4 Best Restaurants in Nakameguro and Daikanyama, Tokyo

Seating is limited at this small stand near Naka Meguro Station, but the baristas are extremely knowledgeable about how to properly prepare espressos, hand-drip coffees, and lattes. And the name of this chain of roasteries isn't a misspelling of "omnibus," but rather a playful mix of "oni" (devil) and "bus."

This microbrewery in Daikanyama produces a core lineup of six ales and lagers, as well as seasonal and limited releases, such as an 8% Belgian “gran cru,” Jazzberry made with raspberries and wine yeast, or a 6.5% hop-heavy IPA. But Spring Valley isn't just a place to drink—the menu also lists a good range of burgers, pizzas, and grilled meats, all with beer-pairing suggestions. If you're a fan of this place, note that it has a sister location in Kyoto.

Just about everybody who comes to this well-established, family-owned restaurant orders the standard course of utterly delicious deep-fried pork cutlets, soup, raw-cabbage salad, rice, pickles, and tea. Although there's a line here every night, right up until closing at 10:45 pm, efficient service means that the wait is usually only about 10 minutes.

This compact, counter-only sushi restaurant in Naka Meguro’s backstreets just does omakase, meaning that you'll be served whatever the owner–chef has sourced each day from Tokyo's Toyosu Market. Although the fish (or hair crab or sea urchin by special request) takes center stage, herbs and vegetables are also incorporated into Udatsu’s often-modern takes on sushi. There's even a vegetarian sushi course, though it must be reserved at least two days in advance. Like many sushi restaurants, lunch is a far more affordable experience than dinner. Still if you are planning to splurge somewhere, this is the place to do it.