Shibuya
Picks:
Ethnic: Sawasdee (Thai); Miraflores (Peruvian)
Japanese: Horaitei (tonkatsu); Nana (Kyoto); Yamashiroya (Kyoto)
Best of Kyushu: Kyushu; Gyossatei (Miyazaki); Tamoiyanse; Tsukiroku (yakiton)
Western: Tharros (Sardinian)
Budget: On The Corner; Himonoya
Cafe thrills: Respekt; Seat Mania (east side); Cantik (Sakuragaokacho); Kahemi (Koen-dori)
Experimental jazz: Mary Jane (Sakuragaokacho)
Wines: Bongout Noh, Buchi, Cona
Sake: Gyossatei, Sakanatei
More drinks: cachaca cocktails at Blen Blen Blen; microbrew beers at Craftheads
Shibuya listings are organized along the major streets radiating outward from the central Shibuya station area.
Koen-dori (Parco to Kuyakusho)
Reasonably priced, reliable sushi in a convenient department-store location.   Shibuya 2-24-1, Tokyu Toyoko-ten, 9F. Open 10am-8pm. Closed Thursdays. | |
The main branch of Fermier is where many of the French restaurants in town buy their cheeses; this is a conveniently located outlet. Shibuya 2-24-1, Tokyu Toyoko-ten, B1F. Open 10am-8pm. Closed Thursdays. | |
Saigon (Vietnamese). 3477-4684 A good take-out menu, and a few counter seats where you can grab a quick curry while shopping. Shibuya 2-24-1, Tokyu Toyoko-ten, B1F. Open 10am-8pm. Closed Thursdays. Part of the Foodshow complex below Shibuya Station, this shop specializes in imported foods and liquors and offers a pretty wide selection. Shibuya 2-24-1, Tokyu Toyoko-ten, B1F. Open 10am-9pm. Closed some Wednesdays. A stylish cafe at the base of Parco serving Spanish-style tapas, coffee in the daytime and Spanish wines in the evening. Udagawacho 15-1, Parco Pt. I, 1F. Open 10am-midnight daily. | |
A famous and very popular "Korean diner" serving yakiniku and other fare. Udagawacho 15-1, Parco Pt. I, 7F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
Great grilled chicken, oysters and regional sake from this popular chain (which also runs Megu in New York). Udagawacho 15-1, Parco Pt. I, 8F. Open 11am-midnight daily. | |
They bill themselves as an oasis of quiet in the midst of Shibuya's shopping neighborhood, with pretty good food and late-night hours. [Go to branch review] | |
Inexpensive, authentic basic Vietnamese fare in an unadorned back-street basement. The menu is reasonably large, with full-course meals from Y3000 and much cheaper a la carte choices. Udagawacho 14-1. (in the street just behind Parco) Open 11:30am-3, 5-11pm daily. | |
All the cake you can eat! The dessert buffet is Y1480, with a 90-minute time limit. Jinnan 1-17-5, Mulberry 1F. Open 11am-8:30pm (LO) daily. | |
A spacious, stylish cafe with a refreshingly grown-up atmosphere in Shibuya, serving organic food and wine. Fifteen wines are available by the bottle, priced Y2800-7800, along with nine varieties of sake and a big selection of liqueurs and cocktails. You can also find flavored lattes and teas, plus sandwiches, desserts and light snacks. Udagawacho 2-1, Shibuya Homes B1F. Open noon-11pm. Closed Mondays. | |
Zest (Tex-Mex). 5489-3332 California-style Mexican food and drinks, served in one of Tokyo's noisiest restaurants. | |
Reliable pastas and other Italian dishes, with convenient late-night hours. | |
From the owners of the Zest Mexican chain, a lively, fun place serving Southeast Asian dishes. The food is tasty (although not extremely authentic), there's a big bar, and service is friendly and competent. | |
This stylish basement bar has one of the best selections of US microbrews in Japan. You'll also find some good Japanese craft beers and an impressive selection of bourbon whisky. Nineteen beers are on draft, with many more by the bottle. The food menu is light and casual bar fare, but well above average. Background music is a bouncy mix of hiphop and R&B. (Open from 3pm weekends.) Jinnan 1-13-10, B1F. Open 5pm-midnight. Closed Mondays. | |
Tucked away on a quiet side street near the Ward Office, Zarigani has a hip, Bohemian atmosphere far removed from the department-store shopping scene just a few blocks away. The music is bouncy and energetic, and the casual menu includes interesting original curries (we can recommend the green curry) as well as cocktails, teas and coffee. Udagawacho 6-11. Open noon-11:30pm daily. | |
Inokashira-dori (Seibu to NHK)
This newest venture from the popular budget Italian chain promises to serve "an Italian mama's home-cooked meals." | |
Inexpensive all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu starts at Y1980 per person. Udagawacho 12-9, Jewel Shibuya 6F. Open 11:30am-3:30, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily. This modern Japanese dining bar, styled after an Englishman's abode, is still more Tokyo lounge than Nottingham cottage, despite the oversized leather sofas and antique typewriter. The vibe is chill, and at night the lighting is dim enough to flatter just about anyone. Udagawacho 17-1, Shibuya Plaza Bldg 7F. Open noon-5, 6pm-1am daily. This long-established izakaya mini-chain serves excellent Kyushu cuisine and a good assortment of sake and shochu from the southern island. Especially recommended are the Kagoshima-style tonkotsu (pork and daikon stewed in shochu) and a well-balanced Nagasaki-style sara-udon with vegetables and meat served over crisp fried noodles. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Organic coffee and tea, breads made with 100% natural yeast, and a completely smoke-free environment - Bio Cafe provides body and mind a bit of respite in junk-food-glutted Shibuya. With its soft-spoken staff and walls that fade from fuchsia to pearly pink, this quiet little cafe along Spain-zaka attracts a stylish, almost exclusively female crowd. Organic coffee and tea, breads made with 100% natural yeast, and a completely smoke-free environment - Bio Cafe provides body and mind a bit of respite in junk-food-glutted Shibuya. With its soft-spoken staff and walls that fade from fuchsia to pearly pink, this quiet little cafe along Spain-zaka attracts a stylish, almost exclusively female crowd.
