Good, budget-friendly California cuisine (including great roast chicken) and a very reasonable Cali wine list. [feedback]

Shinjuku 3-38-1, Lumine EST Shinjuku 8F. Open 11am-11pm daily.

Assorted wines and "fresh herb cuisine" in a colorfully decorated setting. There's a Y2500 buffet dinner Friday and Saturday nights (7-10pm), and many private parties during the week.[feedback]

Shibuya 1-3-18, Villa Moderna. (directly across from Aoyama Park Tower) Open 5-11pm. Closed Mondays.

This swank dining spot from chef David Chiddo (Cicada, TY Harbor) bills itself as an "urban chop house" - basically a steak house, but with more seafood choices. The kitchen uses only top-class ingredients - long-grain-fed Angus beef, wild Aussie jumbo prawns, organic Scottish salmon - and the menu offers good value for money (budget around Y8500 for dinner and drinks). The wine list focuses on smaller New World vineyards, with some 20 choices by the glass.[feedback]

Shibuya 1-2-5. Open 11:30am-3, 6-10pm (LO) daily.

From French celeb chef Alain Ducasse, a Mediterranean restaurant covering the cuisines of Italy, Spain, North Africa and Greece. The dining room is comfortable and attractively laid out, with nice views of Aoyama-dori, Shibuya and Shinjuku. Service is professional without being stiff. The wine list has some nice choices for under Y9000, and wine by the glass is fairly reasonable. Prix-fixe dinners from Y8,000, lunches from Y4500. [feedback]

Jingumae 5-51-8, La Porte Aoyama 10F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.

Chef Kenji Sugawara was one of Japan's pioneers in the art of California cuisine, and his "Tokyo international" style is unique and exciting. Menu descriptions include plenty of exotic Asian ingredients and spices, but they're handled delicately, adding subtle flavors that are skillfully balanced. The glassed-in open kitchen adds some energy and liveliness to the cozy dining room, which seats just 14. The wine list is small but diverse and reasonably priced; budget around Y6-7000 for dinner with drinks. [feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 5-12-6, Dai-ni Wada Bldg B1F. Open noon-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

Kurkku's attractive and spacious dining room is tucked into the back of a trendy-looking design shop, and the main focus is on the wood-burning grill at the heart of the open kitchen. The menu is built around premium grilled meats but also includes hefty portions of vegetables and greens. Prix-fixe dinners of ample size start at Y5500, and they include a vegetable-centered chef's menu. A few decent wines can be found for under Y6000, but it's easy to spend more if you want to splurge. The Y2800 three-course lunch is an especially good deal. [feedback]

Jingumae 2-18-21, Koti Bldg 1F. Open 11:30-2, 5-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Tokyo fusion cuisine and an excellent view of Shibuya, managed by Global Dining (Stellato, Tableaux). The sommelier has put together a widely varied list of good wines that are all priced at Y3900 per bottle. (No lunch on weekends.)[feedback]

Maruyamacho 3-6, E Space Tower 15F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Chef Sakurazawa is a veteran of the popular fusion establishments Citabria and Tableaux, and he brings a solidly grounded, creative vision to the menu. Drinks include a good selection of reasonably priced California wines. The attractively decorated dining room features double-height ceilings and a no-smoking mezzanine level. Most of the staff speak English, and English menus are available.[feedback]

Ebisu 4-27-1. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-11:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

Solid, self-assured new American cuisine and an inspired selection of 40 California wines in an exuberantly urban setting. The culinary influences are more European than Asian, and memorable past dishes have included rack of lamb with dried fig sauce, enticing okra-shrimp spring rolls, and huge, succulent scallop appetizers. The venue is small but plush, with terra-cotta-colored walls and distinctive wall murals, open-beam ceilings and a beautiful glass-fronted walk-in wine cellar. Mains average Y2000, starters Y1000, and wines start at Y3500, with even premium labels very nicely priced.[feedback]

Ebisu 4-23-7, 2F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

The talented chef at Cabana utilizes a wide range of Asian and Western ingredients, mixed with a healthy dose of creativity and eccentricity. This is also a great place for weekend breakfast or brunch, starting early in the morning. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu 3-28-12, ATY Bldg. 1F. Open 11:30am-4, 5pm-1am daily.

This comfortable, luxuriously spacious restaurant is designed around a "Napa Valley" theme and offers a big list of Napa wines. The food is first-rate international cuisine, and while many other wine-oriented restaurants in town focus heavily on the higher-priced bottles, C'zon offers a big selection of wines in the Y3000-6000 range as well as more expensive choices. (No smoking in the main dining room.) [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 2-10-10, Elegante Vita Nacora 2F. Open 11:30am-midnight daily.

