Tokyo Food Page Listings - Vegetarian and Health Food

Japanese and/or Macrobiotic

Gaienmae -- Tochi no ki. 3403-5375

More low-key and relaxed than the average izakaya, with lots of vegetable-oriented dishes.[feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 3-2-7. Open 11:30am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Saturdays, Sundays.

Omotesando -- Crayon House. 3406-6409

The basement of Crayon House has an organic vegetable shop and two separate natural-food restaurants: "Hiroba", serving Japanese food, and "Home", with French cuisine. "Hiroba" offers an interesting buffet lunch for Y1,200.[feedback]

Kita-Aoyama 3-8-15. (walk down Omotesando towards Harajuku, turn left at the Hanae Mori Building and walk one block) Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.

Jingumae 2-chome -- Mominoki House. 3405-9144

Simple, healthy Japanese-style fare, with fish and meat as well as vegetarian dishes. Seating is on several levels, with platforms and sunken pits making the room seem more spacious. In spite of their health food claims, there are ashtrays (and smokers) everywhere.[feedback]

Jingumae 2-18-5, YOU Bldg. 1F. Open 11am to 10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Ichigaya -- Healthy Kan. 3263-4023

A tasty assortment of healthy Japanese dishes and excellent Belgian beer.[feedback]

Rokubancho 4, Asahi Rokubancho Mansion 2F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 4:30-9pm. Closed Sundays.

Takebashi -- Kushi Garden Deli and Cafe. 3215-9455

A casual vegetarian/macrobiotic menu.[feedback]

Hitotsubashi 1-1-1, Palaceside Bldg. 1F. (Above Takebashi station, in the Mainichi Shimbun building.) Open 11am-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Nezu -- Nezunoya. 3823-0030

Nezunoya provides relief for vegans in Tokyo. Nestled behind an organic food store, this lunchtime-only vegan cafe offers satisfying meals in a rustic atmosphere. The set lunch specials usually consist of a fresh seasonal vegetarian dish accompanied by brown rice, two smaller side dishes, miso soup, pickles, and warm barley tea. [feedback]

Nezu 1-1-14. Open 11:30am-2:30pm. Closed Sundays.

Ogikubo -- Guruppe. 3393-1224

Various Japanese-style vegetarian and health-food-oriented dishes. There's a fairly large organic fruit and vegetable shop downstairs. No smoking. [feedback]

Ogikubo 5-27-5. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9:30pm. Closed Sundays.

Kichijoji -- Monk's Foods. 0422-48-3977

Healthy Japanese food with some vegetarian meals, and jazz on the sound system (it's named after Thelonious Monk, not the Buddhist variety).[feedback]

Gotenyama 1-2-4. (southwest of the station) Open 11:30am-10pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays.

Yoyogi-Uehara -- Veggie Paradise. 6421-2925

It's Tokyo's first raw-food restaurant. They also have a natural foods cooking school attached to the restaurant.[feedback]

Uehara 1-22-14. Open 11am-11pm daily.

Shimo-Kitazawa -- Alicia. 3485-3681

The atmosphere may seem somber, but the carefully constructed vegetarian dishes are first-rate.[feedback]

Kitazawa 2-9-23, Dai-ni Suzuki Building 2F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-7pm. Closed Mondays.

Shimo-Kitazawa -- Gu. 3485-2187

Laid-back, homey atmosphere and late-night hours. The food's a little bit too deep-fried, but the fresh-from-the-oven cookies are great.[feedback]

Kitazawa 2-26-8, Cony Building 2F. (Located above Anna Millers.) Open 6pm-2am daily.

Tofu Ryori

Note: Japanese restaurants specializing in tofu are usually not completely vegetarian.

Gaienmae -- Ume no Hana. 3475-8077

A tofu and yuba specialty restaurant with branches throughout Japan. Full-course dinners range from Y2,300-Y6,500; lunch from Y1,800. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Kita-Aoyama 2-14-6, Bell Commons 6F. Open 11:30am-3, 5-9pm (LO) daily.

Shibuya -- Sora no Niwa. 5728-5191

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.][feedback]

Sakuragaokacho 4-17. Open 5-11pm (LO) daily.