The front of the shop is a bakery selling fresh breads and pastries. In the afternoon, the cafe is full of ladies who come for the quick and healthy business lunch plate (Y980, until 3pm). At night, the dinner menu brims with salubrious intentions, featuring prix fixe menus designed to beautify the skin (Y3100) and prevent metabolic syndrome (Y3400).
If all the tofu dips, fresh juices, and low-cal desserts start to make you feel like a sinner among saints, fear not. The drink menu offers a selection of reasonably priced Italian wines (Y1900-5000 per bottle) and mixed drinks, like the vitamin-packed organic tomato cocktail (with blood orange juice and Cointreau, Y750) and the mojito-garnished with organic mint (Y650). [Show more] [Show less] | |
Good curries from one of Tokyo's best Indian chains. Udagawacho 30-5, 5F. (behind the koban on Inokashira-dori) Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO) daily. Unosato was a pioneering sake specialty pub that's been here for decades, although nowadays their list looks fairly dated - decent-enough regional brands that you'll find at a hundred other izakaya, supplemented by a page of one-cup selections. Their snacks are still above average though - excellent grilled fish and meats and first-rate seasonal vegetables. The traditional dining space is also very attractive - an island of calm in busy Shibuya. Budget around Y4000-5000 for dinner with a few drinks. Udagawacho 36-11. Open 5-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
This cozy Nepalese joint serves up curries, momo dumplings, and assorted mutton dishes all night long (till 5am anyway). | |
This cozy Shibuya hangout has a homey feel - literally. The cafe's six sections are all decorated to look like the rooms of a house. Make yourself comfortable in the bedroom, kitchen, or children's room and have a drink or a bite to eat. A welcome addition to the roster of fine restaurants near NHK. The food-buyer is a key member of the team here, and every dish respects the freshness and unique flavors of its ingredients. Highlights include the tender beef-tongue steak with ponzu, one of the best cabbage stir-fries in the city, and steamed scallop dumplings wrapped in yuba. [See FULL REVIEW.] Udagawacho 38-3. Open 5-11pm (LO) daily. | |
A mix of Chinese, Portuguese and Asian cuisines, just like the island of Macau after which it's been named. Udagawacho 39-5, 1F. Open 11:30am-3, 6-10pm daily. | |
The Honolulu-based chain is known for their Hawaiian plate lunches - platters piled high with rice (white or brown), macaroni salad and main dishes like Loco Moco, mahi mahi and barbecue chicken. There are two floors of seating, one of which is non-smoking. Udagawacho 12-12. Open 10am-11pm daily. | |
One of the strangest interiors of a Tokyo bar - in addition to the counter area there are several cozy, semi-private sculpted fiberglass "cocoons" fitting 2-4 people. The wines are mainly French, but there are also wines from Chile, Argentina, California, Australia and Italy. Just one winemaker is chosen per country, but with several selections from each vineyard. One of the strangest interiors of a Tokyo bar - in addition to the counter area there are several cozy, semi-private sculpted fiberglass "cocoons" fitting 2-4 people. The wines are mainly French, but there are also wines from Chile, Argentina, California, Australia and Italy. Just one winemaker is chosen per country, but with several selections from each vineyard.
The limited food menu is designed to bring out the best of the wines, and the duck confit (Y2000) and gongonzola penne (Y1100) are good choices. Wines start at around Y3000; Y500 service charge. No smoking in the cocoon area. [Show more] [Show less] | |
Authentic Indonesian street food prepared by a native chef from Java. Kamiyamacho 7-8, K Bldg 1F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Center-gai
One of Tokyo's longest-running live spaces, Quattro provides plenty of space to see local bands and international acts. And there's no smoking. Check their schedule. Udagawacho 32-13. One of Shibuya's more serious microbrew bars, The Aldgate offers 21 very nice craft beers on tap, mostly from Japan, Britain and the US. The food is English pub fare - Toad in the Hole, Cornish pasties, Daal Masala, Fish and Chips. One of Shibuya's more serious microbrew bars, The Aldgate offers 21 very nice craft beers on tap, mostly from Japan, Britain and the US. The food is English pub fare - Toad in the Hole, Cornish pasties, Daal Masala, Fish and Chips.
English Premier League football is broadcast live on four screens (often showing different matches). The rock-focused musical soundtrack draws on the bar's collection of 6,000 vinyl records and CDs, with lots of prog-rock on football nights. [Show more] [Show less] A pleasant, casual Italian kitchen with culinary ambitions that aren't always fulfilled. The assorted appetizers (Y3400 for five items) were outstanding, but the main dishes and pastas didn't quite live up to expectations or to their high price tags. The wine list is geared toward big spenders, with very little in the under-Y5,000 range. The interior is comfortable, though, and the counter would make a nice setting for a quick pasta and glass of wine, or for a weekday lunch. Udagawacho 33-13. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm (LO). Closed third Monday. | |
An American steak house with an Australian theme. Lunch on weekends only. Udagawacho 34-1. (near Tokyu Honten, next to Wendy's) Open 5-11pm (LO) daily.
