Bakeries
Maison Kayser - Bakery: Ikebukuro
Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.
This French bakery prepares excellent pastries and breads to take out. Alternatively you can relax with a pastry and cup of coffee or tea in the cafe area, or out on the terrace when the weather...
Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.
Boul'ange - Bakery: Nishi-Shinjuku
Open 7:30am-10pm daily.
This French-influenced bakery across from Shinjuku station produces top-grade breads and pastries to go. The selection includes interesting Japanese-inspired items like yuzu cheesecake and curry...
Open 7:30am-10pm daily.
Ikea - Retail: Harajuku
Open 11am-8pm daily.
Harajuku Ikea is the first central-Tokyo branch of the Swedish retailer, and in place of the usual cafeteria they run a popular mini-cafe where you can order soft tunnbrod (Polar bread) open-faced...
Open 11am-8pm daily.
Aux Bacchanales - French: Harajuku
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
This branch of the long-running French-cafe chain offers open-air terrace seating with an excellent view of Meiji Shrine and the new Harajuku Station building. You can drop in for coffee and...
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Viron - Bakery: Shibuya
Open 9am-10pm daily.
Viron serves great French cafe-style sandwiches, quiches and pastries to take out; there's also a pleasant cafe upstairs.
Open 9am-10pm daily.
Sawamura - Bakery: Nishi-Azabu
Open 7-10am, 11am-4pm, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
The ground-floor bakery includes a cafe area where you can enjoy fresh-baked bread and pastries with your morning coffee from 7am.
Open 7-10am, 11am-4pm, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Le Pain Quotidien - Bakery: Shiba-koen
Open 7:30am-9pm (LO) daily.
Located inside a park and surrounded by greenery, this popular Belgian organic bakery is famous for their large communal table, although they also offer smaller tables for two or four. The interior...
Open 7:30am-9pm (LO) daily.
Le Pain Quotidien - Grill: Roppongi
Open 7:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
This branch of the popular Belgian organic bakery has expanded beyond breakfast and brunch, offering grilled meat main dishes like Australian lamb (Y2690) and US Prime rib steaks (Y6790 for 270g)...
Open 7:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
Hudson Market Bakers - Bakery: Azabu-Juban
Open 11am-8pm (Sat, Sun -7pm). Closed Mondays.
The concept here is a New York-style bakery-cafe in the heart of Azabu-Juban, selling top-quality cheesecake, carrot cake, brownies, cookies, cornbread and pastries just like you'd find in New York. ...
Open 11am-8pm (Sat, Sun -7pm). Closed Mondays.
Am Stram Gram - Bakery: Toranomon
Open 11am-8pm daily.
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...
Open 11am-8pm daily.
Viron - Cafe: Marunouchi
Open 10am-midnight daily.
Viron is a combination bakery and casual brasserie, with a small standup bar in one corner where they serve ten wines by the glass. The bar is an excellent place to meet up before dining nearby.
Open 10am-midnight daily.
Maison Kayser - Bakery: Nihonbashi
Open 7am-10pm daily.
Excellent breads and pastries are available to take out, or you can stop for a pastry and an espresso in the lobby seating area. There's also a nice lunch menu, priced at Y1200 and Y1600.
Open 7am-10pm daily.
Paul (bakery) - Bakery: Yotsuya
Open 7:30am-9:30pm daily.
European-style bread, pastries, and a big assortment of sandwiches to go.
Open 7:30am-9:30pm daily.
Aux Bacchanales - French: Kioicho
Open 10am-11pm daily.
A bright and airy branch of this French-cafe landmark, located directly in front of the New Otani Hotel. There's a take-out bakery at the entrance, a big cafe area, a smaller dining room for proper...
Open 10am-11pm daily.
Paul - Bakery: Kagurazaka
Open 10am-10pm. Closed Sundays.
Good pastries and sandwiches, to eat in or take out, at this French-based bakery-cafe.
Open 10am-10pm. Closed Sundays.
Breadworks - Bakery: Tennozu Isle
Open 8am-8pm daily.
Luxuriously spacious and modern in feel, this combination bakery-cafe is a comfortable place to relax with a coffee and pastry, or a quiche, cup of soup and salad. There's also a bit of outdoor...
Open 8am-8pm daily.
Kyle's Good Finds - Bakery: Nakano
Open 10am-6pm. Closed Sundays.
Cakes, pies, cookies and muffins made by New York baker Kyle Sexton.
Open 10am-6pm. Closed Sundays.
Paczki - Eastern European: Chofu
Open 11:30am-4, 5-8pm. Closed Wed, Thu.
Maybe it's the lace doilies and bud vases on the tables, or the antique cabinets and crammed bookshelves, but this tiny Polish bakery-cafe has a certain Old World charm. You can pick up a bag of...
Open 11:30am-4, 5-8pm. Closed Wed, Thu.
Le Pain Quotidien - Bakery: Hatsudai
Open 8am-7pm (LO) daily.
The second Tokyo branch of the internationally famous Belgian organic bakery is open from 7:30am, serving coffee and pastries, salads and tartines - open-face Belgian sandwiches with toppings like...
Open 8am-7pm (LO) daily.
Bagels
Maruichi Bagel - Bakery: Shimbashi
Open 11am-6:30pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Mondays, Tuesdays.
The New York-style bagels here are based (more or less) on the recipes of the Ess-a-Bagel shop in New York. The ten flavors range from classics like rock salt, poppy seed and onion to original...
Open 11am-6:30pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Mondays, Tuesdays.
Sandwiches
ššYamituki - Curry: Ikebukuro
Open 11:30am-4, 5-10:15pm (LO) daily.