Ebisu -- Yuuan. 5793-7351

Unusual, fresh-made tofu delicacies, and plenty of good non-tofu dishes as well. Seven different lunch sets range from Y950-2400. Set dinners start at around Y2400. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-5-5, Atre Ebisu 6F. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.

Shinagawa -- Yuuan. 6718-2809

A tofu specialty restaurant with a bright, modern Japanese interior, and sushi and seasonal dishes to supplement the tofu.[feedback]

Konan 2-16-3, Grand Passage 1F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Hamamatsucho -- Atagoya. 3436-1219

Tofu kaiseki and tofu-centric full-course dinners from Y3000-7000; Y1200-2200 at lunch. They even have tofu ice cream. (The main branch is up the road in Shimbashi 6-chome.)[feedback]

Shiba-Daimon 1-6-1. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9pm (LO), Sat. 4-8pm. Closed Sundays, some Sat.

Shimbashi -- Atagoya. 3578-1279

Superb tofu dinners and kaiseki menus; lunch is Y1200-2200, and dinner ranges from Y3000-7000. The drinks menu includes beer, sake, original cocktails and their own brand of house wine. Call ahead to reserve.[feedback]

Shimbashi 6-13-12. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9pm (LO), Sat. 4-8pm. Closed Sundays, some Sat.

Uguisudani -- Sasa-no-Yuki. 3873-1145

[feedback]

Negishi 2-15-10. Open 11am-8pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Hakusan -- Goenmon. 3811-2015

Excellent tofu cuisine in a beautiful garden setting. They have a private teahouse which can be reserved if you call far enough in advance. Reservations absolutely necessary.[feedback]

Hon-Komagome 1-1-26. Open noon-2, 5-10pm (8pm Sundays). Closed Sundays.

Shojin Ryori

Shojin-ryori is Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It's rather elaborate and a bit on the expensive side, but very good. Call ahead for reservations, and confirm prices beforehand.

Onarimon -- Daigo. 3431-0811

Top-class temple vegetarian cuisine. Lunch 10-12,000 yen, dinner 14-18,000 yen.[feedback]

Atago 2-3-1, Forest Tower 2F. Open noon-3pm, 5-8pm (LO) daily.

Iriya -- Bon. 3872-0234

Beautifully prepared temple cuisine. Lunch/dinner ranges from 7,000 - 10,000 yen.[feedback]

Ryusen 1-2-11. Open from noon and from 5pm. Closed Tuesdays.

Yoga -- Izusen. 3700-4661

The Tokyo branch of a famous temple restaurant in Kyoto, they specialize in teppatsu-ryori, a type of shojin-ryori (vegetarian temple cuisine). The tatami rooms look out onto a beautiful Japanese garden. Dinner is Y5500 or Y6500.[feedback]

Setagaya-ku, Seta 3-6-8. (at the intersection of Route 246 and Kampachi-dori) Open 11am-8:30pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays.

Chinese

Shinjuku -- Agurarou. 3351-5975

Food prepared with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Dinner runs around Y7,000 per person.[feedback]

Shinjuku 3-6-9. Open 11:30am-2, 5-11pm. Closed Sundays.

Roppongi -- Gozenbo. 3470-2218

Top-notch Chinese cuisine prepared with medicinal herbs, for whatever ails you. Prix-fixe menus range from Y4200-15,750, plus a big a la carte menu. Lunch starts at Y900 and includes numerous noodle and rice variations. [feedback]

Roppongi 6-8-15. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Nakano -- Kohrinbo. 3385-7005

This is the kind of vegetarian Chinese that specializes in crafty "imitation meat" dishes alongside the more recognizable tofu and vegetable items. The results are quite tasty and varied in flavor - it's amazing just what you can do with mushrooms, wheat gluten, nuts, lotus root and other vegetables. It's just a tiny counter with nine stools, a TV set on the wall, a friendly mama-san, and shockingly cheap prices.[feedback]

Nakano 5-52-15, Nakano Broadway 2F. Open 11:30am-3:30, 5-8pm. Closed Sundays.

Indian subcontinent

There are dozens of Indian restaurants in town, so here are just a few to get you started.

