Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [111]
Mushroom (Map; 5489-1346; www.mush.jp, in Japanese; 2nd fl, 1-16-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku; lunch/dinner from ¥2625/5040; ; JR Yamanote line to Ebisu, west exit) Chef Yamaoka’s obsession with the taming of the ’shroom has sprouted this very cosy little French bistro, whose decor is dominated by a fungus motif, of course. Three-course meals showcasing mushrooms are amazing value and will transport you without mind-altering side effects – though the gorgeous wines might. There’s a daily-changing French menu and English sign.
Roppongi
It’s only logical that there be an abundance of international restaurants in Roppongi, Tokyo’s foreign-nightlife playground. From inexpensive burger joints to high-end sushi bars, whatever food you fancy is here. Japanese restaurants tend to be expensive but very accessible to gaijin, making it the perfect area for any long-awaited, lavish Japanese meal. But there are also heaps of cheap spots if you just need a quick bite before hitting the bars.
Gogyō Rāmen (Map; 5775-5566; 1-4-36, Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku; meals ¥900; 11.30am-4pm & 5pm-3am Mon-Sat, to midnight Sun; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 2 & 3) Open late, this sleek place is famous for its kogashi-miso rāmen (blackened miso rāmen, ¥850), a strange black soup unlike any other you’re likely to try in Tokyo. The awning has the shop’s name in English, and there’s an English menu.
Salsita (Map; 3280-1145; http://salsita-tokyo.com; B1 fl, 4-5-65 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku; meals ¥1500; lunch & dinner Tue-Sun; to Hiro-o, exit 1) It’s worth going out of your way to Salsita for reasonably priced, respectably authentic Mexican food. It’s a colourful little spot where the tortillas and chorizo are homemade and the cochinita pibil (Yucatan-style roasted pork; ¥1900) is particularly tender and delicious. There’s an English menu and Spanish sign.
Eat More Greens (Map; 3798-3191; www.eatmoregreens.jp; 2-2-5 Azabu-Jūban, Minato-ku; meals ¥1500; 11am-11pm Mon-Fri, 9am-11pm Sat & Sun; ; Namboku line to Azabu-jūban, exit 4) For all the healthiness of Japanese food, there’s often a dearth of greens on restaurant plates in Tokyo. Inspired, interestingly, by the greengrocers and farmers markets of NYC, this shop holds its own farmers market on Saturdays. Choose the airy interior or outdoor patio to enjoy seasonally changing vegetarian and vegan dishes. It has an English menu and English sign.
Gonpachi (Map; 5771-0170; www.gonpachi.jp; 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku; lunch/dinner ¥2000/4000; 11.30am-5am; ; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 2) The Edo-village decor and urban buzz in the air makes Gonpachi a great place for celebratory dinners, but do you need a reason to thrill your palate with a dozen new-to-you Japanese morsels? Upstairs you can order everything on the menu (in English), plus sushi. Book ahead on its website; the rock-wall exterior should give it away, but there’s also an English sign.
Pizzeria 1830 (Map; 3402-1830; 9-6-28 Akasaka, Minato-ku; meals ¥2500; lunch & dinner; Chiyoda line to Nogizaka, exit 3) Pizza catering to Japanese tastes can be found all over Tokyo, but the real beast – with wood-fired crust hand-tossed by an Italian pizzaiolo – is more elusive. Find the real Neapolitan deal at 1830. Other treats, such as tender gnocchi, melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu and a strong wine list also await. There’s an English menu and signage.
Pintokona (Map; 5771-1133; B2 fl, Metrohat, Roppongi Hills, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku; meals ¥2500; 11am-11pm; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 1c & 3) Taking its name from a kabuki term, this kaiten-sushi at Roppongi Hills plays up the kabuki aesthetic and kicks the conveyor-belt standards up a notch. Accordingly, the prices are slightly higher, but it’s good-quality stuff with hi-tech touches like microchipped dishes that signal when sushi has been in rotation for too long (30 minutes). There’s an English menu and sign.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Map; 5772-7500; 2nd fl, Hillside, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1