Where to Dine - Tokyo - page 158

158

13 ROPPONGI & NISHI AZABU

Because Roppongi is such a popular nighttime hangout for young Tokyoites and foreign-
ers, it boasts a large number of both Japanese and Western restaurants. To find the loca-
tion of any of the Roppongi addresses below, stop by the tiny police station on Roppongi
Crossing (Roppongi's main intersection of Roppongi Dori and Gaien-Higashi Dori),
where you'll find a map of the area. If you still don't know where to go, ask one of the
policemen.
Catty-corner to the police station is the number-one meeting spot in Roppongi, in front
of Almond coffee shop. Unfortunately, this landmark is under reconstruction until the end
of 2010, so gone are the gaudy but instantly recognizable pink and white awnings. How-
ever, if you are asked to meet someone in Roppongi, this will likely be the spot.
About a 10-minute walk west of Roppongi (via Roppongi Dori in the direction of
Shibuya) is Nishi Azabu. Once primarily a residential neighborhood, Nishi Azabu has
slowly changed over the years as it began absorbing the overflow of Roppongi. It has res-
taurants and a few bars, yet remains mellower and much less crowded than Roppongi.
Between Roppongi Crossing and Nishi Azabu is Roppongi Hills, a sprawling urban devel-
opment with many choices in dining. Tokyo Midtown, Tokyo's newest urban development
and attracting huge crowds, also offers dining, but good luck in securing a seat.
Note: To locate these restaurants, see the map on p. 159.

6

VERY EXPENSIVE
Hinokizaka KAISEKI/VARIED JAPANESE With that inimitable Japanese
aesthetics that make even traditional shoji and latticed woodwork seem up-to-the-minute
hip, Hinokizaka pairs refined elegance with knock-out views of Tokyo. Along with a
main dining area and private tatami rooms (including an imported 200-year-old
teahouse), it also has separate counters ensconced in smaller rooms (none with views) for
sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki. Needless to say, the prices for its beautifully presented
kaiseki dinners are as high as its location, but a celebratory meal here is one you won't
soon forget. For a less expensive splurge, come for a lunch obento or one of the set
lunches for sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, or kaiseki.
Ritz-Carlton, 45th floor, Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka. & 03/3423-8000. www.ritzcarlton.com. Set
dinners ¥12,000-¥28,000; set lunches ¥4,200-¥8,500. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:30-
10pm. Station: Roppongi or Nogizaka (3 min.).
t Inakaya ROBATAYAKI Whenever I host first-time foreign visitors in
Tokyo, I take them to this festive restaurant, and they've never been disappointed.
Although tourist-oriented and overpriced, it's still great fun; the drama of the place alone
is worth it. Customers sit at a long, U-shaped counter, on the other side of which are
mountains of fresh vegetables, beef, and seafood. And in the middle of all that food,
seated in front of a grill, are male chefs—ready to cook whatever you point to in the style
of robatayaki. Orders are yelled out by your waiter and are repeated in unison by all the
other waiters, resulting in ongoing, excited yelling. Sounds strange, I know, but actually
it's a lot of fun. Food offerings may include yellowtail, red snapper, sole, scallops, king
crab legs, giant shrimp, steak, meatballs, gingko nuts, potatoes, eggplant, and asparagus,
all piled high in wicker baskets and ready for the grill. Although prices for individual
dishes may not seem high, they quickly add up. Most meals here average around
¥15,000, including a ¥800 per person table charge.