This elegant, very relaxed bar features gigantic fishtanks filled with exotic tropical fish from Okinawa and environs. The menu includes tasty original cocktails and light food items. There's a Y700 per person table charge. [feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 5-13-3. Open 6pm-2am daily.

Those with a fondness for cartoon-character dolls and action figures will find a kindred spirit in Yoshitomo Nara, whose paintings and sculptures of devilish children are as disconcerting as they are cute. A joint project with the Graf design firm, A to Z Cafe, with its original artwork, mismatched furniture, and liberal use of worn wood and corrugated iron, is a cool place to spend the afternoon. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 5-8-3, Equbo Bldg 5F. Open 11:30am-11:30pm (to 4am weekends) daily.

Prime-grade tuna and affordable Australian and New Zealand wines in a gorgeous modern dining room. Highlights include the tuna sushi and the charcoal-grill menu. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 5-1-3, La Mia Bldg. 2F. Open 5pm-1am daily.

Spectacular chicken wings and other chicken specialties, and a tasteful, traditional Japanese interior. [feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 3-18-16, Behind exit A4 Omotesando station. (across from El Torito) Open 5pm-4:30am daily.

The pace of life here is relaxed, with most cooking done over a simple charcoal hibachi at your table. The menu is practically an agricultural tour of Japan - Kumamoto venison; Nagoya pheasant; and sake and shochu from selected small breweries throughout the country. Bamboo trees and lanterns set the mood out front, and the interior is wood-and-stone Japanese modern. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 3-12-4. Open 6pm-2am (LO; Sundays 10pm) daily.

This stylish little izakaya offers excellent food, a good sake selection, and an entire menu page devoted to different varieties of salt - 12 of them in all. Charcoal-grilled seafood and vegetables are among the food highlights. Budget around Y2500 without drinks. [See branch review] [feedback]

Jingumae 3-6-5. Open 6pm-3am daily.

For those who hate leaving work, this popular DJ bar is decorated like an office, with file cabinets, bookshelves, and copier machine. Different DJs nightly, a young crowd, a full food menu, and a good nighttime view down Aoyama-dori. [feedback]

Kita-Aoyama 2-7-18, Yamazaki Bldg. 5F. Open 5pm to 3am daily.

Jap Cho Ok serves up modern Korean cuisine that hasn't lost its bite, with an emphasis on herbs and spices and fresh, top-grade ingredients. The menu is large and diverse, with plenty of vegetarian items. [Note that the restaurant is located in the basement of a large modern building between Nishi-Azabu and Gaienmae, underneath some shops, and it's fairly difficult to find; readers regularly report that it's closed.] [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 4-1-15, Alteka Belte Plaza B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 5:30pm-1am (LO) daily.

The dining space here is warm and comfortable, with a big charcoal grill area at one end of a spacious counter. The large food menu features top-grade meats and vegetables from around Japan, including unusual cheese and oil fondues. The draft beer is Kirin Braumeister, and they serve around a dozen premium sakes. Budget around Y6000. [feedback]

Jingumae 3-42-5, Spinach Hill 1F. Open 6pm-1am (LO; 3am Fri/Sat) daily.

Spectacular chicken and game bird dishes (including pheasant, Nagoya cochin), plus a whole section of seasonal, grill-them-yourself hibachi items. Sake and shochu are the drinks of choice, although wine and beer are available. Budget around Y7000 per person. [feedback]

Jingumae 3-34-6, Smile Bldg. 1F. Open 6pm-1am (LO; 11pm Sundays) daily.

They're a bit on the expensive side, and the interior resembles a theme park, but the musicians wandering among the tables add a festive atmosphere. [feedback]

Jingumae 2-33-12-B2. Open 5:30pm-4am (LO) daily.

A small, casual Italian wine bar that serves around twenty wines by the glass, in all price ranges, along with light snacks. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Higashi 4-6-3. Open 5pm-3am 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.

