Chili pepper daredevils may be interested in trying out the Ema Datshi, a chili-cheese stew that’s absolutely packed with peppers. Prepared by Lasola’s Bhutanese chef, it’s one of the spiciest dishes we’ve found in Tokyo. Although it’s very tasty and quite manageable in small bites, we needed a lot of…
This neighborhood pizzeria serves top-class Neapolitan-style pizza in a casual, unpretentious atmosphere. There are plenty of homey touches like the pizza trays advertising an Italian beer, the chopped firewood piled up in one corner, and the lively Italian radio in the background. Your fork and knife are delivered neatly to…
Tototo’s pizza wizards turn out some of the most exciting pies in town, backed up by first-rate side dishes and an impressive (and very affordable) wine list. The attractive decor is sleekly minimalist, with a huge open kitchen area and comfortable seating at the spacious counter. The pizza selection changes…
Nim’s serves legit New York-style pizzas, with a thin, crisp crust that’s pleasantly crunchy around the edges. Toppings are ample, with tempting choices like Italian sausage, pepperoni-jalapeno, mushroom-spinach, and lemon-honey (made with four cheeses). There are even a couple of Sicilian varieties, such as their original “vodka” pizza made with…
Lien serves excellent modern French cuisine with a flair. They also offer a good selection of affordable wines from around the world (not just France), with eleven wines poured by the glass. Lunch is an especially good deal, with a choice of main dish (from five daily offerings) plus a…
Attached to fancy French restaurant Bertrand Larcher, the Bar a Cidre is a great place to explore French ciders along with modern Breton cuisine. The food is first rate, with very appetizing starters like roast cauliflower in Bechamel sauce and leeks in vinaigrette sauce, and substantial main dishes like roast…
The leisurely lunch crowd love Pizza da Babbo (Italian for Papa’s Pizza) in Ningyocho. On any weekday, the entrance is jammed with strollers as young moms pack the place. And on weekends, it’s often fully booked by women of a certain age enjoying a bottle of wine with their pasta.…
Some restaurants are great for impressing clients or visiting in-laws, some are good for people-watching, and some are just right for a romantic dinner for two. Then there are places like Lauburu – maybe not so fancy, not so romantic, but dedicated to the art of serious eating. Lauburu is…
Carmine is an old-fashioned neighborhood pizzeria, with small tables decked out in red checkered tablecloths, walls covered with travel and food posters, and a kitchen turning out good, solid Italian fare at reasonable prices. The four-course lunch is a great deal, especially if you have a hearty appetite. A very…
Tapas, pintxos snacks and paellas are served with Old World wines and Spanish sherries at Bar Espanol Picar. The six-part tapas platter provides a good mix of flavors to accompany your first glass of wine. It’s big enough to share but not too big to enjoy all by yourself. The…
Am Stram Gram’s tarts are photogenic and very tasty, made with perfect specimens of fruit. They’re ready to take home or eat here at one of the free tables in the lively atrium lobby of Toranomon Hills Station Tower. You can accompany your dessert with take-out coffee or tea from…
Located near the entrance to the Toyoko line tracks in Yokohama Station, this is a convenient spot to grab a pint or a tasting flight when you’re passing through the area. It’s part of the food court area on the B2 level of Cial Yokohama, so you have a wide…
Little Delirium Cafe: Ikebukuro Little Delirium Cafe Ikebukuro: Belgian rest/beer bar Located in one of the quieter corners of Ikebukuro, Little Delirium offers ample terrace seating and numerous party plans featuring unlimited craft beers. If you’re going a la carte you can choose from grilled meat dishes,…
Seven-Eleven Yokohama Hammerhead: Yokohama Bashamichi Seven-Eleven Yokohama Hammerhead Yokohama Bashamichi: Retail It’s certainly unexpected, but perhaps the best craft beer retailer in Yokohama is this bayside branch of 7-Eleven. Located in front of the Yokohama Hammerhead shopping complex and ship terminal, they attract craft-beer fans from around…
It’s always a pleasure when a famous signature dish lives up to its reputation, and “Eggs Rothko” is worthy of the acclaim. A creation of chef George Weld that was first served at his Brooklyn restaurant Egg, it’s part of the all-day breakfast menu at Egg’s Tokyo outlet, along with…
Espresso D Works: Toranomon Espresso D Works Toranomon: Cafe This all-day cafe is probably the most casual choice among the several craft-beer destinations in Toranomon Hills Station Tower. It offers eight craft beers on tap and another 100 or so by the can or bottle, along with…
As the chef works his skewers, clouds of aromatic smoke rise from the grill, with sudden bursts of flame when fat hits the hot charcoal below. It’s a scene guaranteed to perk up the appetite as you peruse the menu, choosing from your favorite cuts of premium heirloom-breed chicken. With…
It’s one of the great mysteries of modern Tokyo. Why go to a South Indian restaurant and order the naan bread and butter chicken curry, the same combo available in every curry place in town? Alas, it’s a typical scene at the great little South Indian cafe Curry Leaves (named…
