Yokohama station
Spicy chicken wings, yakitori and Nagoya miso specialties.
Yes it's a real Tiki Lounge, with tropical decor, frilly cocktails and a Polynesian floorshow. The space is huge (300 seats) and ready for parties. The food menu focuses on Hawaiian dishes like Lomi Lomi Salmon, Spam croquettes and smoked ahi poke. Budget around Y3500 for food and drink.
Tsuruyacho 2-17-1, Soutetsu Iwasaki-Gakuen Bldg B1F. Open 5-11pm (LO) daily.
This cozy little beer bar serves an impressive selection of Japanese craft beers and real ales from microbreweries, including hard-to-find brews like Shinano Brewery's Dragon Ale. The music is mostly thrash metal, and album covers decorate the walls.
Tsuruyacho 2-19-8, Paseri Bldg 2F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Cheers (Belgian rest/beer bar). 045-311-7804
A quiet, out-of-the-way little bar with a good selection of Belgian and other beers. Draft beers include Baird (an excellent Japanese microbrew), Edelpils and Pedigree; there are also 30 beers by the bottle, mostly Belgian. Food is a mix of Belgian and British: mussels, frites, fish and chips, shepherd's pie. The basement space is pleasantly decorated, with several nooks and crannies at different levels.
Tsuruyacho 3-32-14, Shinko Bldg B1F. (from the underground Diamond mall, take exit 12 south, cross under the highway overpass, turn left at Jonathan's; it's on the right after 1/2 block) Open 4pm-midnight. Closed Sundays.
A branch of the famous Hakata ramen chain, featuring thin, slightly chewy noodles in a pork-based broth ("red" or "white"), with or without extra chashu. You can add your own freshly grated garlic.
Tasty, sometimes unusual pizzas and well-constructed pastas at this budget Italian cafe chain. Open all afternoon.
Minami-Saiwai 1-5-1, Yokohama Joinus B1F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Aen (Tonkatsu). 045-317-7580
Nicer than average for a shopping mall restaurant, with organic and natural-leaning Kyushu pork dishes. There's a "mineral salad" and a choice of white rice mixed with grains or brown rice, plus there's even a no-smoking section, so they're a bit different from the average tonkatsu shop. The windows provide a romantic vista of the train tracks of Yokohama station.
Minami-Saiwai 1-1-1, Yokohama Cial 6F. Open 11am-5, 5-10:30pm daily.
Peppery chicken wings and other creative chicken cuisine from this popular chain. Note the convenient late-night hours.
High-quality budget Italian, nice-size portions and a good wine selection.
Kita-Saiwai 1-2-7, Yodobashi Camera Multimeda Yokohama B2F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
First-rate Miyazaki chicken dishes, regional Kyushu fare and local shochu brands are the specialties at this reasonably priced, unpretentious Miyazaki-based izakaya chain. Budget around Y3000-4000 for dinner with drinks. Open until 2am (LO) Fridays.
[Go to branch review] Kita-saiwai 1-1-5, Watanabe Bldg 3F. Open 5pm-midnight (LO) daily.
A well-established, very popular "gaijin bar" with a lively atmosphere.
Minami-Saiwai 14-2, Nishiguchi Meiwa Building B1F. Open 5pm-1am.
Nice southern Italian pizzas, good antipasti and bread. Budget around Y8500 per person.
Kita-saiwai 2-13-1. (About 5 min. from Yokohama station) Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.
Zizi (Wine bar). 045-311-6770
A small Italian wine bar with food. Full-course dinners are Y3000.
Sengencho 1-4-9. (About 10 minutes from Yokohama station) Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
East side
A branch of the famous Hakata ramen chain, featuring thin, slightly chewy noodles in a pork-based broth ("red" or "white"), with or without extra chashu. You can add your own freshly grated garlic.
Takashima 2-16, Porta B1-117. Open 11am-10:20pm (LO) daily.
Gourmet Berkshire "black" pork is the specialty here, made into everything from Kyushu-style kakuni stews to homemade sausages to Chinese dumplings. Drinks include shochu, assorted plum wines and one or two decent sakes.
[Go to branch review] Takashima 2-16-1, Lumine Yokohama 7F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Healthy seasonal vegetable-centered cuisine is the concept here, with salads, charcoal- grilled vegetables, tempura and original ishes. One of the specialties is vegetable shabu-shabu (minimum two persons), to which you can add pork or beef if you like. Shabu-shabu starts at Y2200/person, with party menus from Y3800 and ample a la carte options.
Takashima 2-16-1, Lumine Yokohama 7F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
Good coffee, snacks, beer and wine at this stylish cafe inside the Nissan Gallery; there's also some outdoor seating overlooking the water.
