Roppongi
Picks: Cheaper than a trip abroad: L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (Paris), L'Estasi (Milan), Roy's (Honolulu), Union Square (NY)
Western: Aux Gourmands (French), Bodega Santa Rita (Spanish)
Japanese: Ryugin (modern kaiseki)
Casual: Obika Mozzarella Bar (mozzarella), Pintokona (sushi), Jomon (yakitori)
Brunch: Lauderdale, Cafe Daisy, French Kitchen, Roti, dim sum at Chinaroom
Budget: Madison Park (gourmet hot dogs), R Burger (maguro-wasabi burgers), Chinese Cafe 8
Drinks: Champagne at Zero Bar, German beers at Bernd's Bar, Cali wines at Vinoteca
West of Roppongi Hills
Slightly fancier than average French food, in a tiny house just off TV Asahi-dori. Lunch from Y3000; dinner from Y5500.   Moto-Azabu 3-2-3. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.
Very good Peking duck and other Chinese fare at amazingly low prices. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Aladdin (Middle Eastern). 3401-8851 Nicely done kebabs and other authentic Persian dishes, from the management of the former Ali Baba.   Nishi-Azabu 3-2-6. Open 11:30-2, 5:30-10:30pm daily.
This pork specialist offers set menus of shabu-shabu, Korean-style grilled pork and pork stews from around Y2000, plus charcoal-grilled pork skewers from Y300. Open to 1am (LO) Friday nights; no lunch service on weekends.   Nishi-Azabu 1-2-3, Active Roppongi B1F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-11pm (LO) daily.
A convivial place to stop for a late-night cocktail and snack, although the drinks are better than the food.
SuperDeluxe have established themselves as a center for experimental music, performance and art, with interesting events scheduled for nearly every night of the week. The bar serves a couple of very good microbrew beers including the locally made Tokyo Ale. http://www.super-deluxe.com/   Nishi-Azabu 3-1-25, Kanaya Hotel Mansion B1F. (from Roppongi station, walk 5 min. on Roppongi-dori towards Nishi-Azabu; it's on the left, just past TV Asahi-dori.) Open 8pm-2am daily.
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 Hills
Upscale Italian cooking from the popular Salvatore Cuomo chain. | |
Late-night kushi-katsu, with shochu, awamori and sake from around Japan. | |
Excellent Hawaiian seafood with intriguing Asian influences - there's plenty of Pacific Rim cuisine in Tokyo, but somehow Roy's manages to stay unique. There's also a decent selection of New World wines to go with the food, and a popular weekend brunch (Y3500, or Y7000 with champagne and wine open bar). | |
Healthy seasonal vegetable-centered cuisine is the concept at this cheerful counter shop, with attractively presented dishes like bagna cauda, vegetable shabu-shabu, grilled shiitake with duck, and grilled acorns. Take-out bentos are sold from 11am-4pm. Budget around Y5000 for dinner; lunches from Y1300. Open to 1am Fridays and Saturdays.   Roppongi 6-10-1, Roppongi Hills Westwalk 5F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
"New-style French dining" in a very stylish dining room. The food is first-rate and the ambience is casual, with all counter seating. The focus of attention is the open kitchen space on the other side of the counter - a performance space really - where the chefs go about their work. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
The dim sum here is fairly average, but there's a lot of it! Some 51 varieties, including 14 desserts, and all you can eat at lunchtime and all day weekends. The decor is modern and attractive, and non-smoking seats are provided. Y3200 at lunchtime, but tea is extra (from Y800); Y3800 for weekend dinners. There's also a regular menu, and late-night hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.   Roppongi 6-10-2, Roppongi Hills Hillside 2F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO; -3am Thu-Sat) daily. | |
This flagship restaurant of the Grand Hyatt bills itself as a French brasserie, with a very spacious setting and a dramatic open kitchen. Their all-day service includes breakfast and a popular brunch on weekends. The Y2200 weekday lunch buffet is also worth checking out. The Grand Hyatt's spacious brasserie restaurant has a dramatic open kitchen and outdoor terrace seating. The popular weekend brunch (Y6300+10%) is served from 11:30am-3pm, and comes with a glass of champagne, a choice of main course and a big buffet with eggs cooked to order, French toast, smoked salmon, Parma ham and numerous salads and desserts. The main course options include substantial fare like Australian beef fillet; roast duck breast with duck confit; roast guineau fowl and sauteed scallops.
