Omotesando
Marzac (Omotesando - Izakaya). 6418-5063
Charcoal-grilled meaty snacks and good-value wine by the glass are the draw at this casual late-night bar. There's a selection of around ten decently drinkable wines from France, Italy and the New World for just Y500 a glass, along with a big selection by the bottle. The chalkboard menus list plenty of daily specials, along with simple vegetable dishes and grilled lamb, chicken, pork and beef.
Shibuya 2-2-3, Luca Bldg 2F. Open 6pm-3am (LO; Sun -10pm) daily.
This elegant, very relaxed bar features gigantic fishtanks filled with exotic tropical fish from Okinawa and environs. The menu includes tasty original cocktails and light food items. There's a Y700 per person table charge.
Cicada (Omotesando - Mediterranean). 6434-1255
First-rate Mediterranean cuisine from Chef David Chiddo and the TY Harbor group (Beacon, Ivy Place). Now located in the heart of Aoyama (after a decade in Hiroo), the spacious quarters are evocative of a luxury tropical resort, with comfortable terrace seating, pools of water and an appealing open-air bar. The complex also houses a branch of TY Harbor's excellent bakery, Breadworks, and a casual cafe space called Crisscross. [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. A joint project with the Graf design firm, A to Z Cafe, with its original artwork, mismatched furniture, and liberal use of worn wood and corrugated iron, is a cool place to spend the afternoon. 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.
A joint project with the Graf design firm, A to Z Cafe, with its original artwork, mismatched furniture, and liberal use of worn wood and corrugated iron, is a cool place to spend the afternoon. Nara's conceptual home on the range provides an interesting contrast to the fifth-floor view of the teeming metropolis outside.
The cafe offers daily lunch specials starting at Y800, in addition to the extensive menu of wafu-inflected dishes ranging in price from Y315-1000. Mentaiko nori toast makes an unusual salty snack; deep-fried baby squid and crispy rice cakes are almost too cute to eat.
Choose from a selection of coffee drinks or Chinese and Japanese teas to go with tempting desserts like kabocha and coconut cake. Cocktails, beer, shochu, and champagne are also available if you fancy something stronger. Drop in for one of the free artist lectures or just sit around and enjoy the atmosphere: the pretty people drift in and out as softly lilting ambient music floats in the air. [Show more] [Show less] Minami-Aoyama 5-8-3, Equbo Bldg 5F. Open 11:30am-11:30pm (to 4am weekends) daily.
Spectacular chicken wings and other chicken specialties, and a tasteful, traditional Japanese interior.
Minami-Aoyama 3-18-16, Behind exit A4 Omotesando station. (across from El Torito) Open 5pm-4:30am daily.
Late-night pastas at budget prices.
Excellent charcoal-grilled yakitori and other chicken dishes are the specialty at this branch of the Aburiya Fudo group of restaurants.
Galali (Omotesando - Izakaya). 3408-2818
This stylish little izakaya offers excellent food, a good sake selection, and an entire menu page devoted to different varieties of salt - 12 of them in all. Charcoal-grilled seafood and vegetables are among the food highlights. Budget around Y2500 without drinks.
[Go to branch review] Jingumae 3-6-5. Open 6pm-3am daily.
Uotami (Gaienmae - Izakaya). 3408-4288
A very inexpensive izakaya-style menu, with the emphasis on fresh seafood. Good food for the price, and mostly private rooms.
Minami-Aoyama 3-8-40, 2F. Open 5pm-5am daily.
Office (Gaienmae - Bar). 5786-1052
For those who hate leaving work, this popular DJ bar is decorated like an office, with file cabinets, bookshelves, and copier machine. Different DJs nightly, a young crowd, a full food menu, and a good nighttime view down Aoyama-dori.
Kita-Aoyama 2-7-18, Yamazaki Bldg. 5F. Open 5pm to 3am daily.
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. The menu is large and diverse, with plenty of vegetarian items. [Note that the restaurant is located in the basement of a large modern building between Nishi-Azabu and Gaienmae, underneath some shops, and it's fairly difficult to find; readers regularly report that it's closed.] [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Lapaz (Jingumae 2-chome - Cafe). 6438-9624
Oh, it's another trendy, all-day, late-night cafe-bar that also sells clothing and furniture! Lapaz's food menu includes oatmeal, quinoa salads, lentil soup and wrap sandwiches, and breakfast is served from 7:30am. Note that they close a bit earlier on Sundays (6pm) and Mondays (midnight).
Jingumae 2-22-2. Open 7:30am-4am daily.
With its double-height ceilings and wrap-around windows letting in the afternoon sun, the smoke-free second floor of Mother Kurkku is a luxurious space to relax in. The food is well above average, with mains like grilled swordfish with mentaiko and two kinds of cous cous (with lamb tajine or sausage and root vegetables). The Y1000 lunch is especially good value. There's a selection of reasonable wines and other drinks, and a DJ setup downstairs. Lunch is served until 3pm weekdays, 5pm weekends.
