Simple, expertly prepared "seasonal dishes and Italian wines" in a casual setting. Lunch is Y700 and Y1450; full-course dinners from Y3800. Pizzas start at Y1400. [feedback]

Higashi 3-17-14, 2F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

This stylish two-story cafe-bar looks like a ski chalet that's been sliced along the diagonal, with big windows looking out over the picturesque (at least at night) Shibuya River. Stop in for a late-night drink - there's plenty of reasonably priced wine by the glass or bottle - or a full meal. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Higashi 3-16-10. Open 11:30am-3, 6pm-2am (4am Fri, 11pm Sun) daily.

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

Ebisu 1-6-3. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

A place worth cultivating in late-night Ebisu - the staff is friendly, the hours are accommodating, the music and decor are hip, and the food can be entertaining, although it's more of a drinking spot than a full-fledged restaurant. Food includes Korean items, a big miso section, and various izakaya permutations. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Hiroo 1-33, SPC Japan Bldg. 1F. Open 6pm-3am daily.

The Tokyo branch of a renowned Hakata ramen shop (they also have a branch at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum), they serve 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 -- you'll find bowls of whole garlic cloves on the counter along with graters. [feedback]

Hiroo 1-3-13. (along Meiji-dori towards Hiroo, just past the post office) Open 11-4am 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.

Very modern cooking - Chinese ingredients and preparation methods filtered through a California/fusion sensibility. Typical dishes include risotto of bean paste, zucchini, and pancetta with fried conger eel; and snow crab dumplings with 3 different sauces: corn, basil and balsamic. Dinner is a set-price Y3900 for three courses, which surprisingly includes all the wine you can drink, plus dessert and coffee. You can also bring your own wine - just let them know in advance. [feedback]

Hiroo 5-22-3. (on the right side of Meiji-dori going towards Hiroo/ Tengenjibashi) Open 11:30am-3, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.

The owner of Grape Choice has an encyclopedic knowledge of wine, and his list covers France, Italy, Australia, California, Washington and even Japan, starting around Y5000-6000 and climbing rapidly. Food includes grilled meats and fish, and unusual items like pig's-foot croquettes, squid fritters and cheese fondue with organic vegetables. Budget around Y7000 for dinner with a few glasses of wine. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Hiroo 5-22-3, Hiroo Nishigawa Bldg B1F. Open 6pm-2am (LO). Closed Sundays.

This tiny Ebisu standing bar looks as though it's been plucked from the backstreets of Barcelona. Choose from a variety of tapas like bacon-wrapped dates or jamon iberico to snack on as you sip on a glass of wine (Y500-) or fino sherry (Y600-). [feedback]

Ebisu 1-12-5, 2F. Open 5:30pm-midnight (LO). Closed Sundays.

The food is nicely prepared but a bit more expensive than expected. The large, comfortable dining room has been known to become rather raucus at times. [feedback]

Ebisu 1-15-9. Open 5:30-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Very authentic flavors and atmosphere - it's almost like being in Bangkok, and sometimes there's even a tuk-tuk parked outside. [feedback]

Ebisu 1-18-16. Open 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.

Jamaican-style jerk chicken and pork, in a no-frills dining room. It's not particularly spicy, but you can add your own condiments. Non-stop old-school reggae plays in the background. [feedback]

Ebisu 1-26-13. Open 11am-10:30pm daily.

Tasty tropical drinks and Hawaiian and Okinawan snacks. [feedback]

Higashi-Ebisu 1-26-13. Open 11:30am-2, 5pm-3am daily.

Interesting, garlicky food from around the world. No reservations accepted, so you have to take your chances. [feedback]

Ebisu 1-26-12. Open 6-11pm (LO) daily.

Tucked into a quiet Ebisu back street, Aotea Rangi is one of the few places in town where you can experience the charms of genuine New Zealand cuisine. At first glance the small restaurant looks like an Italian trattoria with terrace seating, but once you're inside the atmosphere seem more like a casual cafe-bar. The lighting is soft and the mood is relaxed. Service is attentive, and the staff is more than ready to help you with the extensive New Zealand wine list. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 1-21-18. Open 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed Tuesdays.

Good Singaporean chicken rice and Malaysian-style curries. [Go to branch review] [feedback]

Ebisu 1-21-14, Costa de Verano 1F. (behind Zest) Open 11:30-1:30, 6-10pm (LO). Closed 3rd Monday.