Smart, cutting-edge California-influenced cuisine, with an emphasis on grilled items and sashimi. The mostly California wine list is well assembled and comfortably priced. Tables are adequately separated, and the large two-story space, which is reached by crossing the entrance moat, is unusually luxurious for Tokyo. Dinner with drinks will probably start at around Y6000 per person. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ebisu-Nishi 1-12-14. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30pm-2am (LO) daily.

Modern French-Japanese fusion cuisine with plenty of other European and Asian influences. The dining room is warm and lively, service is personal and professional, and the California wine list is nicely priced. Budget around Y7000-9000 per person. The separate bar area is open late.[feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 2-26-4. (in the street behind Fujifilm) Open 5:30-11:30pm daily.

Fresh oysters and spectacular, very original seafood dishes, plus gumbo and other Cajun dishes.[feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 2-25-15, Unimat Mistral Point B1F. Open 6pm-4am (11pm Sundays). Open every day.

Simple, unpretentious fusion cuisine may sound like a contradiction in terms, but Furutoshi's chef somehow manages to produce down-home cooking even while using ingredients from halfway around the world. The decor is stunning, with spacious seating, a pleasant no-smoking section, a large downstairs bar and private rooms. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 1-15-10. Open 11:30am-5am daily.

This elegant two-story space features a large non-smoking dining room and bar downstairs, and smaller spaces and a private room at street level. The steaks here are Japanese dry-aged beef, starting at Y6500 for a 16oz. NY Strip Sirloin; the menu also includes rack of lamb, grilled salmon and Canadian lobster, with starters like foie gras terrine and caviar with melba toast. The extensive French and New World wine list includes several affordable bottles at the under-Y6000 level. [feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 1-15-14. (at the fork of the road leading to Aoyama Cemetery) Open 6pm-midnight. Closed Sundays.

Mediterranean-inspired foods and drink from Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco, from TY Harbor chef David Chiddo. Enjoy one of Tokyo's friendliest wine lists; the bar is open late. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Minami-Azabu 5-2-40. Open noon-3, 6pm-2am (LO) daily.

California fusion cuisine. Full-course dinners from Y4000. There's a separate menu for dogs.[feedback]

Shiroganedai 1-1-50, Miyako Hotel. Open 7am-midnight daily.

Excellent grilled meats and flamboyantly expensive New World wines in the Grand Hyatt's flagship restaurant. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Roppongi Hills, Grand Hyatt 6F. Open 11:30am-10:30pm daily.

This intimate new branch of chef Ian Tozer's "American Brasserie" offers a wine-friendly menu of seafood, steaks and chops, including fresh lobster, Washington oysters, BBQ baby-back ribs and catfish burgers. The wine list covers more than 100 wines by the bottle (including some rare finds) and twenty by the glass, with three different carafe sizes so you can organize your own custom tasting. Budget around Y8000-9000 for dinner with drinks. [feedback]

Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace 1F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

The dining spaces in this heavily design-focused restaurant are tastefully arranged, more European than Japanese in style, as one might expect from Terence Conran's first Tokyo venture. The menu is international in scope, and roast beef is a specialty of the house, with wagon service at dinnertime. Prix-fixe lunches are Y3800-5000 while dinners are Y8400-12,600; there are also plenty of a la carte choices. Most wines are targeted towards big spenders, but there are a handful of decent bottles under Y10,000, such as Penfold's Bin 407 Cabernet for Y7500. [feedback]

Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace 4F. Open 11am-midnight daily.

New York's Union Square Cafe has been a serious gourmet destination since the mid-1980s, and this new sister store aims to bring the excitement to Tokyo. Lunches from Y3000, dinners from Y12,000. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Akasaka 9-7-5, Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace B1F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Accessible California cuisine - gourmet pizzas and interesting takes on American standards like meatloaf and Cajun chicken.[feedback]

Roppongi 5-5-1, Roi Bldg. 1F. Open 11am-11pm (weekends to 5am) daily.

Robles' menu is filled with intriguing, multi-line descriptions like "sauteed foie gras and corn pancake with cacao zinfandel sauce," and "roast Barbarie duck breast and home-made chorizo with duck jus sauce and macadamia oil." The California wine list is extensive, with a good selection in the lower price ranges. [feedback]

Azabudai 3-4-11. Open noon-2, 6-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

You can enjoy cafe-style lunches and light snacks throughout the day; in the evenings it's also a lounge bar with Scotch whiskies and cigars. Weekend brunch is served till 5pm. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Roppongi 6-12-4, Keiyakizaka-dori 2F. Open 11am-11pm daily.