Nishi-Azabu
Implicito (Nishi-Azabu - Wine bar). 5774-4433
A small, casual Italian wine bar that serves around twenty wines by the glass, in all price ranges, along with light snacks. From a quiet location on the edge of Higashi 6-chome, Enoteca Implicito beckons lovers of Italian wine towards its soft amber lights. The daily wine list features eight reds, four whites, and about as many sparklers (Y750-1800 by the glass). Specials are showcased monthly, and winery representatives occasionally stop by to give talks. The staff frequently opens difficult to find bottles to offer rare, albeit expensive, samples (on a recent visit, a Gravner '00 Berg was Y3000 per 100ml taste).
Settle in among the well-heeled crowd and soak up some European ambience as you sip on your Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Food is limited to snacks of salami, cheese, and hors d'ouerves like marinated seafood - just enough to whet your appetite. If you're in the mood for dinner proper, walk down the spiral staircase to their sister restaurant Osteria Splendido for some thoughtfully prepared Italian fare to go with your vino. Menu in Italian and Japanese. [Show more] [Show less] Higashi 4-6-3. Open 5pm-3am daily.
300 single-malt whiskies, a couple of interesting Scottish ales (Dark Island and Black Cuillin, from Orkney and Skye respectively), and an interesting food menu, including haggis, Welsh rarebit and kipper herring. Open shockingly late.
Minami-Aoyama 7-13-12. Open 6pm-8am daily.
Ahill (Nishi-Azabu - Teppanyaki). 5766-2020
A snazzy little grill-counter setup specializing in Japanese beef steaks and other grilled meats (lamb, Iberico pork), French teppanyaki style. The prix-fixe menus also include the shop's original curry-rice after the main course. The all-French wine list ranges from Y3000 - Y177,000 per bottle; dinners from Y4095.
Nishi-Azabu 4-22-10, Prestage Nishi-Azabu 1F. Open 6pm-2am (LO) daily.
Tafia (Nishi-Azabu - Bar). 3407-2219
Officially known as "Rhum et cafe Tafia," this bar's emphasis is more on the rum end of the spectrum, with a breathtaking variety (some 300 bottles) that includes limited-edition labels that you won't find in shops.
Nishi-Azabu 2-15-14, West Point Bldg 1F. Open 5pm-4:30am. Closed Sundays.
A convenient late-night Italian standby.
Various Asian dishes and a casual atmosphere.
Taku (Nishi-Azabu - Sushi). 5774-4372
It's unusual to find high-quality sushi like this outside Ginza, but here it's presented in a modern dining room with late-night hours. They also serve French wines as an alternative to sake; wines from Y1000/ glass or Y10,000-Y150,000/ bottle. Budget around Y18,000 for dinner.
Nishi-Azabu 2-11-5. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Zest (Nishi-Azabu - Tex-Mex). 3400-2235
Well-prepared, casual California-Mexican dishes and a variety of ever-popular frozen margaritas.
Gompachi (Nishi-Azabu - Japanese). 5771-0170
Good sushi and other straight-ahead Japanese fare from the late-night Global Dining group (La Boheme, Zest, etc.). The massive, multi-story space is always buzzing with activity, and sometimes seems to be the center of an international social scene in Tokyo.
Gogyou (Nishi-Azabu - Ramen). 5775-5566
Excellent miso-style ramen. Gogyo blackens their miso in a kitchen-side fire show while preparing the soup.
Nishi-Azabu 1-4-36. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5pm-2:30am daily.
A casual, open-air, dog-friendly cafe on a back street behind Hiroo station. The food menu tends toward Hawaiian and Asian fusion, with above-average prices.
Minami Azabu 5-15-9, Barbizon70 1F. Open 9am-2am daily.
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. The separate bar area is open till 4am (except Sundays); Y500 table charge. 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. The beautiful organic vegetables are especially impressive.
The dining room is elegantly decorated and quite spacious, with plenty of light at lunchtime. Lunch starts at Y1500, with prix-fixe dinners from Y4800. The separate bar area is open till 4am (except Sundays); Y500 table charge. [Show more] [Show less] Minami-Azabu 5-14-15, Arisugawa West Bldg. 2F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Hanauta (Hiroo - Okinawan). 5791-2524
A wide range of Okinawan standards and unusual original dishes (like aloe sashimi), plus plenty of awamori.
Hiroo 5-17-6, Kawakami Bldg. B1F. (Walk west from Hiroobashi and turn left on the second corner (before Homework's); Hanuta is on the right after 1 min.) Open 6pm-3am daily.
A trendy but comfortable cafe where you can enjoy the open-air front section during the warmer months. The back area is set up like a very large living room, with plenty of sofas for lounging. (Note that after 6pm there's a table charge in some areas of the cafe - Y500 per person at tables in the back, Y1000 per person on the sofas.) The desserts are especially recommended (they also run a wholesale cake shop from the basement).
Minami-Azabu 4-12-26. Open 11:30am-1:30am (LO) daily.
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.
Ebisu 2-23-3. Open 7pm-3am. Closed Mondays.
Ebisu 2-24-9. Open noon-2am daily.
Tenement (Shiroganedai - Cafe). 3440-6771
The atmosphere is relaxed and the music is downbeat at this very casual late-night cafe-bar. The drinks menu offers a decent selection of cocktails.
Ebisu 2-39-4. Open 6pm-3am. Closed Sundays.
La Boheme (Shiroganedai - Italian). 3442-4060
One of the few late-night spots in the neighborhood; pizzas and pastas in a multi-level, palatial setting.