One of Tokyo's finer curry shops, Yamituki serves original-style curries with heaps of fresh seasonal vegetables and umami-rich ingredients like ripe tomatoes, cheese and coconut milk. You can...
Open 11:30am-4, 5-10:15pm (LO) daily.
Ngon Ngon - Vietnamese: Takadanobaba
Open 11am-10pm. Closed Sundays.
One of several banh mi shops in this part of Takadanobaba, Ngon Ngon also serves pho, and they're furnished with fifteen seats if you want to eat here rather than take out. There are six sandwich...
Open 11am-10pm. Closed Sundays.
Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese: Takadanobaba
Open 11am-8pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Sundays, Mondays.
This simply named shop sells freshly made Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches in several enticing varieties, including roast pork (our current favorite), grilled chicken with honey and lemongrass, ham and...
Open 11am-8pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Sundays, Mondays.
šPark Hyatt Delicatessen - Sandwiches/ deli: Nishi-Shinjuku
Open 11am-8pm (Sat, Sun -7pm) daily.
Perhaps the best deli counter in town, with a huge selection of cold cuts, pates and salads. Lunches are priced from around Y1000, and breakfast is served on weekdays from 8 to 10:30am. The outdoor...
Open 11am-8pm (Sat, Sun -7pm) daily.
Potamelt - Sandwiches/ burgers: Kita-Sando
Open 8am-7pm daily.
Grilled-cheese "melt" sandwiches are the specialty of the house here, and the Blue-Cheese Melt is especially recommended. It's got just enough blue cheese in the blend to give it some bite, but not...
Open 8am-7pm daily.
Quebom! Sandwich Stand - Brazilian: Harajuku
Open 11am-7:30pm (LO) daily.
Run by the Que Bom churrasco restaurant, this cozy shop serves Brazilian sandwiches in nine or ten different varieties. Some favorites include the excellent Ceviche-style Shrimp-Avocado as well as...
Open 11am-7:30pm (LO) daily.
Luke's Lobster - Sandwiches/ deli: Harajuku
Open 11am-8pm daily.
Lobster rolls - lobster meat sandwiches in a toasted bun - are the specialty at this New York-based shop. All the lobsters come straight from Maine, and a display in front of the shop shows their...
Open 11am-8pm daily.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Omotesando
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Hawaiian-style burgers and deli sandwiches, plus Kona beers from Hawaii.
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Luke's Lobster - Sandwiches/ deli: Shibuya
Open 11am-7pm daily.
The popular New York-based lobster shop serves up tasty sandwiches - both seafood rolls and grilled-cheese style - featuring Maine lobster, crabmeat and shrimp. They also carry American craft beers...
Open 11am-7pm daily.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Shibuya
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Big Hawaiian-style hamburgers and assorted sandwiches, plus Hawaiian beers from Kona Brewing Company.
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Cafe Habana - Cuban: Shibuya
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Tasty Cuban-style sandwiches - stuffed with shredded roast pork, ham and cheese - are a big draw at this Cuban-themed bar-restaurant, along with Mexican-style grilled corn on the cob topped with...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
šEbisu Banh Mi Bakery - Vietnamese: Ebisu
Open 11am-8pm. Closed Sundays.
This neighborhood take-out sandwich shop is serious about their banh mi, and the staff in charge of baguette production learned their craft at a bakery in Vinh Yen, Vietnam. Fresh-baked baguettes...
Open 11am-8pm. Closed Sundays.
šHomework's - Sandwiches/ burgers: Hiroo
Open 11am-9pm (LO) (Sun. to 6pm). Open every day.
Terrific overstuffed sandwiches and great burgers in a pleasant cafe-style setting. They also provide thirty-minute delivery within the area.
Open 11am-9pm (LO) (Sun. to 6pm). Open every day.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Gotanda
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Hawaiian-style hamburgers and sandwiches, plus beers from Kona Brewing Company.
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
ššGood Vibes - Sandwiches/ burgers: Kaigan
Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-8:30pm (LO) daily.
This friendly neighborhood sandwich shop in out-of-the-way Kaigan serves the best pastrami in town, along with espresso-barbecue pork, crunchy chicken, and aged-beef menchi-katsu sandwiches and...
Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-8:30pm (LO) daily.
šHomework's - Sandwiches/ burgers: Azabu-Juban
Open 11am-9pm (LO), Sundays to 6pm. Open every day.
Gourmet burger pioneers in Tokyo, they still grill up some of Tokyo's better burgers in town, and also assemble great sandwiches (including an inspirational shrimp and avocado combination) and...
Open 11am-9pm (LO), Sundays to 6pm. Open every day.
Pantry - Sandwiches/ burgers: Marunouchi
Open 11am-9pm (weekends -6pm). Closed Sundays.
Managed by the group behind the long-running Homework's burger shop in Hiroo, Pantry serves Marunouchi with great sandwiches, American-style burgers and substantial salads. They also deliver over a...
Open 11am-9pm (weekends -6pm). Closed Sundays.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Marunouchi
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
This popular Hawaiia-based chain serves burgers with a wide range of toppings as well as a variety of sandwiches. Drinks include Kona craft beer and Hawaiian fruit sodas. There's some seating out...
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Looking Good - Sandwiches/ deli: Otemachi
Open 7:30-9:30, 11am-2, 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed weekends.
It's good to have a specialty, and this tiny shop has single-mindedly devoted itself to toasted cheese sandwiches, served morning, noon and night. They're nicely prepared and served on crunchy...
Open 7:30-9:30, 11am-2, 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed weekends.