Shinjuku -- Khazana. 3352-9455

Friendly service and lots of vegetarian dishes.[feedback]

Shinjuku 3-30-11. (Across from Isetan, on Shinjuku-dori) Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.

Omotesando -- Ghungroo. 3406-0464

Critically acclaimed curries in a pleasant little shop located on the little street parallel to Kotto-dori. The food is authentic and good, and Ghungroo even caters events at the Indian Embassy.[feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 5-6-19. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Shibuya -- Raj Mahal. 3770-7677

Good curries from one of Tokyo's best Indian chains.[feedback]

Udagawacho 30-5, 5F. (behind the koban on Inokashira-dori) Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Akasaka -- Moti (honten). 3582-3620

The main branch of one of Tokyo's most popular Indian chains.[feedback]

Akasaka 3-8-8. Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.

Roppongi 1-chome -- Devi Fusion. 5570-4335

Don't come here looking for fusion cooking - it's all straight-ahead curries and tandoori items, above average in quality although sometimes overly salted. One thing that sets them apart is the Hoegaarden on draft, a refreshing Belgian white beer that provides a very pleasant contrast with the spicy dishes. The decor is fairly pedestrian, with sports on the big-screen TV, but at least the smoking and non-smoking sections are on separate floors. [feedback]

Roppongi 3-3-15. Open 11:30am-10:30pm daily.

Yotsuya 3-chome -- Dipmahal. 3341-9465

Above-average curries and tandoori dishes, at good prices.[feedback]

Yotsuya 3-3, Stream Yotsuya 2F. (from Yotsuya 3-chome walk towards Yotsuya sta, take the second left; the shop is on the right a few doors in) Open 11am-3, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Kojimachi -- Ajanta. 3264-4255, 3264-6955

A huge menu, great food, a surprising variety of different breads, and extremely convenient hours.[feedback]

Nibancho 3-11. (Across from Nihon TV.) Open 24 hours a day.

Nakano -- Govindas. 3387-8998

A tiny, hard-to-find place run by Hare Krishnas, Govindas serves good Indian and Japanese vegetarian dishes. Ask them to fax a map.[feedback]

Nakano 5-17-10. Open noon-9pm daily.

Kamimachi (Setagaya-ku) -- Spice Magic. 5426-6955

Excellent curries and tandoori items and fantastic nan. [feedback]

Setagaya-ku, Sakura 3-25-3. (on Setagaya-dori next to a branch of Jonathan's restaurant, about ten minutes west from Kamimachi station on the Setagaya (streetcar) line) Open 11am-2:30, 5-10:30pm. Closed Wednesdays.

Nishi-Shinjuku -- Court Lodge. 3376-7733

Curries and other Sri Lankan fare in a brightly lit, coffeeshop-like setting. Full multi-course meals from Y2,000-Y4,000.[feedback]

Yoyogi 2-10-9. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Other cuisines, salad bars

Harajuku -- Masala Hut. 3402-5010

Very good Indian curries, tandoori dishes, and Nepalese specialties. Full-course dinners from Y2500 (or Y2000 for the vegetarian special). The dining room is tiny but cheerful. [feedback]

Jingumae 1-21-15, Napole Harajuku 2F. (about one minute N of Harajuku Sta Takeshita-dori exit) Open 11am-3, 5-10:30pm daily.

Meguro -- Kathmandu Gangri. 3493-4712

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. The menu here includes Nepalese and Tibetan sections, with set dinners ranging from Y1100-3000 and lunches starting at Y700. The food is nicely spiced, rich and garlicky, and fiery hot, and the portions are quite filling. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Shimo-Meguro 1-2-22, B1F. Open 11:30am-3, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Ikebukuro -- Al Flah Supermarket. 3985-9784, 3985-3015

Al Flah specializes in Halal foods, and sells ingredients for Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern and some Southeast Asian cooking -- everything from whole chickens to Basmati rice. They carry a big line-up of packaged and ready-to-eat vegetarian curries.[feedback]

Ikebukuro 2-41-2, 4F. (next to Royal Hotel) Open 11am-11pm daily.