The restaurant in back is pretentious and overpriced, but the outdoor cafe is a pleasant place to sit during warm weather.
Shiroganedai 4-19-19. Open 11:30-3am daily.
A relaxed late-night izakaya with good food and drink. One of the specialties is himono, various types of dried fish that are served grilled. Budget around Y2000-3000 for food and drink.
Kami-Osaki 2-14-5, Crystal Tower B1F. Open 11am-2, 5pm-5am daily.
Located very near Meguro Station, this world-beer bar is most notable for its late-night hours (until 7am every day). The 100-odd beers on offer seem almost randomly chosen, but there are a few very nice Belgians, microbrews and British ales among them, along with bar snacks like fish and chips. The basement dining area is reasonably large, with a big-screen TV showing an odd mix of sporting events (football, billiards).
Kami-Osaki 2-16-1, Meguro Kaihatsu Bldg B1F. Open 6pm-7am daily.
This long-established izakaya mini-chain serves excellent Kyushu cuisine and a good assortment of sake and shochu from the southern island. Budget around Y4000-5000 for dinner with drinks. Earlier hours on weekends.
[Go to branch review] Kami-Osaki 2-27-3, Yamada Bldg 9F. Open 11:30am-2, 5pm-3am daily.
Ippudo (Gotanda - Ramen). 5740-7697
A branch of the famous Hakata ramen chain, featuring thin, slightly chewy noodles in a pork-based broth ("red" or "white"), with or without extra chashu. You can add your own freshly grated garlic.
Nishi-Gotanda 1-25-5. Open 11am-4am daily.
Ringer Hut (Gotanda - Japanese regional). 6408-6585
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice. Open Mondays 7am-midnight; Tuesday-Friday 24 hrs; Sat midnight-5am; Sun 11am-10pm.
Higashi-Gotanda 1-14-15. Open 24 hours a day.
Nonki (Gotanda - Izakaya). 3443-2515
A small sake pub with good food, some of it Okinawan-style.
Higashi-Gotanda 1-6-6. Open 6pm-4am. Closed Sundays.
The last surviving Japan branch of the former cult favorite coffeeshop, Anna Miller's serves a variety of pies and American-style breakfasts.
Takanawa 4-10-18, Wing Takanawa 2F. Open 7:30am-3am daily.
Adan (Shirogane-Takanawa - Okinawan). 5444-4507
An Okinawan bar/restaurant with live music.
Mita 5-9-15. Open 6pm-midnight (LO). Closed Sundays.
Roppongi
Very good Peking duck and other Chinese fare at amazingly low prices. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Nishi-Azabu 3-2-13, Court Annex 2F. Open 24 hours a day.
Ryugin (Roppongi - Kaiseki). 3423-8006
Chef Seiji Yamamoto does a very impressive take on experimental cuisine from a Japanese perspective, with eye-openers like edamame foam with pulverized ice cream and foie gras with figs. Eleven-course prix-fixe menus run Y15,750, Y21,000 and Y26,250, and there's a seven-sake selection paired with the food for an extra Y5000.
Roppongi 7-17-24, Site Roppongi Bldg 1F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sunday.
Upscale Italian cooking from the popular Salvatore Cuomo chain.
Late-night kushi-katsu, with shochu, awamori and sake from around Japan.
Roppongi 6-10-1, Roppongi Hills Westwalk 509. Open 11am-4am (LO) daily.
Curries and other Balinese standards in a pleasant setting, with a good deal of outdoor seating. It's also a nice place to stop for an out-of-the-ordinary dessert and coffee.
Roppongi 6-10-2, Roppongi Hills Hillside B103. Open 11am-4am (LO) daily.
Cyclo (Roppongi - Vietnamese). 3478-4964
Vietnamese standards competently prepared, plus a very limited wine list. The high points are the charming modern decor and the convenient late-night hours.
Roppongi 6-6-9, Piramide Bldg. 1F. Open 11:30am-5, 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Shonzui (Roppongi - Wine bar). 3405-7478
The selection at this tiny wine bar is mainly French, with an emphasis on organic varieties and good value for money. There are usually around a dozen wines by the glass (starting at Y900) and many more by the bottle. The food menu is simple bistrot-style fare - pates and rillettes, charcuterie and cheeses. Budget around Y3000 for food.
Roppongi 7-10-2. Open 6pm-1am (LO). Closed Sundays.
Belg Aube (Roppongi - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3403-1161
French-Belgian cuisine and a good selection of Belgian beers; three-course prix-fixe dinners are Y2800.
Roppongi 7-9-2. Open 6pm-2:30am (LO); 6pm-4:30am weekends. Closed Sundays.
Zero Bar (Roppongi - Wine bar). 5775-0010
Like a good man, a predator-free champagne bar in Roppongi is hard to find. Fortunately, there's Zero Bar. Conveniently located near Tokyo Midtown, this place is just the ticket for a glass of bubbly before the last train at night, or before the first train in the morning (the bar stays open until 5am Tuesday - Saturday). Like a good man, a predator-free champagne bar in Roppongi is hard to find. Fortunately, there's Zero Bar. Conveniently located near Tokyo Midtown, this place is just the ticket for a glass of bubbly before the last train at night, or before the first train in the morning (the bar stays open until 5am Tuesday - Saturday).
