Nihonbashi
Contemporary French cuisine in a tastefully flashy setting. The three-course dinner menu is Y3900, and all wines are priced at Y3900 per bottle.
Relatively inexpensive meats and produce, 24 hours a day.
Nihonbashi Honcho 3-8-3. Open 24 hours a day.
Lunch and dinner buffets of modern Italian cuisine in a beautiful open-atrium dining space. The weekday lunch buffet is Y2900; weekend lunch is Y4200, dinner is Y5000, and the weekend dessert buffet (3-5pm) is Y2700. They also offer a wine buffet to go with dinner.
Sumptuous is the word for the Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Nihonbashi. The interior by Ryu Kosaka, with richly tactile accents by textile designer Reiko Sudo, is chic and inviting, dominated by seductive earth tones. A live jazz band performs nightly for the relaxed and casual crowd, a mix of locals and visitors. No cover charge. Sumptuous is the word for the Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Nihonbashi. The interior by Ryu Kosaka, with richly tactile accents by textile designer Reiko Sudo, is chic and inviting, dominated by seductive earth tones. The scale of everything here, from the bathtub-sized chairs with gargantuan cushions to the fireplace that stretches nearly two floors to the ceiling, feels playfully large. The bar itself is rather spacious, with two main seating areas on either side of the central bar.
The extensive drinks menu - the wine list is its own separate tome - features original, mostly fruity, cocktails from Y1800. The Ancient City, a blend of tequila, Cointreau, and passion fruit, lacked impact but was greatly improved by an additional shot of tequila. There are flavored martinis to suit everyone's fancy, but the classic and dirty martinis (Y2100) can't be beat.
Malt whiskey by the glass (Y1995 - Y4000) and bottles of sake like Okunomatsu 88 Tokubetsu Junmai-shu (Y5040) and Tatsuriki Junmai Ginjo (Y12,600) are also available. Snacks from adjacent restaurants Sense and Signature can be ordered until 11:00.
The Mandarin Bar fills up after 8pm, so you may have to wait for a table. A live jazz band performs nightly for the relaxed and casual crowd, a mix of locals and visitors. No cover charge. [Show more] [Show less] 
The Mandarin Oriental's casual-dining spot offers creative contemporary cuisine with an Asian twist, plus a great view of Ginza and Marunouchi. The Y5,000 tasting menu is a good deal if you like variety - you can pick seven different appetizers for the table to share, plus soup and your choice of a main dish. Apps range from crab cakes with mango marmalade to scallops in a truffle dome, followed by substantial mains like miso-marinated loin of lamb, and Australian beef sirloin with yuzu pepper sauce. The Mandarin Oriental's casual-dining spot offers creative contemporary cuisine with an Asian twist, plus a great view of Ginza and Marunouchi. The Y5,000 tasting menu is a good deal if you like variety - you can pick seven different appetizers for the table to share, plus soup and your choice of a main dish. Apps range from crab cakes with mango marmalade to scallops in a truffle dome, followed by substantial mains like miso-marinated loin of lamb, and Australian beef sirloin with yuzu pepper sauce.
The wine program features fourteen wines by the glass, with complimentary tastings - if you can't decide among the syrah and the cabernet and the merlot you can have a sip of each to help make up your mind. At lunchtime there's an abbreviated version of the tasting menu (Y3800), plus pizzas. In the morning you'll find good Japanese and international breakfasts (Y2800-3800). [Show more] [Show less] 
Sense (Chinese). 3270-8188
The Mandarin Oriental's Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant offers an excellent weekend dim sum lunch from 11:30am-4pm. Choose from twenty varieties, all you can eat, for Y5000 (+10%). Weekday lunches start at Y3800, dinners from Y14,000. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Here inside the Mandarin Hotel's 38th-floor lounge, the seven-seat Tapas Molecular Bar serves cutting-edge modern cuisine. Twenty-one plates of highly inventive, deconstructivist, very tasty morsels are presented over the course of two hours (Y14,000+10%sc). Here inside the Mandarin Hotel's 38th-floor lounge, the seven-seat Tapas Molecular Bar serves cutting-edge modern cuisine. Twenty-one plates of highly inventive, deconstructivist, very tasty morsels are presented over the course of two hours (Y14,000+10%sc).