Tokyu Honten-dori/Bunkamura (station to Shoto)
Coffee, wireless and wired internet access and decent food at this late-night branch of the popular Wired chain. Fresh, skillfully prepared tempura at friendly prices. Udagawacho 23-3, Daiichi Kangin Kyodo Bldg. 6F. Open 11:30am-10:30pm daily. This traditional whale restaurant has been here forever, now occupying a tiny corner space underneath the 109 Building. Whale meat is served a dozen ways - as sashimi, deep-fried, on skewers, as steaks, etc. Full-course dinners from Y5000, lunch from Y1000. Dogenzaka 2-29-22. Open 11am-9:45pm (LO) daily. | |
Gomaya, a venture of the Shimo-kitazawa-based Jackpot group, serves up its own very original take on "neo-Japonesque" cuisine. The decor is tasteful, and all in all it's a very value-conscious choice for casual central-Shibuya dining. [See FULL REVIEW.] Dogenzaka 2-25-13, Matsubara Bldg. B1F. Open 5-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
Sashimi, grilled fish and sake. Dogenzaka 2-25-5. Open 5-11:30pm (LO) daily. Top-class seasonal Japanese cooking from this well-regarded Tokyo-based chain. Prix-fixe dinners from Y4200 or a la carte. Dogenzaka 2-23-12, Shibuya Fhontis Bldg 1F. Open 11:30am-2, 6-11pm (LO) daily. It's a bustling cafe-lounge space by day, with late-night dining and DJ club events on weekends. There's free wifi, although it's not exactly a laptop-conducive atmosphere. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Gyossantei is a great place to sample the regional cooking of Miyazaki Prefecture, along with good sake from around the country. The dining space is comfortable and informal, and large windows on one side give it a spacious, open feel. [See FULL REVIEW.] Dogenzaka 2-23-12, Shibuya Fhontis Bldg 2F-A. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5:50-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
A huge, festive dining room serving all-you-can-eat grilled churrasco beef, pork and chicken, plus a salad buffet, for Y4000 (Y2900 at lunchtime). Dogenzaka 2-23-12, Shibuya Fhontis Bldg B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-11pm (LO) daily. | |
A comfortable, spacious Okinawan izakaya with a wide drinks menu, including unusual items like "island banana liqueur" and hibiscus sour as well as awamori and Orion beer. The food menu is limited, but everything is very well prepared and even their stir-fry dishes are ungreasy. Most portions are on the small side, but the noodle dishes are fairly filling. Dogenzaka 2-23-13, Shibuya Deli Tower B1F. Open 5:30-11:15pm (LO) daily. This small, mostly counter-bar shop serves creative cuisine and an interesting sake selection (with an emphasis on the dry, karakuchi end of the scale). Dogenzaka 2-23-15, Koike Bldg. 4F. Open 5:30pm-1am daily. | |
Viron (Bakery). 5458-1770 Great French cafe-style sandwiches, quiches and pastries to take out; there's also a pleasant cafe upstairs. Udagawacho 33-8. Open 9am-10pm daily. | |
Good-value grilled fish, snacks and sake in this lively late-night drinking spot. The specialty is himono (grilled dried fish) from around Japan. Budget around Y2000-3000 per person. There's often a two-hour time limit at tables. | |
French-style cafe beverages and pastries. The courtyard seating is unusual in that you're in the basement of the Bunkamura complex, but still out under the open sky. (Indoor seating also available.) Dogenzaka 2-24-1, Bunkamura B1F. Open 11am-10:30pm daily. Upscale, by-the-book Italian cooking in a pleasantly large room. Lunch from Y1,500, dinner from Y5,000. Dogenzaka 2-24-1, Tokyu Honten 8F. Open 11am-10:30pm. Closed Tuesdays. Top-grade tempura from a famous Ginza-based shop. Full-course dinnertime menus from Y3500; lunch from Y1800. Dogenzaka 2-24-1, Tokyu Honten 8F. Open 11am-10pm. Closed Tuesdays. One of the trio of serious craft beer bars in Shibuya (joining Craftheads and The Aldgate), Goodbeer Faucets offers more than forty beers on draft, focusing mainly on Japanese, American and Belgian brews. Shoto 1-29-1. Open 5pm-midnight daily. Dexee is known for their good, inexpensive food as well as the drinks selection. There's a big library of magazines to browse through. Shoto 1-4-8. (on the back road that runs from Tomigaya to Tokyu Honten, a couple of blocks before Tokyu) Open noon-4am daily. | |
Tapas and Spanish wines. Udagawacho 34-6. Open 6-11:45pm. Closed Sundays. The main branch of one of Tokyo's more famous French restaurants; lunch is Y8,000. Shoto 1-23-15. Open noon-1, 6-8:30pm (LO) daily. Manuel (Portuguese). 5738-0125 Tokyo's first Portuguese restaurant, with hearty, traditional country-style fare - stews, risotto-style rice dishes, and plenty of fish and seafood. The wines are a bargain, starting at around Y2800/bottle; there's also a selection of Port wines for after dinner. Around Y3000-4000/person including drinks. [See FULL REVIEW.] Shoto 1-25-6. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Wednesdays. | |
One of Tokyo's first Australian-only wine bars, with one of the largest selections of rare and expensive wines from that country. The food is mainly Italian, and consistently good. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Another branch of the excellent Uoshin chain, serving fresh fish and other izakaya fare. Shoto 1-29-5. A sister shop of the popular Naka-Meguro hangout Junkadelic, this casual bar-restaurant offers Cali-style Mex dishes like burritos, seafood tacos, and fresh guacamole with home-made jalapeno sauce. They're currently open for breakfast from 8-10am weekdays, and late-night until 2am Fridays and Saturdays. Shoto 2-14-5. Open 11:30am-4pm, 5pm-midnight daily. | |
Dogenzaka
Kuni (Wine bar). 6415-4592 A slightly more upscale relative of the wine bar Cona that features a standing area on the ground floor, a wine bar on the second, and table seating on the third. All pizza and pasta dishes are Y1000. Cona (Wine bar). 3770-5729 It's hard to beat the prices at this casual wine bar in Shibuya. All of the 70+ varieties of wine are available for Y1900. Choose your own bottle from the small glass cellar, or ask for recommendations from the knowledgeable young staff. It's hard to beat the prices at this casual wine bar in Shibuya. All of the 70+ varieties of wine are available for Y1900. Choose your own bottle from the small glass cellar, or ask for recommendations from the knowledgeable young staff.