Good sushi and other straight-ahead Japanese fare from the late-night Global Dining group (La Boheme, Zest, etc.). The massive, multi-story space is always buzzing with activity, and sometimes seems to be the center of an international social scene in Tokyo. [feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 1-13-11. Open 11:30am-5am (sushi bar to 1am) daily.

Another Tokyo ramen landmark with long lines. [feedback]

Minami-Aoyama 2-34-30. Open noon-4:30am (LO). Closed Sundays.

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.

Brand-name Japanese domestic beef meets Australian and New Zealand wine at this upscale teppanyaki restaurant. The sommelier, Kinoshita-san, has brought along his 2000-bottle wine cellar from his former wine bar (L Vino in Roppongi). Full-course dinners are priced at Y6800-12,000, and lunch is around Y3000. There's also a separate wine bar space called Old Vine Cellar Door, with wines by the glass and accompanying snacks; budget around Y3500 at the bar. [feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 1-10-6. Open 11:30am-2:30, 6pm-4am daily.

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.

Hearty, authentic French country-style cooking. There's a small wine bar at the entrance where you can stop for a glass or two along with snacks like raw oysters and venison carpaccio. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Hiroo 5-17-11. Open noon-2, 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.

A trendy but comfortable cafe where you can enjoy the open-air front section during the warmer months. The back area is set up like a very large living room, with plenty of sofas for lounging. (Note that after 6pm there's a table charge in some areas of the cafe - Y500 per person at tables in the back, Y1000 per person on the sofas.) The desserts are especially recommended (they also run a wholesale cake shop from the basement). [feedback]

Minami-Azabu 4-12-26. Open 11:30am-1:30am (LO) daily.

This cozy bistrot serves hearty French country cuisine - cassoulets, blood sausages - and many reasonly priced wines by the glass or bottle. The late-night hours are convenient, and perhaps the best time to visit; the counter can get a bit cramped and smoky earlier in the evening. [feedback]

Ebisu 2-23-3. Open 7pm-3am. Closed Mondays.

A relaxed late-night izakaya with good food and drink. One of the specialties is himono, various types of dried fish that are served grilled. [feedback]

Kami-Osaki 2-14-5, Crystal Tower B1F. Open 11:30am-2, 4:30pm-5am daily.

Very good Peking duck and other Chinese fare at amazingly low prices. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Nishi-Azabu 3-2-13, Court Annex 2F. Open 24 hours a day.

Chef Seiji Yamamoto does a very impressive take on experimental cuisine from a Japanese perspective, with eye-openers like edamame foam with pulverized ice cream and foie gras with figs. Eleven-course prix-fixe menus run Y15,750, Y21,000 and Y26,250, and there's a seven-sake selection paired with the food for an extra Y5000. [feedback]

Roppongi 7-17-24, Site Roppongi Bldg 1F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sunday.

Tucked into a quiet corner of Roppongi, this self-styled "American Chophouse" excels in service, interior style, and food that's both creative and comforting. Using lean but flavorful Iwate Beef for charcoal-grilled steak shows common sense, while touches like Gorgonzola dressing on a roast beet salad bring a modern touch to American cuisine. There's a superb list of American boutique wines, many under Y10,000, plus a full cocktail bar. [feedback]

Roppongi 4-2-35, B1F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.

Tasty burgers, loud music, big crowds. Open 11:30am-2am (M-Th), to 4am (Fri., Sat.), to 11:30pm (Sun.) [feedback]

Roppongi 5-4-20. Open 11:30-2am (weekends to 4am) daily.

Hataka (Kyushu) style kushiyaki is the specialty here, with excellent (though rather salty) grilled skewers of chicken and pork parts and vegetables. Seating can be a bit cramped and smoky but the food is fantastic. A sister shop to Teyandei in Nishi-Azabu. [feedback]

Roppongi 5-9-17. Open 6pm-5am daily.

This branch of the popular yakitori chain features a gigantic stereo amp and speakers in the main dining room pumping out classic sixties jazz. [feedback]

Roppongi 6-1-3, Roc Mon 4F. Open 5pm-4am (LO) daily.