A meal here is an entertaining and interactive experience full of exotic textures and relevatory flavor combinations. Despite the occasional science-lab feel (test tubes with mysterious liquids, beakers of liquid nitrogen), the high quality of the results elevates this beyond mere gimmickry. Seatings are at 6 and 8:30pm, and reservations are required. [Show more] [Show less] This cafe venture from the Michelin-starred Aimee Vibert in Nibancho offers above-average bistro fare in a casual setting. The decor is classic French cafe style - tile floors, dark wood and mirrors, a zinc bar and lots of tiny tables and chairs facing the sidewalk. This cafe venture from the Michelin-starred Aimee Vibert in Nibancho offers above-average bistro fare in a casual setting. The decor is classic French cafe style - tile floors, dark wood and mirrors, with a zinc bar and lots of tiny tables and chairs facing the sidewalk.
The lunchtime menu (Y900-1500) features croque-monsieur and croque-madame sandwiches, quiches and salads, and a couple of meat and fish plates of the day. Quiches are also served during teatime (2-5pm) along with desserts and coffee. The dinner menu is all a la carte, and includes a cote de porc roti for two people (Y3800) along with daily meat and fish dishes. [Show more] [Show less] Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-2-1, Coredo Muromachi 1F. Open 10am-10pm daily.
Modern Catalan cuisine - artfully arranged pinchos and tapas and creative main dishes - are on offer at this casual after-work drinking spot. Some twenty types of Spanish wine, including sherries and cava, are available by the glass. Budget around Y3000 at dinnertime.
Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-2-1, Coredo Muromachi 2F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Nana (Japanese regional). 3548-0977
Nana is a slick, modern izakaya specializing in the regional cuisine of Kyoto, obanzai-ryori. Many of the dishes here incorporate or are built around lovely Kyoto heirloom vegetables, and the menu also offers a surprising number of chicken dishes. Nana is a slick, modern izakaya specializing in the regional cuisine of Kyoto, obanzai-ryori. Many of the dishes here incorporate or are built around lovely Kyoto heirloom vegetables, and the menu also offers a surprising number of chicken dishes.
Some highlights include the nicely fatty grilled pork on stones (grilled at your table) and the grilled sea bream with black pepper. Deep-fried anago eel cheese rolls were less successful, and the various herb and vegetable salads are passable without being very exciting. Drinks include ten popular brands of craft sake, although we didn't notice any from Kyoto. Budget around Y4000 for food and drink. [Show more] [Show less] Shabu-shabu, sukiyaki and other Japanese beef dishes; they also offer pork shabu-shabu. Prix-fixe dinners are priced Y5,000-15,000; lunch from around Y2000.
Mondo (Japanese regional). 3231-2213
You'll find exceptionally good regional cuisine from Shimane Prefecture and very reasonable prices at this old-fashioned izakaya. The menu showcases fish and seafood flown in from the region as well as local-style dishes prepared from heirloom breeds of pork and chicken. There's also a good selection of Shimane craft sake, with a friendly staff who are happy to advise you on your selection. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-5-3. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Sake and foodstuffs from Shimane-ken, in the far north-west corner of Honshu.
Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-5-3. (across the street from Mitsukoshi dept. store) Open 10:30am-7pm daily.
The gourmet tonkatsu here is made from tasty premium hybrid pork from a small farm in Yamagata. Katsu sets are priced Y1400-2500, and full-course pork shabu-shabu dinners are Y4500-7500. Lunch starts at Y1000.
Nihonbashi 1-4-1, Coredo Nihonbashi 4F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
This stylishly decorated upscale Chinese restaurant specializes in seafood and duck dishes (including Peking Duck).
Nihonbashi 1-4-1, Coredo Nihonbashi 4F. Open 11am-2, 6-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Traditional and authentic Korean cuisine, ranging from simple "home-style" cooking to more elaborate banquet fare. Full-course dinners are priced Y3000-8000.
Nihonbashi 1-4-1, Coredo Nihonbashi 4F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
A branch of a popular Thai chain. Lunch is served until 4pm.
