11 Best Restaurants in Marunouchi, Tokyo

Also known as "Andy's," this izakaya is located 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 seafood. Don't miss the fresh sashimi and buttered scallops. It fills up very quickly, so call at least the 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. There's no menu; just tell Inoue-san how much you want to spend, and leave the rest to him. 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.

On top of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine with a twist. Est presents eco-conscious, seasonal menus with 95% of ingredients locally sourced in Japan. With a focus on reducing food waste, Chef Guillaume Bracaval crafts innovative and singular dishes that 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; Hibiya Saroh is proud of the varieties on tap. There is 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. The Kiji chain serves savory okonomiyaki, as well as other noodle dishes unique to its stores. It is inexpensive for the area, so expect a bit of a wait.

Serving aromatic coffee sourced from all over the world, this narrow, brick-lined café makes drinking an experience. 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.

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

In addition to its elegant decor, plush sofas, and outdoor patio, The Palace Lounge also offers one of Tokyo's best afternoon tea sets, which includes both Japanese and European sweets. The extensive tea menu also makes it a good place to try a variety of unique, high-end teas while taking a quiet break from the day's sightseeing.

Sit down and savor a glass of carefully selected wine from Trattoria Creatta’s impressive cellar. Sitting on the terrace beside Wadakura Moat on a warm summer's day, diners can choose from a modest, yet flavorful, selection of fresh pasta. When the lights go down, the atmosphere turns intimate with candle-lit dinners and attentive service. Reservations are recommended.