If you're an early riser and in the mood for something more breakfasty, lavish Western- and Japanese-style breakfasts are served 7-10:30am for Y3700. [Show more] [Show less] | |
The Grand Hyatt's Chinese restaurant offers a dim sum buffet at lunchtime every day for Y4200. Budget around Y10,000 per person in the evening for food and drink. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Excellent grilled meats and flamboyantly expensive New World wines in the Grand Hyatt's flagship restaurant. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Pantry (Sandwiches/burgers). 5786-9861 Appetizing sandwiches and burgers, deli items and interesting drinks like raspberry soy milk, from the Homeworks burger shop. Take-out and local delivery available.   Roppongi 6-4-1, Metrohat B1F. Open 8am-11pm daily. | |
A modern conveyor-belt sushi shop with a high-tech element - an electronic chip in each plate keeps track of freshness, and fish is taken out of rotation after thirty minutes.   Roppongi 6-4-1, Metrohat B2F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
Coffee, wireless internet access and good food from the popular Wired Cafe chain.   Roppongi 6-10-1, Roppongi Hills Hillside B2F. Open 11am-11pm 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. | |
Four types of mozzarella cheese imported from Italy every day make up the centerpiece of the menu here. You can enjoy them with various salamis and dried hams, salads and pasta dishes, and Italian wines. Budget around Y5000 at dinnertime, Y1500 for lunch.   Roppongi 6-10-2, Roppongi Hills Hillside B1F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
If you're crazy about truffles, this specialty restaurant has just what you're looking for. The dining room is tasteful and elegant, and the menu is traditional French, except there are truffles in every dish (even dessert). Four-couse truffle-enhanced lunches are Y8500, and prix-fixe dinners start at Y15,000.   Roppongi 6-10-2, Roppongi Hills Hillside B1F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
This is the English-friendly branch of the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza, run by the original owner's son, where you can enjoy absolutely top-grade sushi and actually talk to the chef, which is at least half the fun. Lunch menus from around Y17,000, dinner from Y24,000 (plus drinks).   Roppongi 6-12-2, Keyakizaka-dori 3F. Open 11:30am-2, 5-9pm. Closed Wednesdays. | |
This popular international chain restaurant serves New York-style Italian fare, with a focus on Roman cuisine. The menu features ten veal dishes (ranging Y5000-8000), scampi, and a good selection of daily specials. This popular international chain restaurant serves New York-style Italian fare, with a focus on Roman cuisine. The menu features ten veal dishes (ranging Y5000-8000), scampi, and a good selection of daily specials.
The spacious dining room is romantically lit (you'll need a flashlight to read the menu) and bustling with energy. The wine list is extensive, covering the New World as well as Italy, but there are few bottles under Y10,000; wines by the glass (and other drinks) are more reasonable. Budget around Y10,000 per person before drinks. There's also a separate lounge area up front that's open very late. [Show more] [Show less] | |
It's hard finding a good breakfast in Tokyo outside of the international hotels, but this Roppongi Hills cafe delivers the goods. The breakfast/brunch menu is a mix of European and international influences - freshly made souffles, French-style omelettes, croissants, custom-made salads and buttermilk pancakes. The afternoon/evening menus are a mix of French bistro and international fare - pork rillettes, duck confit, beef-cheek pot-au-feu, falafel croquettes, roast beetroot with goat cheese. Beverages include fancy cocktails, fruit smoothies, and moderately priced wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]   Roppongi 6-15-1, Keyakizaka-dori 1F. Open 7am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
Yes, they can be expensive, but we're still glad that Tokyo has at least gourmet grocery store that's open 24 hours a day. Delivery service as far as Toranomon and Minami-Aoyama.   Roppongi 6-11-1, Keyakizaka-dori, Gate Tower 1F. (at the very bottom end of Roppongi Hills, next to Tsutaya) Open 24 hours a day. | |
Fine Italian dining in a casual atmosphere, from the Michelin-starred Sadler restaurant in Milan. Full-course dinners are Y8500, while pizzas and pastas are in the Y2200-2800 range. There's also a very impressive wine cellar. Terrace seating is available in the warmer months of the year.   Roppongi Hills, Keyakizaka-dori, Gate Tower 3F. Open 11am-1am daily. | |
Roppongi 6-chome
Reliable sushi from a national chain known for their all-you-can-eat specials.   Roppongi 6-1-20, B1F. (next to Aoyama Book Center) Open 11:30am-10:15pm (LO) daily.