Nihonbashi 1-4-1, Coredo Nihonbashi 4F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Excellent breads and pastries are available to take out, or you can stop for a pastry and an espresso in the lobby seating area. There's also a nice lunch menu, priced at Y1200 and Y1600.
Nihonbashi 1-4-1, Coredo Nihonbashi B1F. Open 7am-10pm daily.
Ten (Japanese). 3517-5331
Whole roast Date chickens are the specialty at Ten; budget around Y5000 at dinnertime.
Nihonbashi 1-6-1, Coredo Nihonbashi 4F. Open 11am-3, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.
Serious Catalan cuisine in this fancy Tokyo branch of Chef Carme Ruscalleda's famous Barcelona restaurant. The tasting menu is Y21,000, and main dishes run around Y7000 each. (The lunchtime "quick menu" is Y8000.) There's a more informal wine bar downstairs, with some 350 varieties of mostly Spanish wines and a light tapas menu. (Wine bar open to 1am; on Sundays only the wine bar is open.)
Simple, authentic Chinese fare prepared by native chefs in no-frills surroundings. The selection of ten lunches starts at around Y750, and portions are large. (Mabo dofu and shrimp and egg are specialties of the house.) Open weekends for lunch only.
Nihonbashi 2-7-18. (1 min. E of Nihonbashi sta. exit B6) Open 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-2am; 11am-5pm weekends. Open every day.
An outlet of a popular chain of European-style cafe-bars specializing in Belgian beers, Liege serves four beers on draft and several dozen more by the bottle. In addition to the usual mussels and frites, the menu offers grilled meats and a few game dishes. The bar is open until 3am Friday and Saturday nights.
Yaesu 1-4-16, Yaechika Dining B1F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm. Closed Sundays.
Bacchus offers a good selection of Japanese craft beers, with rotating guest beers and one hand pump for real ales. They also stock around 25 bottled beers, again mostly Japanese. The small space can get smoky at times.
Yaesu 1-7-7, Dai-ni Yamamoto Bldg B1F. Open 5pm-midnight (-3am Fridays). Closed Sundays.
Zero (Izakaya). 5203-0900
The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are friendly at this small, well-hidden drinking spot. They specialize in shochu and appropriate snacks - Kyoto-style pickles, Korean chijimi pancakes and uni toast - and there's also a well-chosen selection of five premium sake brands. (No English.)
Yaesu 1-4-3. Open 7-11:30pm (LO). Closed weekends.
Gourmet oden is the specialty here, but they also serve up yakitori, kushiage and sashimi, with full-course dinners from Y2800. Drinks include a decent assortment of sake, shochu and plum wines.
Nihonbashi 2-2-3. Open 11:30am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Deluxe sandwiches and desserts from famous French chef Joel Robuchon.
Nihonbashi 2-4-1, Takashimaya 2F. Open 11am-7:30pm (LO) daily.
A tiny, charming Belgian beer bar with a small selection of brews, including the city of Antwerp's own De Koninck on tap. There's not really a food menu, but you can order pizza (from Pizza LA) or Chinese food (from a shop downstairs) to be delivered to your table.
Nihonbashi 3-7-7, 5F. (on the side street one block south of Takashimaya) Open 5-11pm. Closed weekends.
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 Y3400; 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.
Nihonbashi 3-8-13. (on the side street one block south of Takashimaya) Open 11am-1:30, 5:30-9pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays.
Hard-to-find German beers, German wines, and assorted snacks are on offer at this branch of the small Franziskaner chain. The meat-heavy food menu is more interesting and diverse than might be expected.
Nihonbashi 3-8-16, Buyo Bldg B1F. (1 block S of Takashimaya) Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Nihonbashi Yukari serves magnificent seasonal Japanese cuisine in a casual, relaxed settting. And while dinner might set you back Y10-20,000 with drinks, lunch is an amazing bargain. Regular lunches start at just Y2100, and the sumptuous deluxe bento lunch is Y3675 - excellent value for this level of cooking. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Nihonbashi 3-2-14. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Ningyocho
Darvish sells imported Persian ingredients - Iranian dates and other fruits, juices, honey and spices.