With its red leather upholstered seats and wood and brass fixtures, Le Lion offers a little slice of Lyon on the backstreets of Ebisu. Welcoming staff, covered terrace seating, and excellently prepared brasserie - or, rather, bouchon - fare make this cafe/wine bar a lovely place for a casual meal or late-afternoon tipple. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 1-21-16. Open noon-11:15pm (LO; -5:15pm Sun ). Open every day.

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, 5:30-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Former Iron Chef Masahiko Kobe's tiny restaurant has just 10 tables, so reservations are essential. Full-course dinners are Y6000 and Y8000; lunch is Y2000. [feedback]

Ebisu 1-23-22. Open 11:30am-1:30, 6:30-9:30pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays, 1st Tue.

Lots of Naples-style pizzas and grilled dishes, and even a few vegetarian items are on the menu. [feedback]

Ebisu 1-22-20. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-11pm daily.

If it weren't for the illuminated sign advertising, "Fish and Sake" in English, you might have trouble finding this second-story hideaway in Ebisu. The interior is modestly appointed with a few small tables around a long wooden counter. This understated approach to decor reflects the bar's no-frills philosophy. They specialize in two things: fresh fish and sake. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 1-22-10, Kamasuya 2F. Open 6pm-1am (LO) daily.

A huge, bustling branch of this popular Tex-Mex chain. The open-air rooftop seating can be very pleasant when the weather is warm. [feedback]

Ebisu 1-22-1. Open 11:30-5am daily.

Live music (often from the talented owner, "Sam") and relatively inexpensive food. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-6-1, B1F. Open 6-10:45pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

This quiet spot, with its Spanish tile tables, wooden-framed glass doors, and cream-colored walls, resembles a Balinese resort. Sink into a wicker chair and sip on a cool glass of fresh fruit juice. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-8-10. Open 11:30am-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Name-brand "black" pork from Kagoshima is the specialty at this izakaya run by the Cardenas restaurant group. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 4-9-5. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30pm-2am (LO) daily.

Okinawan dishes and steaks. A 150g tenderloin steak is Y2310; budget around Y3500 for an average-sized dinner. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-9-13. Open noon-3, 6pm-2am daily.

Chef Sakurazawa is a veteran of the popular fusion establishments Citabria and Tableaux, and he brings a solidly grounded, creative vision to the menu. Drinks include a good selection of reasonably priced California wines. The attractively decorated dining room features double-height ceilings and a no-smoking mezzanine level. Most of the staff speak English, and English menus are available. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-27-1. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-11:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

One of the better Italian joints in the neighborhood, although there's lots of competition. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-27-17. Open noon-1:30, 5:30-11pm (LO) daily.

Solid, self-assured new American cuisine and an inspired selection of 40 California wines in an exuberantly urban setting. The culinary influences are more European than Asian, and memorable past dishes have included rack of lamb with dried fig sauce, enticing okra-shrimp spring rolls, and huge, succulent scallop appetizers. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 4-23-7, 2F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm (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.

The talented chef at Cabana utilizes a wide range of Asian and Western ingredients, mixed with a healthy dose of creativity and eccentricity. This is also a great place for weekend breakfast or brunch, starting early in the morning. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 3-28-12, ATY Bldg. 1F. Open 11:30am-4, 5pm-1am daily.

A very French-style multi-story cafe with a relaxed atmosphere; they serve light food items and desserts as well as coffee and drinks. [feedback]

Ebisu 3-28-12. Open 10am-2am daily.

This pleasant little cafe just downstairs from Ebisu Station has something of a diner-ish feeling to it - very casual, but with great food. The menu is quite eclectic - beef curry, excellent charcoal-grilled chicken, deep-fried octopus, sausages, Iberico ham, and "the tastiest olives in Ebisu." Drinks are just as diverse, including plum wine, awamori and Chinese liqueurs in addition to wine and beer. Budget around Y2000-4000 at dinnertime. Some outdoor seating. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-1-18. Open 11:30am-11pm (LO) daily.

This airy, open-plan bar (formerly R Gath water bar) serves several wines by the glass, four beers on tap (including the excellent Edelpils), and a limited menu of raw oysters (Y1000 for 3), shrimp cocktails, sausages and ceviche. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-4, Yebisu Garden Place Glass Square B1F. Open 3-10:30pm (LO), from 11am Sat/Sun daily.

Standard Thai fare in pleasant surroundings; there are a few California wines as well as the usual Thai beer. Desserts are above average. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-4, Yebisu Garden Place Glass Square B1F. Open 11:30am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Perhaps the only place in Tokyo offering inexpensive okonomiyaki and steaks with a skyscraper view; yakisoba starts at Y780; sirloin steaks are Y1300. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-3, Yebisu Garden Place 38F. Open 11:30am-3, 5-10pm daily.