Banh Mi Sandwich - Sandwiches/ deli: Suidobashi
Open 11am-6pm (or until they run out). Closed Sundays.
This is the second outlet of the excellent Takadanobaba sandwich shop, and unlike the original branch, this one has indoor counter seating as well as a few chairs out on the sidewalk. Sandwiches are...
Open 11am-6pm (or until they run out). Closed Sundays.
šNgon Ngon #2 - Vietnamese: Asakusabashi
Open 11am-10pm daily.
A branch of Takadanobaba's best banh mi specialist, Ngon Ngon #2 also offers several types of pho. More unusual for Tokyo, they produce a version of a Hanoi dish called Bun Dau Mam Tom - a pungent...
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Daiba
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Gourmet Hawaiian-style burgers and mahi-mahi sandwiches, plus Kona beers.
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
šToyoda's Cheese Steak - American: Hatagaya
Open 11am-10pm daily.
This neighborhood sandwich counter serves Philadelphia-style cheesesteak and pulled pork sandwiches, and sometimes meatball subs. The cheesesteak comes in either hoagie or sandwich format (the...
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Camelback - Sandwiches/ deli: Yoyogi-Koen
Open 9am-7pm. Closed Mondays.
Modern, Japanese-inspired sandwiches prepared by a former sushi chef are served at this tiny take-out counter. Sushi-style tamagoyaki omelettes, steamed monkfish liver and home-cured lamb bacon are...
Open 9am-7pm. Closed Mondays.
šMi Choripan - Argentine: Yoyogi-Uehara
Open 11am-10pm (Mon 11-8). Closed Tue, 2nd, 4th Mon.
Mi Choripan proudly serves up "Argentinian Soul Food" - aka overstuffed chorizo-sausage sandwiches seasoned with chimichurri sauce, which are sold from street stalls in Argentina and other parts of...
Open 11am-10pm (Mon 11-8). Closed Tue, 2nd, 4th Mon.
Potamelt - Sandwiches/ burgers: Naka-Meguro
Open 8am-9pm daily.
Grilled-cheese sandwiches are the specialty of the house at Potamelt, and the Blue-Cheese Melt is especially recommended. It's got just enough blue cheese in the blend to give it some bite, but not...
Open 8am-9pm daily.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Koshigaya Laketown
Open 10am-10pm (LO) daily.
American-style sandwiches and burgers are the draw here, along with Hawaiian beers.
Open 10am-10pm (LO) daily.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Yokohama Sta.
Open 11am-11pm daily.
Good American-style sandwiches and burgers are the draw here along with Hawaiian beers. In the evenings they also offer a few Hawaiian main dishes.
Open 11am-11pm daily.
šBuy Me Stand - Sandwiches/ deli: Yokohama Motomachi
Open 8am-10pm daily.
Classic American diner-style grilled-cheese sandwiches are the specialty here, along with BLTs, hearty soups, gourmet coffee, and various breakfast dishes in the morning. We enjoyed a well-executed...
Open 8am-10pm daily.
Kua 'Aina - Sandwiches/ burgers: Kamakura
Open 11am-9pm (LO). Closed Mondays.
The main drag from Kamakura station to the beach is lined with cafes, fast food and family restaurants. Kua-aina stands out by virtue of its terrace and its reliable mahi-mahi sandwiches.
Open 11am-9pm (LO). Closed Mondays.
Burgers
Shake Shack - Burgers: Nishi-Shinjuku
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Fancy Angus-beef burgers, gourmet hot dogs, milkshakes and location-specific frozen-custard desserts are the draw at this popular fast-casual chain. The draft beer is made by Brooklyn Brewery, and...
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
šEat - Burgers: Kita-Sando
Open 11:30am-3, 6-10pm (LO) daily.
This cozy American-style gourmet diner serves one of the few lamb burgers in town, and they do a terrific job. With minimal dressing on the burger, it's all about the very flavorful meat,...
Open 11:30am-3, 6-10pm (LO) daily.
Great Burger, The - Burgers: Harajuku
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
First-rate premium-grade burgers, although we prefer the more laid-back atmosphere at their nearby sister shop, Hohokam Cafe. Lunch sets from Y1000 are served until 4pm (2pm weekends).
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Shake Shack - Burgers: Gaienmae
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
In addition to burgers and hot dogs, the popular New York-based chain is known for their frozen-custard "concrete" desserts and eponymous shakes. This branch features ample terrace seating...
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Lil Woody's - Burgers: Shibuya
Open 11am-9pm (Fri, Sat -11) daily.
If you're tired of flabby, unexciting bacon on your burgers, Lil Woody's will put you back on the right track. The cult-favorite Seattle-based shop serves an awe-inspiring lineup of grass-fed beef...
Open 11am-9pm (Fri, Sat -11) daily.
Great Burger Stand, The - Burgers: Shibuya
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Conveniently located at the front corner of Tokyu's Shibuya Stream complex, this is a branch of one of Tokyo's best gourmet-burger chains (they also run Hohokam Cafe in Harajuku). Take-out is...
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Shake Shack - Burgers: Ebisu
Open 10am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Founded by New York restaurateur Danny Meyer (Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern), fast-casual chain Shake Shack serves Angus-beef burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard milkshakes and custard desserts...
Open 10am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
šBlacows - Burgers: Ebisu
Open 11am-11pm daily.
Run by a Japanese meat company, Blacows specializes in gourmet burgers made from black Angus wagyu beef, coarsely ground and very juicy. A full-time butcher occupies one corner of the kitchen and...
Open 11am-11pm daily.