This upscale izakaya is known for their excellent grilled meats and vegetables, good sake and sophisticated decor; the Roppongi branch also has convenient late-night hours. Budget around Y6000-7000 per person with drinks. [feedback]

Roppongi 6-1-3, Roc Mon 7F. Open 5pm-3am (LO) daily.

Late-night Tex-Mex favorites like tacos (from hand-made tortillas), quesadillas and frozen margaritas. Budget around Y3500 for dinner. [feedback]

Roppongi 6-1-3, Roc Mon B1F. Open 11am-2:30, 6pm-3am (LO) daily.

An expensive (and very good) Italian restaurant downstairs, and a cafe upstairs serving drinks, coffee and desserts. [feedback]

Azabudai 3-1-7. Open noon-2:30am (LO) daily.

A branch of Aburiya in Omotesando, serving local fish, meats and produce from around the country, plus sake and shochu. The downstairs counter is especially cozy. [See branch review] [feedback]

Azabu-Juban 1-8-6. Open 6pm-2am (LO; Sundays 10pm) daily.

Inexpensive pastas and Italian wines by the glass, with convenient late-night hours. [feedback]

Azabu-Juban 2-3-7. Open 11:30am-5am daily.

Occupying a skinny three-story building just off Ichi-no-hashi crossing, the late-night Spanish bar La Plancha has long skinny dining spaces on the two upper floors, but the lively stand-up bar on the ground floor is where the action is. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Azabu-Juban 4-1-9. Open 5pm-1am (LO). Closed weekends.

As the name implies, pates - pork, duck, sweet potato, campagne and several more - are the specialty at this comfortable late-night wine bar. The chef here makes a point of using only organic vegetables and seasonal ingredients, and his menu also includes hearty country-style stews and raclette. Around a dozen wines are served by the glass, starting at Y650, and you can just drop in for a glass of wine if you like. There's also a cozy little restaurant down in the basement with a wider menu that includes pastas and main dishes. [feedback]

Azabu-Juban 4-4-1, Twin Ichi-no-hashi Bldg #2-kan Room 1. Open 11:30am-4am (LO). Closed Sundays.

Tasty tapas and main dishes and reasonable Spanish wines from the popular Spanish chain. [feedback]

Akasaka 3-7-17. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30pm-2am (LO). Closed Sundays.

You'll find great Peking Duck here - just Y3680 for a portion big enough for three or four people - plus a big menu of surprisingly inexpensive dumplings and small-plate dishes. [See branch review] [feedback]

Akasaka 3-8-8, Akasaka Floral Plaza Bldg B1F. Open 24 hours a day.

This very reasonably priced izakaya chain offers good food and good value. The impressively diverse menu features soba noodles, kushiyaki (both yakitori and other meats on skewers), homemade tofu, "Kyoto-style oden," and lots of good seasonal specials. There are over a dozen different sakes to try, and you can choose any three as a "tasting set" for Y1000; other drinks include awamori cocktails, shochu, beer and wine. There are two other Akasaka branches nearby. [feedback]

Akasaka 3-21-10, Akasaka NS Bldg 1/2F. Open 11:30am-1:45, 5pm-5am (-10pm weekends) daily.

The large counter at this tapas bar, with its clean white stools and gleaming rows of wine bottles, beckons one in for a quick snack. The menu features tempting Mediterranean dishes like Greek cabbage rolls, fried cauliflower salad, and rice croquettes. Wines from Argentina, Spain and Greece start at Y3900 per bottle, but unfortunately by-the-glass options are limited. Open late on weeknights only; earlier hours on Saturdays and Sundays. [feedback]

Akasaka 5-3-1, Akasaka Biz Tower 1F. Open 11am-3am (LO; Sat 10:30, Sun 8:30 LO) daily.

Regional dishes and wines from southwest France are the specialty in this cozy little bistrot-style restaurant. Budget around Y4000 for food; wines start at around Y3000/bottle. [feedback]

Akasaka 6-4-15. Open 6pm-1am (LO). Closed Sundays.

