The Japanese concept of wa embodies harmony, gentleness and peace. Forget about it at Koreatown's Wa Bar! Wa Bar is the farthest thing from any of those concepts. The din of Korean pop music grows as you descend step by step into its cozy cavern of controlled chaos. Sporting a quasi-western motif with rifles on the walls, horseshoe ashtrays and wanted posters, the attractive staff are fun and friendly. As Korean pop music videos dance across the walls, everyone it seems is drinking up and having a good time. Drinks start at JPY600, and there is a light menu of traditional, street food to order from. So, if you are up for some cacophony Korean-style, literally drop into Wa Bar. -Stephen Lebovits
The owner Hideo Horikawa, a renowned architect, has created a bizarre yet cozy cave like interior for his patrons, with a long driftwood shaped bar, and a display of Mayu's wine selection in glass cases which adds to the alien effect. The food is a mix of Italian and French cuisine with a wine list that travels the world. A la carte dishes run from around Y1200, while the wine list starts at a very reasonable Y3500. The manager Mr. Sakura is a very amiable fellow and will make you feel welcome.
JZ Brat can be safely called the Jazz Hub of Tokyo. Located in the Tokyo Hotel, the club has become the den of Jazz lovers who come to listen to well-known Jazz icons like Eri Akiya and Tom Pearson. The place serves some delicious Japanese and French food, accompanied by an extensive list of wines and champagnes. The service is warm and friendly, but more importantly it's quick...so you won't stay hungry too long!
Set in a high-class, nightclub-like atmosphere, Dazzle offers fine food in a unqiue and lively setting. Featuring both prix fixe and a la carte menus, diners can choose from dishes that feature meat, seafood or poultry, as well as a raw bar, all of which are sure to please the palette.
Alain Ducasse is considered one of the masters of French cuisine, and Benoit opened under the capable hands of Kei Kojima, who trained under Ducasse at the Michelin three-star restaurant, Louis XV in Monaco. Settle back and look up at the ceiling frescoes, designed to evoke the skies of Provence. Try the escargot, for a true taste of France; or order the succulent pork belly. The house dessert, the Benoit, is a luscious confection of chocolate and orange. It's a place for a special occasion, but the combination of world-class food and atmosphere make it worth every penny. Reservations are essential.
One of the most popular joints for traditional Japanese food, Sushi Zanmai is a chain of restaurants that specializes in a variety of kaiten-style of sushi dishes as well as other Japanese food. Whet your appetite with Japan’s national dish with one of the fixed price lunch menus where you can relish sushi along with miso soup and and an appetizer. You could also opt for a sushi platter and get a taste of different kinds of sushi on offer. Not only are the dishes priced reasonably, but the restaurant is open 24 hours a day, allowing you to relish delicious sushi whenever you desire.