Burger Mania - Burgers: Hiroo
Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Good American-style gourmet burgers and sandwiches are served here, with six taps of craft beer in different styles - lager, pale ale, IPA and so on. Draft beers are Y880 and Y1100 (370ml and 473ml...
Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Burger Mania - Burgers: Shirokanedai
Open 11am-11pm daily.
The original shop of this popular burger chain serves American-style gourmet burgers and sandwiches. Craft-beer fans can choose from six beers on draft, including one each of stout, lager, pale ale,...
Open 11am-11pm daily.
7025 Franklin Avenue - Burgers: Gotanda
Open 11am-9pm daily.
American West coast-style burgers and sandwiches, with delivery service and a pleasant outdoor patio.
Open 11am-9pm daily.
Shake Shack - Burgers: Roppongi Hills
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
This popular branch of the New York-based fast-casual chain serves gourmet burgers, flat-top hot dogs and fancy milkshakes and desserts along with wine and beer.
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Firehouse - Burgers: Shimbashi
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
The original Firehouse in Hongo was a pioneer among Tokyo gourmet burger shops, and this take-out and delivery-focused branch offers the same tasty burgers to go. You can also get sandwiches (tuna...
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
šTokyo Aleworks Station Taproom - Beer bar: Yurakucho
Open 8am-11:30pm (Sun -10:30pm) daily.
Sixteen freshly brewed craft beers from the Itabashi-based brewery are served on tap here, alongside a food menu featuring chicken wings, burgers and pizzas. Sometimes in odd combinations - one of...
Open 8am-11:30pm (Sun -10:30pm) daily.
Shake Shack - Burgers: Marunouchi
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Occupying an annex of the Rafael Vinoli-designed Tokyo International Forum, this is probably the most architecturally adventurous branch of the popular burger shop. Angus-beef burgers, flat-top hot...
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Folk Burgers and Beers - Burgers: Jimbocho
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Mon, Sat lunch only) daily.
Run by a veteran of the esteemed Fire House burger shop in Hongo, Folk Burgers offers one of the best selections of craft beers among Tokyo's gourmet burger shops. The burgers are solid and...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Mon, Sat lunch only) daily.
McLean - Burgers: Kuramae
Open 11:30am-8pm (LO; Sun -3pm). Closed Mondays.
In addition to regular, cheese and teriyaki-egg burgers, McLean's menu offers interesting daily specials like Hot Chili Cheese Tex-Mex Burger (Saturdays; Y1480) and Triple Melt Blue Cheese Burger...
Open 11:30am-8pm (LO; Sun -3pm). Closed Mondays.
šFire House - Burgers: Hongo
Open 11am-10pm (LO; Sun. 7pm) daily.
A pioneer of Tokyo's gourmet hamburger scene, this charmingly rustic little shop offers more than a dozen burgers to choose from, with variations like apple-mozzarella, mushroom-mozzarella and...
Open 11am-10pm (LO; Sun. 7pm) daily.
Arms - Burgers: Sangubashi
Open 11am-11pm daily.
You'll find excellent gourmet hamburgers at this pleasant little parkside cafe, including some interesting special toppings that change seasonally.
Open 11am-11pm daily.
Arms - Burgers: Yoyogi-Koen
Open 11am-10pm. Closed Mondays.
Good burgers to go, including some interesting seasonal variations, at this take-out-only branch of the popular gourmet burger shop. They also offer delivery service to most of Shibuya-ku.
Open 11am-10pm. Closed Mondays.
Shake Shack - Burgers: Futako-tamagawa
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Created by New York restaurateur Danny Meyer (Union Square Cafe), fast-casual chain Shake Shack serves Angus-beef burgers, frozen custard milkshakes and custard desserts that are unique to each...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
šCharbro - American: Musashi Kosugi
Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays, Tuesdays.
This cozy neighborhood spot serves a great line-up of burgers and sandwiches. The burgers are some of the best in town, with a pleasant infusion of charcoal flavoring from the grill, and they're...
Open 11:30am-2:30, 6-10:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays, Tuesdays.
Tex-Mex
Guzman y Gomez - Tex-Mex: Harajuku
Open 11am-9pm daily.
Meaty, well-prepared tacos and burritos are served at this Tokyo outlet of an Australia-based Tex-Mex chain. For added structural integrity, the tacos are double wrapped in nice corn tortillas, and...
Open 11am-9pm daily.
Guzman y Gomez - Tex-Mex: Omotesando
Open 11am-9pm daily.
An Australia-based Tex-Mex chain, Guzman y Gomez serves meaty, well-prepared tacos, burritos, burrito bowls and other casual fare. Tacos are double wrapped in nice corn tortillas, and you can choose...
Open 11am-9pm daily.
Guzman y Gomez - Tex-Mex: Shibuya
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
This Australia-based chain serves meaty, well-prepared tacos, burritos, burrito bowls and other casual Tex-Mex fare. Tacos are double wrapped in nice corn tortillas, and you can choose from a...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
440 Broadway Taco Shop - Tex-Mex: Ebisu
Open 11am-9pm daily.
If you're familiar with the 440 Broadway Tex-Mex food truck usually parked outside National Azabu supermarket in Hiroo, this is the first non-vehicular venue run by the same management. They're open...
Open 11am-9pm daily.
Frijoles - Tex-Mex: Daikanyama
Open 11am-9:45pm (LO) daily.
The tasty burritos, tacos, and fajitas here are all made from premium organic ingredients. You can choose from grilled chicken, carnitas (braised pork), steak or vegetarian filling; with prices...
Open 11am-9:45pm (LO) daily.
Frijoles - Tex-Mex: Roppongi
Open 11am-10pm. Closed 2nd Sunday.