A Roppongi tradition, still packing in the customers.   Roppongi 6-2-35. Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
Cyclo (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.
Superb, inventive American cuisine from noted Tokyo chef Ian Tozer, built around a deceptively casual menu. The dining room is pleasantly smoke-free, and there's outdoor patio seating when the weather permits. Superb, inventive American cuisine from noted Tokyo chef Ian Tozer, built around a deceptively casual menu - rotisserie chicken, grilled meats and fish, substantial salads, and a few regional specialties. All this plus a great boutique wine list, popular all-day brunch on weekends, a smoke-free dining room, and patio seating during the warmer months, in this "modern American brasserie". [Show more] [Show less] | |
Roppongi (towards Nogizaka)
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.
A small Roppongi izakaya with Okinawan-style food and frequent live musical performances. There's a nominal music charge (Y1,000 or so) when there's a show.  Roppongi 7-14-10, 4F. (near Roppongi crossing on Gaien-Higashi-dori) Open 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
No ordinary soba shop, this is the Tokyo venture of restauranteur Koichi Kobari, who ran the highly acclaimed, celebrity-patronized Honmura-An restaurant in New York's SoHo district before returning to Japan. We're pleased to see that Kobari hasn't lost his magic touch. Of course the shops noodles and tempura items are first-rate, but you'll also find original, creative side dishes and starters along with a decent selection of craft sake and shochu. No ordinary soba shop, this is the Tokyo venture of restauranteur Koichi Kobari, who ran the highly acclaimed, celebrity-patronized Honmura-An restaurant in New York's SoHo district before returning to Japan. We're pleased to see that Kobari hasn't lost his magic touch. Of course the shops noodles and tempura items are first-rate, but you'll also find original, creative side dishes and starters along with a decent selection of craft sake and shochu.
It's fun to come with a group and order an array of small dishes, izakaya-style - the seasonal menu ranges from traditional fare like yuba (tofu skin) with sea urchin and grilled fu (wheat gluten) to avocado salad. If you're feeling extravagant you can call in advance to order a special tasting menu (from Y5000 per person), or you can just stick with a plate of soba or udon noodles (Y800-2000); the sesame dipping sauce is especially recommended. The decor is modern and very tasteful; the attitude is friendly and unpretentious. English menus are available. [Show more] [Show less] | |
Worth knowing about if you're still in Roppongi at breakfast time.   Roppongi 7-14-4. Open 7am-8pm (LO) daily.
Hundreds of tequilas, including tasting flights, served in a cave-like basement. Although it turns into a Roppongi-style pickup bar after 8 or 9pm, it's a bit more relaxed earlier in the evening.  Roppongi 7-15-10, Clover Bldg. B1F. Open 6:30pm-2am (4am Fri, Sat). Closed Sundays.
From the management of the Warrior Celt, this cozy English-style pub serves an interesting variety of English ales - including Tanglefoot and Fursty Ferret from Badger Beers; Spitfire and Bishop's Finger from Shepherd Neame, and organic Whistable Bay and 1698 Celebration Ale. Simple pub meals average around Y1000. Lunch served on weekdays; earlier closing hours on Sunday/Monday.   Roppongi 7-15-25. Open 5pm-5am daily.
