In June 2023, “ROPPONGI TSUNAGU,” a new ramen shop, opened for business in Tokyo’s bustling entertainment district of Roppongi. Since then, it has been gaining popularity for its ramen dishes, especially the ones with a seafood broth base. “はまぐりと魚介の塩らーめん（Wはまぐり）,” Shellfish and seafood ramen (double shellfish) 1,600 JPY (tax included) Packed with seafood umami! “Shellfish and seafood ramen” The signature dish…

A beloved Japanese sweet, ohagi is made with sticky mochi rice coated with sweet bean paste or kinako (roasted soybean flour). Although it’s a traditional dessert, it has been experiencing somewhat of a renaissance since around 2020. It is gaining popularity, especially among those who love sweets, and specialty stores have been popping up all over Japan. Located in Roppongi…

Japanese cuisine, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, embodies Japan’s traditional food culture. Nestled in Roppongi Hills, “Kokappou Ohashi Roppongi” is a renowned Japanese restaurant. Here, they serve fluffy rice cooked in a broad-brimmed hagama pot alongside seasonal fish and meat dishes. “大沼牛と車麩のすき焼き鍋御膳,” Sukiyaki (Beef and Wheat gluten cake) and Rice Set 1,990 JPY (tax included) Kokappou Ohashi’s…

Shibuya, with its globally famous Scramble Crossing in front of the station, is one of Tokyo’s premier entertainment districts. Photo of Scramble Crossing in Shibuya Although strongly associated with fashion and youth culture, Shibuya’s charm extends beyond that. It’s an area teeming with a variety of eateries including restaurants, cafes, and bars. From quintessentially Japanese ramen to exquisite wagyū beef…

While the United States is known as the home of the hamburger, high-quality burgers can be found in Japan as well. GORI-GORI BURGER TAPROOM (hereunder referred to as “Gori-Gori Burger Taproom”), the self-proclaimed “best burger joint on the planet,” is located in Roppongi, Tokyo. The restaurant continues to captivate diners with its selection of delicious and distinctive burgers. Savoring a…

In Roppongi, Tokyo, you can fully immerse yourself in the Okinawan vibe at the tavern and restaurant “Okinawa Dining Ryūka Roppongi” (hereunder referred to as “Ryūka Roppongi”). Here, you can savor Okinawan dishes like Okinawa soba and gōyā chanpurū, an Okinawan stir fry dish made with bitter melon. Shisa, an Okinawan guardian deity Soup that soothes the soul! Homemade sōki…

SUZU CAFE-Roppongi- is a popular cafe renowned for its rich matcha pudding. The cafe’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to unwind in the bustling Roppongi area of Tokyo. “濃い抹茶プリン,” Green tea pudding 750 JPY (tax included) Matcha pudding with boast-worthy richness, a social media sensation! Their “Green tea pudding” is crafted using ample matcha from Uji, the famous…

In the heart of Tokyo’s busy Roppongi district, “Karaage-Senmon Roppongi Kimisei” has become a staple for hungry business workers. Renowned for its senmon (specialty) in karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), the restaurant attracts a crowd daily, offering both dine-in and take-out bentō (boxed meal) options. “Assorted Fried Chicken Set Meal”: a trio of popular flavors The “Assorted Fried Chicken Set Meal”…

As of 2023, Japan is seeing an increase in shops that offer kakigōri, a Japanese shaved ice dessert, throughout the year. One such place is “KAKIGORI CAFE&BAR yelo” (hereunder referred to as “yelo”) in Roppongi, Tokyo, which attracts crowds of shaved ice lovers all year round. The popular shop presents the idea that kakigōri is not just for cooling off…

Omelette-rice, also known as omurice, is a Japanese dish consisting of an omelette made with fried rice—usually chicken fried rice—and thin, fried scrambled eggs. It’s loved by generations from children to adults. While it’s a mainstream dish here in Japan, it’s still a minor presence in other countries. Umami bites writer Bensky recounts that, until he first visited Tokyo, he…

Situated in the bustling Shibuya district of Tokyo, “Nihonrettōsakaba KAMIGOTO” serves up specialties from Kamigotō, a town in the northern part of the Gotō Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The restaurant prides itself on a variety of dishes using fresh seafood and local delicacies, directly sourced from Kamigotō. The nihonrettō in their name means “Japanese archipelago.” As for sakaba, it literally…

Sushi, a beloved Japanese cuisine that has won hearts worldwide, offers an array of styles from the classic nigiri to the diverse chirashi, catering to all tastes. In the heart of Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku neighborhood, Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku (hereunder referred to as ‘Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI’) embraces this variety with a relaxed yet delightful twist. Here, sushi enthusiasts can indulge in the…

Tucked away in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, “nurikabe cafe SSS” offers a charming escape, an enchanting atmosphere and outstanding cheesecakes that have earned acclaim on social media. The ‘SSS’ in the name, pronounced esurī, stands for its “Shibuya” location while hinting at its “Specialty” offerings and unique “Space” with a secret hideaway vibe. “minichii（ピスタチオ）,” minichii (Pistachio) 380 JPY apiece (tax included)…

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…