Tokyo’s Most Romantic Restaurants

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or an anniversary, we all love finding the perfect spot to wine, dine and woo our beau. Tokyo’s excellent culinary scene means there are plenty of options, but let us guide you to the city’s most romantic restaurants. 

With only 14 tables, cosy Celaravird is a perfect perch for that all-important V-day dinner à deux. Naturally lit, Scandi-inspired interiors and a small patio create a serene atmosphere, while farm-fresh produce and excellent wine pairing are testament to head chef and owner, Koichi Hashimoto's dedication to quality. The seasonal tasting menu is best described as a three-hour gastronomic journey, something to keep in mind if you’re making postprandial plans.

To sample one of Tokyo’s famed cocktail experiences, slink over to Gen Yamamoto, where the eponymous mixologist serves a six-course tasting menu. Using a blend of savoury and sweet ingredients – including edible flowers, wasabi and fresh juice – this a novel way to try an eclectic range of tipples. Cheers!

Alternatively, take your other half back to nature, with a trip to quaint Aoyama Flower Market Tea House. Bursting with verdant foliage, this courtyard cafe is a tranquil spot to sip an Emerald mojito or tuck into a freshly made sharing platter, followed by a slice of homemade cake. Elegant and peaceful, the space feels like a super trendy greenhouse; it’s also super popular, so be sure to book in advance.

The magnificent Art Nouveau-meets-trad-Japanese salon Ukai-tei Omotesando is an aptly sultry venue for date night. A smouldering crimson-hued, lacquered decor backdrops a menu of teppanyaki meats and seafood – a highlight is the charcoal-grilled lobster. Up the romance ante by booking a private dining room, complete with your own chef. I do!

Not a beer bar, Craftale is a sleek, minimalist, French eatery helmed by Robuchon-trained Shinya Ohashi, who prides himself on focusing on fresh, natural ingredients. Should you miss out on V-day, fret not – in spring, the views of the Meguro River sakura are as marvellous as the wine-paired courses themselves. Reserve way ahead.

Celavird / 1F / TWIZA uehara 2-8-11 / Uehara / Shibuya / +81 3 3465 8471 / dinner Tue-Sat / celaravird.com

Gen Yamamoto / 1/F / Anniversary Bldg / 1-6-4 Azabu Juban / Minato / +81 3 6434 0652 / 3pm-11pm Tue-Sun / genyamamoto.jp

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House / 5-1-2 Minami Aoyama / Minato / +branches / +81 3 3400 0887 / 11am-8pm Mon-Sat, till 7pm Sun / afm-teahouse.com

Ukai-tei Omotesando / 5F / Omotesando Gyre / 5-10-1 Jingu-mae / Shibuya / +81 3 5467 5252 / lunch & dinner daily / ukai.co.jp

Craftale / 2/F / Aobadai 1-16-11 / Meguro / +81 3 6277 5813 / 5pm-11pm Thu-Tue / craftale-tokyo.com