Kodenmacho 18-4, Ueno Bldg 1F. Open noon-10pm. Closed Mondays.
Good Neapolitan-style pizzas in a charming old building (the owner apprenticed in Southern Italy before opening this shop).
Nihonbashi Horidomecho 1-2-9. (near Kodenmacho station) Open 11:30am-2, 5-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
A joint venture by ham importer Principe and wine producer Zonin, this casual wine bar specializes in top quality cured meats from San Daniele del Fruili and Italian wines. The interior resembles a stylish Roman cafe, with shiny red acrylic surfaces, a gleaming metal bar, and shelves stocked with books and magazines about Italy. Italian radio plays in the background, and the friendly chef chats easily in Japanese and Italian. A joint venture by ham importer Principe and wine producer Zonin, this casual wine bar specializes in top quality cured meats from San Daniele del Fruili and Italian wines. The interior resembles a stylish Roman cafe, with shiny red acrylic surfaces, a gleaming metal bar, and shelves stocked with books and magazines about Italy. Italian radio plays in the background, and the friendly chef chats easily in Japanese and Italian.
Although the menu features nicely prepared pizzas and pastas, pork - in all of its various salted guises - takes center stage here: capicola, mortadella, mild and spicy salumi, and two kinds of prosciutto crudo. Rosebud-pink slices of prosciutto secolo, aged for over twenty months and delicately scented with white truffle, melt in the mouth (Y900 for a small plate, Y1650 for a large one), leaving a lingering sweetness. Savory snacks like deep-fried olives stuffed with ground meat and spices, and buttery, flaky pastries filled with pancetta and hard-boiled eggs, provide tasty, unusual alternatives to the staid choices of olives and tomato-basil bruschetta.
The wine list is an exploration of Italy's viticultural landscape, with 45 wines from all over the country. Around ten are available by the glass, and the three-wine tasting sets for Y1100 offer excellent value. [Show more] [Show less] Nihonbashi Ningyocho 2-3-2, Tamaeido Bldg 2F. Open 5-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Brozers' (Sandwiches/burgers). 3639-5201
Japanese-style premium burgers in this otherwise burger-deprived Tokyo quarter. Burgers start at Y1000, and topping variations include fried egg, pineapple, and chili beans as well as the usual cheese, bacon and avocado. All are smothered in a smoky barbecue sauce and come with fries. The menu also offers chicken and fish burgers, hot dogs and milk shakes.
Ningyocho 2-28-5. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sun -7:30pm) daily.
Ningyocho 2-6-12. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Sukiyaki, shabu shabu, and teppanyaki.
Ningyocho 2-9-12. Open 11am-11pm daily.
The 20th-floor French restaurant at the Royal Park Hotel in Nihonbashi offers and elegant setting and good food; budget around Y4000 at lunchtime and Y15,000 in the evenings for food.
Nihonbashi Kakigaracho 2-1-1, Royal Park Hotel 20F. (direct access from Suitengumae subway station) Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10pm daily.
Sumida (Teppanyaki). 3667-1111
Premium Kobe and Matsuzaka beef from pampered cattle is prepared at this deluxe steakhouse. Lunch from Y2625, dinner from Y12,600 yen. Private rooms are available.
Nihonbashi Kakigaracho 2-1-1, Royal Park Hotel 20F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10pm daily.
Tokyo station
Rikyu (Yoshoku). 5220-6811
Good charcoal-grilled beef tongue from this Sendai-based chain. You'll also find beef-tongue curries, stews, sausages and other yoshoku-style dishes, along with regional sake from Miyagi Prefecture. Located in the North Court dining area in the middle of Tokyo Station (within the gates).
[Go to branch review] Marunouchi 1-9-1, JR Tokyo Station 1F North Court. Open 7am-10pm (LO) daily.
There's no sake menu at this small counter-bar, so it can be a little intimidating for sake novices. If you know what you like though you can find some interesting limited-edition sakes here - just tell them what styles you prefer and they'll make suggestions from their constantly changing selection. There's also a small menu of sake-focused snacks. The bar is attached to a well-stocked sake retail shop. Located in the Gransta basement food/cafe zone inside Tokyo Station.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, JR Tokyo Station B1F Gransta. Open 7am-10pm daily.