Gourmet burritos, tacos, and fajitas, all made from premium organic ingredients. Choose from grilled chicken, carnitas (braised pork), steak or vegetarian filling; prices range from Y800-1100. ...
Open 11am-10pm. Closed 2nd Sunday.
Frijoles - Tex-Mex: Azabu-Juban
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Decent fast-food-style burritos, tacos, and fajitas, all made from premium organic ingredients. Choose from grilled chicken, carnitas (braised pork), steak or vegetarian filling; prices range from...
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Frijoles - Tex-Mex: Yaesu
Open 10am-9:45pm (LO) daily.
Decent fast-casual burritos, burrito bowls, burrito salads and tacos, all made from premium organic ingredients, are ready to take out at this mini-branch of the Tokyo chain. Side dishes include...
Open 10am-9:45pm (LO) daily.
Frijoles - Tex-Mex: Otemachi
Open 11am-10pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Sundays.
The popular chain serves decent fast-casual-style burritos, tacos, and fajitas, all made from premium organic ingredients. Choose from grilled chicken, carnitas (braised pork), steak or vegetarian...
Open 11am-10pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Sundays.
Baja - Tex-Mex: Naka-Meguro
Open 5pm-5am (Sat, Sun noon-) daily.
The plump, meaty pork and guacamole burritos serves here are a stand-out, while the chicken burritos and various tacos are also quite popular. The narrow, 8-seat shop attracts a local late-night...
Open 5pm-5am (Sat, Sun noon-) daily.
Curry, soup curry
Rakkyo Brothers - Soup curry: Waseda
Open 11:30am-10pm daily.
Like other soup curry shops in town, Rakkyo Brothers offers standard curry bowls and some unusual variations, such as their cheeseburger-inspired Gouda Cheese and Hamburg Steak. If you're especially...
Open 11:30am-10pm daily.
Tokyo Dominica - Soup curry: Shinjuku
Open 11:30am-3, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.
You can choose from several types of soup at this popular Hokkaido soup-curry specialist, including bouillon-based "black soup", soy-based "white soup" and tomato-based "red soup." Chicken, pork,...
Open 11:30am-3, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.
Bon Appetit - Curry: Mita
Open 11am-3, 5:30-9:30pm. Closed weekends.
An old standby in the Mita neighborhood, this long-running basement shop has solid wood furniture, stucco walls, odd little paintings and soft jazz in the background. The roux here is okay, but the...
Open 11am-3, 5:30-9:30pm. Closed weekends.
šSuage - Soup curry: Marunouchi
Open 11am-10pm (LO; Sun -9pm) daily.
In the hyper-competitive world of soup-curry shops, one thing that sets Suage apart is the high quality of their ingredients. For example, their succulent stewed-pork kakuni is made with "Lavender...
Open 11am-10pm (LO; Sun -9pm) daily.
šSapporo Dominica - Soup curry: Kyobashi
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun -8:30) daily.
With just a handful of choices, Sapporo Dominica might not have as wide a menu as some of its competitors, and their bowls may not be as vegetable-laden as others, but the kitchen here turns out...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun -8:30) daily.
ššYamituki - Curry: Iidabashi
Open 11am-11pm daily.
The original Japanese curries here incorporate umami-rich coconut milk, ripe tomatoes and cheese as well as fresh seasonal vegetables. Some popular options (from Y730) are oysters and spinach with...
Open 11am-11pm daily.
šBondy - Curry: Jimbocho
Open 11am-10pm daily.
The curry sauce here is scrumptious, with a natural fruit sweetness, well-balanced spices and complex flavors. There aren't many mixed-ingredient options, but the shrimp, clam and chicken was quite...
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Chantoya Coconut Curry - Curry: Ogawamachi
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun -8:30pm) daily.
A dozen varieties of coconut-based, vegetable-filled, Thai-inspired, Japanese-style curries are on offer here, with 25 optional toppings, including baked cheese. The attractively decorated space is...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun -8:30pm) daily.
Alba - Curry: Akihabara
Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.
Founded in 1971 in Ishikawa Prefecture, this popular curry shop serves a crowd-pleasing "Home Run Curry," which includes fried prawn, sausage, pork cutlet and fried egg, arranged to somehow evoke a...
Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.
Magic Spice - Soup curry: Shimo-Kitazawa
Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10:30pm (LO). Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays.
The main Sapporo branch of Magic Spice first coined the term "soup curry" in 1994, so the shop has played an important part of the history of this dish. The riotously colorful interior is decked out...
Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10:30pm (LO). Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays.
Sama - Soup curry: Shimo-Kitazawa
Open 11:30am-3, 5-9:30pm (LO). Closed 2nd Wednesday.
The choice of soup base is an important part of the soup-curry experience, and Sama offers a wider selection than most, with umami-rich bases like coconut, shrimp, and shrimp-soy milk as well as the...
Open 11:30am-3, 5-9:30pm (LO). Closed 2nd Wednesday.
Cocoro - Soup curry: Shimo-Kitazawa
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
This bustling branch of one of Hokkaido's most famous soup curry shops offers appetizing curries like habanero pepper, lamb, ravioli, smoked bacon with cabbage, and 14-vegetable. Curries are built...
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
šKakura - Curry: Naka-Meguro
Open noon-1:30, 6-11:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays, Tuesdays.
Medicinal-herb curries are the specialty here; prices range from Y1000-1900. They often run out, so call ahead or have a backup plan.
Open noon-1:30, 6-11:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays, Tuesdays.
Joto Curry - Curry: Yokohama Sta.