Takashima 1-1-1. Open 10am-8pm daily.
This popular chain specializes in oysters (both raw and cooked), Cajun-style gumbo and various seafood dishes.
Takashima 2-18-1, Yokohama Sogo 10F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
The prix-fixe menus here (Y4000, Y5800) let you mix and match from a big list of pastas, starters and main dishes while you enjoy the impressive nighttime view. Set lunches are Y2500 to Y7000.
Yebisu (Yakitori). 045-442-0360
Good, reliable yakitori and Yebisu beer.
Takashima 2-19-12, Yokohama Sky Bldg 10F. Open 11am-3, 3-11pm daily.
Yes, it's Yokohama's first combintaion dog cafe and barbecue restaurant! Use the charcoal brazier on your table to barbecued lamb and chicken, seafood and seasonal vegetables; dinner sets start at Y3500, and the open bar is an extra Y1500 (90-minute limit). The best seats are out on the terrace overlooking the canal and boat dock.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 2F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Issa (Izakaya). 045-440-5753
An offbeat izakaya that serves glow-in-the-dark cocktails and interesting, eclectic food - tuna-avocado spring rolls, cheese fondue, paella, Vietnamese pho, grilled Iberico pork. Budget around Y3500 at dinnertime.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 3F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
This casual-dining restaurant serves creative pizzas and interesting versions of American comfort food - roast chicken, pan-fried catfish, spinach fettucine, shrimp pad thai, plus gourmet burgers.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 3F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Experience Hawaiian specialties like locomoco, Kahlua pig, lomi lomi and Spam chow mein either out on the torch-lit terrace or inside the dimly lit dining room, where you'll have a nice view of the lights of Minato-Mirai off in the distance. Budget around Y3000 at dinnertime.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 4F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Good American-style sandwiches and burgers are the draw here, along with Hawaiian microbrew beers.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 4F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Perhaps the poshest restaurant in the Bay Quarter mall, Atlantic offers a serious seafood menu, with lobster and crab platters, grilled fish and meats. Prix-fixe dinners start at Y6000, lunches at Y2800. There's nice outdoor seating, although the pleasantly decorated interior is packed a bit tightly for this price level.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 5F. Open 11am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
In addition to oysters the kitchen here serves grilled salmon, shrimp, chicken and pork dishes, with oyster-based appetizers and reasonably priced wines. The interior isn't very exciting, but there's a lot of outdoor seating on the terrace. Budget around Y5000 for dinner with a few drinks.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 5F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
This Yokohama branch of one of our favorite izakaya offers good soba, tofu and grilled chicken along with some nice regional sake choices. Counter and table seating is relatively spacious.
Kinkocho 1-10, Yokohama Bay Quarter 5F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Yokohama Minato-Mirai
Looking out over the Nippon-maru, an historic ship that's the centerpiece of the Yokohama Port Museum, this pleasant cafe serves panini sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and other simple fare. Craft beer fans can find Yokohama Brewery's very drinkable IPA and weitzen at Y800/glass. Looking out over the Nippon-maru, an historic ship that's the centerpiece of the Yokohama Port Museum, this pleasant cafe serves panini sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and other simple fare. Craft beer fans can find Yokohama Brewery's very drinkable IPA and weitzen at Y800/glass.
Panini sandwiches come in varieties like smoked salmon and cream cheese; Mexican avocado-shrimp; Philadelphia steak and pulled pork; other options include the Jamaican jerk chicken burger, Texas chili burger and curry wurst dog. Most sandwiches and burgers are priced at Y600-750 each, and the sandwich set is an even better deal - for Y1000 you also get side orders of Buffalo chicken wings and fries plus a soft drink. [Show more] [Show less] Minatomirai 2-1-1, Yokohama Port Museum. Open 10am-9pm. Closed Mondays.
The tonkatsu here features the shop's own special brand of Touzan pork, a premium breed with a well-balanced flavor. Dinnertime teishoku meals start at around Y1300. Lunch is served until 5pm.
Sakuragicho 1-1-7, Colette-Mare 6F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Tokori (Yakiniku). 045-640-6672
The yakiniku served at Tokori features premium Yamagata beef, and you can also enjoy beef tongue, organ meats and beef sashimi. Budget around Y3000 for food at dinnertime, or Y1000 at lunch.
Sakuragicho 1-1-7, Colette-Mare 6F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Yet another cafe where you can bring your pet; this one also carries a full line of canine fashion and grooming items. The dog menu includes items like pate, pork and beans, and bean risotto.
