PenCities

Dining Out

• Apicius
  Just steps away from The Peninsula, Apicius is an elegant venue for traditional French cuisine, serving both lunch and dinner.
  
  B/1, Sanshi Kaikan, Yurakucho 1-9-4, Chiyoda-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3214 1361
• Aragawa
  Flawlessly prepared and famously pricey cuts of premium Sanda beef are seasoned simply with salt and pepper and charcoal-fired to tender perfection. One Michelin star
  
  1F, Onarimon Odakyu Building, Nishi Shinbashi 3-23-11, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3438 1867
• Chikuyotei
  The main shop of this freshwater eel specialist will host banquets in a private garden; its smaller venue on Ginza’s Harumi-dori welcomes walk-ins.
  
  Ginza 8-14-7, Chuo-ku (main shop)
  (81-3) 3542 0789
  
  Ginza 5-8-3, Chuo-ku (Harumi-dori)
  (81-3) 3571 0677 unagi-chikuyoutei.co.jp  
• Dhaba India, Gurugaon, and Khyber
  Three sister establishments in and around Ginza offer authentic Indian cuisine: cheery Dhaba India for the coconut-rich, tamarind-infused dishes of the south; rustic Gurugaon for curries and northern specialties such as cheese kulcha and butter chicken; and upmarket Khyber, a tandoor grill.
  
  Dhaba India
  Yaesu 2-7-9, Chuo-ku
  (81-3) 3272 7160
  
  Gurugaon
  B1/F Ginza 106 Building,
  Ginza 1-6-13, Chuo-ku
  (81-3) 3563 0623
  
  Khyber
  Ginza 1-14-6, Chuo-ku
  (81-3) 5159 7610 dhabaindia.com
• Ginza Seamon
  While the upscale edomae sushi here is as delicately crafted as that of any traditional Ginza shop, the restaurant successfully removes any sense of intimidation from the equation. The rouge-coloured countertop, inventive side dishes and the Chefs themselves bring a stylish, updated feel to a genuine sushi experience.
  
  6F, Sakaguchi Building, Ginza 5-5-13, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 5537 0010
• Hamadaya
  For high-class entertaining in true Japanese style, Hamadaya, in business since 1912, offers fine kaiseki cuisine in an elegant, historic wooden home. Geisha may be hired to perform traditional music and dances in the private rooms, each of which features its own garden view. Three Michelin stars.
  
  Nihonbashi Ningyocho 3-13-5, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3661 5940
• Hei Fung Terrace
  Enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine in a setting reminiscent of a classical Suzhou garden, complete with “borrowed views” of the Imperial Gardens.
  2/F, The Peninsula Tokyo, Yurakucho 1-8-1, Chiyoda-ku
  (81-3) 6270 2738
• Il Ristorante
  A bar lounge, rooftop terrace and fine Italian restaurant crown the top four floors of Bvlgari’s elegant flagship tower in Ginza. In the restaurant, authentic Italian cuisine is presented with contemporary flair in a warm, inviting setting that pulls in views from all angles. Two private dining rooms are also available.
  
  8/F, Bulgari Ginza Tower, Ginza 2-7-12, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 6362 0555
• Imahan Ginza
  Established in Tokyo in 1895, Imahan serves steaks and mouth-watering one-pot dishes of sukiyaki and shabu shabu made from select, succulent Wagyu at several upscale locations throughout the city. The Ginza restaurant offers private rooms for parties of 2 or more.
  
  5/F, Kojun Building, Ginza 6-8-7
  Tel: (81-3) 3571 5333
• Ippoh
  Established in Osaka in 1850, Ippoh has, over five generations, perfected the light texture and rich flavour of Kansai-style tempura. At its Tokyo shop, located above Barney’s New York, enjoy starters, sashimi and soup in a private room and then move to the tempura counter where your Chef will skillfully prepare and deliver each perfect, individual piece.
  
  5F, Kojun Building, Ginza 6-8-7, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3289 5011
• Iwasa Sushi
  In the heart of the Tsukiji market and with just 14 counter seats, the casual Iwasa Sushi has been a favourite of wholesale fishmongers and local residents for two decades. Japan’s famed sushi doesn’t come any fresher than this.
  
  Tsukiji 5-2-1, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3544 1755
• Kawamura Ginza
  Amidst the warm and inviting décor of red brick, indulge in the finest cuts of “Kobe Beef” from the prized black-haired Tajima cattle grown in Hyogo Prefecture, skillfully prepared before your eyes teppanyaki-style.
  
  8/F, Ginza MST Building, Ginza 6-5-1, Chuo-ku
  (81-3) 6252 5011 bifteck.co.jp
• Kikunoi
  Exquisite kaiseki cuisine innovatively interpreted by Owner-Chef Yoshihiro Murata is offered in a serene setting that recreates the refined, traditional spirit of Kyoto. The building was designed by a renowned teahouse architect, and its gardens by a noted Kyoto specialist. Chef Murata’s book, “Kaiseki”, includes a foreword by Chefs Ferran Adriá and Nobu Matsuhisa – a tribute to the international appeal of his culinary mastery. Two Michelin stars.
  