The food menu here is billed as "homemade deli" - grilled octopus, yakisoba, hot dogs, prosciutto - with most items priced at Y500. But you're really here for the beer - an impressive selection of Japanese microbrews by the bottle (Y800/Y900), a few microbrews on tap (Y500), and imported beers like Pilsner Urquell and Anchor Steam. There are a few stools but it's mostly stand-up, with small shelves on the side wall and an unusual zigzaggy central table.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kurobei Yokocho (B1F). Open 11am-11pm daily.
Ojori (Korean). 5220-5220
A beautifully decorated dining room, with separate hori-kotatsu and table seating areas. The menu is authentic home-style Korean, with lots of hearty stews for groups (starting at around Y3000), pajon pancakes (Y1480) and ishi-yaki bibimba (Y1580) - more than 100 different dishes altogether.
They simmer two different styles of gourmet oden here - in miso broth and in dashi broth. Assorted platters of either type are Y1500, and full-course dinners featuring sashimi, tofu, broiled fish, appetizers and dessert are Y5000 per person. The dining area is rather plush, with a nice big counter and comfortable tables; take your shoes off at the door.
This stylish space is decorated in a rustic island motif, with stone floors and walls and polished wooden latticework. The food is quite tasty and authentic, with plenty of daily specials supplementing the usual Okinawan standards like rafti (pork stew), goya champuru (stir-fry), Okinawan soba and taco fried rice. Lunch teishoku starts at Y980; budget around Y2000-3000 in the evening for ample food.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kurobei Yokocho (B1F). Open 11am-11pm daily.
A sign at the door proudly announces the pedigree of their free-range chicken (Iwate), their charcoal (Wakayama), and even the salt they use (Yamaguchi)! Lunch donburi sets start at Y980, with a limited-edition kiji-yaki special for Y1300. Evening skewers are priced at Y250 and up. The interior is pleasant, with a big counter area close to all the grilling action.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kurobei Yokocho (B1F). Open 11am-11pm daily.
This funky little retro-themed snack bar serves tasty grilled Gunma-raised pork on skewers, beef tongue and motsu nikomi (organ-meat stews) along with beer and a selection of premium sake in one-cup sizes. You can stand around the oil-drum tables up front or sit at a handful of tables in back as you enjoy the old jazz and early Showa-era posters on the walls. Skewers are priced Y160-200.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kitchen Street (1F). Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Beef tongue cuisine is a specialty of Sendai, and this is the first Tokyo branch of a famous Sendai shop. The grilled tongue teishoku is a good place to start (Y1300), and local brands of premium sake are available to drink.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kitchen Street (1F). Open 11am-11pm daily.
Akashiyaki is like takoyaki, only lighter and fluffier, with bits of tender Akashi octopus in the center; here it's Y850 for a plate. They also make yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and a variety of inexpensive teppanyaki grilled foods. One of the nicer Kitchen Street interiors, with a big wooden counter and tables. Take-out is also available. English menu.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kitchen Street (1F). Open 11am-11pm daily.
Over 2000 types of shochu and awamori in this very well-stocked shop.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kitchen Street (1F). (In the north passageway of Tokyo Station (outside the wicket area) connecting the Yaesu and Marunouchi sides) Open 10am-9pm daily.
The prize-winning tsukemen here is served with a thick, richly flavored dipping sauce made with pork, seafood and vegetables. For those who want to skip the long lines, the shop also sells a very good and easy-to-prepare "omiyage" package to take home. This is one of eight famous shops that make up Tokyo Ramen Street in the Ichiban-gai underground shopping complex attached to Tokyo Station.
Marunouchi 1-9-1, Ichibangai Tokyo Ramen Street. Open 7:30am-10, 11-10pm (LO) daily.
This small, hole-in-the-wall shop in Tokyo Station's underground shopping complex boasts a surprisingly large selection of hard-to-find premium sake - 80 kinds in all - including multiple varieties from popular breweries like Kubota and Denshu. There's good sashimi as well as dishes like crab and horsemeat shabu-shabu. Budget around Y3500 at dinnertime.
