12 Best Restaurants in Marunouchi, Tokyo

Also known as "Andy's," this izakaya is directly under the tracks of the Yamanote Line, making the wooden interior shudder each time a train passes overhead. It's a favorite with local and foreign journalists and is actually run by a Brit, Andy, who travels to the seafood market every morning to buy ingredients for not-to-miss dishes such as sashimi or buttered scallops. It fills up very quickly, so it's best to call at least a day in advance to make a reservation.

Old, funky, and more than a little cramped, Robata is a bit daunting at first, but fourth-generation chef-owner Takao Inoue holds forth here with an inspired version of Japanese home cooking. He's also a connoisseur of pottery and serves his food on pieces acquired at famous kilns all over the country. A meal at Robata—like the pottery—is simple to the eye but subtle and fulfilling. Typical dishes include steamed fish with vegetables, stews of beef or pork, and seafood salads. If you don't feel like navigating the Japanese menu, opt for the ¥4,950 course.

On top of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine with a Japanese twist. Est emphasizes reducing food waste and offers eco-conscious, seasonal menus with 95% of ingredients gathered from Japan, so Chef Guillaume Bracaval's innovative dishes can be traced from source to plate.

A short walk from the Imperial Hotel, the Hibiya branch of one of Yokohama's oldest and best Chinese restaurants commands a spectacular view of the Imperial Palace grounds from 28 floors up. Call ahead to reserve a table by the window. Much of the clientele comes from the law offices, securities firms, and foreign banks in the building.

After strolling through the flower gardens of Hibiya Park on a hot day, stop off for a cold pint of beer here. There's no indoor seating, but with its view of Hibiya Park, you wouldn't want to be inside.

Mihashi offers traditional Japanese sweets in a comfortable environment. The staff is attentive and helpful, making it the perfect place to try desserts you may have never tried before. Located next to, but not inside, Yaesu North Gate in Tokyo Station.

Sit down for a genuine taste of western Japan at this eatery serving savory okonomiyaki pancakes, as well as noodle dishes like yakisoba. It's inexpensive for the area, so expect a wait.

In addition to its elegant decor, plush sofas, and outdoor patio, the lobby lounge at the Palace Hotel also offers one of Tokyo's best afternoon tea experiences, featuring both Japanese and European sweets; an extensive menu of unique, high-end teas; and several set-price options for tea and/or sweets. In the evening, cocktails take center stage.

This narrow, brick-lined café serves aromatic coffee sourced from all over the world. The best seats are in front of the lab, where coffee bubbles in a siphon. They also serve creamy hot chocolate, coffee jelly, and milkshakes.

Chef Daniel Calvert has been awarded two Michelin stars for the creative French cuisine served at this elegant restaurant on the seventh floor of the Four Seasons Hotel at Marunouchi. The 12-course dinner changes with the seasons, but leans heavily into Japanese produce and could include Akkeshi sea oyster with koshihikari rice and wild sorrel or shamo chicken from Bizen poached in yellow wine. While some tables offer kitchen views, there's also a chef's table where you can watch Calvert and his team at work—a rare opportunity to study some of Tokyo's most talented chefs.

It can be hard to find a vegan restaurant in Tokyo, but T's thick and tasty, meat-free ramen is a great option. Choose your soup base, from sesame to citrus flavors, and get a side of the vegetable dumplings—not to be missed. The restaurant is behind the barriers of Tokyo Station, so you'll need to be in transit to try. 

Sitting on the terrace beside the Wadakura Moat, savor a glass of carefully selected wine from the impressive cellar, and choose from a modest selection of fresh, flavorful pasta dishes or one of the set three- to five-course menus. At dinner, the atmosphere turns intimate with candlelight and ultra-attentive service. Reservations are recommended.