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
We weren't surprised to learn that Joto was a top-prize winner in the fiercely contested Kanda Curry Grand Prix. While their Japanese curry is fairly orthodox in style, it incorporates fresh,...
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Ananda - Soup curry: Yokohama Takashimacho
Open 11am-3, 6-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Sapporo-style soup curry is the specialty here, with a wide range of options for main ingredients including chicken, pork loin with tofu, five-mushroom, bacon-mushroom, cabbage-sausage, sparerib,...
Open 11am-3, 6-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Other take-out
Riki - Yakiton: Ikebukuro
Open 3-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Located just a minute or two from Ikebukuro station, this bustling izakaya is an easy stop for a quick bite and a drink on the way home, and the crowded ground-floor counter is full of solo diners as...
Open 3-10:30pm (LO) daily.
High Five Salad - Deli salads: Edogawabashi
Open 11am-10pm (Sat, Sun -9pm) daily.
"Step out of your comfort zone" reads the sign in front of the shop. Yes, it's another salad bar with a slogan and an accompanying manifesto. The salads are pretty good though, some focusing on...
Open 11am-10pm (Sat, Sun -9pm) daily.
J.Chicken - Chicken: Takadanobaba
Open 11am-midnight daily.
The deep-fried whole chickens at this Shanghai-based chain are audibly crunchy, with a thick coating and succulent, juicy meat. Each order is customizable with your choice of flavorings like mala...
Open 11am-midnight daily.
Myondon Norimaki - Korean: Okubo
Open 4-11:30pm (Fri, Sat -3am) daily.
The unusual specialty of the house is Korean futomaki - fat sushi rolls filled with vegetables, bulgogi, cheese, kimchee, glutinous black rice - some ten variations in all, including a sampler set if...
Open 4-11:30pm (Fri, Sat -3am) daily.
Aureole - Western: Shinjuku Gyoen-mae
Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
European-style home cooking, wrap sandwiches and other "wrap cuisine" is the focus of the menu at this casual park-side cafe. Full-course vegetarian dinners are available, and everything on the menu...
Open 11:30am-2:30, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
Yona Yona Beer Works - Beer bar: Shinjuku
Open 11:30am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
This popular beer bar serves very good sausages in enticing original varieties like mushroom-truffle, coriander-lemon, spinach-lotus root, and venison, with a mixed platter of five sausages priced at...
Open 11:30am-2, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Pacific Drive-In - Hawaiian: Shinjuku
Open 11am-7:30pm (LO) daily.
Down-home Hawaiian delicacies like Garlic Shrimp, Mochiko Chicken and Ginger Pork make up the menu at this casual spot inside Lumine Est. They've also got poke bowls, Acai bowls, Spam-egg pancakes...
Open 11am-7:30pm (LO) daily.
Khao San - Thai: Nishi-Shinjuku
Open 10am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Good Bangkok street-stall food in this department-store basement, including dishes like Nam Phrik Kapi (shrimp and chili paste with vegetables), stir-fries and spicy salads. Most of the menu is...
Open 10am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Kebab Box J - Turkish: Harajuku
Open 10:30am-9pm daily.
First-rate doner kebabs, substantial in size, ready to take home or just eat on the sidewalk outside the shop. Kebabs are chicken, beef, or mixed, served in toasted pita bread and topped with a...
Open 10:30am-9pm daily.
šFarmers Market @ UNU - Retail: Omotesando
Open 10am-4pm (weekends only).
Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables are on sale at the popular farmers market that pops up every weekend in front of UN University (across the street from Aoyama Gakuin). Besides the dozens of stalls...
Open 10am-4pm (weekends only).
Tinun Aoyama - Thai: Omotesando
Open 11am-9pm (lunch to 2) daily.
This branch of the ubiquitous budget Thai chain has a larger-than-average menu, good food and take-out service. The decor is also a cut above the norm.
Open 11am-9pm (lunch to 2) daily.
Yona Yona Beer Works - Beer bar: Omotesando
Open 4-10:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun 11:30-10) daily.
A dozen beers from the popular Yo-Ho Brewing in Karuizawa are on tap here, including a very drinkable IPA and some seasonal specials. The food is well above average for a beer bar, with appealing...
Open 4-10:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun 11:30-10) daily.
Cheese Stand - Cheese: Shibuya
Open 11am-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.
Artisanal mozzarella and ricotta cheeses are freshly made right here in Shibuya in this combination retail shop, cafe and factory. Take them home - fresh mozzarella is Y550/100g, ricotta Y470 - or...
Open 11am-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.
Panda Express - American: Shibuya
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
A fixture in shopping malls across the US, this very popular chain (with 1900 branches around the world) specializes in a uniquely American cuisine - American-Chinese food. If you're not familiar...
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Green Brothers - Deli salads: Ebisu
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Yes, it's another salad specialty shop, offering a variety of themed salads (Mexican Beef, Coriander Addict), seasonal salads (Gazpacho Greens), custom-order salads and soups. Custom salads give you...
Open 11am-10pm daily.
And The Friet - Dutch: Hiroo
Open 10am-9pm. Closed Mondays.
It's a restaurant (well more of a stand, really) devoted to French fries, served with various dips (basil mayonaisse, chili sour cream, avocado) and side dishes like pork sausage, chili con carne and...
Open 10am-9pm. Closed Mondays.
Malins - British: Roppongi
Open noon-10pm (Fri, Sat -11pm) daily.
Gourmet "chip shop-style" fish and chips is the specialty here, and the chips are especially well prepared. Boxed sets of fish, chips and mushy peas (or other side sauce) are priced Y1300-1500, and...
Open noon-10pm (Fri, Sat -11pm) daily.
