel soup, foie gras flan, hot organic vegetable salad - plus roast meats like veal, venison, lamb and duck. Main courses average around Y4000; prix-fixe dinners from Y5500; lunch from Y1200. [feedback]

Marunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia 2F. Open 11am-2, 5:30-11:30pm daily.

Michelin-starred traditional French dining overlooking Tokyo Station. Prix-fixe lunches are Y3,500-6,000, dinners Y7,000-12,000. [feedback]

Marunouchi 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg 5F. Open 11am-1:30, 6-9:30pm (LO) daily.

This Kobe-based restaurant serves modern, creative French cuisine. Lunch menus are Y2,100-7,875, and dinnertime degustation menus are Y7,875-12,600. [feedback]

Marunouchi 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg 5F. Open 11am-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.

"Modern Provence Dining" is what it says at the entrance, and indeed the cooking is modern, light and authentically Provencal, with everything from bouillabaisse to cous cous. In the afternoons it's a cafe - a good place to stop for a leisurely cappucino and tart tatin. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Nihonbashi 1-4-1, Coredo Nihonbashi 4F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

A branch of the popular Au Gout du Jour restaurant in Kojimachi, "au gout du jour" could be their tagline as well, as they pride themselves on their beautiful fresh vegetables and other seasonal ingredients. The smallish dining space (24 seats) is simple but elegant, and service is attentive. Lunches from Y2800; prix-fixe dinners from Y6500; there's also an a la carte menu at night with half and full-size portions. Note that they're among the few serious restaurants in this neighborhood that are open on Sundays. [feedback]

Nihonbashi 3-8-13. (on the side street one block south of Takashimaya) Open 11am-1:30, 5:30-9pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays.

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

Wakaba 2-7, Video Focus Bldg 1F. Open noon-2, 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

A tiny neighborhood place with well-prepared French food. There are only 4 or 5 tables, split between two levels, so be sure to call ahead.[feedback]

Yotsuya 2-3-19. Open 11:45am-2, 5:45-9:15pm (LO). Closed Sundays and holidays.

A bright and airy branch of this French-cafe landmark, located directly in front of the New Otani Hotel. There's a take-out bakery at the entrance, a big cafe area, a smaller dining room for proper French meals, and plenty of outdoor seating, heated in winter. Lunches in the dining room start at Y850; full-course dinners from Y3800. The cafe serves light snacks like quiche, omelettes, salade nicoise and steak frites. [feedback]

Kioicho 4-1, Shin-Kioicho Bldg. 1F. Open 10am-11pm daily.

Delicious Breton-style crepes, both sweet and savory, along with hard cider make this a welcome addition to Tokyo's culinary landscape.[feedback]

Kagurazaka 4-2. Open 11:30am-10:30pm. Closed Mondays.

(Formerly Vent d'Afric) The young owner/chef here has created an original menu that includes such variations on old standards as a chicken-wing-and-escargot coq au vin and an excellent Calvados-flavored creme brulee. The results are consistently impressive. Dinners are Y2500 and Y4000, or you can have three appetizers plus dessert for Y1500.[feedback]

Fujimi 2-6-9, Yuzankaku Bldg. 1F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-10pm. Closed weekends.

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.][feedback]

Kudan-Kita 1-10-2. Open 8am-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

This small chain of French brasserie-cafes is popular for their authentic food and atmosphere. The cafe serves simple dishes like omelettes and salads all day long, while the brasserie has more substantial fare, with lunch an especially good value. Quiches and pastries are ready to take home from the bakery section. [feedback]

Takanawa 4-10-8, Takanawa Keikyu Bldg #7. Open 9am-11pm daily.

Traditional French cuisine at friendly prices, although they have some upmarket wines if you're in the mood to splurge.[feedback]

Ogikubo 5-14-4. (down near the end of the Suzuran-dori shopping street) Open 11:30am-2 (LO), 6-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

French biologique wines and gorgeous seasonal vegetables are the highlights here, with prix-fixe dinners starting at Y3500. Both all-vegetable and meat and fish options are available. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Tomigaya 1-16-3. Open 11:30am-2, 6-11pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Another neighborhood budget French place (Y2500 for two courses, Y3000 with dessert), but with grander-than-usual ambitions. For example, there's a huge cheese selection, and a varied wine list that includes good choices from both Old World and New.[feedback]

Nishihara 3-5-3. Open noon-2, 6-10pm. Closed Mondays.

A very friendly bistrot/wine bar/cafe with 1940s French antiques and a nice neighborhood vibe. There are three floors in all, with occasional live music on the top level. The menu is simple but well-prepared cafe fare. [feedback]

Kitazawa 3-30-3. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Tuesdays.

Over 100 different beers by the bottle, mostly Belgian but with a strong German section as well. The food menu is limited, but includes mussels prepared in several different ways.[feedback]

Yoyogi 2-11-20, B1F. Open 5:30pm-2am (Sundays 3-11pm). Closed 2nd Sunday.

Excellent Belgian food and a wide assortment of Belgian beers.[feedback]

Yoyogi 2-20-2. Open 5:30pm-2am (Sat. to 11pm). Closed Sundays.

Original pita sandwiches and an impressive assortment of Belgian beers.[feedback]

Jingumae 1-10-23. Open 5:30pm-2am (Sat-11pm). Closed Sundays.

Plenty of good Belgian beers and brasserie-style fare from this member of the Brussels chain. The potato frites with homemade mayonnaise are some of the best in town, and you'll find some unusual beers to go with them. The retro-futuristic black and white interior evokes a Jetsons-in-Paris mood. [feedback]

Udagawacho 15-1, Parco Pt. I, B1F. Open 10am-2am daily.

"Hemel Belgian Beer and Food" lives up to their name - this comfortable wood-paneled bar offers an attractive selection of Belgian and European food to go with their extensive list of over 100 beers. [feedback]

Dogenzaka 2-16-8, Sakamoto Bldg B1F. Open 5pm-3am daily.

The vibe at this small neighborhood bar is friendly and laid back - comfortable enough to stop in for a drink by yourself or for a quiet conversation with friends. There's a decent selection of Belgians at average-for-Tokyo prices, plus a small snack menu. [feedback]

Shiba Daimon 2-4-5. Open 5pm-1am (2am Fri/Sat). Closed Sundays.