  Akasaka 6-13-8, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3568 6055
• Kojyu
  Fine kaiseki cuisine served on hand-thrown, artisanal earthenware vessels is expertly matched by the Owner-Chef cum Sommelier with premium French wines and Champagnes. Equally recommended for high-end business entertaining as well as a stylish night out. Three Michelin stars.
  
  Ginza 8-5-25, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 6215 9544
• Kyoto Tsuruya
  Established in Kyoto’s landmark Okazaki district in 1908, Tsuruya enjoys a 100 year history of welcoming royalty and heads of state with its traditional kaiseki cuisine and delicate tempura dishes. In its modern and contemporary setting, Tsuruya offers the same meticulously prepared, unforgettable meals that celebrate the seasons and delight the senses.
  
  B1, The Peninsula Tokyo, Yurakucho 1-8-1, Chiyoda-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 6270 2715
• L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
  In contrast to the castle-like setting of his Ebisu restaurant, this stylish dining room offers casual homage to Robuchon’s flavoursome cuisine, with counter seating facing a lively open kitchen. Two Michelin stars.
  
  2/F, Roppongi Hills Hillside, Roppongi 6-10-1, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 5772 7500
• l’Odorante par Minoru Nakijin
  Owner-chef Minoru Nakijin brings Cote d’Azur, Basque, and Japanese influences to his elegant and creative French cuisine. A well-curated wine list complements his fresh and savoury lunch and dinner menus.
  
  B1/F New Center Building, Ginza 7-7-19, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 5537-7635
• Naruto
  Unfarmed, all-natural tora fugu features in deluxe blowfish specialties between October and March, while seasonal pike conger graces the menus from April to September.
  
  Ginza 8-10-16, Chuo-ku
  (81-3) 3571 5338 fugu-naruto.com
• Narutomi
  The simple décor of Narutomi complements the unadulterated, wholesome flavour and fragrance of the hand-cut soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat flour. Seasonal tempura and other tastefully presented light dishes may also be enjoyed here, with select sake.
  
  Ginza 8-18-6, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 5565 0055
• Nobu Tokyo
  Renowned for his fusion of Japanese cuisine with South American and other culinary approaches (and his partnership with Robert De Niro), Owner-Chef Matsuhisa Nobu offers both sushi and classic signature dishes such as Black Cod Broiled with Miso and perfectly Fried Rock Shrimp Tempura at his Tokyo restaurant, and he visits every month.
  
  4-1-28 Toranomon, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 5733 0070
• Restaurant-I
  In an airy setting next to Togo Shrine, Chef Keisuike Matsushima’s first venture in his native Japan follows on the success of his Michelin-starred eponymous eatery in Nice, France. 
  
  Jingumae 1-4-20, Shibuya-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 5772-2091
• Ristorante Yamazaki
  In a capital that’s always seeking the next best thing, maintaining a loyal base of customers for more than 20 years is no easy feat. Visit Ristorante Yamazaki to savour the Italian fare that makes such an accomplishment possible – the young Japanese chef, fluent in Italian, is part of a generation for whom this cuisine is as familiar as that of his own country.
  
  2/F, West Aoyama Garden, Minami Aoyama 1-22-10-2F, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3479 4657
• Robataya
  Open hearth grilling is at its best at Robataya, where fresh-grilled seafood and vegetables and premium saké and shochu are served in a lively, wholesale market atmosphere.
  
  Roppongi 7-8-4, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3408 9674
• RyuGin
  Owner-chef Seiji Yamamoto’s focus on perfection ensures that the katsuobushi used in preparing stock for your meal will be shaved only after your order is taken. Yet it’s his playfully innovative approach to modern kaiseki cuisine, blending molecular techniques with such time-honoured wisdom, that makes his intimate restaurant one of the most talked-about in town. Two Michelin stars.
  
  Roppongi 7-17-24, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3423 8006
• Sushiko Honten
  Established in 1885, this venerable shop seating just 11 on each of its two floors is considered by many locals to be the finest sushi restaurant in town. One Michelin star.
  
  Ginza 6-3-8, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3571- 968
• Tamai
  Timeslip to 1953 in this well-preserved backstreet shop specialising in saltwater eel, simmered or grilled and served over rice.
  
  Nihonbashi 2-9-9, Chuo-ku
  (81-3) 3272 3227 anago-tamai.com
• Tempura Masa
  Owner-chef Yoshinobu Yamada, who worked for six years at the Embassy of Japan in Paris, takes a creative approach to the selection of ingredients for his mouth-watering tempura and à la carte specialties. His intimate shop offers counter seating for eight.
  
  Ginza 7-7-16, Chuo-ku
  Tel: (81 3) 3571 1380
  
• Toufuya Ukai
  Tucked away in a garden setting at the base of Tokyo Tower is Toufuya Ukai, a true “only in Japan” experience. Passing through winding garden paths, you come to a two century- old sake brewery transplanted from the country. Attentive service by kimono-clad staff, garden views and refined traditional tofu cuisine make this one of Tokyo’s showpiece dining options. One Michelin star.
  
  Shiba Koen 4-4-13, Minato-ku
  Tel: (81-3) 3436 1028