Thin-crust pizzas come with a variety of toppings (garlic and chorizo, bacon and asparagus, prosciutto and soft-boiled egg) and all can be had for Y500. The space is small and it's standing room only, so try their sister shops Kuni or Voco if you want to sit. Drinks are half price during happy hour from 2pm - 6pm. There's no charge before 6pm, but after that it's Y300 per person. (Open from 4pm weekends.) [Show more] [Show less] | |
Spicy chicken wings and interesting Nagoya-style stews in a stylishly modern Japanese interior. | |
A late-night Shibuya standby - they've been here for decades, serving good-quality Taiwanese specialties at reasonable prices. Dogenzaka 2-25-18. Open noon-2pm, 5-midnight (LO). Closed Thursdays. | |
A branch of the famous 24-hour-a-day Yokohama Chaothai; they have an extensive menu of both standards and unusual dishes. Dogenzaka 2-9-10, K&K Bldg. 2F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily. Good spicy chicken wings and izakaya specialties from Nagoya like miso-stewed daikon. Open to 4am Friday and Saturday nights. Dogenzaka 2-10-10, Sekaido Bldg. B1F. Open 5pm-midnight (Fri, Sat -4am) daily. This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice. Hemel (Belgian rest/beer bar). 5918-6939 "Hemel Belgian Beer and Food" lives up to their name - this comfortable wood-paneled bar offers an attractive selection of Belgian and European food to go with their extensive list of over 100 beers. | |
Japanese cuisine and a late-night sushi bar. Legato (International). 5784-2121 Tokyo fusion cuisine and an excellent view of Shibuya, managed by Global Dining (Stellato, Tableaux). The sommelier has put together a widely varied list of good wines that are all priced at Y4500 per bottle. (No lunch on weekends.) Maruyamacho 3-6, E Space Tower 15F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
Hakata-style yakiton - grilled pork on skewers served with salt and vinegar-based dipping sauce - is the specialty here, but they also serve other dishes from the region - horsemeat and wagyu beef, chicken-wing gyoza and ramen noodles. Budget around Y3500 for dinner. Maruyamacho 22-14. Open 6pm-12:30am (LO) daily. | |
Kaikaya (Japanese). 3770-0878, 3770-3940 Japanese-style sashimi and grilled fish with international influences, like their garlicky salmon/avocado carpaccio and their deep-fried squid with blue cheese dressing and roast garlic. Maruyamacho 23-7. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
A few good German beers at sensible prices, along with sausage-and-meat platters. [See FULL REVIEW.] Excellent southern Kyushu specialties made from freshly flown-in ingredients. The tonkotsu-ni, chunks of pork stewed in shochu overnight, was especially outstanding, as was the chawan-mushi. The bar stocks more than 50 different kinds of shochu, and several of the walls are covered with shochu labels and descriptions. The decor is modern and stylish; the crowd is diverse. Budget around Y5000. (No lunch on weekends.) [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
 Buchi (Izakaya). 5728-2085 This is the original gourmet stand bar that started the trend - they serve premium sake in attractive one-cup containers along with a huge menu of well-prepared food, all at reasonable prices. There's a sit-down restaurant down in the basement if you start to get wobbly. [Go to branch review] | |
Between Dogenzaka and Route 246
Great pork cutlets, including original dishes like Nagasaki tonkatsu (ground pork stuffed with cheese and bacon, for those on high-cholesterol diets). Dogenzaka 1-2-2, Tokyu Plaza 9F. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily. | |
Reasonably priced, good-quality unagi (from Y2900 for eel over rice). The charcoal grill is on display in the front window, so you can check out the chef in action before you go in. Dogenzaka 1-2-2, Tokyu Plaza 9F. Open 11am-10pm daily. | |
Solid, stick-to-your-ribs Russian food and a panoramic view over Shibuya Station. Dogenzaka 1-2-2, Tokyu Plaza 9F. Open 11am-10pm daily. A British-style pub popular with foreigners; they serve British ales (many on draft) and food, with sports events shown on a big-screen TV. Dogenzaka 1-3-11, Ichiban Bldg 3F. Open 5pm-late (Sat, Sun from noon) daily. Very good Sardinian cuisine and wines; budget around Y7000-8000 for dinner.  Dogenzaka 1-5-2, Sede Bldg 1F. Open 11:30am-2, 6pm-midnight (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
Run by a Belgian beer bar chain, Failty features beers imported directly from Ireland, plus twenty different wines and food prepared by a French chef. Dogenzaka 1-5-2, Sede Bldg 5F. Open 5:30pm-1am daily. | |
The Shibuya branch of a famous dojo specialty shop in Asakusa. (Dojo is a small, eel-like fish.) Dinner from Y3,000, lunch from Y700. Dogenzaka 1-5-9, Renga Bldg 4F. Open 11:30am-9:30pm (LO) daily. Concealed beneath a stairway in a nondescript building behind the Shibuya Mark City, this tiny izakaya, specializing in robata-grilled fish, meat, and vegetables, is worth seeking out. They carry up to 100 varieties of sake and several choices of shochu. The sake menu changes daily, so consult the staff for recommendations. The staff is young and enthusiastic, the vibe hip but ultra-relaxed. Dogenzaka 1-11-1, Dai-ni Daiban Bldg 104. Open 5pm-12:30am (LO) daily. | |