Hainan Chi-fan - Singaporean: Akasaka
Open 11am-11pm daily.
A cozy little shop specializing in the famous Singaporean chicken-rice dish and a surprisingly big menu of other street-stall dishes; some take-out is available.
Open 11am-11pm daily.
Pairon - Gyoza: Toranomon
Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
Pairon offers a wide selection of well-prepared Chinese dumplings and other dim sum dishes, all at very reasonable prices. Dishes here seem a bit more sophisticated than at your typical gyoza joint,...
Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
Pollo Frito g - Chicken: Toranomon
Open 11am-10pm (LO; Sat, Sun -8:30) daily.
This tiny specialty stand serves very juicy and delicious fried chicken, Spanish rather than karaage in style, with mild garlicky flavoring and quite ample volume. They claim the chicken tastes...
Open 11am-10pm (LO; Sat, Sun -8:30) daily.
ššNandhini - Indian: Uchisaiwaicho
Open 11am-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.
With its massive, wide-ranging menu of South Indian cuisine, Nandhini offers a very different experience from your typical Tokyo Indian restaurant. The bread menu alone has sixteen items, and there...
Open 11am-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.
Yona Yona Beer Works - Beer bar: Shimbashi
Open 11am-2, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
Run by the Wondertable group and serving beer supplied by Karuizawa's Yaho Brewing (Yona Yona), this branch of the Beer Works offers the usual selection of tasty craft-sausage variations and roast...
Open 11am-2, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
Susan's Meat Ball - American: Hibiya
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
In case you're feeling nostalgic for the flavors and atmosphere of American middle-school cafeteria lunches, Susan's meatballs hit the spot. Pork, beef and chicken meatballs come with classic tomato...
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Dean & Deluca - American: Marunouchi
Open 7am-11pm 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...
Open 7am-11pm daily.
Ekibenya Matsuri - Retail: Yaesu
Open 5:30am-11pm daily.
Eki-ben - bento boxes sold at train stations that incorporate regional dishes or special local ingredients - have a long tradition in Japan. Celebrating that tradition, this very popular shop inside...
Open 5:30am-11pm daily.
šErick South - Indian: Yaesu
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun -9pm) daily.
Erick South specializes in dishes from southern India, and serves up some of our favorite budget curries in Tokyo. Curries and side dishes are all distinctively flavored, and the quality is a few...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun -9pm) daily.
Lou - Dim sum: Yaesu
Open 10am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Chinese dumplings - to eat in or take out - are the specialty of this Kamakura-based shop inside the Gran Roof complex next to Tokyo Station. The take-out menu includes three types of gyoza (shrimp,...
Open 10am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Yabaton - Tonkatsu: Yaesu
Open 10am-10pm (LO) daily.
One of Nagoya's most famous tonkatsu shops, Yabaton is known for their tasty miso-slathered cutlets and their cute pig-sumo wrestler mascot. The teppan tonkatsu (Y1365) is their best-selling dish - a...
Open 10am-10pm (LO) daily.
Kyubei - Sushi: Kioicho
Open 11:30am-2, 5-9:30pm daily.
This is a branch of the long-established, highly regarded sushi shop in Ginza that invented gunkan-maki (sushi wrapped in nori strips, "battleship" style). Lunch is priced Y6,600-Y27,500; dinner is...
Open 11:30am-2, 5-9:30pm daily.
šErick South - Indian: Kioicho
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Our new favorite budget Indian restaurant, Erick South specializes in dishes from southern India and offers a wide variety of multi-dish set menus, ranging in price from Y1080-1650. Curries and...
Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Tanaka's Roti - Chicken: Kagurazaka
Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (weekends 11am-10pm) daily.
A graduate of Tokyo's burgeoning food-truck scene, this stationary branch of Tanaka's Roti offers nicely prepared rotisserie chicken to take out or eat in. The chicken is marinated for a full day in...
Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (weekends 11am-10pm) daily.
Gojuban - Retail: Kagurazaka
Open 9:30am-11pm (LO) daily.
Famous throughout Japan for their manju (Chinese steamed buns), available in 15 varieties. Take-out service available 10am-11pm.
Open 9:30am-11pm (LO) daily.
Qibao Malatang - Szechuan: Iidabashi
Open 11:30am-10:45pm (LO) daily.
Qibao serves only one dish - spicy Szechuan-style soup with glass noodles. The soup is infused with a blend of medicinal herbs, and to keep things interesting there are dozens of optional extra...
Open 11:30am-10:45pm (LO) daily.
Yona Yona Beer Works - Beer bar: Kanda
Open 4-10:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun 11:30am-) daily.
The second Tokyo outlet of Nagano Prefecture's Yo-Ho Brewing, this Kanda branch offers a more ambitious food menu as well as a dozen of the brewery's beers on draft, including a couple of hand-pumped...
Open 4-10:30pm (LO; Sat, Sun 11:30am-) daily.
J.Chicken - Chicken: Ueno
Open 10am-2am daily.
Deep-fried whole chickens are the main draw at this Shanghai-based chain, customizable with your choice of flavorings and sauces. More than just crisp, the chicken here is downright crunchy, with a...
Open 10am-2am daily.
Ume no Hana - Tofu: Ueno
Open 11am-3, 5-9pm (LO) daily.
A tofu and yuba specialty restaurant with branches throughout Japan. Full-course dinners range from Y3,600; lunch from Y1,900. Take-out bento are also available.
Open 11am-3, 5-9pm (LO) daily.
Ichibanya - Retail: Asakusa
Open 9am-7pm daily.