A noisy German ex-pat bar, with sausages and other bar food, and real German beers. (Food menu served till 10pm.)   Roppongi 7-7-6. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Cocktails, cigars, bar snacks and live music most nights at this popular New Orleans-style bar.  Roppongi 7-8-16. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays, Mondays.
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.
La Gorda Cuban Bar and Grill offers Cuban food, rum cocktails, cigars and late-night hours on weekends. (Open until 5am Friday and Saturday nights.)   Roppongi 7-9-4. Open 11:30am-2, 6-11:30pm daily.
Nogizaka
This stunning venture from the Hiramatsu group and the famous French chef Paul Bocuse occupies one of the most spectacular public spaces in Tokyo, inside the new national art gallery. Three-course prix-fixe lunch is Y1800; in the evening a la carte mains average around Y2700. | |
Authentic Cuban food and plenty of mohitos and other rum cocktails. Budget around Y3500 at dinnertime. Open to 5am Friday and Saturday nights.  Roppongi 7-3-19, Parami Roppongi 103. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
A large assortment of open-faced sandwiches and other Danish specialties. Sandwiches range from Y800-Y1,200, and at lunchtime (11:30-2:30) they come with salad, wine, and dessert.   Roppongi 7-3-22. Open 11:30am-11pm (LO) daily. | |
"Tokyo's Funky French Bistro", prepares food using the finest vegetables from Kyoto and other Japanese ingredients.  Roppongi 7-4-4, Ryudocho Bldg. 1F. Open noon-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Organic burgers and sandwiches; delivery available through much of Tokyo. Delivery 11am-8:30pm weekdays, 11am-6:30pm weekends.   Roppongi 7-5-11. Open 11am-10pm (Sat, Sun 7:30pm) daily.
A late-night bar with a good food menu (both Western and Japanese) and a club-like atmosphere. Mains and pastas generally run Y1000-1700.
After Sunday mass at The Franciscan Center Roman Catholic Church, Italian nationals flock to Pizzeria 1830 for wonderfully prepared Napolitan pizzas and home-style pastas. The pizzas come with or without tomato sauce, topped with tantalizing combinations like mushrooms and Italian sausage; or ham, mixed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and olives. Wines are reasonably priced, with a selection of five by the glass and more by the bottle. Budget around Y5000 for dinner. | |
Tokyo Midtown area
Nestled in overstuffed chairs with pillows covered in candy-colored pastel silk, visitors can enjoy spectacular views while listening to live Bossa Nova from 2:30-midnight. Arrive on the early side if you want a window seat - they are usually taken by 6pm. An entertainment charge of Y2500 applies after 8pm. Perched high above the city on the 45th floor of Tokyo Midtown's Ritz Carlton Hotel, the Lobby Bar overlooks Tokyo Tower and the surrounding area. Nestled in overstuffed chairs with pillows covered in candy-colored pastel silk, visitors can enjoy spectacular views while listening to live Bossa Nova from 2:30-midnight. The interior, designed by Frank Nicholson, is modern but traditional, with impressively high ceilings and amber wood walls illuminated by giant inverted-gumdrop lamps.
The decor may be understated, but the menu brims with over-the-top luxury. Although nothing says indulgence quite like the Diamond Is Forever Martini, a Belvedere vodka martini poured over a one carat diamond for Y1,800,000; the Lobster Martini topped with caviar and creme fraiche (Y7800) and WOW Burger made with 100% black Kobe beef (Y13,450) appear to speak a similarly decadent language.
More practically minded patrons can choose from beer at Y1200, wines by the glass starting at Y1800, cocktails from Y2000, and light bites like mixed pork and chicken skewers.