The interior, with its crimson stools and red-lit shelves, carries a whiff of Los Angeles in the 90s, lying somewhere between a martini bar and a bordello. At the front, a cluster of orange teardrop lights dangle from the ceiling like a lava lamp in arrested motion; at the back, a small area with table seating is partially concealed behind a black fringe curtain.
Although champagne is the main attraction here, they also serve wines by the glass (three reds, one white) and by the bottle (around 100 kinds). Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label is their house champagne (Y1500 per glass), and there are three other varieties to choose from on their monthly-changing list. Light snacks like cheese, cured meats, and dried fruits are also available. [Show more] [Show less] Roppongi 4-10-5. Open 8pm-4:30am (LO). Closed Mondays.
LB6 (Roppongi - Grill). 3478-0222
A reasonably priced, very casual wine bar and grill. The eclectic wine list starts from Y2500/bottle, with 11 wines by the glass or decanter. There are also microbrew beers from Baird Brewery and artisanal cocktails. The food menu features dishes like grilled loin of pork and lamb chops, assorted hams, and shellfish steamed in wine.
A casual but hip cafe serving fajitas, burritos, BBQ, burgers, etc. prepared Japanese-style.
Roppongi 4-12-2. Open 11:30-5am daily.
Ippudo (Roppongi - Ramen). 5775-7561
A branch of the famous Hakata ramen chain, featuring thin, slightly chewy noodles in a pork-based broth ("red" or "white"), with or without extra chashu. You can add your own freshly grated garlic.
Roppongi 4-9-11. Open 11am-4am (Fri -5am, Sun -1am) daily.
Italian-inspired late-night vegetable dining, with produce from organic farms around Japan. Prix-fixe menus are Y3000-4000, and include cheese fondue or bagna cauda as a main course. There are more than fifty wines, starting at Y3000/bottle.
Roppongi 3-9-3, Dai-2 Roppongi Village Bldg 1F. Open 7pm-7am. Closed Sundays and holidays.
Tasty burgers, loud music, big crowds. Open 11:30am-2am (M-Th), to 4am (Fri., Sat.), to 11:30pm (Sun.)
Roppongi 5-4-20. Open 11:30-2am (weekends to 4am) daily.
More than twenty Japanese microbrew beers are served on tap at this late-night beer specialist. The food menu is limited to fish and chips and similar bar fare.
Roppongi 5-1-5, B1F. Open 6pm-7am daily.
Jomon (Roppongi - Yakitori). 3405-2585
Hataka (Kyushu) style kushiyaki is the specialty here, with excellent (though rather salty) grilled skewers of chicken and pork parts and vegetables. Seating can be a bit cramped and smoky but the food is fantastic. A sister shop to Teyandei in Nishi-Azabu.
Roppongi 5-9-17. Open 6pm-5am daily.
This extremely casual venue is furnished with patched-up and mismatched sofas, herds of stuffed animals, and an actual VW bus with a table and chairs inside. There's a rotating art exhibition on the walls, and some outdoor tables up front. The small menu includes dishes like gorgonzola bacon tortilla wraps and an assorted "deli" platter, plus chai and cocktails.
Roppongi 6-8-21. Open 11:30am-2am daily.
An expensive (and very good) Italian restaurant downstairs, and a cafe upstairs serving drinks, coffee and desserts.
Azabudai 3-1-7. Open noon-2:30am (LO) daily.
Eclectic Asian cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
Inexpensive pastas and Italian wines by the glass, with convenient late-night hours.
The recipes at Burgaz Ada are from Constantinople, not Istanbul, as the chef is ambitiously working to recreate historical dishes from the Ottoman Empire - the roots of modern Turkish cuisine. Full-course menus Y6,900-13,650, wines from Y4,500/bottle. An a la carte menu is available after 9pm.
Azabu-Juban 3-7-4, Azabu Rikudo 3F. Open 6pm-2am daily.
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")
Toranomon 5-11-12. (above Kamiyacho station) Open 5pm-4am (9pm Sat, Sun). Open every day.
Central Tokyo
Zipangu (Akasaka - International). 3580-3661
Japanese fusion, sushi, sake and drinks in a very spectacular, fun setting. Budget around Y10,000 for dinner and drinks.
You might go only once for the novelty factor, but this entertaining ninja-themed restaurant has better food than one might expect. Multi-course tasting menus are Y5,555-15,000 and feature dishes like foie gras and veal creme brulee, and Ninja-style roast lamb with Korean flavoring.
Tasty tapas and main dishes and reasonable Spanish wines from the popular Spanish chain.
Akasaka 3-7-17. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30pm-2am (LO). Closed Sundays.
You'll find great Peking Duck here - just Y3680 for a portion big enough for three or four people - plus a big menu of surprisingly inexpensive dumplings and small-plate dishes.
[Go to branch review] Akasaka 3-8-8, Akasaka Floral Plaza Bldg B1F. Open 24 hours a day.
This very reasonably priced izakaya chain offers good food and good value. The impressively diverse menu features soba noodles, kushiyaki (both yakitori and other meats on skewers), homemade tofu, "Kyoto-style oden," and lots of good seasonal specials. There are over a dozen different sakes to try, and you can choose any three as a "tasting set" for Y1000; other drinks include awamori cocktails, shochu, beer and wine. There are two other Akasaka branches nearby.