The Ichibanya shop sells over a hundred varieties of sembei, with exotic flavors like garlic, wasabi, hot pepper, shiso, plum, seaweed and many more. You'll even find shrimp, bonito, cod roe and...
Open 9am-7pm daily.
Yukari - Chicken: Asakusa
Open 10am-10pm daily.
This take-out-only shop serves fantastic deep-fried chicken kara-age, freshly prepared when you order. The extra-crispy momo (thigh meat) is indeed wonderfully crunchy; there's also an extra-juicy...
Open 10am-10pm daily.
Maikai Kitchen - Hawaiian: Tsukishima
Open 11am-6:30pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Sundays, Mondays.
Among the handful of shops preparing Hawaiian plate lunches for take-out, the biggest, most diverse menu we've found is here at Maikai Kitchen, located in a narrow alleyway on the island of...
Open 11am-6:30pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Sundays, Mondays.
Le Jardin Gaulois - Retail: Higashi-Nakano
Open 8am-midnight. Closed Mondays.
Marvel at the huge selection of genuine French terrines, quiches, tarts and cakes to take out. From the management of Brin de Muguet restaurant in Ogikubo.
Open 8am-midnight. Closed Mondays.
Torisen - Chicken: Koenji
Open 9am-11pm daily.
Torisen's crunchy deep-fried chicken skin, aka "kawa-sembei," is very appealing, and the undisputed star of their take-out offerings. The fried chicken isn't bad either - flavored with garlic, soy...
Open 9am-11pm daily.
Atre Kichijoji - Retail: Kichijoji
Open 10am-9pm daily.
This branch of JR's Atre shopping complex offers a sprawling, rather impressive food hall, on a par with Shinjuku department-store food floors.
Open 10am-9pm daily.
Midori-zushi - Sushi: Kichijoji
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
You'll find high-quality fish at affordable prices (Y3000-5000 with a few drinks) at this popular mid-priced chain, but you may have to wait on line during peak hours.
Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
Yona Yona Beer Works - Beer bar: Kichijoji
Open 11:30am-3, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
This fourth branch of the popular Yona Yona beer bar, its first venue outside central Tokyo, offers the same lineup of a dozen or so beers from Nagano brewery Yo-Ho, including seasonal specials. The...
Open 11:30am-3, 5-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Torian - Chicken: Hatagaya
Open 11:30am-2, 4:30-midnight. Closed 1st, 3rd Wed.
This popular local fried-chicken take-out shop also provides a few seats if you want to eat here. The chicken is on the juicy end of the scale and nicely seasoned; variations include nankotsu...
Open 11:30am-2, 4:30-midnight. Closed 1st, 3rd Wed.
Moriyama - Chicken: Gakugeidaigaku-mae
Open 11am-7:45pm (LO) daily.
Special blended spices, ginger and home-cultivated garlic are some of the flavor secrets of the fried chicken at this small take-out shop. Unlike most karaage shops, you can choose which cuts of...
Open 11am-7:45pm (LO) daily.
Potato Cream - Cafe: Jiyugaoka
Open 11:30am-8pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Mashed potatoes topped with pasta-style cream sauces - that's the rather unique offering at this tiny food stand. There are five choices of sauce, in variations like seasonal-vegetable curry and...
Open 11:30am-8pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Kamarupuru - Indian: Kiba
Open 11:30am-2, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
South Indian-style curries, grilled meats and cheese kulcha are the specialties of the house at this self-described tandoor bar. The cheese kulcha is particularly gooey and delicious, and is well...
Open 11:30am-2, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
Gaburi Chicken - Chicken: Musashi Kosugi
Open 4pm-midnight (LO; Sun 3-11pm) daily.
This popular Nagoya-based chain serves tasty fried chicken and cheap drinks, with take-out service available. The chicken tends to be on the oily end of the spectrum, juicy rather than crisp, and...
Open 4pm-midnight (LO; Sun 3-11pm) daily.
Panda Express - American: Machida
Open 11am-10pm daily.
The second Tokyo branch of the US shopping-mall favorite serves American-Chinese dishes like Orange Chicken (their signature dish), Mongolian Pork, Kung Pao Chicken and Egg Rolls. The "Big Plate"...
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Manten Gyoza - Gyoza: Yokohama Sta.
Open 10am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Gyoza dumplings are the specialty at this unpretentious counter shop inside the Joinus food hall. There's space for ten diners at two tightly packed counters, but most customers get their gyoza to...
Open 10am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Toriyoshi Shoten - Chicken: Yokohama Sta.
Open 11am-5am daily.
Best known for their spicy deep-fried chicken wings, Toriyoshi also serves good karaage (fried chicken), crispy fried chicken skin, lightly seared chicken sashimi and various izakaya-style small...
Open 11am-5am daily.
Gyokusentei - Ramen: Yokohama Sta.
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Sanmamen is a regional style of ramen that originated in Yokohama's Chinatown and first gained local popularity throughout Yokohama in the 1940s. Also known as "bean-sprout ramen," it uses a salt-...
Open 11am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Katsuretsuan - Tonkatsu: Yokohama Bashamichi
Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.
Ever since opening day in 1927, the fryers in the kitchen of this 130-seat restaurant have been busy turning out tonkatsu, kushiage skewers, chicken cutlets, deep-fried prawns and oysters for the...
Open 11am-9pm (LO) daily.
šBlue Water Shrimp - Hawaiian: Yokohama Shinko
Open 11am-7pm daily.
Located inside the Hawaiian Town mini-mall area of the Yokohama World Porters complex, Blue Water serves excellent Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp, to eat here or to take out. Shrimp comes in your...
Open 11am-7pm daily.
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