Arrive on the early side if you want a window seat - they are usually taken by 6pm. An entertainment charge of Y2500 applies after 8pm. [Show more] [Show less]   Akasaka 9-7-1, Ritz-Carlton 45F. Open 2:30pm-midnight 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.   Akasaka 9-7-3, Tokyo Midtown Midtown West EB108. Open 11am-9pm daily. | |
Gourmet hot dogs, chili, gumbo and clam chowder - to stay or to go.   Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Galleria B1F. Open 7am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
This rustic, stucco-walled restaurant features skewered pork delicacies and other regional specialties from the south of Spain along with custom-imported Spanish wines. Under the same management as the ever-reliable Miyakawa wine-bar/restaurant in Azabu-Juban. Budget Y6000-7000 for dinner.   Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace 1F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays. | |
A well-appointed Tokyo branch of the upscale New York Indian restaurant. At lunchtime you can enjoy a Y2000 buffet which includes three curries of the day, vegetable fritters, sauteed vegetables, omelettes and a salad bar. Prix-fixe dinners are Y6500-8000.   Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace 1F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily. | |
This informal wine bar offers a wine-friendly menu of seafood, steaks and chops, including fresh lobster, Washington oysters, BBQ baby-back ribs and catfish burgers. The wine list covers more than 100 wines by the bottle (including some rare finds) and twenty by the glass, with three different carafe sizes so you can organize your own custom tasting. Budget around Y8000-9000 for dinner with drinks.   Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace 1F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
Original Korean cuisine, including unusual dishes made with medicinal herbs. The Y5000 prix-fixe dinner includes semi-raw beef (sangja) with kiwi fruit, spicy grilled fish, cold Korean noodles and several other courses; lunch is Y1200-1800.   Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace 2F. Open 11am-midnight daily. | |
The dramatic entrance to this spacious wine bar takes you through a tunnel of wine, with bottles displayed behind plexiglass panels on the ceiling, walls and floor. The interior is chic and casual, with seating at two long, undulating counters running the length of the dining room. The wine list covers a broad range of California wines, with two guest vineyards every month each offering a half dozen wines by the glass. The food is casual Italian; budget from Y3000 at lunch, Y10,000 at dinner, or cheaper if you just drop by for a glass and a snack. | |
  Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace 4F.
The dining spaces in this heavily design-focused restaurant are tastefully arranged, more European than Japanese in style, as one might expect from Terence Conran's first Tokyo venture. The menu is international in scope, and roast beef is a specialty of the house, with wagon service at dinnertime. Prix-fixe lunches are Y3800-5000 while dinners are Y8400-12,600; there are also plenty of a la carte choices. Most wines are targeted towards big spenders, but there are a handful of decent bottles under Y10,000, such as Penfold's Bin 407 Cabernet for Y7500. | |
New York's Union Square Cafe has been a serious gourmet destination since the mid-1980s, and this new sister store aims to bring the excitement to Tokyo. Lunches from Y3000, dinners from Y12,000. New York's Union Square Cafe has been a popular gourmet hot spot since the mid-1980s, and Tokyo's sister shop captures much of the energy and excitement of the original. The food is typical international cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and good-quality seasonal ingredients. The dining room is beautiful and well laid out, with excellent lighting and a very comfortable feel.
The menu changes often, but highlights have included the foie gras appetizer - a hefty portion of pan-seared foie gras with orange slices and bamboo shoots; the always-reliable Iberico pork; and tuna filet mignon - big tuna chunks marinated in soy and mirin for a few hours before grilling, served with tasty wasabi mashed potatoes.
The wine list doesn't have all that much under Y8000, but there are a few (like a Penfolds Australian shiraz for Y4800); by contrast they have a lot of impressively expensive bottles for the big spenders in the house. Almost all wines are from Italy, France or California. The bar up front serves a full assortment of cocktails, including an excellent martini.
Lunches are priced from Y3000, dinners from around Y12,000. Although you can find equally good food in Tokyo for about half the price, Union Square is still a good choice for a business dinner or a special lunch. [Show more] [Show less] | |
Nestled in a corner of the Tadao Ando-designed musuem building, this Tokyo branch of an excellent Italian restaurant in Kyoto has one of the more impressive architectural settings in Tokyo Midtown. The food is first-rate modern Italian; budget around Y5000 for lunch and Y10,000 at dinnertime. Open from 8am weekends. | |
This casual, stylish drinking spot serves gourmet soba and a nice selection of shochu (50 varieties) and sake to go with it; budget around Y1000 at lunch and Y3000 in the evening.   Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Plaza B1F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
Japanese country-style dining raised to an artform. Dinner around Y10,000 per person.   Roppongi 4-10-11, Yamaki Bldg. 1F. (near former Self-Defense HQ) Open 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
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] | |
Inexpensive pastas and late-night hours.