Yaesu 2-1. (on "Orange Road" in the Yaesu underground shopping complex, near stairway 15) Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; 9pm weekends) daily.
An informal oyster bar serving raw and cooked oysters from Japan, New Zealand and the US, along with Cajun-style gumbo and seafood "pan roasts." Located in the underground shopping complex just E of Tokyo station.
Yaesu 2-1, Yaesu Chikamichi Minami #1. Open 11am-11pm (10pm Sat, Sun). Open every day.
Pancakes, home-made pies and burgers from this third Japan branch of the famous New York brunch spot. It's conveniently located in one of the underground shopping malls connected to Tokyo station. Breakfast is served from 7:30am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.
Yaesu 2-1, Yaesu Underground Shopping Naka #3. Open 7:30am-10pm (LO; Sat, Sun 9am-9pm) daily.
Liquors Hasegawa focuses on hard liquors, with an impressive selection of rare Bourbons and Scotch whiskeys. Best of all, you can try them out in the shop - Y150-200 gets you a 10ml pour of many of the bottles they carry. Beer fans can find a decent selection of Japanese, British and other craft beers by the bottle. Liquors Hasegawa focuses on hard liquors, with an impressive selection of rare Bourbons and Scotch whiskeys. Best of all, you can try them out in the shop - Y150-200 gets you a 10ml pour of many of the bottles they carry. Beer fans can find a decent selection of Japanese, British and other craft beers by the bottle.
The shop is located in a basement shopping arcade next to Tokyo station on the Yaesu side. Not to be confused with the similarly named sake specialist Hasegawa Saketen, which is inside Tokyo station (also in a basement shopping arcade). [Show more] [Show less] Yaesu 2-1, Yaesu Underground Shopping Naka #3. Open 10am-8pm daily.
Kyobashi station
Up-to-date izakaya fare, with prix-fixe dinners from Y3000 and a decent sake list.
Marunouchi 1-11-1, PCP Marunouchi B1F. Open 11am-11pm (lunch -2pm) daily.
A reasonably priced menu of Thai standards served in a pleasant dining space. Lunch sets (until 3pm) from Y650 and prix-fixe dinners from Y2880.
Marunouchi 1-11-1, PCP Marunouchi B1F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO; 1hr earlier Sat/Sun) daily.
Located in the Four Seasons Marunouchi Hotel, Ekki Bar and Grill serves contemporary international cuisine and a nice selection of New World wines in a sophisticated setting. Weekend brunch menus from 11:30am-2pm start at Y3900. Live music Wednesday to Saturday from 9-11pm.
Marunouchi 1-11-1, Pacific Century Place. Open 6:30-10:30am, 11:30-2:30, 5:30-10pm daily.
One of Japan's more famous yoshoku establishments, the decor here is 1960s-modern, with wood paneling and a big dessert cart. The beef curry is Y1890, and beef fried-rice omelettes are Y2625. One of Japan's more famous yoshoku establishments, the decor here is 1960s-modern, with wood paneling and a big dessert cart.
Our beef curry (a specialty of the house) was very tasty, with tender meat and mushrooms and flavors that blended together smoothly and gently. It seemed more like beef stew than a typical Japanese curry, though, the roux more like a rich gravy with a bit of curry flavor. It was accompanied by a small salad of baby tomatoes and carrots (good) and cornichons (not really a good match).
The beef curry is Y1890, and beef fried-rice omelettes are Y2625. [Show more] [Show less] Kyobashi 2-3-4. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
This dessert cafe offers a big selection of chocolate-themed dishes - eight kinds of chocolate cake, frozen fresh chocolates, and hot chocolate drinks. Located in the headquarters building of the Meiji chocolate company, the cafe sports a stylish brown-and-gold color scheme that's reminiscent of an expensive box of chocolates.
Kyobashi 2-4-16, Meiji Seika Honsha Bldg 1F. Open 9am-8pm (11am-7pm weekends) daily.