Keke (Japanese/health food). 045-225-6311
A natural-foods buffet with plenty of organic vegetable dishes. Weekend lunch is Y1900, dinner Y2400. Weekdays it's Y1700 and Y2200.
Minato-mirai 2-2-1-2, Landmark Tower 5F. Open 11am-3, 5-9pm (LO) daily.
One of the best (well, one of the only) salad bars in the neighborhood.
Minato-mirai 2-2-1, Landmark Plaza 1F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Konaya (Soba/Udon). 045-228-6221
The thick udon noodles here are served in a rich, very tasty curry-flavored broth, and served with shrimp tempura, bananas or mochi (rice cakes).
Minato-mirai 2-2-1, Landmark Plaza 1F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
Kissho (Shabu-shabu). 045-222-5522
Shabu-shabu and kaiseki (from Y8000 at dinnertime).
Burgers, loud music, and visitors from out of town.
Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Tower A, 1F. Open 11am-11:30pm daily.
An enormously popular restaurant with reasonable prices, crowded seating, deafening noise and school-cafeteria-quality food. No smoking.
Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Square "At 3rd", B1F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Reliable curries from a major chain of Indian restaurants.
Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Square "At 3rd", B1F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
A branch of the famous Hakata ramen chain, featuring thin, slightly chewy noodles in a pork-based broth ("red" or "white"), with or without extra chashu. You can add your own freshly grated garlic.
Minato-mirai 2-3-2, Queen's East B1F. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Good, fast Thai food in a food court setting.
Minato-mirai 2-3-2, Queen's East B1F. Open 11am-8pm daily.
A very casual Chinese cafeteria with noodles, dim sum, desserts and tea, and a nice view of the harbor. From the Chanto dining group.
Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Square "At 2nd", 3F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
This is a spacious two-story branch of this pioneering "nouvelle japonaise" restaurant, with excellent fusion-oriented cooking and a panoramic view of the harbor lights.
Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Square "At 2nd", 4/5F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Excellent charcoal-grilled meats and creative seasonal dishes are the specialties at Sakeya; budget around Y4000 at dinnertime for food and drink.
[Go to branch review] Minato-mirai 2-3-8, Queen's Square "At 2nd", 3F. Open 11am-3:30, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
A very casual budget pasta joint with charcoal-grilled meats and a big selection of wines by the glass or carafe, with choices from California, Chile, Italy, France and Germany. The 4-course set menu is Y2800, and all main dishes are Y1200. There's some "outdoor" seating facing out onto the shopping mall.
Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Square "At 2nd", 2F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
This hotel branch of one of Tokyo's old-school, well-publicized French restaurants serves traditional cuisine in a very pleasant setting, with semi-private dining areas. Lunch from Y3000; prix-fixe dinners from Y8000 (or order a la carte). Regularly closed for private parties, so call ahead.
Minato-mirai 2-3, Pan Pacific Hotel 3F. Open 11:30am-1:40, 5:30-9pm (LO) daily.
Bills (Australian). 045-650-1266
Gourmet breakfasts and good cafe fare from Australian celeb chef Bill Granger. Dogs are allowed out on the terrace.
Shinko 1-1-2, Yokohama Akarenga Soko 2-gokan 1F. Open 9am-10pm (LO) daily.
Hawaiian-style burgers and deli sandwiches, plus Kona microbrew beers from Hawaii.
Shinko 1-1-2, Yokohama Akarenga Soko 2-gokan 1F. Open 11am-8:30pm (LO) daily.
Yokohama Kannai - Motomachi
Yokohama's original Belgian beer bar, it's remarkably decrepit and yet not without charm. The menu offers twenty Belgian beers at around Y1000-1200 per bottle.
Nogecho 2-78. Open 6-11:40pm. Closed Sundays.
Gourmet burgers, home-made pies and brunch items from the famous Tribeca, New York, diner.
Sakuragicho 1-1-1. Open 8am-11pm daily.
Authentic American-style barbecue is the ambitious specialty at Bashamichi Taproom, along with a great selection of craft beers. The manager and pitmaster here has decades of experience cooking in the most barbecue-conscious areas of the American South, and his recipes capture the best of Texas, Carolina and Kansas City traditions. He slow-cooks his meats over a low-temperature cherrywood fire for several hours, to produce tender and very flavorful results. Authentic American-style barbecue is the ambitious specialty at Bashamichi Taproom, along with a great selection of craft beers. The manager and pitmaster here has decades of experience cooking in the most barbecue-conscious areas of the American South, and his recipes capture the best of Texas, Carolina and Kansas City traditions. He slow-cooks his meats over a low-temperature cherrywood fire for several hours, to produce tender and very flavorful results.