This casual "California grill" serves unusual burgers (foie gras burger, calimari and rice burger) as well as more traditional international fare (soft-shell crab and scallops, New Zealand lamb chops, bagna cauda). There are a few nice California wines in the Y5000 range, and some even nicer ones if you want to splurge. Budget around Y4000 at dinner; lunch from under Y1000.[feedback]

Azabu-Juban 2-7-2, Biranka Azabu 2F. Open 11:30am-3, 5:30-11pm (LO) daily.

Confident American cuisine and an excellent California wine list.[feedback]

Higashi-Azabu 1-20-3. Open 11:30am-2, 6-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.

This small neighborhood spot serves good, original California-style cuisine and reasonably priced New World wines, and is popular with the international community. The fusiony menu is full of complicated but well-executed dishes like "maguro tuna steak flavored with tri-color peppers in brandy and port wine sauce served with wild rice." Portion sizes are surprisingly big - the bagna cauda includes nearly a dozen boiled vegetables, and the excellent grilled pork main dish is almost too big for one person. Budget around Y5-7000 at dinnertime; Y850-1000 for lunch. [feedback]

Akasaka 6-17-7. Open 11am-3, 5:30-10:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.

An old-fashioned steak house from America. Are you ready for the "Diamond Jim Brady" cut? [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Akasaka 2-17-22, Akasaka Twin Tower East B/1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5-9:30pm (LO) daily.

California cuisine and wines from the popular Cardenas group, inside the modern atrium space of the Dentsu high-rise.[feedback]

Higashi-Shimbashi 1-8-2, Caretta Shiodome 3F. Open 11am-midnight daily.

Grilled seafood and steaks from Oregon. Charcoal-grilled dry-aged steaks start at Y3800; there's also a nice selection of Oregon wines. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Higashi-Shimbashi 1-5-2, Shiodome City Center 42F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

"Slow Dining Asli" pride themselves on their top-quality organic vegetables and free-range chicken from Fukushima. You'll find organic wines and even organic sake and shochu on the drinks menu. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Marunouchi 3-3-1, Shin-Tokyo Bldg. B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Here inside the Mandarin Hotel's 38th-floor Oriental Lounge, the seven-seat "Tapas Molecular Bar" serves cutting-edge modern cuisine. 21 plates of highly inventive, deconstructivist bite-size morsels are presented over the course of two hours (Y12,000+10%sc). Seatings are at 6 and 8:30pm, and reservations are required. [feedback]

Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-1-1, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo 38F. Open 6, 8:30pm daily.

Innovative cuisine, friendly service, and the feel of a comfortable neighborhood bistro. The food menu promises adventure, with tastes ranging from sea urchin and ikura with green tea noodles to Louisiana shrimp. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Funamachi 8. Open 11am-2am daily.

Probably best known in Tokyo for their popular Y6,600 "Champagne Brunch" on Sundays, featuring all the sparkling wine you can drink. (The bar/restaurant area is open later than the main dining room; last order is at 12:30am.)[feedback]

Kioicho 4-1, Hotel New Otani 4F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5pm-12:30am (LO) daily.

Chef Trevor Blyth, a veteran of several top-tier restaurants in France and the UK, has opened an unusual restaurant in Oji (6 stops north of Iidabashi on the Namboku line). Aiming to provide high-end cuisine without the high prices, he's devised a modern tapas-style menu combining Mediterranean and Japanese ingredients and techniques, plus a selection of sake, wine and Champagne. [feedback]

Kishimachi 1-1-11, Kouei Ekimae Bldg 2F. (at entrance to Otonashi-gawa park, 30 sec. from Oji Sta.) Open 11:30am-11:30pm (from 2:30 Sat). Closed Sunday.

Exciting, well-centered modern American cuisine - drawing on European and middle Eastern and Asian influences - from this bayside brewpub. The wine list is fantastic, with good values at every price level. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Higashi-Shinagawa 2-1-3, Bond Street. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.

