Visiting Tokyo and not eating sushi is considered a ‘culinary sin’ at least by the food and travel enthusiasts. One of the memorable places to enjoy sushi is at the traditional Ginza flagship of family-run Kyubey.
Over here, a bowing kimono-clad staff welcomes guests into the four-story restaurant, which houses a warren of eating spaces, from all the intimate counter spaces where the chef mix and stir in front of you and make you sit comfortably in private rooms with low tables and tatami mat flooring.
For an unexpected flavor of laid-back Californian cuisine mixed with the culinary craftsmanship of Japan plus a healthy dose of French bistro-style vibes on the side, head over to the small but perfectly formed Beard.
In a quietly off-the-beaten-track spot in Meguro, this is a simple and casual place with only eight tables and four counter seats. But since its opening by talented chef Shin Harakawa in 2012, it has obtained cult status by local hipsters and foodies alike.
The menu changes regularly, based on both seasonal and local ingredients and his travels to California. Dishes are prepared with diligence by the chef in front of the guests, embodying the concept of ‘slow food.’ Recent offerings range from roasted swordfish with a fried egg and fennel salad with pink grapefruit.
Danielle Demetriou, a destination expert, says she is a big fan of the delicious cakes prepared by Harakawa san’s wife. Sunday morning breakfasts with homemade granola and pancakes are also quite well-known.
“Book dinner ideally at least several weeks in advance, or arrive early to queue for a seat for brunch on Sundays when it's first-come, first-served,” she suggests.
A relaxing, modern, Asian haven of wood, stone and large windows in the swishy T-site complex in Daikanyama (which is also recommended to visitors for its chic bookstore Tsutaya), Ivy Place is a favorite amongst stylish lunching ladies. The restaurant serves tasty European fare, including grilled lamb chops and vegetable flatbread pizza. Breakfast is also a foreground meal with burritos and granola served at 7 am.
The full name may be a mouthful, but it’s certainly fitting; translates to ‘food, drink, and enjoyment.’ Not far from Aoyama’s main street, the place is hidden at the bottom of a staircase.
At the diner, chefs serve a modern seasonal take on Kyoto’s traditional ‘kaiseki’ banquet food, and it is delicious since it’s authentically prepared. Amongst the visitors, this is the best spot for sharing small dishes. The food might range from citrus grilled chicken and deep fried fig and aubergine to clay-pot cooked rice and home-made cream tofu.