When I think about the question: “Where to eat in Japan?” I am sure you will have read tons of information about Tokyo restaurants and bars. I am also sure you will have some specific expectation while looking for a dinner in glamourous Tokyo. Of course, I am a big fan of the various kaidan-zushi spread around the city, and I can still swear that my best sushi experience was in Japan. But here I would like to suggest you some of my favourite places to dine around the Tokyo, both with japanese traditional food and western style cuisine, that only locals know!I own this food experience to my Japanese friends that took me out in various corner of the city, in particular my friend and senpai Suzumura-san; here we go, with my very non-tourist suggestion to Tokyo finest restaurants.
BAR ITALIA
UPDATE October 2017
Unfortunately, due to the increase in the rent (Olympics are on their way…) this lovely place is now closed. The cook, as I was told, opened a similar restaurant in Saitama. Let’s wish him good luck with the work!
Tokyo city, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku 3-1-26, Shinjuku Marui Annex 1F
How to get here:
Shinjuku JR Station South-East Exit, 5 minutes walk.
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Shinjuku Sanchome Station, Exit C1, 1 minute walk
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station Exit 1, 4 minutes walk
Price range:
From 650 yen, middle range
Yes, I am italian, therefore I am quite picky when trying italian food abroad, but I have to admit this place passed the test. It is a lovely small restaurant in the heart of East-Shinjuku, close to the trains, with a nice european atmosphere and excellent quality italian cuisine. Coffee included.
MOMO
Tokyo city, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku 3-8-4 Suehiro Building 2F
How to get here:
Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Line, Sanchome Station, Exit C5 / B2, 2 minutes walk
Price range:
2000 / 5000 yen
This small and cozy restaurant is perfect if you are looking for traditional Japanese tastes with a twist, and if you like some good, cold, refreshing saké. Again in a very central area, it’s the perfect place for a early night dinner.
DEN
Tokyo city, Minato-ku, Kita Aoyama 3-5-23, Yoshikawa Omotesando Building 1F
How to get here:
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Omotesando Station, Exit A3, 1 minute walk
TokyoMetro Chiyoda Line, Omotesando Station, Exit A3, 1 minute walk
TokyoMetro Hanzōmon Line, Omotesando Station, Exit A3,1 minute walk
Price range:
1000 / 3000 yen
The surprising atmosphere of a french bistrot will welcome you as soon as you see the frontier. Good quality european dishes (I remember eating amazing crepes) in a nice french interior design. A very good surprise in the heart of Tokyo.
TOAN AOYAMA BRANCH
Tokyo city, Minato-ku, Minami Aoyama 2-7-25 Jingu Gaien Building B1F
How to get here:
Tokyo Metro, Gaien-mae Station, Exit 3, 2 minutes walk
Price range:
3000 / 6000 yen
I must admit I fell in love with the place as soon as I saw the entrance, down to the sliding door that lead you to the beautiful, Japanese-style interior. We had dinner in a quiet private room in traditional style, and the food (and drinks) lived up to the expectations. Perfect for an authentic Japanese experience.
All the pictures above are from the restaurants’ website as indicated in each link
Proofs that I actually enjoyed these places!
What about you? What was your best experience with Japanese food? Let me know in the comment, or feel free to use the form below