Akasaka 3-21-10, Akasaka NS Bldg 1/2F. Open 11:30am-1:45, 5pm-5am (-10pm weekends) daily.
Butta (Akasaka - Izakaya). 5545-5443
Butta specializes in yakiton - some two dozen types of grilled pork on skewers - from premium name-brand pork. There are also grilled vegetables and pork motsunabe (stew made from pork innards); budget around Y2500 at dinnertime.
Akasaka 4-2-3, Dia City Akasaka Hitotsukikan 2F. Open 11:30am-2, 5pm-3am. Closed Sundays.
An excellent selection of Belgian beers and good Belgian cuisine. The dining space is large and has a European-style feel to it. Budget around Y4000 at dinnertime; there's a Y500 cover charge.
[Go to branch review] Akasaka 4-3-6, Hitotsugi Lip 1F. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5pm-2am (LO). Open every day.
This long-established izakaya mini-chain serves excellent Kyushu cuisine and a good assortment of sake and shochu from the southern island. Budget around Y4000-5000 for dinner with drinks.
[Go to branch review] Akasaka 3-13-2, MJ Bldg 3F. Open 5pm-2:30am (LO). Closed weekends.
Uotami (Akasaka - Izakaya). 3585-1588
An inexpensive and lively chain of izakayas with very convenient hours and all private dining rooms.
Akasaka 2-14-33, Akasaka Mita Bldg. 4F. Open 5pm-5am daily.
If you don't mind spending around Y10,000/person for bistrot-style seating and a fairly limited menu, the food here is pretty good - authentic regional dishes from the southwest of France.
Akasaka 6-4-15. Open 6pm-1am (LO). Closed Sundays.
This long-established izakaya mini-chain serves excellent Kyushu cuisine and a good assortment of sake and shochu from the southern island. Budget around Y4000-5000 for dinner with drinks.
[Go to branch review] Shimbashi 2-9-13. Open 5pm-2:30am (LO) daily.
Ringer Hut (Shimbashi - Japanese regional). 3436-4453
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice.
Shimbashi 3-11-2. Open 10am-5am (Sun -10pm) daily.
Inexpensive pastas, cheap Italian wines, late-night hours.
Zest (Ginza - Tex-Mex). 5524-3621
Good solid food from the Tex side of the Tex-Mex border, with colorful frozen and non-frozen margaritas.
Arossa (Ginza - New Zealand). 5524-1146
This New Zealand wine bar and restaurant is a branch of the popular Australian wine bar in Shibuya. The cellar offers more than 200 different New Zealand wines, and the kitchen focuses on grilled grass-fed lamb and beef as well as traditional Maori "hangi" dishes. Lunch from Y1000, prix-fixe dinner Y5000, plus a la carte.
[Go to branch review] Ginza 2-4-6, Ginza Velvia-kan 8F. Open 11am-2:30, 6pm-1am (LO) daily.
The small, bistro-style ground-floor dining room serves a Y4,800 prix fixe dinner until 10pm (last order). There's also a second-floor wine bar with an a la carte snack menu available till 2am. Saturday lunch starts at Y1800.
Ginza 2-5-6. Open 5:30pm-2am (noon-midnight Sat.). Closed Sundays.
A more casual sister restaurant of the very upscale Aroma Fresca, with late-night hours and lunch service. Budget around Y6,000 for lunch and Y12,000 at dinnertime for food.
Ginza 2-6-5, Ginza Trecious Bldg 12F. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5:30pm-1am (LO). Closed Sun.
Traditional Japanese dining from the Osaka-based Zetton group. The basement Shiokara bar is open till 5am, and serves a startlingly large variety of its namesake food, shiokara.
[Go to branch review] Ginza 2-7-7. (next to the back door of Itoh-ya.) Open 5pm-3am. Closed Sundays.
Houblon (Ginza - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3564-1671
The multi-level complex comprises a Belgian restaurant on the top floor, a shot bar in the basement, and a Belgian beer specialist on the ground floor. They stock more than 300 beers by the bottle, plus five taps devoted to a rotating selection of guest beers.
Ginza 3-2-11. Open 3pm-3am (Sat, Sun noon-3am). Open every day.
Fancy Chinese-style Singaporean cuisine in a huge, elaborately decorated "supper club" style space that also showcases live music. This is the first Japan venture of Singapore celeb chef Sam Leong. Prix-fixe menus are Y4000-6000, plus Y3000 for an open bar; there are also plenty of a la carte choices.
Ginza 3-3-1, Zoe Ginza B1F. Open 6pm-2am daily.
Roy G. Biv (Ginza - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3569-2380
A late-night hideaway bar in Ginza, with just twenty seats and a selection of around 25 Belgian beers. There's also a small snack menu. (They close at midnight on Saturdays.)
Ginza 5-6-14, Ginza Bldg 3F. Open 5pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Inexpensive pastas and Italian wines by the glass, with convenient late-night service.
Kuri (Ginza - Bar). 3573-8033
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. The modern Japanese decor deftly employs noren curtains, dark wood, and soft lights to create an intimate and inviting space. Sake bottles are attractively displayed behind the bar on a tall shelf set into the wall. There's room for six at the bar, with a handful of small tables on the other side of a slatted-wood partition. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Ginza 6-4-15, Tony Bldg 2F. Open 5pm-2:30am (LO; 3am Fri, midnight Sat). Closed Sundays, 3rd Sat.