A casual but hip cafe serving fajitas, burritos, BBQ, burgers, etc. prepared Japanese-style.
More refined "Korean kaiseki" as well as the usual barbeque. Average prices at lunchtime, more expensive at dinner.  Roppongi 4-12-4 2F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Tucked into a quiet corner of Roppongi, this popular steakhouse excels in service, interior style, and food that's both creative and comforting. Chef Frederick Bowden, formerly of the French Kitchen, presents creative dishes such as coconut shrimp with pineapple salsa; roast pork tenderloin with juniper tomato jus; and of course grilled steaks - NY strip and filet and Sendai-gyu. There's a superb list of American boutique wines, many under Y10,000, plus a full cocktail bar.   Roppongi 4-2-35, B1F. Open 6-11pm (LO) daily. | |
This reasonably priced teppanyaki restaurant grills up steaks, seafood and seasonal vegetables (including shiitake mushrooms and garlic) as well as a few basic okonomiyaki variations. Budget around Y7000.  Roppongi 4-4-2, Hillside Palace Roppongi 1F. Open 6-11:30pm (LO; 10pm Sat). Closed Sundays.
A self-consciously bohemian bar/restaurant/hangout with an interesting menu.   Roppongi 4-4-5. Open 5:30pm-12:30am (Sat., Sun. to midnight). Open every day.
Decent Italian food and wine, priced for the 2000s. Lunch includes a complimentary glass of wine.   Roppongi 4-5-2. Open 11:30am-2, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
A Roppongi tourist landmark, they serve fancier-than-average yakitori at prices to match.   Roppongi 4-5-6. Open 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Saturdays.
R Burger (Sandwiches/burgers). 6805-3119 This upscale fast-food shops offers unusual burgers like maguro with wasabi dressing and chicken with ume and shiso. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
This friendly little bar serves around 100 beers on the regular menu, plus additional seasonal beers that aren't listed, so check the display case before you order. There's also a full food menu.  Roppongi 3-11-10. (on Roppongi-dori south side, at the corner of Gaien-Higashi-dori) Open 6-10:50pm (LO). Closed Sundays and holidays. | |
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.
Note: Restaurants closer to Roppongi 1-chome station can be found in the Roppongi 1-chome section of the Akasaka page.
Roppongi 5-chome / Imo-arai-zaka
Accessible California cuisine - gourmet pizzas and interesting takes on American standards like meatloaf and Cajun chicken.   Roppongi 5-5-1, Roi Bldg. 1F. Open 11am-11pm (weekends to 5am) daily. | |
Tasty burgers, loud music, big crowds. Open 11:30am-2am (M-Th), to 4am (Fri., Sat.), to 11:30pm (Sun.) | |
American barbecued spareribs, cubic onion-ring sculptures, fried cheese and other dangerous substances that we all crave from time to time.   Roppongi 5-4-20. Open 5-10:30pm (LO; Fri, Sat. 12:30am). Open every day. | |
Only the finest seasonal grilled meat, seafood and vegetables are served at this famous tourist-friendly robatayaki; budget around Y10-15,000 for dinner with drinks.   Roppongi 5-3-4. Open 5-11pm daily. | |
Jomon (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. | |
Authentic, tasty and filling Swedish food, with great homemade breads. The dining space is small and intimate.  Roppongi 5-9-19. Open noon-3, 6-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
You'll find entertaining dining and festive decor at this fourth Tokyo branch of the popular American chain of Australian-themed steak houses; budget around Y4000 at dinnertime.   Roppongi 6-1-3, Roc Mon 2F. Open 11:30am-3, 5pm-midnight (4am Fri/Sat) daily. | |
This upscale izakaya is known for their excellent grilled meats and vegetables, good sake and sophisticated decor; the Roppongi branch also has convenient late-night hours. Budget around Y6000-7000 per person with drinks.   Roppongi 6-1-3, Roc Mon 7F. Open 5pm-3am (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
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.  Roppongi 6-8-15. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
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. | |
Iikura Katamachi area
Tasty, modern teppanyaki-style grilled food, supplemented by fresh salads.  Roppongi 3-16-14, KY Bldg. B1F. Open 6pm-midnight (LO). Closed Sundays.