A two-story late-night Spanish bar and restaurant, with your choice of bar snacks and wines or a complete Spanish meal. The upstairs restaurant has a nice selection of charcoal-grilled meats. They even do breakfast! | |
Yamaya (Liquor shop). 5728-3321 This supermarket-sized branch of the national discount liquor chain stocks a wide assortment of imported foods as well as all kinds of booze. Dogenzaka 1-9-5. Open 10am-10pm daily. | |
Modern Kyoto-style cuisine in a very tasteful dining space. The rather elaborate nine-course dinner menu is Y3990, and it changes every month; lunch starts at Y1890. Drinks include Italian wines and fruit liqueurs from Yamagata as well as the usual sake and shochu. Reservations are required. Dogenzaka 2-6-4, Kumaya Shoten Bldg 2F. Open noon-1:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily. | |
A branch of the famous sushi shop in Umegaoka, popular for their high-quality fish and reasonable prices (Y3000-5000 with a few drinks). There can be long lines at peak hours. Take-out is also available. Dogenzaka 1-12-3, Mark City East 4F. Open 11am-10pm daily. A bit more ambitious than your typical tapas joint, Bikini offers "modern Catalan cuisine," including an extensive selection of pinchos and other small dishes. The Y1800 special lunch includes a platter of five pinchos followed by an excellent seafood-heavy fideua - just like paella, but made with short pasta noodles instead of rice. Budget around Y3500 at dinnertime. Dogenzaka 1-12-5, Mark City East 4F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily. | |
A very appetizing selection of appetizers and an impressive assortment of kebabs and chef's specialties for such a small restaurant. The chef isn't afraid of spices, using more red pepper and garlic than is usual for Tokyo. The interior is spare, but the music adds to the atmosphere. Dogenzaka 1-14-9, B1F. Open 5:30-11:30pm (LO) daily. | |
If you're thirsty for a cachaca cocktail in the wee hours of the night, follow the circle-stamped road past Mark City to Blen Blen Blen. This bone fide Brazilian bar, tucked into a faded white seventies-style building in Dogenzaka 1-chome, seats a maximum of thirty and stays open til 4am. If you're thirsty for a cachaca cocktail in the wee hours of the night, follow the circle-stamped road past Mark City to Blen Blen Blen. This bone fide Brazilian bar, tucked into a faded white seventies-style building in Dogenzaka 1-chome, seats a maximum of thirty and stays open til 4am.
Despite its difficult-to-find location and somewhat forbidding exterior, the space is cute and relaxed, decorated with colorful posters and knick-knacks of all sorts. The Brazilian flag hangs proudly on one wall, while shelves stacked with vinyl records stand beside the bar.
Take a seat and have a chat with Blen Blen Blen's gregarious master, Jukukuchi-san, while you snack on cocinias (Brazilian style chicken croquettes) or grilled chicken and corazon (hearts) and sip on your drink.
The Caipirinhas here are refreshingly tart, and the musical mix of Brazilian, soul, hip-hop, and R&B is fun and funky. The bar hosts DJ and movie events on weekends. [Show more] [Show less] | |
A sister shop to the main Hamamatsucho branch, with a large tearoom and a retail shop selling tea leaves and equipment. The tearoom is open until 5pm, and the retail shop until 8pm. Dogenzaka 1-18-6. Open 10:30am-5pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Sakuragaokacho
This budget chain serves two kinds of Nagasaki-style noodles - sara-udon (crisp fried ramen noodles topped with vegetables, pork and seafood in a thick sauce), and Nagasaki champon (similar to the above but in a pork-based soup). Side dishes include gyoza dumplings (regular, cheese, and mentaiko-cheese) and fried rice. A very unpretentious, comfortably scruffy bar that looks like it's been frozen in time from the late seventies. They have a smattering of interesting beers from England, Belgium, Germany and Czech, plus lots of mixed drinks and bar foods. | |
This very popular after-work stand bar offers decent food and inexpensive wines. The atmosphere is lively and fun, although it can get rather smoky in the wintertime when the doors are closed. Sakuragaokacho 2-3. Open 5-11pm. Closed Sundays. | |
The specialty is okayu (rice gruel), and they also serve assorted dumplings and noodle dishes. Sakuragaokacho 2-3. Open 11am-3, 5-11pm daily. | |
You'll hear all sorts of jazz here, with an emphasis on the lastest CDs from American and European musicians. Besides the great music you can also enjoy good food - they serve delicious soups and risotto at dinnertime, and five different pastas at lunch (Y1000 including coffee or tea). You'll hear all sorts of jazz here, with an emphasis on the lastest CDs from American and European musicians. Besides the great music you can also enjoy good food - they serve delicious soups and risotto at dinnertime, and five different pastas at lunch (Y1000 including coffee or tea).
