Japan - restaurants - Countries Guide

Nanbantei
This well-known establishment has become something of a tourist landmark in Roppongi, probably because of its delicious yakitori fare and reasonable prices. Yakitori is the Japanese version of the barbecue, with chicken, beef, pork or fish kebabs grilled over oak coals, served with large bowls of crudité vegetables like crisp raw cabbage, carrots and courgettes. Nanbantei offers bargain lunch menus and specialities like namban-yaki (grilled beef dipped in hot miso) and asapura-maki (green asparagus wrapped in thinly sliced pork). Dinner only. Closed Saturdays.
Address: 4-5-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Food type: Japanese

La Tour D'Argent
Decidedly opulent, the lavish La Tour D'Argent, like its famous sister in Paris, sets the standard for French haute cuisine. The high standard of the food and décor is only matched by the prices in this celebrated establishment situated in the New Otani Hotel. The house speciality is the duck, specially flown in daily from Brittany in France. Other highlights on the menu are pigeon and fricassee of lobster. It is all prepared by chefs trained at the Paris restaurant and an impressive wine list accompanies the outstanding menu, which changes seasonally. Closed Mondays. Dinner only. Reservations essential and dress code is jacket and tie.
Address: New Otani Hotel, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Food type: French

What the Dickens?
Good old English steak and kidney pie in the heart of Japan? Charles Dickens himself would feel at home in Tokyo's British pub which serves up a variety of ales and a down-to-earth atmosphere helped along with wooden beams, sprung floors, hand-painted pub signs and dried hops. What the Dickens? also offers live music every night of the week. The menu is reasonably priced and consists of several traditional British favourites such as cottage pie, accompanied by heaps of potatoes and vegetables. Closed Mondays.
Address: 4th Floor, Roob 6 Building, 1-13-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku
Food type: British

La Granata
The twin restaurants of La Granata and Granata Moderna are situated in the basement of the Tokyo Broadcasting Systems building, but the Italian cuisine on offer is top level. La Granata offers a traditional ambience with check tablecloths and brickwork, while Granata Moderna is elegantly modern with mirrors and stained glass. Both offer delicious pasta specialities.
Address: TBS Garden building, basement, 5-1-3 Akasaka
Food type: Italian

Maisen
This establishment offers the novel experience of eating in a Japanese bathhouse. The baths are gone, but the large building, which now houses Maisen restaurant, was converted from a sento (public bath) about 20 years ago. The huge space makes for an airy dining room where discerning gourmets can enjoy a range of Japanese delights. Speciality of the house is Tonkatsu, tender and crisp deep fried pork cutlets. Open daily from 11am.
Address: 4-8-5 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (near Omotesando station)
Food type: Japanese

The Taj
It may look unpretentious with its plastic sheeted linen cloths, but the aromas emanating from The Taj restaurant will soon make you understand why this remains one of Tokyo's favourite eating establishments, particularly favoured by the staff of the Indian Embassy. The menu is divided into a tandoori and a curry section, and offers more than 40 dishes from every state in India.
Address: 1st Floor, Pagoda Building, 3-2-7 Minato-ku, Akasaka
Food type: Indian

Tonki
It is worth waiting in line to sample the fare at Tokyo's most renowned tonkatsu (deep fried pork) outlet. Waiters take orders while patrons queue for a spot at the well-worn Formica-topped tables, watching the hustle and bustle of the dozens of busy cooks in action. The reward is delectable treats like hirekatsu (fillet of lean pork) reishoki, or rosukatsu (loin cut), crunchy on the outside and melt-in-the-mouth tender on the inside, or perhaps a tasty kushikatsu (skewered meat with onions). Tonki is closed Tuesdays and the third Monday of every month.
Address: 1-1-2 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku
Food type: Japanese

Chotoku
The humble noodle is elevated to aristocratic status at this establishment, where waitresses in starched blue kimonos hand out brocade bound menus featuring more than 50 variations of noodle dishes. The background music is usually Vivaldi, Mozart or Beethoven, to complement the handmade noodles that form the base to each artistic dish. Patrons can watch noodles being made in the window of the restaurant before entering. Chotoku is closed on the first and third Monday of the month.
Address: 1-10-15 Shubuya, Shibuya-ku
Food type: Japanese

Boheme
Serving some of Tokyo's finest Italian cuisine, the stylish and classical décor found in Boheme sets the scene for a great night of dining on hearty Italian fare. The homemade pastas and pizzas are to die for. Popular dishes include the Snow Crab and avocado salad, Scampi spaghetti with a tomato cream sauce, and pan-fried chicken breast 'cotoletta'. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Address: 6-4-1 Ginza
Food type: Italian

Roti
Roti serves some of Tokyo's most authentic American grill and rotisserie cuisine. The ambience is relaxed and causal, the waitstaff friendly and helpful, and the food delicious! Many expats frequent this eatery due to its wide selection of beers and old favourites such as the deluxe blue cheese burger, char-grilled steaks and sticky Shanghai style pork ribs and the classic Mexican tortillas and jalapeno cheese dip. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Booking recommended.
Address: Piramide Building, 1F, 6-6-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Food type: American

Sonoma
Located below the Ruby Room music venue, this small and modest eatery is a favourite with locals. The chef's recommendations include rosemary grilled chicken seasoned with lemon, garlic, and rosemary, served on garlic mashed potatoes and favourites include grilled Swordfish crusted with herb and pistachio crumbs accompanied by a potato rosti. Dinner entitles diners to a free entrance at the Ruby Room upstairs. Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended.
Address: 2-25-17 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
Food type: American

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