You'll find good Belgian food (including mussels and great frites), a nice selection of beers, and convenient late-night hours from this branch of the Belgian Beer Cafe chain (they also run Antwerp Central in Marunouchi).
[Go to branch review] Ginza 8-2-1. Open 11:30am-4am daily.
Paka (Shintomicho - Bar). 3551-2500
This tiny local bar is worth knowing about for its budget-friendly happy hour (6-8pm) and its good pizzas and other bar snacks. Most of the action is up front at the stand-up bar, but there are a couple of miniature seating areas in back for parties of 2-4 people.
Shintomi 2-1-3. Open 6pm-4am. Closed weekends.
Bizarres (Higashi-Ginza - Bar). 3545-5727
A friendly, relaxed bar with late-night hours, Bizarres draws a neighborhood crowd - both local residents and people who work at nearby ad agencies and other offices. The front room has a spacious (although sometimes smoky) bar area, while in back there's a lounge space furnished with sofas, comfortable chairs and a good sound system. The playlist seems to cover everything from hiphop and bossa nova to vocal jazz and bebop.
Ginza 3-14-5. Open 7pm-4am (Sat -11pm). Closed Sundays.
A branch of the famous Hakata ramen chain, featuring thin, slightly chewy noodles in a pork-based broth ("red" or "white"), with or without extra chashu. You can add your own freshly grated garlic.
Ginza 4-10-3, Central Bldg 1F. Open 11am-2am daily.
Good value and convenient hours at this outer-market Tsukiji sushi shop. It's fairly spacious so there aren't long waiting lines, and there's an English menu if you need one. Nigiri set menus start at Y3000, or you can order by the piece.
Tsukiji 4-10-6. Open 24 hours a day.
Fresh fish, cheap prices, convenient hours at this well-known tuna specialist.
Tsukiji 4-11-9. Open 24 hours a day.
Zetton (Higashi-Ginza - Japanese). 5148-3600
Late-night drinks and pan-Asian fun food from the Nagoya-based Zetton group.
Anthemble (Marunouchi - Singaporean). 5220-1923
A Singapore-style dining bar with a nice view out over Marunouchi Brick Square. Budget around Y4000 for dinner. Open until 2am Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Marunouchi 2-6-1, Brick Square 3F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
This lavishly decorated late-night restaurant offers a variety of small-plate Mexican dishes for Y300 and Y500, with items like pork ajillo, shrimp and avocado ceviche, and softshell crab fritters. They also serve Tex-Mex standards like enchiladas, burritos and fajitas. Budget around Y3500 at dinnertime.
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. The bar serves more than 30 Belgian beers, including Leffe Blond and three others on tap. Ample terrace seating is available. Bar open until 4am weeknights, midnight weekends. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Marunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia B1F. Open 11am-3am (LO), to 11pm Sat, Sun. Open every day.
This hip little cafe is known for their inexpensive, eclectic menu - sandwiches, rice bowls, unusual pizzas, and mains like roast pork with wasabi sauce. Desserts include French toast. Open all day.
Marunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia B1F. Open 11am-10:30pm (2am Thu/Fri) daily.
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.
Marunouchi 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg 5F. Open 11:30am-4, 5pm-4am daily.
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. Budget prices are a big part of the appeal - you can enjoy a couple of drinks and snacks here for under Y2000. You might not expect to find a late-night drinking scene on the seventh floor of an office building, but we discovered a lively one in the "Home" restaurant complex in Marunouchi's Shin-Maru Biru. Soba Kichi occupies a small corner of Home, and they keep going until 4am every night but Sunday, packing in the crowds at least until the last train. Budget prices are a big part of the appeal - you can enjoy a couple of drinks and snacks here for under Y2000.
The setting is stylish, with the warm lighting and blond wood tones of the sleek central counter contrasting with the coolly lit terrace garden and the Marunouchi night sky just beyond the windows. The sake list (Y500-700 per glass) is very drinkable and tailored to match the food. You can also choose from beer, many different shochus, or several budget-level wines by the glass.
Fried foods dominate the menu, with deep-fried skewers of fish, vegetables and meats starting at just Y150 per skewer. If you want something heartier, there's a big pot of beef tendon stew bubbling away on the counter, served with garlic toast or by itself. Other snacks include grilled pork belly and kibinago (silver-stripe herring), and pork and chicken cutlets. As you might guess from the name, they offer several hot and cold soba dishes (Y650-1300). The specialty of the house is tempura-fried chicken served over a bowl of soba in a curry-flavored broth. [Show more] [Show less] Marunouchi 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg 7F. Open 11am-3:15am (LO) daily.
Innovative cuisine, friendly service, and the feel of a comfortable neighborhood bistro. The food menu promises adventure, with tastes ranging from sea urchin and ikura with green tea noodles to Louisiana shrimp. Innovative Pacific Rim cuisine, convenient late-night hours, friendly service, and a large, well-chosen New World wine list. The atmosphere has the feel of a comfortable neighborhood bistro.