The spacious room is furnished with stylish green sofas, and this is a pleasant place to dine while listening to jazz. There's a Y500 table charge at dinnertime. Three minutes walk from the south exit of Shibuya station. [Show more] [Show less] Sakuragaokacho 2-3, 2F. Open noon-11pm (Fri -midnight) daily. | |
Tiki-torch lights, wooden patio furniture, and covered terrace seating conduce to a beach-bungalow atmosphere at this dog-friendly cafe. The "Healthy Plate" for dogs (Y480) includes a chicken and vegetable main dish, some soft beef jerky and a milk-flavored bone for chewing on. C Sakuragaokacho 4-17. Open noon-5, 6pm-midnight daily. | |
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.] | |
The food here is basic Italian-International fare, and lunch (served till 3pm) includes a buffet of side dishes - Y1000 with main course, Y1500 with main, dessert and coffee. The dinner menu includes rotisserie-grilled meats, pastas and pizzas. | |
Great music, large portions. Sakuragaokacho 16-6. Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
This cute and casual tapas bar is popular with the after-work crowd in Shibuya. Start with a glass of fino sherry or a copa de cava for Y500 and ask the staff to shave a few slices off the joint of Jamon Serrano proudly displayed on the counter. Wines by the glass change daily. A few seats are available around the bar, but the front is standing room only.  Sakuragaokacho 16-7, Suzuki Bldg 1F. Open 5:30pm-2:30am. Closed Sundays. | |
This is the second Nepalese restaurant on the block, turning this into little Kathmandu. Very reasonable prices, and a comfortable, homey setting. Sakuragaokacho 16-9, DK Shibuya Bldg. 3F. Open 11am-2:30, 5pm-1am daily. | |
Sakuragaokacho 26-1, Cerulean Tower Hotel 2F. Open 5:30-11pm. Closed Sundays. Fancy French food with a skyscraper view; prix-fixe dinners from Y8000, with lots of good wines in the Y10,000-15,000 range. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
A staid, long-established restaurant serving solid, by-the-book Cantonese cooking. Sakuragaokacho 14-10. Open 11:30am-9:30pm (LO) daily. | |
This small but festive shop offers a good range of authentic Peruvian specialties, including Andes potato soup, seafood stews and a "Plato Campesino" Andes picnic platter. There's usually bouncy Latin music playing in the background. Lunch from Y1000; full-course dinner Y3000-Y5000, plus a la carte. Sakuragaokacho 28-3. Open 11:30am-3, 6-11pm. Closed Sundays. | |
This branch of the Teiyandei chain specializes in Okinawan cuisine. Especially recommended are the fried imo with special sauce, sea grapes, buta-age (fried pork), and soups with noodles. Party menus from Y2500 per person. [Go to branch review] Sakuragaokacho 8-19. Open 5:30pm-midnight daily. These days Tokyo has plenty of Southeast Asian restaurants, but few are as charming and satisfying as Ayung Teras in Shibuya. The decor is decidedly Indonesian, quite dense with handicrafts and art, but done in a tasteful and restrained manner. It doesn't feel at all touristy, or overly "ethnic." Rather, Ayung Teras seems more like a casual restaurant you might run across in one of the finer international hotels of Jakarta. [See FULL REVIEW.] Sakuragaokacho 20-12. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
Well off the beaten track in Sakuragaokacho, this cozy little wine bar is a nice place to share a bottle with friends on a rainy evening. There's no wine list - the owner will choose something for you based on your preferences and budget. Wines by the glass are available from Y800, bottles from Y4200. Well off the beaten track in Sakuragaokacho, this cozy little wine bar is a nice place to share a bottle with friends on a rainy evening. There's no wine list - the owner will choose something for you based on your preferences and budget. Wines by the glass are available from Y800, bottles from Y4200.
Food is limited to snacks and small bites: assorted charcuterie, marinated vegetables, potato and tuna salad. While dishes such as garlic-sauteed shrimp and grilled chicken wings (seasoned differently to pair with red or white wine) are surprisingly tasty, they emerge from the tiny kitchen with glacier-like speed. [Show more] [Show less] | |
East Side
The Buri group run a couple of popular standup sake bars (Buchi in Shibuya, Buri in Ebisu), and now they've opened a standup French bistrot, with similarly inexpensive food and 100 different wines. If you get tired of standing there's also a sit-down restaurant in back; snacks up front average around Y700, with main courses in the restaurant averaging Y1500. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Big Hawaiian-style hamburgers and assorted sandwiches, plus Hawaiian microbrews from Kona Brewing Company. Shibuya 1-10-4. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily. Cheap prices, stylish decor, good music and a bustling atmosphere have drawn crowds of hip young patrons to this sprawling cafe space in a trendy corner of Shibuya. The kitchen offers entertaining variations on standard cafe fare - Vietnamese sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, rice bowls, and salads - along with some decent California wines by the bottle and a big cocktail list. | |
The interior of this hip Shibuya cafe is a cross between old-fashioned American diner and urban industrial loft, with a big open kitchen and wood- and glass-paneled booth seating. The menu focuses on creative interpretations of modern international diner/cafe fare, and they also offer an excellent breakfast menu, not just in the morning but anytime after 3:30pm until closing hour. The interior of this hip Shibuya cafe is a cross between old-fashioned American diner and urban industrial loft, with a big open kitchen and wood- and glass-paneled booth seating. The menu focuses on creative interpretations of modern international diner/cafe fare, and they also offer an excellent breakfast menu, not just in the morning but anytime after 3:30pm until closing hour.