Sofia (Bulgarian). 5200-0141
Sofia serves authentic Bulgarian cuisine - hearty stews and vegetable soups and lots of yogurty dishes. Set lunches from Y800 and prix-fixe dinner menus from Y3500, or order a la carte.
Yaesu 2-5-12, Prarie Yaesu Bldg 2F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Run by the Swanlake Brewery of Niigata Prefecture, one of Japan's first microbreweries, this specialty beer bar serves thirty beers on tap, including several Swanlake varieties and other microbrews from all over Japan. There's also a small menu of simple but well-prepared food, including excellent caprese and home-made smoked bacon. Among their offerings, the beers from Swanlake are reasonably priced.
Yaesu 2-6-5, Yaesu Go-no-go Bldg. Open 4-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Authentic, very enjoyable Indian cuisine, with an emphasis on the cooking of southern India. The dosas are light and fluffy, the curries are hearty, and every dish has its own distinctive flavor and character. The decor is simple and tasteful, a nice change from the typical Tokyo curry shop.
Yaesu 2-7-9. (from Kyobashi sta. exit 5 walk 3 minutes towards Tokyo station, then turn right) Open 11:15am-2:30, 5-10pm. Closed Sundays.
This tiny standup bar always has a number of good Japanese microbrews and international beers on tap. Food is limited to snacks.
Yaesu 2-8-10. Open 5:30-11pm. Closed weekends.
If you're looking for a wine bar in Kyobashi that won't doesn't roll up the shutters at 11pm, Bannzai Vino is open until 4am (except Sundays), and serves fairly decent food along with wine from Y700/glass.
Named after young Los Angeles-based chocolatier Jonathan Grahm, this casual brasserie-style restaurant serves American and International cuisine. Prix-fixe dinner menus start at Y4000 (there's also a la carte), and lunches start at Y1000.
Kyobashi 3-1-1, Tokyo Square Garden 1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Heirloom breeds of chicken and pork from Okinawa are the specialty at this upscale izakaya.
Kyobashi 3-1-1, Tokyo Square Garden 2F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO) daily.
Italian food and wines are on offer here, with a stand-up counter bar for those who just want to keep it casual. Unusually, they're open for morning service from 8am on weekdays. Earlier evening hours on weekends. Budget around Y6000 for a full dinner with drinks.
Kyobashi 3-1-1, Tokyo Square Garden B1F. Open 8am-10:30, 11:30-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.
Kaba (Japanese regional). 6225-2260
The specialty of the house here is seafood from the San-in region of Western Honshu, flown in daily and served grilled and as sashimi. There's also a good selection of sake from the region, and a lively after-work crowd. Prices are quite reasonable - budget around Y2500-3500 at dinnertime for food and drink.
Kyobashi 3-1-1, Tokyo Square Garden B1F. Open 11am-2, 4-10:15pm (LO) daily.
A small, office-building branch of one of Tokyo's more interesting curry shops, Moyan offers a huge variety of tasty Japanese-style curries and ethnic-style side dishes, along with inexpensive wines and cocktails.
Kyobashi 3-1-1, Tokyo Square Garden B1F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Ibrew (Beer bar). 3281-6221
Good craft beers at very reasonable prices - that's the chief selling point for this tiny, unpretentious beer bar. Ten Japanese microbrews are served on tap, all priced at just Y690 for a large size (410 ml) and Y390 for a regular size (Y230 ml). The pizzas are also surprisingly good, and similarly cheap - they start at Y490, while the most expensive of the bunch is a very tasty four-cheese pizza for Y790. Good craft beers at very reasonable prices - that's the chief selling point for this tiny, unpretentious beer bar. Ten Japanese microbrews are served on tap, all priced at just Y690 for a large size (410 ml) and Y390 for a regular size (Y230 ml). The pizzas are also surprisingly good, and similarly cheap - they start at Y490, while the most expensive of the bunch is a very tasty four-cheese pizza for Y790.
The rest of the eclectic food menu features items like carpaccio, Buffalo chicken wings, and French toast, and the bar is open all day from lunchtime if you want to stop by for a snack. Given the modest setting - just a dozen seats around the bar plus an outdoor standing space overlooking a highway embankment - this isn't really a full-fledged dining destination, but it's a nice place to start the evening with a good local beer and a nibble. [Show more] [Show less] Yaesu 2-11-7, Masubi Bldg 1F. Open 11am-midnight. Closed Sundays.
