Restaurants, Bars and Cafés Beauty & Health Points of Interest

One of the greatest things about living in Tokyo is that the world is, literally, at your fingertips--especially at the dinner table. In the land where culinary excursions are practically a national hobby, good food is plentiful; you just have to know where to look. Here are some of our recommendations to add to your favorites.

Henri Charpentier tea salon, patisserie Classic French confections with a contemporary twist in a fuchsia-rose interior. Light foods are available, but make sure to try at least one of their unique and often playful desserts. Highly recommended is the Crêpe Suzette (￥1,575 for one serving, ￥2,940 for two): the servers put on a performance as they make it in front of you. Combining refined sugar with orange juice and butter over a hot pan, the thin crepes are warmed in the signature sauce. For the grand finale, Grand Marnier is added to the pan and flambéed. Afterwards, ask where the restrooms are as you'll definitely want to check them out. A visit to the Salon de Thé from about ￥2,500. Menu in Japanese and some French. 2-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku 03-3562-2721 Station: Ginza-Itchome (metro exit 9), Ginza (metro exit A13) more information...

Barbacoa Grill Brazilian Mouth-watering churrasco (grilled meat) sliced at the table isn't the only reason to come to this cavernous and popular Omotesando establishment. A salad bar worthy of its own restaurant license guarantees your herbivorous friends don't just tag along because they're being nice. Choose from over 20 types of skewered beef, chicken and vegetables alongside 30+ salad bar items. Dinner from around ￥6,000. Menu in Portuguese, English and Japanese. Tokyu Reit Omotesando Square B1, 4-3-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 03-3796-0571 Station: Omotesando (metro exit A2) more information...

Benoit French This young offspring of Groupe Alain Ducasse is a chic French restaurant headed by Massimo Pasquarelli, formerly sous-chef at the Groupe's restaurants in New York and Tuscany. The menu reflects their affinity to classic French cuisine like hand-cut beef tartar and beef fillet "Rossini style". Pronounced "boo-NWA." Dinner from around ￥15,000. Menu in French, English and Japanese. La Porte Aoyama 10F, 5-51-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 03-5468-0881 Station: Omotesando (metro exit B2) more information...

Fujimamas California-Asian Fujimamas' large, renovated wooden house (formerly a tatami mat factory) has long been a second dining room to foreigners in this city. Their original fusion cuisine―familiar dishes from home with an Asian twist―doubles as soul food for the regulars and a culinary adventure for the out-of-town guest. In the warmer months, the upper deck and first-floor terrace become open-air seating, and small dogs are allowed. Recommended: For a party of six or more, reserve one of the partitioned private rooms with zabuton (floor cushion) seating. Dinner from around ￥4,000. Menu in English and Japanese. www.fujimamasfoodies.com 6-3-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 03-5485-2262 Station: Omotesando (metro exit A1), Meiji-Jingumae (metro exit 4), Harajuku (JR Omotesando exit) more information...

Kyushu Jangara Ramen (九州じゃんがらラーメン) tonkotsu ramen (Japanese) Kyushu is the southernmost of the four main islands of Japan, and one signature dish of the prefecture famous for its tasty dishes is tonkotsu ramen（豚骨ラーメン, thin al dente noodles in a rich white pork broth）. Some traditional toppings are chopped green onions and bright red mentaiko (明太子, spicy cod roe)―another Kyushu specialty―which add vibrant colors against the white canvas. This counter-seating restaurant is open late, making it the perfect way to sober up after a night out on the town. Recommended: you have to pay the cashier before sitting down, so take a good look at the menu posted outside by the steps. Also, keep in mind the first and second stories are the same company, but different shops. The following shop information is for the first floor. A bowl of basic ramen is ￥700. Menu in Japanese. 1-13-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 03-3404-5572 Station: Harajuku (JR Omotesando exit), Meiji-Jingumae (metro exit 3) more information...

Maisen (まい泉) tonkatsu (Japanese) Pork is cooked a thousand different ways in Japanese cooking, but hands-down the best loved is tonkatsu: a deep-fried, breaded cutlet. Maisen does okasan's (Mom's) justice and then some. Using tender Kagoshima pork, the cutlets can be sliced using only your chopsticks, just as their slogan promises. What you get is juicy, flavorful meat that isn't greasy and won't leave your stomach feeling heavy. Recommended: go during lunch for a gorgeous and reasonably priced meal. A to-go stand is open next door at the same hours. Dinner from around ￥3,000. Menu in Japanese. 4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 03-3470-0071 Station: Omotesando (metro exit A2) more information...

Smoky ( スモーキー) sausages Two dozen varieties of no-nonsense sausages using no artificial flavorings and no preservatives for the true links-lover. With its classy interior, a la carte dishes that change daily, attentive staff and nearly 25 years of experience under its belt, it's no wonder Smoky is always busy. Recommended: Smoky Best Plate offers two links each of the restaurant's most popular sausages. Also, make sure to choose a few appetizers from the cart as they often feature unique seasonal Japanese vegetables. Dinner from around ￥4,000. Menu in English and Japanese. Aoyama Bldg. 1F, 5-16-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku 03-3400-3242 Station: Omotesando (metro exit B1) more information...

Tony Roma's Aoyama barbeque ribs Hail to the King of Barbeque Ribs. Tony Roma's has won over two dozen "Best Rib" awards across the USA over the past 15 years, and their original recipe is available in Tokyo, too. When in Tony Roma's, do as the "Tony Romans" do... by ordering the barbeque ribs with onion rings on the side. The casual interior turns romantic at dinnertime when the lights go down and candles are lit. Dinner from around ￥3,500. Menu in English and Japanese. 3-1-30 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku 03-3479-5214 Station: Gaienmae (metro), Omotesando (metro) more information...

Estacion Café (エスタシオンカフェ) lounge_and_café The convenience of the location (attached to Shibuya station) is reflected in this cafe's name, which is Spanish for “station”. A good meeting place for those pre-last train drinks or quick business meetings. Finger foods, desserts, vegetable drinks, coffee and black, green, and herbal teas served. Recommended: drivers, park in the Mark City parking lot for two complimentary hours when you spend over ￥3,000. Coffee from ￥750. Menu in Japanese with some English. Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu 5F (inside Shibuya Mark City), 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku 03-5457-0109 Station: Shibuya (JR, metro, Keio Inokashira line: follow signs for Excel Hotel Tokyu 5th floor) more information...

JZ Brat jazz bar and lounge Focusing on domestic musicians (including foreign residents), JZ Brat is a sophisticated jazz lounge located minutes away on foot from Shibuya station. The venue is spread out so that the audience is on eye-level with or just slightly looking down onto the stage. This is also a popular location for large musical events and gatherings. Reservations are required for some shows. Music charge from ￥4,200 Monday through Friday, from ￥3,000 on Saturdays. Menu in English and Japanese. Cerulean Tokyu Hotel 2F, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku 03-5728-0168 Station: Shibuya (JR, metro, Keio Inokashira line: west exit) more information...