The Southern Fried Chicken is one of our favorite main dishes here, with juicy flavorful meat inside a thick, crunchy coating - very different from the typical chicken karaage served around town. The country sausage is also exceptional, and a highlight of both the jambalaya main dish and the breakfast menu. The spicy lamb ribs are also unusual and quite tasty, although a bit chewy at times.
The extensive vegetable section includes exotic choices like the very tasty roast corn on the cob, garnished with soy sauce, chili powder, parmesan cheese, sour cream and fresh lime (Y450). The broccoli - flavored with anchovies, almonds, dried tomatoes and heaps of garlic - is a celebration of umami, as are the mixed mushrooms sauteed in garlic butter and clam juice.
The cucumber salad with feta cheese and onions (Y600) is simple but perfectly rendered. The guacamole is well-balanced and fresh-tasting, and the baba ghanoush (identified on the menu as "Lebanese roast eggplant") is as good as anything we've eaten in Middle Eastern restaurants.
Morning or evening, the Power Breakfast (Y1000) is possibly the best breakfast deal in Tokyo - with fried eggs, bacon, fantastic sausage, sauteed mushrooms and spinach, grilled tomatoes, potatoes and cheese. Everything is layered in a deep casserole dish, because a plate wouldn't be enough to handle it all. If you're less ravenous there are lighter items like fruit cups with yogurt and granola, plus Reuben and BLT sandwiches.
One small complaint is that the Japanese-language menu, printed in small type, can be difficult to read; there is however an English-language menu on the restaurant's website that might be worth perusing before you visit.
Drink options include tea and espresso beverages, a full cocktail bar (including ten different mojito variations!) and wines from Y2,800-6,400 per bottle. Background music is an eclectic mix, ranging from down-tempo lounge sounds in the afternoon to more energetic R and B in the evenings, when the place tends to fill up with a young and lively crowd. Budget around Y1500-3000 for food at dinnertime. [Show more] [Show less] | |
This big, trendy cafe has a large terrace with ample outdoor seating and even a small swimming pool on the third and fourth floors of this Shibuya shopping complex. Shibuya 1-23-16, Picasso 347 3/4F. Open 11am-11pm daily. | |
Nana (Japanese regional). 5468-9696 Obanzai-ryori (Kyoto-style home cooking) is the main draw here; budget around Y4000 for dinner. Shibuya 1-14-16, B1F. Open 5-11pm (LO) daily. | |
If you're looking for real coffee - rich, strong, and with a kick - Satei Hato is the place. Hand-picked beans and careful preparation translate into superb quality. Not only are the brews top-notch, they're served in the world's most exquisite china. Savor your java in a Y190,000 cup from the porcelain kilns of Arita, while the aroma of freshly made chiffon cakes and gentle classical BGM help calm your nerves. Shibuya 1-15-19. Open 11am-11:30pm daily. | |
Japanese-style curries in a fast-food counter setting. Shibuya 1-24-7. Open 11am-10:20pm (LO) daily. | |
Old-school traditional budget French cuisine in a tightly packed, sometimes smoky dining room. Shibuya 1-12-24, 707 Shibuya Bldg 1F. (walking up the hill toward the post office, turn left at the first corner) Open 11:30am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
Hokkaido-inspired izakaya fare and drinks, with a very stylishly lit, modern Japanese interior. The dishes are simple but inspired; the smoked salmon has a crisp, almost crunchy skin, and the bamboo shoots are lightly grilled and served with fresh katsuo-bushi. Dinner is around Y3000-Y5000 with drinks. Nicely prepared mezes and kebabs from an extensive menu. Open Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner, Sunday dinner only. Shibuya 2-19-20. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily. | |
A small, hole-in-the-wall basement shop serving perfect pork cutlets and tonjiru (pork soup). There's also a branch across the tracks on the top floor of Tokyu Plaza. Shibuya 2-22-10, B1F. (across the street from the Shibuya east-exit bus stop area, down a narrow flight of stairs; the outside sign is in Japanese only) Open 11am-9:20pm (LO) daily. | |
Nagi (Ramen). 3499-0390 Classic Hakata-style tonkotsu (pork-bone soup) ramen. | |
TFR presents an eclectic menu of ethnic cuisines from around the world, including tagines, couscous and other Middle Eastern dishes. Monday through Thursday evenings an every-changing roster of cuisines is showcased in the Y1400 special dinner plate. Lunch covers a similar range of styles, and averages around Y1000 with coffee or tea. TFR presents an eclectic menu of ethnic cuisines from around the world, including tagines, couscous and other Middle Eastern dishes. Monday through Thursday evenings an every-changing roster of cuisines is showcased in the Y1400 special dinner plate. Lunch covers a similar range of styles, and averages around Y1000 with coffee or tea.
