5 Tokyo Restaurants You Haven’t Eaten At Yet

The latest additions to the capital's dining scene this summer.

From steaks, burgers and pastries to a one-dish-one-music-only restaurant to an otaku maid café where you can be served by fellow foreigners, Tokyo’s dining scene was updated with some seriously impressive culinary additions this June. Here are the Savvy Team’s recommended top five. 

Out

New in Shibuya is a one-dish, one-wine, one-sound restaurant called Out. Recognizable by a pink neon sign in the window, this low-key, date-night locale’s concept is as “out” there as the name suggests. The restaurant (its name is derived from a Led Zeppelin album) specializes in just one dish: fresh truffle pasta. Diners watch as a server shaves the truffle onto their organic, butter-and-oil infused, freshly made pasta that’s paired with a selected wine — all to the beat of a Led Zeppelin soundtrack. If you’re a fan of Australian truffles and vino, and enjoy a curated gastronomic experience, this could be the place for you. The meal isn’t cheap (¥4,000 for a dinner set that includes appetizer, glass of red wine and pasta), but if you’re looking for something new to try “in the evening,” head in through the Out door.

The Deets

Address: Vort Aoyama 103, 2-7-14 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open: Tue-Sun 6 p.m.-late
URL: www.out.restaurant

Benjamin Steak House

The first overseas branch of the popular New York franchise, Benjamin Steak House Tokyo joins the ranks of the red meat Renaissance in the very heart of Roppongi from June 30. A product of love by Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj, as well as executive chef Arturo McLeod (who has spent over 20 years of steak-grilling experience at the original NYC location), the Roppongi installment preserves the original New York interior, from the vaulted ceilings to the carved woodwork, as well as its signature taste: aged prime rib, perfectly seared steaks, fish on the grill and the famous Benjamin Burger — limited to 10 servings a day at lunch time. A welcome addition to the sizzling steak is the restaurant’s selection of over 400 wines from across the world. A great location for a power lunch or a romantic dinner, Benjamin Steak House should be on the agenda for any serious carnivore in the city.

The Deets

Address: Rem Roppongi Bldg. B1F, 7-14-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Open: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Lunch), 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Dinner Mon-Sun, until 10 p.m. on Sundays and national holidays)
URL: www.benjaminsteakhouse.jp

Shake Shack Shinjuku Terrace

Hungry for an American-style burger and fries while in Shinjuku? Shake Shack, the popular New York chain, opened its fourth location in Tokyo near Shinjuku station’s south exit on the Southern Terrace so you can enjoy one of its Shack Burgers, Flat Top Dogs or signature shakes outside among the lights of the neon city. The menu includes two exclusive Shinjuku-only flavors of its own proprietary “concrete” ice cream dessert: Rainbow Connection, with colorful sprinkles, and the Salted Caramel Banana Crunch. Featured at the shop is a large corner mural painting by Japanese artist Keeenue.

The Deets

Address: 2F Odakyu Southern Tower Shinjuku Southern Terrace 2-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open: Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
URL: www.shakeshack.jp/location/shinjuku

Le Quotidien Bakery

You might have noticed a new eatery where Starbucks used to be at Tokyo Midtown. It’s Le Pain Quotidien, a world-class restaurant from Belgium that’s definitely worth a visit for breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner… or all five. It’s their third restaurant in Tokyo, but this is the only one that serves dinner. The menu has something for everyone, including spicy grilled chicken, U.S. prime rib steak with roasted potatoes, quinoa detox salad and their signature tartines, or open-faced sandwiches. The bread is made from organic wholewheat flour, sea salt, water and levain. It’s served alongside soup, salad or a hearty breakfast. If you have a sweet tooth, the lemon tart is sublime. Bakery items, of course, can be bought to go. You’ll also appreciate the friendly staff who will provide seats for babies, as well as plastic cups and utensils and a children’s menu for customers visiting with the little ones. 

The Deets

Address: Tokyo Midtown West Plaza 1F, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Open: 7:30~23:00. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m., brunch until 3 p.m. and dinner. L.O. is 10 p.m.
URL: www.lepainquotidien.jp/en/#.WS5hlhOGOi4

Sugoi Kawaii Maid Café 

Sugoi Kawaii or “Super Cute” is yet another maid café in Akihabara. But this one tries to stand out from the rest by featuring English-speaking foreigners from countries like France, Germany, Taiwan, China, the U.S. and more. A maid café allows visitors to enjoy a bit of moe culture. “Moe” refers to the adoration fans feel for cute characters in manga, anime and video games. It’s ideal for those who want to experience this particular part of Japanese culture first hand or for those looking to take friends for a pop-culture experience where the maids speak English. 

The Deets

Address: 8F Residence V, 4-6-10, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Open: Tue-Sun 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
URL: kawaii-akiba.jp