Chanko-nabe (the stuff that sumo wrestlers eat) and surprisingly modern side dishes (like Vietnamese spring rolls). The chanko is flavored with either miso, soy sauce or salt, and it comes with a bewildering assortment of optional toppings. Owned by famous wrestler Wakanohana. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Roppongi 4-1-9, Bellza Roppongi B1F. Open 6pm-4am (LO). Closed Sundays.

Inexpensive pastas, cheap Italian wines, late-night hours. [feedback]

Ginza 1-2-3. (under the highway, across from Seiyo Hotel) Open 11:30am-3am (LO) daily.

Good solid food from the Tex side of the Tex-Mex border, with colorful frozen and non-frozen margaritas. [feedback]

Ginza 1-2-3. (under the highway, across from Seiyo Hotel) Open 11:30-3am (LO) daily.

This New Zealand wine bar and restaurant is a branch of the popular Australian wine bar in Shibuya. The cellar offers more than 200 different New Zealand wines, and the kitchen focuses on grilled grass-fed lamb and beef as well as traditional Maori "hangi" dishes. Lunch from Y1000, prix-fixe dinner Y5000, plus a la carte. [See branch review] [feedback]

Ginza 2-4-6, Ginza Velvia-kan 8F. Open 11am-2:30, 6pm-1am (LO) daily.

The small, bistro-style ground-floor dining room serves a Y4,800 prix fixe dinner until 10pm (last order). There's also a second-floor wine bar with an a la carte snack menu available till 2am. Saturday lunch starts at Y1800. [feedback]

Ginza 2-5-6. Open 5:30pm-2am (noon-midnight Sat.). Closed Sundays.

Inexpensive pastas and Italian wines by the glass, with convenient late-night service. [feedback]

Ginza 6-4-1, Tokaido Ginza Bldg B1F. Open 11:30am-5am daily.

Well-executed Balinese fusion cuisine, with giant fish tanks as the backdrop (and a main source of lighting). Dishes range from the traditional (grilled chicken with peanut sauce) to the more experimental (nam-pla-flavored Caesar salad). [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Ginza 7-2, Ginza Corridor 2F. Open 5pm-3am (LO; earlier weekends). Open every day.

You'll find good Belgian food (including mussels and great frites), a nice selection of beers, and convenient late-night hours from this branch of the Belgian Beer Cafe chain (they also run Antwerp Central in Marunouchi). [See branch review] [feedback]

Ginza 8-2-1. Open 11:30am-4am daily.

This branch of the very luxurious Luxor in Shirogane (from veteran Tokyo restaurateur Mario Fritolli) has a nice view of the plaza across from Tokyo International Forum. Budget around Y7000-10,000 for dinner; lunch from Y1300. [feedback]

Marunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia 2F. Open 11am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO; 2am Thu/Fri) daily.

Muy's huge, dramatically lit bar is very impressive, stretching half a city block along the front of the Tokyo Building. The menu includes a big selection of tapas (with numerous Spanish hams), grilled meats and fish, lots of rice dishes, and fideua - Catalan paella made with pasta instead of rice. Budget around Y4-5000 for food at dinnertime. Prix-fixe lunches from Y1400 (Y2500 weekends); wines from Y3700. (Thu/Fri nights to 2:30am) [feedback]

Marunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia 2F. Open 11am-2, 5:30-11pm daily.

AC's atmosphere and decor are very European in feel, and the large food menu includes surprisingly authentic Belgian specialties like "stoemp" - a hearty platter of mashed potatoes and root vegetables. The bar serves more than 30 Belgian beers, including Leffe Blond and three others on tap. Ample terrace seating is available. Bar open until 4am weeknights, midnight weekends. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Marunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia B1F. Open 11am-3am (LO), to 11pm Sat, Sun. Open every day.

This hip little cafe is known for their inexpensive, eclectic menu - sandwiches, rice bowls, unusual pizzas, and mains like roast pork with wasabi sauce. Desserts include French toast. Open all day. [feedback]

Marunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia B1F. Open 11am-10:30pm (2am Thu/Fri) daily.