The biggest pub in Tokyo, Hobgoblin offers a large selection of draught beers including several British ales. There's pub-style food (with a late-night menu Friday and Saturday) and big-screen TVs showing sporting events.   Roppongi 3-16-33, Aoba Roppongi Bldg. 1F. Open 4pm-late (from noon weekends) daily. | |
Top-class seasonal Japanese cooking from this well-regarded Tokyo-based chain. Prix-fixe dinners from Y5250 or a la carte.   Roppongi 5-16-47, House 5302 B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-11pm (LO) daily.
A friendly cafe-brasserie with authentic French atmosphere and good, reasonably priced food. The daily Y1000 lunch is an especially good deal, and is served until 5pm. Evening specialties include north-African dishes like lamb and rabbit couscous and Moroccan tajine. Call ahead to arrange a non-smoking table.   Roppongi 5-17-1, AXIS Bldg 1F. Open 11am-11pm daily. | |
Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs food and a friendly atmosphere. They feature several different German beers on tap.  Roppongi 5-18-1, 2F. Open 5-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
Chaco (Steak house). 3583-8101 An old-fashioned, long-running Japanese steakhouse, with many different sizes and cuts of beef available.  Roppongi 5-18-22. Open 5-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
Zest (Tex-Mex). 5570-6999 Crowd-pleasing California-style Mexican in a casual atmosphere. | |
You'll find American-style burgers, meatloaf, chili and regional Cajun and Tex-Mex specialties here at this Tokyo branch of a Seoul-based restaurant. Their weekend brunch starts extra-early at 9am. Happy hour is 5-7pm weekdays. This bustling American eatery brings the buzz of weekend brunch in Manhattan to Tokyo. The interior, simply decorated with black-and-white photos of New York and slim cab-yellow lamps, makes use of the large windows at the front of the restaurant to create an open feel; in the warmer months, customers spill out onto the deck to dine al fresco.
During brunch hours (from 9-4 on Saturdays and 10-4 on Sundays), the place is packed, and, between her frequent trips to Seoul, owner Suji Park can be seen flitting about the dining room, delivering orders and flashing a brilliant smile.
The staff and clientele are a melting pot of nationalities, but the food is all-American. The brunch menu features classics like Eggs Benedict, country-style pancakes, and steak and eggs (Y2200, Y1700, Y2400), and the food can be washed down with a bottomless cup of coffee (Y600).
Portions are enormous. The omelets are as big as your face, and eating the Jason Burger (Y1700) - stacked with bacon, cheese, and fried onions - requires careful strategy. The New York cheesecake topped with blueberry sauce is decadently dense, and should probably not be consumed by one person alone. Drinks are half price from 5-7 on weekdays during Happy Hour. [Show more] [Show less]   Azabudai 3-1-5. Open 11am-4, 6-10pm (LO) daily. | |
An expensive (and very good) Italian restaurant downstairs, and a cafe upstairs serving drinks, coffee and desserts. | |
Excellent French cooking in a pleasant traditional setting (there are just 17 seats, including 5 at the counter). The cheese selection is especially good, as the owner-chef is also a cheese monger. There's a big wine list focusing mostly on Bordeaux and Burgundies, with a median price of around Y8000, plus a good assortment available by the glass. Prix-fixe lunches from Y2940 (Saturdays only), dinner from Y5775.  Azabudai 3-4-14. Open 6-11:30pm (LO; 9:30 Saturdays). Closed Sundays. | |
Note: Azabu-Juban listings can be found on the Azabu-Juban page.
Note: Roppongi 1-chome listings can be found on the Azabu-Juban page.
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