5 Top Trendy Tokyo Eateries in 2016
Looking for the hip new spots to dine in Tokyo? In this city, food is an obsession. To give you some perspective, in Paris a capital of cuisine there are about 40,000 restaurants. In Tokyo at last count the number was over 160,000 restaurants! You will find something for every type of diner. Here are 5 new spots on the trend-setting stage, in the city that never stops eating.
№1 Pavilion (Nakameguro)- So many new things are happening around Nakameguro station with their unveiling of a long-in-the-works “Koukashita” development project. Restaurants, a book store, new cafes, and much more but one of the most interesting and compelling spots in Pavilion. A truly different kind of space. The restaurant features clay-oven cuisine- and sake with an innovative art theme. Oversized art, interesting seating and tables, lovely accents. This spot is more than a dining location — Pavilion is an experience.
Meguro-ku, Tokyo Nakameguro 1–6–10 Nakameguro underpass 0364165868
№2 Bistro Marx (Ginza) Michelin Chef, Thierry Marx, Head chef at Sur Mesure in Paris, came to Japan in 2016 with an amazing new fine dining, bistro and cafe location in the new PLACE building in the Ginza. The Marx burger is not to be missed. Taking bistro food to a whole new level, Chef Marx uses local Japanese ingredients and spins his own magic with French concepts and baked goods. The open terrace seating faces the front of the clock tower of the Ginza Yonchome and at the night “premium terrace bar”, visitors enjoy fruit cocktails and champagne served up by trend setting bartenders while taking in the night view.
7F Ginza Place 5–8–1 Ginza, Chuo Ku, Tokyo, Japan
№3 Crista (Aoyama) the folks at Tysons & Company closed down their 10 year old Beacon restaurant and transformed it into this new beauty. Focusing on American cuisine and showcasing a classic, hand-crafted atmosphere with dark wood, leather, plants and inspired lighting, the goal is to make Crista the flagship of this restaurant group. Tysons & Company have brought Tokyo so many delicious destinations and Crista does seem to be a crown jewel. Service is top priority here and you can really lose yourself in an elegant but approachable dining experience.
1–2–5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150–0002 / 03–6418–0077
№4 The Apollo Tokyo (Ginza) The speciality Modern Greek cuisine known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients. Jonathan Barthelmes a star chef from Australia and and fellow Sydney restaurateur Sam Christie have brought their skill and sensibilities to the Tokyo Plaza Ginza Building. I recommend the course menu called “The Full Greek” to really experience the range of amazing flavors and fantastic service that these two veterans are bringing to Tokyo’s new restaurant scene. The genius is in the small details and the little extras like the olives and olive oil that are just perfect!
11F, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 5–2–1 Ginza, Tokyo / Tell 03–6264–5220
№5 Itamae Sushi (Akasaka) Iatamae is a well known national sushi chain. But The new Itamae Sushi is special — the newest location is actually set up as an Edo style theme restaurant in Akasaka. The interior is straight out of the samurai era and guests even get to try on colorful yukata and take some of the best “Japanesey” selfies imaginable. The sushi is of course fresh and delicious. Try the sushi tower, for a collection of the best of everything!
3–9–2 Akasaka, Minato-ku. 03–5797–7347
Know any other great newcomers in the restaurant world of Tokyo? Tell us in the comment thread.