Dobro (Croatian). 5250-2055
Like Italy, its much larger neighbor across the Adriatic, Croatia has a long coastline and a seafood-heavy Mediterranean cuisine built around grilled fish, scampi, mussels and calamari as well as goat cheese, dried ham and olives. At the same time, northeastern Croatia borders Hungary and is close to Austria, so Eastern European culinary influences are also strong. Dobro, a well-hidden Nihonbashi spot, does an excellent job introducing this often overlooked cuisine to Tokyo diners. [See
FULL REVIEW.]
Kyobashi 2-6-14. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
World-class pastries from an internationally renowned patissier and past winner of the World Pastry Cup (Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie) are served at this tiny cafe and retail shop. Sugino is known for his artistically styled mousse-based entremets, and one of his most famous inventions is the Ambroisie, a beautifully well-balanced assemblage of chocolate mousse and sponge, pistachio mousse and sponge, raspberry jam and chocolate glaze. World-class pastries from an internationally renowned patissier and past winner of the World Pastry Cup (Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie) are served at this tiny cafe and retail shop. Sugino is known for his artistically styled mousse-based entremets, and one of his most famous inventions is the Ambroisie, a beautifully well-balanced assemblage of chocolate mousse and sponge, pistachio mousse and sponge, raspberry jam and chocolate glaze.
Another famous pastry is the Marie, made with wild strawberry and pistachio mousses and only available in the cafe, since it's too delicate to travel. Don't neglect the limited-edition seasonal offerings though - on a recent mid-summer visit we were delighted by a tropically themed confection featuring coconut, passionfruit and banana.
Freshly made pastries are brought out at 11am and 2pm, and the most popular varieties sell out quickly. You may have to line up before getting in, especially on weekends. The pleasant ten-table cafe area in back of the shop serves an excellent double espresso for Y650; pastries start at around Y650. [Show more] [Show less] Kyobashi 3-6-17, Kyobashi Daiei Bldg 1F. Open 11am-7pm (Sun -6pm). Closed Mondays.
Relatively inexpensive meats and produce, 24 hours a day.
Kyobashi 1-11-2. Open 24 hours a day.
Shashlik and lamb dishes are a specialty of the house at this family-run Uzbek restaurant, and they do a nice mezze-style spread as a starter. The menu also includes Russian and Turkish dishes, and the drinks list features Turkish and Georgian wines. Budget around Y3000 at dinnertime; lunches Y750-950.
Hatchobori 1-4-8, Morita Bldg B1F. Open 11am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Maru (Wine bar). 3552-4477
A liquor shop, a standing bar, and a casual sit-down grill, Bar Maru is many things to many people. Browse the shelves, and if you find something you like you can crack it open on the spot for a modest Y500 corkage fee. Pop into the tachinomiya next door for a quick drink, or head to the second floor for a more comfortable scene. A liquor shop, a standing bar, and a casual sit-down grill, Bar Maru is many things to many people. Browse the shelves, and if you find something you like you can crack it open on the spot for a modest Y500 corkage fee. Pop into the tachinomiya next door for a quick drink, or head to the second floor for a more comfortable scene. There are about sixteen wines, including homemade sangria and, in the colder months, hot wine.
Sit down to a glass of Siglio (admittedly no Gran Reserva, but at Y450, who's complaining?) and start grazing on Spanish and Japanese tapas - an array of cured meats, sauteed mushrooms luxuriating in garlicky olive oil, grilled free-range chicken and fresh seafood, all reasonably priced.
Get more serious with a big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon from Israel's Yarden Golan Heights Winery and move on to grilled Iberico pork or entrecote steak. The friendly atmosphere, with its eclectic mix of Shimokitazawa-style hipsters, salarymen, and Hatchobori locals, is as compelling as the food and drink. No English. [Show more] [Show less] Hatchobori 3-22-10. Open 5-11pm. Closed weekends.
