Xavier-Benjamin

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…

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)…

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…

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…

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…

Imagine the bustling streets of Tokyo’s Shibuya district serving up the hearty flavors of Hokkaido. One dish, a local favorite originating from the coastal town of Otaru, is a true delight: wakadori no hanmiage (referred hereunder as hanmiage). Featuring half of a spring chicken that’s quickly deep-fried, it has crispy skin and juicy, succulent meat. “小樽名物 若鶏半身揚げ,” Otaru’s Famous Fried…

Directly connected to Shibuya Station in Tokyo is the commercial facility TOKYU PLAZA SHIBUYA, packed with a variety of dining options, including a culinary gem: “ŌSAKA Kitchen TOKYU PLAZA SHIBUYA” (hereunder referred to as “Osaka Kitchen”). At this renowned restaurant, you can enjoy carefully selected wagyu steak and other teppanyaki dishes absolutely sure to delight your palate and leave you…

In the heart of Tokyo’s Shibuya district lies a unique dining spot that captures the essence of a Kyoto townscape. “Moon in the sky Shibuya” stands as an exceptional destination for authentic Japanese cuisine, offering a serene atmosphere that allows you to escape the city’s hustle for a tranquil meal. Savor an all-star seafood lineup with the “Luxurious Crab Seafood…

Tucked away on Spain-Zaka (Spanish Hill) in Tokyo’s Shibuya district is “BITYUYA CHOUZAEMON” (pronounced ‘bichūya chōzaemon’), a restaurant that feels like a cozy, well-kept secret. The restaurant radiates an old-world charm and specializes in yakitori (skewered chicken dishes), grilled to perfection over binchōtan, a type of high-quality white charcoal made from ubame oak. Popular at lunchtime: “Nama Oyakodon” made with…

While onions and their relatives often find themselves as mere sidekicks in culinary ensembles, there’s a hidden gem in Tokyo’s Udagawachō district of Shibuya that flips the script. This restaurant celebrates the entire spectrum of negi, a term that captures a range of leek- and onion-like vegetables in Japanese cuisine, turning them from supporting characters into show-stopping main attractions. A…