The food menu promises adventure, with tastes ranging from sea urchin and ikura with green tea noodles to Louisiana shrimp. The richly flavored grilled venison makes a dramatic starter, and the garlicky Caesar salad with aged mimolette is well above average. The cod in red almond curry is also very impressive, with a Thai-style curry sauce that nicely balances the other flavors and ingredients without overwhelming them. The wine list has several good selections in the under-Y6000 category, plus several varieties by the glass. Budget around Y5000-7500 for dinner and drinks. [Show more] [Show less] Funamachi 8. Open 11am-2am daily.
Dodo (Yotsuya 3-chome - Yakitori). 3356-8403
Memorable charcoal-grilled yakitori for Y4,000 to Y8,000 per person (with drinks). They've got an interesting sake list, including multiple variations from Kubota and other small brewers.
Funamachi 12. (on Gaien-Higashi-dori) Open 6pm-5am (Sat. to 11pm). Closed Sundays.
Carino (Yotsuya 3-chome - Spanish). 3225-6226
"Jamon y vino" is the simple yet enticing concept at this small tapas bar, with Spanish wines starting at around Y3800 per bottle. Typical dishes include Iberico chorizo sausages, Catalan-style pizzas, and grilled meats and seafood on skewers. The food is great, but the pace of delivery can be somewhat leisurely. Budget around Y4000 for food and drink.
Arakicho 1, Nakabayashi Bldg 1F. Open 6pm-1:30am (LO). Closed Sundays.
Bottega (Yotsuya - Wine bar). 3358-9547
This casual bistro offers value-priced wines and meaty Mediterranean snacks late into the night. The spacious basement dining room has a warm feel to it - heavy on the wood and brick, with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with wine bottles surrounding the tables. This casual bistro offers value-priced wines and meaty Mediterranean snacks late into the night. The spacious basement dining room has a warm feel to it - heavy on the wood and brick, with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with wine bottles surrounding the tables.
Some fifty wines are available by the bottle, starting at just Y2500, with twelve poured by the glass. The food menu offers simple but satisfying fare like pork rillettes, assorted hams, country-style cassoulets, and tapas favorites like garlic-sauteed shrimp and mushrooms. [Show more] [Show less] Yotsuya 1-24, Mitsui Garden Hotel B1F. Open 5pm-3am (LO; Sat, Sun - 11:30pm) daily.
Solid Tex-Mex food and friendly service.
Yotsuya 1-20-9. Open 11:30am-2, 5pm-1:30am (LO) daily.
Ajanta (Kojimachi - Indian). 3264-4255, 3264-6955
A huge menu, great food, a surprising variety of different breads, and extremely convenient hours.
Nibancho 3-11. (Across from Nihon TV.) Open 24 hours a day.
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.
Ringer Hut (Kagurazaka - Japanese regional). 3260-2978
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice.
Tenjincho 63-1. Open 11am-2am daily.
The specialties here are charcoal-grilled fish and seafood on skewers, plus deep-fried fish and vegetables on skewers. There's a big open kitchen and counter area, plus high tables with stools. Budget around Y2800 for food and some drinks.
Kagurazaka 6-8. Open 5pm-3am (Sat, Sun -11pm) daily.
Convivial bonhomie beams from the second-story window of this lively tapas bar in Kagurazaka. Inside, ceramic plates painted in sunny Andalucian colors hang above the brick-lined counter. Bottles of wine, conveniently marked with prices and descriptions, line the tall wooden shelves at the far end of the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the space seem bigger than it is - the bar seats a scant twenty-four - and create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and open. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Kagurazaka 4-3, Omiya Bldg 2F. Open 5:30pm-1:30am (LO). Closed Mondays.
Tribes (Kagurazaka - African). 3235-9966
An African-themed restaurant with Afro-French fusion dishes and a selection of exotic meats. The wines are mostly from South Africa, and a full-course dinner for two plus a bottle of wine runs about Y10,000. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Wakamiyacho 10-7. Open 7pm-3am daily.
El Pulpo (Kagurazaka - Spanish). 3269-6088
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. The food here is fantastic, using fresh seafood that's delivered directly from Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Kagurazaka 4-3, Miyazaki Bldg 1F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Bitter (Kagurazaka - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5261-3087
Often hidden backstreet bars like this - quiet, sophisticated, with tasteful but understated decor - specialize in expensive Scotch whisky or cocktails, so it's nice to find a place like this with a serious Belgian beer menu. Food includes freshly shaved Parmesan, pork rillettes and shepherd's pie, and prices are a bit higher than average (around Y1200-1500 for a typical bottle of Belgian). Located upstairs in a residential-looking building, the bar can be very hard to find, but that's part of its charm.
Tsukudocho 1-14, Sun Heights Sakatabashi 203. (walk up Kagurazaka-dori and turn right at Gojuban Chinese steamed bun shop, it's on the right side after about 4 min.) Open 5pm-2am. Closed weekends.
A tapas bar with Spanish wines.
Kagurazaka 3-1. Open 5:30pm-4am. Closed Sundays.
Frigo Est (Suidobashi - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3262-1138
A comfortable and spacious Belgian specialty bar with nearly 100 beers by the bottle that you can select and serve yourself from the big glass refrigerators. They also have unusual beers on draft (Witkap Pater) and a modest food menu.
Nishi-Kanda 2-1-12, Umezawa Bldg 2F. Open 5:30pm-2am daily.
