Tokyo Restaurant Tips by kdoc13

Restaurant Name: Hard Rock Cafe

After living on a diet of rice for three months, this westerner was ready for for a burger! The thing about Tokyo is, there is all kinds of western food to be found. It seems like there is a McDonalds or Subway on every corner. But, if you want real American food, chances are that you don't want to eat at a McDonalds. So where do homesick western travelers all end up? The Hard Rock Cafe.

You are instantly westernized when you hear the Police or the Rolling Stones playing in the background and a large burger is heading your way. Plus, there is chance to see the most beautiful waitresses in all of Tokyo, and a place where westerners come together without messing with anyone's chi.

As hard rocks go, this one is actually above par. The food is much better than the one in Cleveland or LA. Plus, there is a higher quality of service. So, you can't really go wrong. The worst thing about the Tokyo Hard Rock is finding the place. It is hidden down a back alleyway in Roppongi (near the orange eiffel tower) and on the second floor.

The better one is actually in Ueno. which is near Tokyo, so if you are out that way, don't miss it, it is in the old train station. If not, the Roppongi location is till great.

Favorite Dish: Mmmn, burgers and fries!

If anyone would be so kind, I collect the guitar pins with the name of the location on them. The Japan sites have these really cool ones with dragons around them. If you are going and would like to pick one up for me I would really appreciate it.

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 8-133-408-7018
Address: 5-4-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Directions: Take either Hibiya Line or Oedo Line and get off at Roppongi. Get to the ground level by going up the stairs to Exit #A3. From Roppongi crossing, take Gaien Higashi Dori street toward Tokyo Tower. You will find "McDonald's" on the right. Turn right .
Website: http://www.hardrockjapan.com/

Restaurant Name: Canard

A little French place that is hidden away in Shinjuku, this is one of Tokyo's smaller restaurants (and that is sayign something.) Despite the size, and the difficulty to get into during peak hours, there is a large menu to choose from. A three course dinner will run you about Y2,800. Not sure what that is in US dollars, but it felt somewhat pricey at the time I was there, of course I lived on Gyoza from 7-11 for a while, so it was a bit of a change.

Favorite Dish: I am not a seafood person, but the people I have been there with all rave about the seafood. Everything I have had there is good. So, I imagine you will enjoy anything you get. If you don't like French food, I don't know if I would try it here though.

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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Address: Shinjuku 5-17-6, B1F

Restaurant Name: 7-11 and AM/PM Stores

If you are traveling cheap, or are not quite sure yet what to make of the local cuisine, I would reccomend getting your feet wet at the good old local 7-11 or AM-PM stores.

By now most people who have been to Tokyo are starting to cringe at the suggestion of this, because it really is not the best way to eat in Tokyo. But seriously, unlike most of the American convience store junk, these places have pretty decent stuff. When I lost my wallet in Tokyo, I lived in Consome Pringles and heated soups and Gyoza from 7-11. Plus you can get Japanese Pickles, which are a lot better than those you find in the US of A. You also get to experience the wonders of Japanese Junk Food! It is a wonder that these people aren't the size of...well, the size of me. Bananna Kit Kat bars and a tall cold Pocari Sweat make day so much better. But like I said, if you are looking for a way to break yourself into Japanese food, it is cheap, and pretty good, and a great way to sample.

Favorite Dish: I love the combination of Gyoza, Japanese Pickles, microwave rice (with seaweed) and a coke. All for under 6 bucks!

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Theme: Other
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Any street corner
Directions: Like vending machines and McDonalds, convenience stores are on every corner.

Restaurant Name: Bellini Trattoria

It is incredibly hard to get good pizza in Asia. In fact, it is almost impossible. Even Domino's pizza is not quite what it is in the states, and Domino's is the low end of pizza here. Luckily there is Bellini Trattoria in Roppongi.

Bellini Trattoria has a great view of Gaien-Higashi Dori on the way to the Tokyo Tower. It has a great view out the front window that allows you to watch the people rushing by, but doesn't have that dismal downtown city feel.

Plus, it is a two minute walk from Roppongi station. So when you are bloated from eating too much pizza, it is really just a short walk up to the station.

It is also good because it is open late! On fridays and saturdays it is open until 3:00 am. Although I think they do last orders around 2:30.

Favorite Dish: The pizza is always good, if not great! But they have other dishes too. Very good pasta!

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 03-3470-5650
Address: 3-14-12 Roppongi Gaien-Higashi Dori
Directions: Get off at Roppongi station, follow Gaien-Higashi Dori like you are going to Tokyo Tower (That big orange thing with a point) and it will be on the left hand side.

Restaurant Name: New York Grill

This is one of those movies you typically only see in the movies. It is a large open area, with an incredible view from the 52nd floor of a large building, and an open kitchen. It is comfortable, but formal. The kind of place where guys take a woman to make a lasting impression. The kind of place where you have to make reservations in advance, way in advance.

In fact, while I was there, I witnessed about 6 marriage proposals. It is just that nice of place.

But it is also expensive. Prices begin around 45 bucks a plate and go up to at least 150.

If you are into American quisine though, it is arguably worth every penny. I have never had food this good.

There are a wide variety of choices, from steaks to seafood, all served with very generous portions. And it boasts one of the best wine cellars in all of Tokyo, although mainly they feature California and Australian wines.

Favorite Dish: They have a completely 100% organically grown rack of lamb which is incredible! It is definately my reccomendation.

But this is also the place where you can get Kobe Beef, or some of the best seafood in Tokyo. You can get seafood just about anywhere, but the chef's here have a way with it that makes even a non-seafood person want to enjoy it.

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Theme: American
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 03-5323-3458
Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Directions: Park Hyatt Tokyo Hotel. Shinjuku (west exit, a 13-min. walk or a 5-min. free shuttle ride), Hatsudai on the Keio Line (7 min.) or Tochomae on the Oedo Line (8 min.)
Website: http://tokyo.park.hyatt.com/