Taproom's BBQ menu features spareribs, "Fat-boy" ribs, chicken, brisket and pork shoulder, prepared using Australian grass-fed beef, American pork, and domestic pork and chicken. We enjoyed them all, but the ribs were by far our favorites, especially the Fat-boy ribs. They're sold by weight, and we were given a choice of a few different sizes with various levels of marbling. The end product was just fantastic - smoky, juicy and very richly flavored.
Meats other than the ribs are all served "dry" (with a rub of spices), the better to savor their natural meaty flavors, but there are also three home-made sauces with which to liven things up. Tasty side dishes - cole slaw, Texas beans, potato salad, mac and cheese - are also very authentic and based on Southern BBQ-joint recipes. Salads and hand-made pizzas round out the food menu, along with pecan pie and peach cobbler for dessert.
Drinks include more than twenty craft beers on tap - mostly from the excellent Baird Brewery in Numazu, but with a couple of guest taps dispensing well-chosen American microbrews. The setting is a charming three-story building with a roof garden on top and a comfortable bar area on the ground floor. The second floor is furnished with a dartboard and a big-screen tv, and often hosts performances of live music. Open noon-midnight on weekends. [Show more] [Show less] Excellent casual Italian snacks to go with your drinks, with flaky thin-crust pizzas and original items like renkon frittata (lotus root fritters) - nicely spiced and not a bit greasy. The Mediterranean-style interior is a pleasant oasis amid the office buildings; there's also a cafe and a take-away bakery downstairs.
Sumiyoshicho 6-68-1. Open 8:30am-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Spicy chicken wings, yakitori and Nagoya miso specialties.
Onoyecho 1-8, Arai Bldg B1F. Open 5pm-midnight daily.
This popular Okinawan spot has an extensive menu of standard Okinawan dishes and a large bar, with awamori and tropical cocktails. Some outdoor seating, facing the park.
Horaicho 2-5-1. (on the north side of Ohdori Park, about 2 1/2 blocks from the JR station) Open 11:30am-1:30, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Serving seventeen different ciders, this rather authentic British pub must have the best selection in town, if not in all of Japan. They also serve beer of course - on a recent visit the pub's eight taps included such varied fare as Caldera Vanilla Wheat and Rogue Yellow Snow IPA (both from Oregon); Brimmer Porter (from Kawasaki); Greene King Abbot Ale and Fuller's London Pride, with pints averaging Y1000. Serving seventeen different ciders, this rather authentic British pub must have the best selection in town, if not in all of Japan. They also serve beer of course - on a recent visit the pub's eight taps included such varied fare as Caldera Vanilla Wheat and Rogue Yellow Snow IPA (both from Oregon); Brimmer Porter (from Kawasaki); Greene King Abbot Ale and Fuller's London Pride, with pints averaging Y1000.
You'll also find exotic flavors of Walkers Crisps to nibble on, or you can tuck into traditional pub fare such as home-made meat pies, bangers and mash, kedgeree, and a curry of the day. Football and rugby are shown on the big-screen TV and, as you might expect, the bar attracts a good number of British expats from around the Yokohama area. [Show more] [Show less] This Greek landmark has been serving hearty, home-style food since 1953 (although they moved to a new location in 2010). The bright, spacious dining area includes lots of counter seating as well as tables.
Al Ain (Middle Eastern). 045-251-6199
Arabic, Lebanese and Moroccan food (set dinners for each, or a la carte) prepared by Lebanese owner/chef Ziad, formerly a chef at the Kuwaiti embassy. From the superb mezze and pita bread to delicious grilled meats and perfect cous cous to the sweet baklava and other desserts, you're assured of a complete Middle Eastern experience. If that isn't enough, order a hookah with a bowl of apple-flavored tobacco to share with everyone else at your table while you watch the belly dancing (Friday and Saturday nights from 8:30).
Yayoicho 2-17, Stalk Tower Ohdori-Koen Bldg. B1F. (along Ohdori Koen, about 3 min. west of Isezaki Chojamachi subway station exit 6, at Yayoicho 2-chome crossing, underneath a Family Mart) Open 5:30-11pm. Closed Mondays.
Good made-to-order sandwiches from the French sandwich chain. Lunch specials are served until 2pm.
This well-regarded Danish restaurant has been here since the 1960s, and they serve a good assortment of marinated herring and other seafood dishes, steak tartar and other Scandinavian specialties. Dinner and drinks run around Y8000 per person, or you can go all out and try the all-you-can-eat smorgasbord for Y9000 per person. No lunch on Sundays.
Kaigandori 1-1, Yokohama Boeki Kyokai Bldg 2F. Open 11am-11pm (LO) daily.
