Restaurants, Bars and Cafés Beauty & Health Points of Interest

International businesses and late-night bistros Akasaka (赤坂) and Tameike-Sanno (溜池山王) have been the traditional Japanese business areas of Tokyo for decades. More recently, foreign firms have come into these districts, creating unique East-meets-West communities. These neighborhoods tend to be quieter than more effervescent areas like Omotesando, but don’t let that fool you: the nightlife is very much alive and kicking—it’s just that much of it takes place behind closed doors. Have a Japanese friend take you out for a night of fine Japanese dining and lots of drinking.

Aux Bacchanales Akasaka (オー　バカナル　赤坂店) café, boulangerie, brasserie This authentic replica of a French café open since 1995 is still a Tokyo favorite, with over 70 types of French breads, a dozen tarts, fresh sandwiches and a great atmosphere. They sometimes host special events and fairs, so check online regularly for updates. Menu in French, some English and Japanese. Ark Mori Bldg. 2F, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku 03-3582-2225 Station: Roppongi-Itchome (metro exit 3) / Tameike-Sanno (metro exit 13) more information...

Aux Bacchanales Kioicho (オーバカナル　紀尾井町店) café, boulangerie, brasserie This authentic replica of a French café open since 1995 is still a Tokyo favorite, with over 70 types of French breads, a dozen tarts, fresh sandwiches and a great atmosphere. They sometimes host special events and fairs, so check online regularly for updates. Menu in French, some English and Japanese. Shin-Kioicho Bldg. 1F, 4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku 03-5276-3422 Station: Akasaka-Mitsuke (metro exit D) more information...

La Campagne (ラ　カンパーニュ) wine bar A casual watering hole with sophisticated French wines by the glass (from ￥600), decanter (from ￥1,600) or bottle (from ￥3,000), and finger foods like mussels with garlic Provence-style (￥400 for two mussels), duck confit (￥1,200), lamb chops (￥500) and wagyu steaks (from ￥1,500), all without breaking the bank. Prior to becoming a wine bar, La Campagne was a full-fledged French countryside cuisine restaurant Evening visit from about ￥3,000. Menu in Japanese. Hosokawa Bldg. 2F, 2-12-8 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku 03-3592-0004 Station: Akasaka-Mitsuke (metro Sanno exit) more information...

Lawry's The Prime Rib (ロウリーズ・ザ・プライムリブ 東京) roast beef, prime rib Elegant with a flair for the dramatic, Lawry's is just right for dates and special occasions. Staying faithful to the original Hollywood recipe, their prime rib is sliced in front of your eyes from a silver cart. Private rooms and bar available. Dinner from about ￥8,000. Menu in English and Japanese. Akasaka Twin Tower East Tower B1-1F, 2-17-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku 03-5114-8080 Station: Tameike-Sanno (metro exit A12) more information...

Pita The Great falafel, pita sandwiches Every city's gotta have at least one great falafel place, and Tokyo's answer is this appropriately named hideaway. Chewy, fluffy pita baked in-store every day, stuffed with vegetarian goodness like hummus. Prices are reasonable. Take-out and outdoor seating available. Sandwiches from ￥760. Menu in English and Japanese. ATT Shinkan 2F, 2-11-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku 03-5563-0851 Station: Tameike-Sanno (metro exit 12) more information...

Hinaya (日南屋) Udon Restaurant Finding authentic udon noodles in Tokyo can be difficult, but here's one place that's sure to satisfy your urges. Located in a little cul-de-sac in Akasaka, Hinaya is known to both the businessmen of the area, and to foreigners seeking an authentic udon meal. The speciality here is Shikoku style, and everyone who eats here recommends the curry udon. The noodles are vegan, made from flour, salt and water. A dinner course can be had for just under ¥4000. Menu in English and Japanese, and the owner speaks fluent English. Minato-ku, Akasaka 2-14-7 03-3583-0178 Station: Akasaka station (metro exit 2) 3 min Tameike Sanno more information...