Ringer Hut (Ochanomizu - Japanese regional). 5283-6230
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice.
Kanda Surugadai 2-6-11, No. 87 Tokyo Bldg. Open 10am-4am (Sun -2am) daily.
The dishes here are authentic and spicy, from a fairly wide menu.
Kanda Jimbocho 2-1. Open 11:30-2:30, 5pm-1am (LO; Sat. to 9pm). Closed Sundays and holidays.
Brussels (Jimbocho - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3233-4247
This original branch of the pioneering Belgian beer bar chain is spread out over three very narrow floors, with cozy seating niches. There's a small food menu and a very good selection of beers.
Kanda Ogawamachi 3-16-1. Open 5:30pm-2am (5:30-11pm Sat.). Closed Sundays and holidays.
Himonoya (Awajicho - Izakaya). 3254-0080
Good sake and izakaya fare, including many varieties of grilled hinomo (dried fish) in an attractively rustic setting. Earlier hours on weekends.
Kanda Ogawamachi 1-8-1, Ogawamachi Cristo Bldg 1F. Open 11am-4am daily.
Jha Bar (Awajicho - Beer bar). 3252-3258
Four beers on tap and many more by the bottle at this late-night bar, with an unusual selection mostly from Belgium, Germany and the UK. The food menu features pizzas, salads and tapas-style small dishes. Open until 4am Friday nights, 11:30pm Saturdays.
Kanda Tacho 2-5, Togin Kanda Bldg B1F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Good, solid tonkotsu ramen is served here, and they do a "vegetable ramen" with lots of fresh vegetables to go with your pork.
Hon-Komagome 6-5-4. Open 11am-2am (Sun -midnight). Closed Wednesdays.
East Side
Ippudo (Okachimachi - Ramen). 5807-2772
A branch of the famous Hakata ramen chain, featuring thin, slightly chewy noodles in a pork-based broth ("red" or "white"), with or without extra chashu. You can add your own freshly grated garlic.
Ueno 3-17-5. Open 11am-3am daily.
Ringer Hut (Okachimachi - Japanese regional). 5807-1045
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice.
Ueno 6-8-5. Open 10am-2am (Sat, Sun -10pm) daily.
Vinuls (Ueno - Spanish). 5826-5753
Spanish food and reasonably priced French and Spanish wines, with convenient late-night hours. Budget around Y3000 for food and drink at dinnertime. (From the same management as the Aux Amis des Vins chain of French wine bars.)
Ueno 7-1-1, Atre 1F. Open 11am-4:30am daily.
Zanmai (Ueno - Sushi). 5807-6543
This convenient 24-hour branch of the popular Tsukiji-based budget sushi chain offers good value for money.
Ueno 2-7-12. Open 24 hours a day.
Located at the top of the very cultural Amuse Museum, Bar Six offers a nice evening view of the illuminated pagoda and temple buildings of nearby Sensoji Temple. Weather permitting, the outdoor terrace seats offer the best view. Drinks include cocktails and a few Belgian beers, and the casual food menu includes tasty snacks like fried chicken.
Asakusa 2-34-4, Amuse Museum 6F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Mondays.
Ringer Hut (Asakusa - Japanese regional). 5826-7362
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice.
Hanakawado 1-2-5, Asakusa KS Bldg. Open 11am-2am (Sat, Sun -10pm) daily.
Rotisserie chicken is the highlight of the menu at this Spanish-Italian chain restaurant. Open until 4am, Rigoletto is one of the few late-night choices in the neighborhood. Budget around Y3000 at dinnertime.
Oshiage 1-1-2, Tokyo Solamachi 2F East Yard. Open 11am-4am (-11pm Sun) daily.
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.
Kaigan 1-2-20, Shiodome Building 1F. Open 11am-2, 5-10pm; Thu/Fri 3am; Sat/Sun 8pm. Open every day.
There's no need for an elaborate meal if you're not in the mood; here you can settle in with a simple pizza margherita, a sampling of their fifteen different hams and salamis, and a nice bottle or two of Italian wine. The cellar stocks around 300-400 different bottles, so it may take awhile to choose. Open late Thursday and Friday evenings; budget from Y4000 at dinnertime with drinks.
Kaigan 1-2-20, Shiodome Building 1F. Open 11am-4, 5-10:30pm (LO; 3am Thu/Fri). Open every day.
Ringer Hut (Hamamatsucho - Japanese regional). 5733-1051
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice.
Hamamatsucho 1-27-14. Open 10am-4am (Sat, Sun 11am-11pm) daily.
Keawjai (Kinshicho - Thai). 3634-9991
Excellent, authentic Thai food at reasonable prices. There are a few outdoor tables for the warmer months of the year. Budget around Y2000 at dinnertime.
Kotobashi 2-15-4. Open 10am-4:15am (LO) daily.
Buono (Daiba - Bar). 3599-7777
In case you somehow miss the last train home from Odaiba, this very casual darts bar is open until morning, serving inexpensive food and drinks to go with your darts.
Daiba 1-6-1, Decks Tokyo Beach 1F. Open 11am-4:30am (LO) daily.
Late-night pastas and Italian wines.
Assorted southeast Asian dishes and a large bar.
Zest (Daiba - Tex-Mex). 3599-4803
Dependable late-night Tex-Mex food and fun decor.