A modern charcoal-grill specialty izakaya serving great free-range chicken plus homemade tofu and kamameshi rice dishes. And a great night-time view. Full-course dinners from Y2500-5000. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-3, Yebisu Garden Place 39F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-11pm daily.

Relatively inexpensive yakitori, seasonal fish and other izakaya fare, and of course Yebisu beer here above their former brewery. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-3, Yebisu Garden Place 39F. Open 11am-2, 4:30-10pm (LO) daily.

A big selection of 17 types of oden (starting at 170 yen) plus very good grilled chicken. Seating is at spacious counters wrapping around the central grilling area. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-3, Yebisu Garden Place B2F. (in the basement directly across from the Mitsukoshi food floor) Open 11:30am-2, 5-10pm daily.

Mostly French wines, with some rare bottles you won't find elsewhere in town. Be prepared to pay, though. There are several different caves, with prices going up the farther in you go. In front they also sell cheeses, imported foods and party supplies and wine accessories. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-7, Yebisu Garden Place B1F. Open 11am-7pm. Closed some Mondays.

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). The wine list covers some 1200 different vintages. [feedback]

Meguro-ku, Mita 1-13-1, Yebisu Garden Place. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO) daily.

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

Meguro-ku, Mita 1-13-1, Yebisu Garden Place. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO) daily.

The Westin's lobby restaurant is known for their lavish lunch and weekend brunch buffets, with frequent special events featuring food from various regions of the world. They also offer an appetizer and dessert buffet in the evenings, and a breakfast spread (Y3600) from 6:30-10:30am. [feedback]

Meguro-ku, Mita 1-4-1, Westin Hotel 1F. Open 6:30am-11:30pm daily.

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

Ebisu 4-3-1, Quiz Ebisu Bldg B1-A. Open 5pm-midnight (LO) daily.

Deep-fried individual skewers of seafood and vegetables. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-5-5, Atre Ebisu 6F. (above Ebisu station) Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Part of a popular chain -- consistently high quality and low prices. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-5-5, Atre Ebisu 6F. (above Ebisu station) Open 11:30am-9:50pm (LO) daily.

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.

Imported foods from around the world, including cheeses, spices, and canned and packaged goods. There's also a big stock of mostly European wines. Prices vary from great bargains to inexplicably expensive, so shop carefully. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-5-5, Atre Ebisu 3F. (next to the upstairs exit from Ebisu station) Open 8am-11pm daily.

Cafe Heavens serves up solid bistro fare at friendly prices all day (lunch 11-4, dinner til 11) in a fun and lively atmosphere. The drinks list includes a good selection of organic wines. Large, colorful paintings adorn the walls, and the space has an airy, northern California feel. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-16-15. Open 11am-4am daily.

This comfortable, luxuriously spacious restaurant is designed around a "Napa Valley" theme and offers a big list of Napa wines. The food is first-rate international cuisine, and while many other wine-oriented restaurants in town focus heavily on the higher-priced bottles, C'zon offers a big selection of wines in the Y3000-6000 range as well as more expensive choices. No smoking in the main dining room. (Formerly named C'zon.) [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 2-10-10, Elegante Vita Nacora 2F. Open 11:30am-midnight daily.

Enjoy the mini-forest of bonsai trees while you relax with a cocktail or a New Zealand wine in this tiny, charmingly quirky early-evening bar. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 2-8-9, Daikanyama Takara Bldg III, 4F. Open 8pm-midnight. Closed Sundays.

The atmosphere at this legendary hipster hangout is funky to the extreme, with raggedy old sofas barely visible in the dim light through a haze of incense. The music is great though - experimental jazz, contemporary electronic and everything in between, depending on the DJ and the night. No cover or table charge. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 2-9-9, 2F. Open 1pm-2am (-4am Fri/Sat). Closed Mondays.

It's easy to appreciate the beauty of Bar Guapos, where Y1500 is enough for a glass of tinto or blanco and one or two tasty tapas. There are about fifteen Spanish wines on the drink list, plus a number of Sherries. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-3-8. Open 5pm-3:30am (LO; 5-11:30pm Sun, Mon). Open every day.

A mere two minutes from Ebisu station, this comfy hide-away will make you feel right at home. Retro velour-covered sofas and a row of giant airplane windows overlooking the street below add a splash of nostalgia. Open til 4am on weekends. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-8-2-207. Open 11:30am-midnight (4am Fri, Sat) daily.

Creative "mukokuseki" ("no-nationality") dishes from the Mediterranean and Asia. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-13-2. Open 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.

