Where to Dine - Tokyo - page 143

INEXPENSIVE
The Hard Rock Cafe Ueno, 7-1-1 Ueno ( & 03/5826-5821 ), located in JR Ueno Sta-
tion, is open daily 7am to 11pm (p. 163), while Kohmen, 4-8-8 Ueno ( & 03/5807-
4535 ), offers tasty ramen and gyoza daily from 11am to 5am (p. 164).
Mantra INDIAN Decorated in pink, with etched mirrors and lots of brass, this tiny,
spotless restaurant offers curries, tandoori, and Halal food at inexpensive prices. A good
way for lone diners to try a variety of dishes is the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet served
from 11am to 4pm, or one of the meat or vegetarian set meals (thali). Another good
choice for budget travelers: a set dinner for ¥2,395 that's all you can eat within 90 min-
utes; add ¥1,050 for all you can drink.
Nagafuji Building Annex, 3rd floor, 4-9-6 Ueno. & 03/3835-0818. Main dishes ¥890-¥1,680; set meals
¥1,980-¥3,300; lunch buffet ¥998 Mon-Fri, ¥1,300 Sat-Sun and holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 11am-
9:30pm (last order). Station: JR Ueno (2 min.). From the south end of Ueno Park, look for the modern
Nagafuji Building on Chuo Dori; the annex is in the back, facing the north end of Ameyokocho shopping
street.

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9 SHINJUKU

In addition to the suggestions below, be sure to check out the restaurant floors of several
skyscrapers in Shinjuku, where you can find eateries in all price categories serving a
variety of Japanese and international cuisines; some even have the bonus of great city
views. These include the 29th and 30th floors of the N. S. Building where, in addition
to Hakkaku (p. 146), other restaurants serve tempura, tonkatsu, teppanyaki, and Italian
fare; the top four floors of the Sumitomo Building where, in addition to Donto
(p. 131), you'll find more than 20 outlets offering everything from tempura to Chinese
cuisine; and the 12th, 13th, and 14th floors of Takashimaya Shinjuku where, in addi-
tion to Din Tai Fung (p. 145), restaurants serve sushi, eel, tonkatsu, noodles, tempura,
hamburgers, and more.
Note: To locate these restaurants, see the map on p. 94.
VERY EXPENSIVE
New York Grill AMERICAN On the 52nd floor of one of Tokyo's most
exclusive hotels, the New York Grill has remained the place to dine ever since its 1994
opening; some swear it's the most sophisticated restaurant in all of Japan. Surrounded on
four sides by glass, it features stunning views (especially at night), live jazz in the eve-
nings, and a 1,600-bottle wine cellar (with an emphasis on California wines). The res-
taurant backs up its dramatic setting with generous portions of steaks, seafood, and other
fare, ranging from delectable roast duck to Australian veal chop, all prepared in an open
kitchen with counter seating for close-up views of the action. Both the set lunch and the
weekend and holiday brunches are among the city's best and most sumptuous (reserva-
tions required)—and are great options for those who don't want to pawn their belongings
to eat dinner here. I wouldn't miss it.
Park Hyatt Tokyo, 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. & 03/5322-1234. www.parkhyatttokyo.com. Reservations
required. Main dishes ¥4,800-¥11,000; set lunches ¥5,200; set dinners ¥11,000-¥21,000; Sat-Sun and
holiday brunch ¥6,600. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:30-10:30pm. Station: Shinjuku (west
exit, 13-min. walk or 5-min. free shuttle ride), Hatsudai on the Keio Line (7 min.), or Tochomae on the
Oedo Line (8 min.).

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