Showing 1-14 of 14 results
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Asterix
Lunch at Asterix is a smashing deal, but dinner has its own merits - not as rushed, so you can linger over your wine while you mull the meal that is pleasantly dulling your senses just so. Portions here are large, but the dining room is petite, so reservations are advised. The menu is in French but not English, which may or may not make things easier on you.
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Beer Bar Bitter
This backstreet restaurant in Kagurazaka can be tough to find (hint - look up!), though like all hidden establishments, it is certainly worth the effort. In addition to the standard Japanese pub offerings, Bitter has a number of traditional European staples on the menu including steamed mussels and shepherd's pie, though don't let these culinary concoctions distract you from the impressive Belgian beer menu.
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Canal Café
When summer evenings in the capital hang heavy with humidity, you may long for a cold glass of white wine and a light meal by the riverside. Sadly, Tokyo has a regrettable dearth of alfresco restaurants with breathing room, though rare canal-side spots like this Iidabashi institution do exist. The speciality here is wood-fired thin crust pizzas and Italian pastas such as scallop and shrimp in a light cream sauce, though the real reason you're here is to savour a cocktail while soaking up the European atmosphere.
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Chalet Swiss Mini
Somehow this odd little school and café works. Nestled among the temples and shrines on a hill in Shitamachi, which was spared of the bombing during the war, it looks just like a Swiss chalet on a Hollywood movie set. It serves, not surprisingly, very good fondue, pastries and sandwiches, often to children who are just being let out of class upstairs.
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Coucagno
Few restaurants in Tokyo can claim more stunning views than the highly praised Coucagno, which occupies the 40th floor of the Cerulean Tower, one of the most dramatic buildings in both Shibuya and Tokyo. From such lofty heights, the Shibuya street scene looks as if it's populated by tiny ants, though attention quickly shifts to the food once the chef gets going. As you'd expect, everything from the delicate sauces drizzled across your roast duck to the perfect crust atop your crème brûlée is indeed a class act.
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El Castellano
El Castellano's success could be attributed to the warmth of its owner, who casts a friendly eye over the evening's progress and affectionately greets his regulars with sunny Spanish hospitality. But that would discount the definite draw of his homestyle cooking, including a mean paella and the sangria that goes so well with it.
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Gyros Hero
A popular student haunt that offers great value for your yen, Gyros Hero puts together some seriously monster pitas, packed to the gills with meat and salad, and served up with accompanying sauces and golden fries. The Greek-inspired décor of soft pastels and pictures of tiny sun-drenched isles is a world away from the concrete and neon outside.
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Km Fils
The menu at this sophisticated, Mediterranean-leaning little bistro is designed by Kiyoshi Miyashiro, the initials behind the name. Complementing the Gallic cuisine is the jazz in the background and the knowledge that you're enjoying a sweet deal - all of which compensates for the sometimes snooty service.
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L'atelier De Joël Robuchon
Wonder chef Jöel Robuchon styled this upscale French diner in the fashion of the sushi bar counter. While the fantastic dishes are not overly fussy, everything is made to order, which can mean long waits in the queue and over your meal - leaving plenty of time for conversation and anticipation.
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L'Osier
In Tokyo, French restaurants are at the top of the culinary ladder, which is why it's no small feat that local gourmets consider L'Osier to be the best around. But if you wish to analyse the foie gras yourself, you'll need to book as far as possible in advance since a table at L'Osier is a highly coveted commodity. However, once the wine hits your head and the food hits your lips, you'll key into the Art Deco-inspired surroundings and realise that Paris isn't that far away after all.
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Mushroom
Chef Yamaoka's obsession with the taming of the 'shroom has sprouted this very cosy little French bistro, whose décor is dominated by a mushroom motif, of course. Three-course set lunches are amazing value and will transport you elsewhere - without the mind-altering side effects of course. Japanese skills will help in making a reservation, and French skills will help in interpreting the menu.
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Selan Restaurant
Come here for the lovely atmosphere rather than the Japanese-style Italian food, especially during the fall foliage season, when the surrounding gingko trees blaze, bright yellow.
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Taverna
There are reasons why some people eat here every night, and why the sommelier, who started hanging around 23 years ago while still a student at Waseda, finally landed a job with owner Ide-san. Authenticity's a part of it, but the charm of the owner probably clinches such unflagging loyalty. Easily the warmest cheap Italian joint in the city, and you can't beat the price.
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Vinoteca
Quite possibly one of the hottest restaurants in the city at the time of writing, this inevitable crowd pleaser offers open-air dining overlooking the gardens of Tokyo Midtown. As these tables are some of the most in-demand seats in the capital, you would be wise to book in advance (in fact it's necessary) to ensure that you don't let down your better half.
Showing 1-14 of 14 results