Daidaiya serves up innovative fusion cuisine drawing on Korean, other Asian and Italian influences - their "modern" sushi variations are especially interesting. Smaller than most, the Ikebukuro branch is snazzily decorated and it offers views of Western Ikebukuro. Lunch is served till 4pm.[feedback]

Nishi-Ikebukuro 1-1-25, Tobu Spice 13F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

Spectacular "nouvelle Japonaise" cuisine in a stunning modern setting. Standout items on the menu include cold stuffed cabbage kimchee with cashew nuts, minced tuna and Korean bean paste (Y780), sauteed foie gras served on lotus-root cakes (Y1600), and homemade Satsuma pork sausages with a fresh wasabi-mayonnaise sauce. There's also a large a la carte sushi and tempura selection, with items like scallop tempura with green-tea salt (Y200 a piece). The wines are nothing special, but the house sake is a very drinkable Tsukasa-botan at Y1,000 a glass, and there's a full cocktail menu. Plan on spending Y5,000-10,000 per person for a superb meal; reservations are a must. [feedback]

Shinjuku 3-37-12, Shinjuku Nowa Bldg. 3F. Open 5pm-midnight (LO) daily.

Adventurous, fun-loving fusion cooking with a nice mix of European and Asian ingredients (like their chicken, asparagus and lemongrass risotto, Y900). The atmosphere is comfortable and very casual, and the upstairs tatami rooms are delightful. The drinks menu includes Red Hook, Chimay and Bintan beers, assorted tropical-style cocktails, and well selected California and Washington wines.[feedback]

Jingumae 6-3-2. Open 11am-10pm(LO) daily.

Very modern cooking - Chinese ingredients and preparation methods filtered through a California/fusion sensibility. Typical dishes include risotto of bean paste, zucchini, and pancetta with fried conger eel; and snow crab dumplings with 3 different sauces: corn, basil and balsamic. Dinner is a set-price Y3900 for three courses, which surprisingly includes all the wine you can drink, plus dessert and coffee. You can also bring your own wine - just let them know in advance. [feedback]

Hiroo 5-22-3. (on the right side of Meiji-dori going towards Hiroo/ Tengenjibashi) Open 11:30-2am (LO) daily.

The "NY Fusion cuisine" menu features items like grilled lamb with tamarind and chili coconut sauce (Y1600) and many other Southeast-Asian-influenced combinations. In the afternoon there's a buffet till 4pm - Y2000 gets you a meat or fish main course plus your fill of salads, starters and desserts.[feedback]

Konan 2-18-1, Atre Shinagawa 4F. Open 11am-11pm (LO) daily.

Entertaining Pacific Rim cuisine in a comfortably urban setting. The restaurant occupies two lively floors of what looks like a gentrified-industrial converted warehouse -- double-height ceilings, exposed pipes and brickwork and -- best of all -- plenty of space. The menu includes trendy-but-non-yet-hackneyed experiments in cultural diversity such as "terrine of foie gras fritters with yama-imo and figs" and an unconventional "sushi" selection. The main weak points are the service, which can be very slow and haphazard, and the wine list, which could use some beefing up in the under-Y6,000 area. [feedback]

Minami-Azabu 2-4-1. (near San-no-hashi crossing) Open 11:30am-2, 5:30pm-3am (LO 12) daily.

Excellent Hawaiian seafood with intriguing Asian influences - there's plenty of Pacific Rim cuisine in Tokyo, but somehow Roy's manages to stay unique. There's also a decent selection of New World wines to go with the food, and a popular weekend brunch (Y3500, or Y7000 with champagne and wine open bar).[feedback]

Roppongi Hills, Westwalk 511c. Open 11am-3, 5:30-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Simple Asian noodle-shop standards are prepared here with high-quality ingredients and presented in a nice setting, overlooking the gardens of Roppongi Hills. Some outdoor seating is available.[feedback]

Roppongi Hills, Hillside B204. Open 11am-5, 6-10:30 (LO) daily.

Another architectural triumph from the Daidaiya chain, with several distinct dining areas - all of them inspired. The food veers towards creative Japanese/Korean/Asian fusion, with some very interesting sushi variations; budget around Y6000-9000 for dinner.[feedback]

Akasaka 3-1-6, Belle Vie 9F. Open 11:30am-2, 5pm-midnight (LO) daily.

This modern French-Japanese seafood-centered restaurant features a splashy entrance hall (literally - it comes complete with waterfall) and a gorgeous two-story main dining room with views of the Rainbow Bridge. Prix-fixe menus from Y6800, with an optional 4-glass "wine bank" for Y3950. [feedback]

Higashi-Shimbashi 1-5-2, Shiodome City Center 41F. Open 11:30am-3, 5:30-11:30pm daily.

This restaurant owned by retired sumo wrestler Konishiki is divided into three sections, serving Hawaiian cuisine, sushi, and chanko-nabe (that stew that sumo wrestlers eat).[feedback]

Kasuga 1-1-1, Tokyo Dome LaQua 1F. Open 11am-11pm daily.