This elegant little bar, with room for sixteen people, is a destination for serious beer connoisseurs. You'll find several microbrews from both Minoh Aji brewery in Osaka and Baird Beer in Numazu, along with many other Japanese craft beers. There are also thirty single-malt Scotch whiskies, and a small sausage-oriented food menu.
Otacho 2-31-3, Copo Sunrise Otacho 1F. Open 4-11:30pm (noon-10pm weekends). Closed Mondays.
A charming 1930's style antique-filled shop (there's even an ancient 78rpm record player) with an eclectic but good food menu and a decent selection of sake.
Sweet and savory treats for your pooch, including doggy bagels.
Motomachi 2-87-9. Open 11am-8pm daily.
Authentic, down-to-earth Shanghai-style cooking, including inexpensive noodle dishes and fried rice.
Yamashitacho 126. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-9:30pm. Closed Thursdays.
Reasonably priced Szechuan noodle and stir-fry dishes; budget around Y3000 for dinner, from Y500 for lunch.
Yamashitacho 138. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-8:30pm (LO) daily.
Yokohama Chinatown has its share of tourist traps, but century-old Heichinrou is a reliable choice for Cantonese cuisine, with especially good deals at lunchtime. Budget from Y7500 for dinner, with banquet menus up to around Y50,000 per person for those extra-special occasions.
Yamashitacho 149. Open 11am-10:15pm (LO) daily.
Highly regarded Peking-style Chinese in a glitzy Chinatown setting. Budget around Y7500 at dinner, Y4000 at lunchtime.
Yamashitacho 164. Open 11:30am-9pm (LO) daily.
Good, authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish modern dining room. Prix-fixe dinners range Y5,000-10,000, lunch from Y1000.
Yamashitacho 37-8, Glorio Tower Yokohama Motomachi 1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10:30pm (LO). Closed 3rd Monday.
Inexpensive pastas and Italian wines by the glass, with convenient late-night hours.
Yokohama elsewhere
While it's not worth a special trip, Spring Valley is a pleasant place to drop in if you're in the neighborhood. If you get here before 5pm you can go on the tour of the huge Kirin brewery next door. The microbrews include "Spring Valley," a light lager virtually identical to Kirin Lager, an okay dunkel and a changing seasonal special. They offer the usual sausages and stews on the menu. There's also a large noisy restaurant called "Beer Port" right next door, where they offer many different varieties of Kirin on tap. (10-minute walk from Namamugi station on Keihin-Kyuko line. Brewery tour 10am-5pm, except Mondays; 045-503-8250 for info).
Yokohama-shi, Namamugi 1-17-1, Kirin Yokohama Beer Village. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays (Oct. - May).
Ikea (Swedish). 045-470-7500
Tasty meatballs, almond cakes and other Swedish delights are served in the restaurant, at quite reasonable prices. The food department also sells an interesting selection of imported Swedish food and drink - smoked salmon, rye crackers, candies, aquavit, and much more. Tasty meatballs, almond cakes and other Swedish delights are served in the restaurant, at quite reasonable prices. The food department also sells an interesting selection of imported Swedish food and drink - smoked salmon, rye crackers, candies, aquavit, and much more.
Free shuttle buses run from JR Shin-Yokohama (frequent) and Den-en-Chofu station (less frequent). [Show more] [Show less] Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Orimotocho 201-1. Open 10am-9pm daily.
This sprawling cafe-restaurant in Shin-Yokohama's Cubic Plaza is produced by the popular French brasserie-cafe Aux Bacchanales, and it includes a brasserie section, bakery and tea salon. Convenient early-morning hours start at 8am.
Yokohama-shi, Kohoku-ku, Shin-Yokohama 2-100-45, Cubic Plaza Shin-Yokohama 10F. Open 8am-11pm daily.
One of the best of the tonkatsu chains, Kyoto-based Katsukura offers nice side dishes like yuba (tofu-skin) croquettes and excellent Kyoto-style pickles. And they're open all afternoon if you need a late lunch.
Yokohama-shi, Kohoku-ku, Shin-Yokohama 2-100-45, Cubic Plaza Shin-Yokohama 9F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Ramen for serious connoisseurs, with branches of eight of the best ramen shops from throughout Japan. See
article.
Eclectic Asian cuisine, a lively atmosphere and late-night hours, from the Global Dining Group (Zest, La Boheme).
The American big-box retailer stocks a lot of imported goods as well as local produce and packaged foods. They also sell wines and liquor at discount prices. Individual membership is Y4200 per year, covering an entire household.
Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Sachiura 2-6. Open 10am-8pm daily.