This stylish little late-night stand-up bar serves a nice variety of hot and cold Spanish tapas and pinchos (small snacks on bread), along with Spanish wines. Most food items are Y250-500, with wines from Y400/glass. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-13-5. (near Ebisu Jinja) Open 5pm-5am (midnight Sundays). Open every day.

A sister restaurant of Ken's Chanto Dining, with more straight-ahead izakaya service. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-5-8, DS Ebisu Bldg. B1F. Open 5pm-midnight (LO) daily.

Smart, cutting-edge California-influenced cuisine, with an emphasis on grilled items and sashimi. The mostly California wine list is well assembled and comfortably priced. Tables are adequately separated, and the large two-story space, which is reached by crossing the entrance moat, is unusually luxurious for Tokyo. Dinner with drinks will probably start at around Y6000 per person. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-12-14. Open 6-10:30pm (LO) daily.

This stand-up bar specializes in one-cup sake from around the country; the selection perhaps isn't as exciting as a regular sake bar, but the food menu is good. [feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-14-1. Open 5pm-3am daily.

A small dining bar serving creative modern Vietnamese cuisine in a pleasantly cozy setting. The food occupies a middle ground between elaborate French-influenced Vietnamese grand cuisine and more down-to-earth noodle-shop fare, and the dishes are presented very attractively, with the servingware selected to show off each dish. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-15-8. Open 11:30am-midnight daily.

With its Francophile name and decor, this Ebisu hideaway has all the trappings of a French bistro, but it's one of the best places for dim sum in the city. Incongruous though this must seem, once you step through the heavy wooden door, there will be no mistaking the delicious aroma of authentic Hong-Kong style Chinese cuisine. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-19-6. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:20-10pm (LO) daily.

A pleasant "Mediterranean Rim" restaurant with a very casual cafe area up front (including outdoor seating) and a more formal dining room in back. The food is serviceable but not spectacular, and includes Spanish, French and Italian main dishes and starters, pizzas, paellas and pastas. There's also an extensive (and not very expensive) wine selection. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 3-1-24, City Square Ebisu 1F. (on Komazawa-dori) Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.

If you're in the mood for fantastic fresh fish and seafood, Ebisu Kaigan is the next best thing to an early-morning trip to Tsukiji Fish Market. Occupying a renovated old Japanese house, this cozy little restaurant (whose name means "Ebisu Beach") exudes a relaxed and homespun atmosphere. You can take your dinner at the counter downstairs while you chat with the chefs, but the second-floor tatami-mat area is even more fun - it almost feels like you're visiting friends or relatives at their beach house as you enjoy the best of the day's catch. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 3-4-1. Open 5pm-1am (LO; -11pm weekends). Open every day.

The wide menu here covers a lot of ground, but particularly notable are the top-quality meat dishes featuring Hokkaido lamb, game birds and gourmet pork. The cozy dining room has mostly counter seating, with two small hori-kotatsu tables. Budget around Y4000. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-2-8. Open 6pm-3am (LO; 10pm Sun) daily.

The impressive sake list includes a number of small-kura limited-edition seasonal sakes; there's also plenty of shochu. The food is also top-notch, with unusual specalties like satsuma-age (Kyushu-style fish cakes, here available in eight different variations). [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 2-3-14, Conze Ebisu 2F. Open 4:30pm-5am (to 10:30pm Sundays). Open every day.

A casual Okinawan spot with above-average food and a larger-than-usual menu. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 2-3-2, T. Nakamura Bldg B1F. Open 5-11:30pm (LO) daily.

Nepalese and Tibetan curries, noodles and Tandoori-style dishes. The restaurant is tucked into a back alley a few blocks from Ebisu station, and is divided into several small, cozy rooms spread out over several levels. At lunchtime on weekdays there's an all-you-can eat buffet for Y1,200. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-9-11. Open 11:30am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.

A cafe and noodle shop on the first floor, and a full-fledged restaurant upstairs (dinner only). They also sell Vietnamese coffee and tea. [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-9-3. Open 11am-11pm daily.

Good Peking Duck and side dishes at unbelievable prices. [Go to branch review] [feedback]

Ebisu-Minami 1-16-12, ABC Mamies Bldg 3F. Open 24 hours a day.

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.

Whether you're an abstemious vegetarian or a shameless hedonist, a meal at Asante Sana will leave you feeling positively virtuous. Attached to a store selling Asian imports, all-natural soaps, and organic food items, this tiny cafe off the beaten track near Yebisu Garden Place takes a holistic approach to natural living. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Meguro-ku, Mita 2-7-10-102. Open 11am-8pm. Closed Sundays.