5 Healthy Restaurants in Azabudai Hills

Whether you've set a resolution to eat healthier this year or are looking for a balanced meal before visiting the new TeamLab Borderless museum, here are five eateries in the popular Azabudai Hills complex where you can dine on nutritious food that tastes great, too.

Nestled in the heart of Toranomon in Tokyo’s Minato ward, the recently opened Azabudai Hills complex is one of the most exciting places to visit in Tokyo right now. Alongside various restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries, the brand new TeamLab Borderless digital art museum will open in Azabudai Hills too.

If you were lucky enough to secure tickets to TeamLab Borderless or want to visit to take in the breathtaking architecture, which includes the tallest building in Japan, one thing is for certain: you’ll need some food to fuel your adventure. When it comes to food, Azabudai Hills does not disappoint, especially when it comes to eateries that cater to visitors who are more health-conscious or have dietary restrictions, such as those who are vegan or gluten-free.

Below are a few of our favorite eateries and restaurants in Azabudai Hills that are both crave-worthy and healthy. Don’t forget to bookmark these while you plan your outing to Toramomon!

1. Alchemy

© Photo by Alchemy

For plant-based meals surrounded by chic decor, look no further than Alchemy. Originally from Bali, the Tokyo location of this vegan restaurant has a sizeable menu that includes everything from vegetable-focused entrees to dairy-free desserts. It has more seating than some of the other cafes in the Azabudai Hills complex, so it may be less of a wait to get in if lines are long during peak mealtimes.

• We recommend: The create-your-own salad or bowl bar. You can choose your greens, grains and toppings just the way you like it.
• Location: Azabudai Hills Tower Plaza on Floor 4 

2. Tokyo Juice

© Photo by Tokyo Juice

If walking around the massive Azabudai Hills complex is making you thirsty, Tokyo Juice has you covered. As the name suggests, this cafe is a perfect pit stop for fresh and pre-bottled juices or nutrient-packed smoothies that are so good, you’ll forget they’re good for you too. They also have a food menu and are open early for those needing something for breakfast.

• We recommend: The smoothie bowls, such as the acai bowl, for a healthy breakfast or lunch.
• Location: Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower on Floor 1

3. 8ablish

© Photo by 8ablish

Interested in a plant-based meal on the terrace? Stroll on over to 8ablish, a vegan restaurant with a great outdoor seating area where you can relax and enjoy the architecture of the complex. In addition to their lunch and dinner menu, those looking for gluten and dairy-free goodies should pick up one of their vegan, wheat-free muffins for a snack.

• We recommend: The Buddha bowl entrée with soup. It’s chock full of fresh vegetables for those wanting a lighter lunch.
• Location: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A on Floor 2 

4. Shodai Bio Nature

© Photo by Shodai Bio Nature

I understand it might seem strange to add a dessert and confectionary shop to a healthy restaurant list but hear me out: this is no ordinary sweets shop. At Shodai Bio Nature chocolates, cookies, cakes, ice cream and other sweet treats are made with organic, vegan and gluten-free ingredients. These delicious desserts are great for those with dietary restrictions or allergies as products are clearly marked with labels indicating their ingredients and which diets they might be suitable for.

• We recommend: That chocolate lovers, try their signature petal chocolate. Each petal of chocolate is perfectly portioned and full of delicious flavors like white chocolate jasmine, strawberry rose or mint. If you’re vegan, try one of their vegan chocolate bars in creative flavors such as white chocolate with cornflakes.
• Location: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B on Floor B1

5. Nakamura Tokichi Azabudai

© Photo by Nakamura Tokichi Azabudai

While coffee can be part of a healthy diet, it may not be a good fit for some due to excess sugar in their preferred specialty lattes or a sensitivity to the caffeine it contains. For those looking for a coffee substitute that is more in line with their health goals, I often recommend switching to tea such as matcha.

Matcha, which is made from finely ground green tea leaves, is especially rich in compounds called catechins. Catechins have been shown to have a powerful antioxidant effect and can protect against cellular damage. One of the most potent catechins in matcha is called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. Research has shown that the EGCG in matcha is linked to many health benefits ranging from cancer prevention, weight loss support and increased cognitive performance.

If you’re interested in giving matcha a try, then swing by Nakamura Tokichi for all things green tea. The Azabudai outpost of this Uji-based matcha shop focuses on uji matcha and hojicha (roasted green tea). It contains both a shop where you can purchase tea and tea-containing sweets—like Uji matcha chocolate—as well as a small café that serves tea drinks.

• We recommend: Their matcha with milk—for a latte-type drink. Also, their hojicha tea is delicious and is available hot or iced.
• Location: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B on Floor B1

Which of these healthy restaurants in Azabudai Hills do you want to try first?