Part of the popular Franziskaner chain, Franz club offers a decent selection of German beers and nice roast meats, sausages, ham and similar fare, served well into the wee hours of the morning. Budget around Y4000 at dinnertime. There's also a deluxe weekend brunch priced at Y2980. [feedback]

Marunouchi 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg 5F. Open 11:30am-4, 5pm-4am daily.

Memorable charcoal-grilled yakitori for Y4,000 to Y8,000 per person (with drinks). They've got an interesting sake list, including multiple variations from Kubota and other small brewers. [feedback]

Funamachi 12. (on Gaien-Higashi-dori) Open 6pm-5am (Sat. to 11pm). Closed Sundays.

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.

A huge menu, great food, a surprising variety of different breads, and extremely convenient hours. [feedback]

Nibancho 3-11. (Across from Nihon TV.) Open 24 hours a day.

An African-themed restaurant with Afro-French fusion dishes and a selection of exotic meats. The wines are mostly from South Africa, and a full-course dinner for two plus a bottle of wine runs about Y10,000. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Wakamiyacho 10-7. Open 7pm-3am daily.

Tapas bars and restaurants are over Tokyo, but El Pulpo may be the only place that bills itself as a "marisqueria" - a Spanish restaurant specializing in seafood. The food here is fantastic, using fresh seafood that's delivered directly from Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture. [See FULL REVIEW.][feedback]

Kagurazaka 4-3, Miyazaki Bldg 1F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.

Often hidden backstreet bars like this - quiet, sophisticated, with tasteful but understated decor - specialize in expensive Scotch whisky or cocktails, so it's nice to find a place like this with a serious Belgian beer menu. Food includes freshly shaved Parmesan, pork rillettes and shepherd's pie, and prices are a bit higher than average (around Y1200-1500 for a typical bottle of Belgian). Located upstairs in a residential-looking building, the bar can be very hard to find, but that's part of its charm. [feedback]

Tsukudocho 1-14, Sun Heights Sakatabashi 203. (walk up Kagurazaka-dori and turn right at Gojuban Chinese steamed bun shop, it's on the right side after about 4 min.) Open 5pm-2am. Closed weekends.

A comfortable and spacious Belgian specialty bar with nearly 100 beers by the bottle that you can select and serve yourself from the big glass refrigerators. They also have unusual beers on draft (Witkap Pater) and a modest food menu. [feedback]

Nishi-Kanda 2-1-12, Umezawa Bldg 2F. Open 5:30pm-2am daily.

Beers from around the world and convenient late-night hours. [feedback]

Kanda Kajimachi 3-7-8. Open 6pm-1am (to 4am Fri, 12m Sat.). Closed Sundays.

Spanish food and reasonably priced French and Spanish wines, with convenient late-night hours. Budget around Y3000 for food and drink at dinnertime. (From the same management as the Aux Amis des Vins chain of French wine bars.) [feedback]

Ueno 7-1-1, Atre 1F. Open 11am-4:30am daily.

A spacious bar serving meaty German fare and great beer. Four German brews from Spaten and Franziskaner are on draft (starting at Y600/glass) with several more by the bottle. The Y3500 prix-fixe menu consists of assorted German hams, sausages, pork cutlets, spaetzel dumplings in cheese sauce, and a pretzel. Unusual for this neighborhood, they're open till 4am Thursday and Friday nights. [feedback]

Kaigan 1-2-20, Shiodome Building 1F. Open 11am-2, 5-10pm; Thu/Fri 3am; Sat/Sun 8pm. Closed daily.

There's no need for an elaborate meal if you're not in the mood; here you can settle in with a simple pizza margherita, a sampling of their fifteen different hams and salamis, and a nice bottle or two of Italian wine. The cellar stocks around 300-400 different bottles, so it may take awhile to choose. Open late Thursday and Friday evenings; budget from Y4000 at dinnertime with drinks. [feedback]

Kaigan 1-2-20, Shiodome Building 1F. Open 11am-4, 5-10:30pm (LO; 3am Thu/Fri). Closed daily.