Kichijoji -- Soybean Farm. 0422-21-0272

An interesting miso and miso soup restaurant, with seasonal dishes like kimchee nabe and several varieties of cabbage rolls. Many dishes are vegetarian.[feedback]

Kichijoji Honcho 2-15-2. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-9:30pm (LO) daily.

Shinjuku Gyoen-mae -- Aureole. 3355-8447

European-style home cooking, wrap sandwiches and other "wrap cuisine" is the focus of the menu at this casual park-side cafe. Full-course vegetarian dinners are available, and everything on the menu is ready for take-out. [feedback]

Shinjuku 1-3-12. (along the N side of Shinjuku Gyoen) Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Omotesando -- Pure Cafe. 5466-2611

Organic coffee and cakes, sandwiches and soups; everything is vegetarian/vegan (so don't expect any latte in your cafe). From the owners of the popular Cafe 8 vegan hotspot. [feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 5-5-21. Open 8:30am-10:30pm daily.

Azabu-Juban -- Eat More Greens. 3798-3191

This "vegetable cafe and bakery" offers curries and pastas during the day and a wider evening menu, with veggie tapas, falafel platter, vegetarian pizzas and lasagna. The refreshingly large drinks list includes organic California wines (Bonterra), a couple of US microbrew beers, and even tequila. There's plenty of outdoor seating, although it can get smoky. [feedback]

Azabu-Juban 2-2-5. Open 7:30am-10:15pm (LO; from 9am Sat, Sun) daily.

Nakano -- Karma Foods Booze. 3387-0602

It's worth coming here for the music alone - a fantastically eclectic mix from all over Asia and the rest of the world. The drinks menu includes coffee, tea, chai, Balinese rice wine, Thai soy milk, exotic cocktails and organic fruit juices. Food includes a nice selection of home-made desserts (all day long) and dishes like Tibetan dumplings (highly recommended) and tofu salad. The tiny chairs and tables don't encourage too much lingering, but this is an essential stop on a Nakano tour.[feedback]

Nakano 5-32-9. Open 7:30-11:30am, noon-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Nishi-Shinjuku -- Sizzler. 3342-5814

Still one of Tokyo's best salad bars, with plenty of options for vegetarians.[feedback]

Nishi-Shinjuku 2-1-1, Mitsui Bldg. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Suidobashi -- Sizzler. 5840-7331

The impressive salad bar is the main draw here.[feedback]

Koraku 1-3-61, Tokyo Dome Hotel 2F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Daiba -- Sizzler. 3599-4534

The all-you-can-eat salad bar is surprisingly varied, and still one of the better ones in town.[feedback]

Daiba 1-7-1, Aqua City 5F. Open 11:30am-10pm daily.

Yokohama Minato-mirai -- Sizzler. 045-222-5316

One of the best (well, one of the only) salad bars in the neighborhood.[feedback]

Minato-mirai 2-2-1-2, Landmark Plaza 3F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Shinjuku -- Chaya Macrobiotic Rest.. 3357-0014

Health-oriented but not really vegetarian fare (there are lots of fish dishes) in a casual French style. [feedback]

Shinjuku 3-14-1, Isetan 7F. Open 11am-10pm (LO 9). Closed Wednesdays.

Yoyogi-Koen -- Leroux. 3467-1247

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.

Tameike -- Pita the Great. 5563-0851

Falafel and other hot and cold pita sandwiches. There's a small outdoor terrace seating area, or you can take out.[feedback]

Akasaka 2-11-7, ATT Shinkan. Open 11am-6pm (ish). Closed weekends.

Ekoda -- Shamaim. 3948-5333

An Israeli restaurant and pub, one minute from Ekoda south exit. They serve falafel, humus, salads, stuffed pastries and soups, plus shish kebab and one or two other meat dishes. 50 seats; reservations recommended. The all-you-can-eat special is Y2,000. Open noon-midnight Saturdays and Sundays. [feedback]

Sakaecho 4-11, Art Bldg 2F. Open 5-11pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Gaienmae -- Jap Cho Ok. 5410-3408

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.][feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 4-1-15, Alteka Belte Plaza B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30pm-1am (LO) daily.