As of 2023, a hambāgu craze is taking Japan by storm, with specialty shops sprouting in every nook across the country. Known to the English-speaking world as hamburg steak or hamburger steak, it’s a succulent patty typically made from a mix of ground meat and savory seasonings, served without the bun that characterizes its fast-food cousin. “Hamburger Steak Restaurant Hamburg…
Situated within Shibuya Hikarie, a commercial complex with a direct link to Shibuya Station and bustling with a variety of cafes and dining establishments, you’ll find a pearl of a restaurant. “8TH SEA OYSTER Bar Shibuya Hikarie” (hereinunder referred to as “8th Sea Oyster Bar”), which opened in October 2023 on the 7th floor, is an oyster-lovers’ paradise. Packed with…
Nestled in a serene neighborhood just a leisurely stroll from Shibuya Station in Tokyo, you’ll discover the inviting “Beans Garage Coffee.” Renowned for their divine egg sandwiches and aromatic coffee, it’s the go-to retreat for a soul-soothing treat. A creamy delight overflowing with gooey scrambled eggs A favorite among many, Beans Garage Coffee’s signature treat is their “Shibuya Egg Sand”…
Standing out in the fiercely competitive Shibuya ramen scene is “Ramen Fromage Due Italian TOKYU PLAZA SHIBUYA” (hereinafter referred to as “Due Italian”), a shop that has caught the Michelin Guide’s attention for three consecutive years. Here you can experience a novel bowl that marries Italian flavors with traditional ramen. “らぁ麺生ハムフロマージュ グラン,” Special Topping Cheese Ramen 1,680 JPY (tax included)…
Established in 1972, “Sekai-ichi no Kaki fry to Sakana Wabu,” (referred to hereafter as “Wabu”) a popular restaurant in Shinjuku, is famous for its generous servings of kaki fry (deep-fried oysters) and other fried dishes. It’s known for having long lines during lunchtime, attracting many visitors every day. A super-sized portion! The “Fried Assortment Set Meal” at Wabu. Wabu offers…
The renowned restaurant chain “DENKO-SEKKA” represents the best of Hiroshima’s okonomiyaki cuisine. For those unfamiliar, okonomiyaki is often described as a Japanese “savory pancake” filled with a variety of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and noodles. The dish is cooked on a griddle and served hot, often right in front of you. DENKO-SEKKA has the rare distinction of being the first…
It’d be no exaggeration to call udon one of Japan’s national dishes. The country boasts numerous udon specialty shops, and “Yamashita Honki Udon Shinjuku Kabukichō” (hereafter referred to as “Yamashita Honki Udon”) is one of them. Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukichō district, Yamashita Honki Udon serves up udon with a strong emphasis on the broth and noodle texture, and it’s available…
In July 2022, the Dōgenzaka district of Shibuya, Tokyo, welcomed a divine new addition to its culinary scene: “Wagyū no Kamisama,” or ‘The God of Wagyu.’ This haven for beef aficionados offers an almost heavenly experience, where top-grade wagyu beef is not just a luxury, but a reasonably priced reality. Savor the divine “Diamond cut tongue”: beautiful and delicious! A…
Situated in the busy district of Shibuya, Tokyo, “Fishmonger’s Kitchen OH! TORO KITCHEN Shibuya” (hereunder referred as “OH! TORO KITCHEN”) is a sanctuary for tuna lovers, offering a dining experience that brims with “surprises and delight.” Sourced directly from Yonekawa Fisheries, an esteemed tuna wholesaler boasting a rich history of over 85 years, the tuna at OH! TORO KITCHEN is…
Emblematic of Japanese cuisine, sushi has long been a popular gourmet option for international visitors to Japan. These days, a new and innovative era of sushi is emerging in Japan, reshaping its traditional image. One restaurant where you can get a taste for this “neo-sushi” is “Uogaku Mania Sushinjuku” (referred to hereafter as “Sushinjuku”), located in Shinjuku. “マグロまみれ,” Smothered in…
Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu are classic Japanese hotpot dishes that have At “Hitori Shabu-shabu Nanadaime Matsugorou Shinjuku TOHO Building” (hereinafter referred to as “MATSUGORO Hitori Shabu Shabu”), you can really appreciate the true taste of meat at reasonable prices, which has been driving a lot of customers to its doors. “すき焼き,” Sukiyaki 2,948 JPY (tax included) MATSUGORO Hitori Shabu Shabu is…
When it comes to Japan’s iconic noodle dishes, it’s safe to say ramen, udon, and soba are in the spotlight. These are well-known worldwide, with eateries dedicated to them even outside Japan. However, Japan boasts quite a bit more when it comes to noodle cuisine. In particular, sōmen, often referred to as a “summer tradition,” is a noodle dish that’s…
Gyoza dumplings are wildly popular in Japan, so you’ll find quite a lot of specialty shops dedicated to them. These beloved dumplings originated in China but have evolved uniquely in Japan, becoming incredibly popular. Gyoza are well-loved by locals and have also captivated foreign tourists in Japan. A gyoza and sake bar in Kabukichō that’s open 24/7 At “Shinjuku Kakekomi…
Matcha, a finely ground green tea, is more than just a drink in Japan—it’s a storied aspect of the country’s rich culture. Its velvety, complex flavor has won over enthusiasts around the globe. If you’re in Tokyo and craving an authentic matcha experience, look no further than “KYOTO SARYO SUISEN Shibuya PARCO” (hereunder referred to as “KYOTO SARYO SUISEN”). Situated…
Tokyo’s bustling district of Shinjuku has many busy eateries, but there’s one spaghetti specialty restaurant where you’ll find long lines of people waiting to get in called Al dente Shinjuku Center building (referred to below as “Al dente”). It first opened in 1979 in the Shinjuku Center Building and continues draw in many customers to this day. Al dente’s bacon…