There's also a big selection of "world wines" (Tunisia, Israel and Turkey are represented) and world beers. The space itself has a comfortably gritty post-industrial-chic look to it - lots of painted concrete and mismatched furnishings. Free WiFi access is provided if you want to check your email - ask for the password.
The space is often booked for parties Friday and Saturday evenings, so be sure to call ahead. Budget around Y3000 at dinnertime. No lunch on Saturdays. [Show more] [Show less] Higashi 1-3-1, Kaminito 20, 3F. Open noon-4, 6-11pm (LO; Sat 6-11pm). Closed Sundays. | |
Top-class French cuisine from celeb Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai, with the added bonus of an impressive 32nd-floor view. Prix-fixe lunch from Y3500, dinner from Y8900; there's also a separate bar menu. Shibuya 2-15-11, Shibuya Cross Tower 32F. Open noon-2, 6-9pm (LO). Closed Mondays. This stylishly retro watering hole in Shibuya serves original cocktails crafted with precision and panache. Bartender Shinobu Ishigaki has a winning way with unusual flavor combinations and mixes fruits, vegetables, and herbs into his drinks. This stylishly retro watering hole in Shibuya serves original cocktails crafted with precision and panache. Bartender Shinobu Ishigaki has a winning way with unusual flavor combinations and mixes fruits, vegetables, and herbs into his drinks.
Ishigaki puts a fresh twist on the standard gin and tonic with the addition of cucumber slices, and he finishes his Cosmopolitans with rose petals. Martinis get a spicy lift from basil or gingerbread syrup. Although an evening at Ishinohana is not cheap - drinks cost Y1,500 on average - Ishigaki's flawless technique and gracious hospitality make the experience worth every yen. [Show more] [Show less] Shibuya 3-6-2, B1F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays. As the name indicates, vintage designer chairs are the defining feature of this funky cafe situated between Shibuya and Aoyama. They serve crepes, sandwiches, and a variety of pasta and rice dishes, but it's worth a visit just to perch for an hour on that Eames or Le Corbusier that you've always wanted but could never afford. Shibuya 3-1-9. Open 11:30am-10pm. Closed Saturdays. | |
A small, intimate club, pub and party space with some interesting DJs. Open until 4 or 5am Fridays and Saturdays. http://www.soft-tokyo.com. Shibuya 3-1-9, B1F. Open 8pm- daily. Occupying the second floor of a newish office building, Nakamura is a very tastefully appointed modern izakaya, with sophisticated lighting and sleek furnishings. A full crew of chefs work in the open kitchen area behind the massive central counter, which is the most entertaining place to sit. There's also a big shared table off to one side and several private dining rooms. The food is the sort of original seasonal cuisine that's popular in upscale dining bars, and there's a good sake list to match. Occupying the second floor of a newish office building, Nakamura is a very tastefully appointed modern izakaya, with sophisticated lighting and sleek furnishings. A full crew of chefs work in the open kitchen area behind the massive central counter, which is the most entertaining place to sit. There's also a big shared table off to one side and several private dining rooms. The food is the sort of original seasonal cuisine that's popular in upscale dining bars, and there's a good sake list to match.
The attention to visual appearances extends from the decor to the food - everything coming out of the kitchen is artfully arranged and appetizingly presented. The emphasis is on premium, seasonal ingredients prepared with clever original flourishes. Our nicely peppery grilled chicken was served with a giant ume plum; the seasonal grilled vegetables came with a captivating side dish of chunky miso and ground meat; and the seafood salad featured a whole cold baked onion at its heart.
The two dozen or so sake selections are also quite good, balanced between familiar names and lesser-known breweries. Unfortunately the service, while not bad, wasn't quite up to the same standards as the food and decor. Reservations are essential, and the staff will call on the day of the booking to confirm. Budget around Y6000 for ample food and drink at dinnertime - all in all excellent value for money. [Show more] [Show less] | |
Good Indian-style Japanese curry. Medium-spicy variations include tomato, chickpea, lentil, pork, chicken, lettuce, cheese, mixed-vegetable (potato, carrot, chickpea), and mixed (tomato, cheese, spinach). There are also extra-spicy masala curries - shrimp, chicken, pork and various vegetable combinations. Good Indian-style Japanese curry. Medium-spicy variations include tomato, chickpea, lentil, pork, chicken, lettuce, cheese, mixed-vegetable (potato, carrot, chickpea), and mixed (tomato, cheese, spinach). There are also extra-spicy masala curries - shrimp, chicken, pork and various vegetable combinations.
The small counter shop has a clean, modern look with a striking red-and-white color scheme. In keeping with the Indian theme, Bhangra music plays at low volume in the background. [Show more] [Show less] Higashi 1-27-9. Open 11:30am-7:30pm (LO; Fri -4:30pm). Closed Sat, Sun. | |
Belgo (Belgian rest/beer bar). 3409-4442 A comfortably cozy little hideaway bar with multi-level seating nooks. Pick your own bottle from the big selection of Belgian and German brews in the refrigerator case. The food menu is limited to light snacks. Shibuya 3-18-7, Shibuya Ichigokan Bldg. B1F. Open 5:30pm-2am. Closed some Sundays. | |
Small tapas dishes from Y300 and surprisingly good-value boutique wines from Y2000/bottle make this spacious bar a tempting spot to drop in for a quick drink and snack. Shibuya 3-26-25. Open 11:30am-midnight daily. | |
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: Notable decor