This is a spacious two-story branch of this pioneering "nouvelle japonaise" restaurant, with excellent fusion-oriented cooking and a panoramic view of the harbor lights. [feedback]

Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Square "At 2nd", 4/5F. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

Raw and cooked oysters, seafood cocktails, "pan roasts" and Cajun-style gumbo are the specialties of this popular chain. [See branch review] [feedback]

Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1-2, Sunshine City Alpa 3F. Open 11am-10pm (LO; lunch to 4pm) daily.

Oysters, fresh seafood cocktails, and a few Cajun specialties like gumbo at a stylish counter bar. The seafood "pan roasts" are nicely done, and the oysters are always top quality. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Shinjuku 3-38-1, Lumine EST Shinjuku 8F. Open 11am-11pm daily.

This airy, open-plan bar (formerly R Gath water bar) serves several wines by the glass, four beers on tap (including the excellent Edelpils), and a limited menu of raw oysters (Y1000 for 3), shrimp cocktails, sausages and ceviche. [feedback]

Ebisu 4-20-4, Yebisu Garden Place Glass Square B1F. Open 3-10:30pm (LO), from 11am Sat/Sun daily.

Although they're not our favorite oyster bar in Tokyo, Grand Central does offer an impressively big selection of oysters from all over. There's also a large, varied wine list (heavy on the whites, naturally), with lots of choices by the glass, in case you feel like just dropping in for a drink at the bar.[feedback]

Konan 2-18-1, Atre Shinagawa 4F. Open 11am-11pm (LO) daily.

You'll find entertaining dining, festive decor at this fourth Tokyo branch of the popular American chain of Australian-themed steak houses; budget around Y4000 at dinnertime.[feedback]

Roppongi 6-1-3, Roc Mon 2F. Open 11:30am-3, 5pm-midnight (4am Fri/Sat) daily.

A branch of the original Yoyogi-Uehara cafe, with far more space and a larger menu. Dinner items include rotisserie chicken (Y1,400 for a half chicken) and grilled swordfish (Y1,700). There's a small selection of California and Australian wines, by the glass or bottle. Service can be hit or miss.[feedback]

Nagatacho 2-14-3, Akasaka Tokyu Plaza 2F. Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.

Reliable rotisserie chicken, sandwiches and deli items. There's also a popular weekend brunch featuring rotisserie chicken and various breakfast-y dishes.[feedback]

Marunouchi 2-4-1, Marunouchi Bldg. 5F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily.

Mostly an all-day cafe/restaurant, although they also have a small deli counter and grocery section with coffees and teas, spices, baked goods, cold cuts, four kinds of smoked salmon, and real dill pickles. Groceries cover the luxury end of the spectrum, with Y1800 jars of pasta sauce and exotic pates.[feedback]

Marunouchi 1-4-5, Mitsubishi Trust Building 1F. Open 7am-11pm daily.

An informal oyster bar serving raw and cooked oysters from Japan, New Zealand and the US, along with Cajun-style gumbo and seafood "pan roasts." Located in the underground shopping complex just E of Tokyo station. [See branch review] [feedback]

Yaesu 2-1, Yaesu Chikamichi Minami #1. Open 11am-11pm (10pm Sat, Sun). Open every day.

Yes, this is a theme restaurant based on a Tom Hanks movie, but the food's kind of interesting, and there's grilled fish and baby-back ribs in case you're not in the mood for shrimp. There's also an unusual cocktail list.[feedback]

Kasuga 1-1-1, Tokyo Dome LaQua 1F. Open 11am-11pm daily.

This "Gourmet New York dining" restaurant is inspired by the food market of the same name in Manhattan, and the menu focuses on casual American fare like pizzas and pastas (including macaroni and cheese!), some nice spicy gumbo, grilled burgers and barbecue ribs. They also serve breakfast (from 7am weekdays), with choices like NY bagels and French toast. The menu is designed by British chef Ian Tozer, the man behind Roti American brasserie in Roppongi and Kayumanis Asian cuisine in Ginza. [feedback]

Kanda Hanaokacho 1-9, Atre Vie Akihabara 2F. Open 7am-10:30pm (LO) daily.

A lively theme restaurant serving many entertaining shrimp dishes, baby-back ribs and brightly colored cocktails.[feedback]

Toyosu 2-4-9, LaLaport Toyosu 3F. Open 11am-11pm daily.

A bayside branch of the popular American seafood chain, with nice views over the Rainbow Bridge.[feedback]

Daiba 1-7-1, Aqua City 6F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.

A large seafood menu, with entrees Y2,000-3,000, appetizers starting around Y1,500.[feedback]

Minato-mirai 2-3, Queen's Square "At 2nd", 2F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.