Exploring the Best of Ginza: An Indulgent Journey Through Tokyo’s Most Luxurious Lunch Spots

Tokyo’s Ginza district is famous for its opulence and high-end dining, but amidst the glitz and glamour, there are some hidden gems that offer affordable and sumptuous lunch options. Join us as we embark on a culinary expedition through the heart of Ginza, uncovering seven delightful eateries that will leave your taste buds tingling and your wallet happy.

1. Ginza Rantei: A Meaty Extravaganza of Matsusaka Beef

Nestled conveniently next to Higashi Ginza Station, Ginza Rantei is a Western restaurant that opened its doors on May 30th. The restaurant’s interior boasts a spacious and relaxing vibe, perfect for a leisurely lunch. The clientele is diverse, ranging from solo diners to groups, and spans ages from their 30s to 70s. Here, you can sample a 100% Matsusaka beef hamburger – a mouthwatering treat that’s both juicy and rare. It’s a testament to the restaurant’s connection to the beef’s source in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, that they can offer such premium beef at an affordable price. Enjoy your hamburger with all-you-can-eat eggs and rice, and don’t forget to take advantage of the free coffee takeaway at the end of your meal.

2. French Bar Ginza Pie Brown: A Delightful Deli Plate and Curry

Just a stone’s throw away from Ginza Station and Shinbashi Station, French Bar Ginza Pie Brown is a supreme French restaurant that opened on May 15th. The interior is elegant and bright, perfect for a romantic lunch or a solo dining experience. The restaurant is renowned for its deli plate, which is limited to only ten meals, and its farmer’s spice curry. The deli plate is a visual masterpiece, featuring 12 different types of delicacies that are both pleasing to the eye and the palate. Each dish, such as aqua pazza, Genovese, and salt pudding, is made with great care, making this plate a true culinary delight. The curry, with its rich vegetable flavor, pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s homemade butter rice, offering a taste that’s both addictive and satisfying.

3. Thai Restaurant Yum Yum Ginza Branch: Thai Delights from a Four-Star Chef

Hidden behind Kabukiza in Higashi Ginza, Thai Restaurant Yum Yum Ginza Branch opened its doors in April of this year. The restaurant’s interior transports you to the bustling food stalls of Thailand, offering an authentic dining experience. The clientele ranges from young individuals in their 20s to seniors in their 80s, with a slight majority of women. The lunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays and is priced at less than 1,000 yen, making it an affordable treat. The most popular dish is the GEE set, which allows you to enjoy gapao and curry. The curry is tinglingly spicy, while the green curry has a sweet start that gradually reveals its depth of flavor. The restaurant’s chef, a former executive chef at a four-star hotel in Bangkok, adds an extra layer of excitement to the dining experience.

4. Tsukiji Sushi PRO: Sushi and Chirashi Heaven

Tsukiji Sushi PRO, located in the basement of Ginza Inn’s One, directly connected to Ginza Station, is a sushi restaurant that has been making waves on social media since its opening last year. The interior is made of cypress wood, offering a sleek and elegant space. The clientele is diverse, ranging from young people to the elderly and even overseas visitors, dining solo or in groups. The lunch menu features the recommended nigiri and the famous barachirashi, a dish that has garnered much attention on social media. If you’re looking for a live kitchen experience, sit at the counter and watch the chef work his magic. The large bowl of barachirashi, filled with a treasure trove of seafood, is a must-try. The sushi rice is made from fish purchased fresh from Toyosu every morning and directly from the farm, ensuring the highest quality.

5. Yomota Soba Ginza Branch: Stand-Up Soba for the Office Crowd

Conveniently located next to the first exit of Ginza Station, Yomota Soba Ginza Branch is a stand-up soba restaurant popular among office workers for its fast, delicious, and cheap food. The interior features a staggered counter, accommodating mostly single men in their 30s to 60s, but solo women are also a common sight. The popular set is the curry and soba, a combination that’s both filling and satisfying. The soba has a soothing and gentle taste, while the curry is an authentic Japanese-style Indian curry, based on the famous Kaketsugi, which has been recognized with the Japanese Curry Award. The affordable price of the soba and curry set, at only 560 yen, makes it a hit among office workers who appreciate both quality and value.

6. Kitsunean: A Soul-Soothing Kitsune Udon Experience

Tucked away near Matsuya Ginza and Ginza Mitsukoshi, Kitsunean is a kitsune udon restaurant that offers a gentle and soul-soothing dining experience. The compact space features five counter seats and one table for two, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The clientele ranges from people in their 30s to 80s, dining solo or in pairs. The menu highlights the restaurant’s Kyoto roots, with the famous kitsune udon and fried sansho rice as the stars. The kitsune udon set from Kyoto comes with chirimen rice, okaka rice, and salad obanzai, offering a well-rounded meal. The soup has a calming and flavorful dashi, while the fried tofu’s sweetness and umami melt in your mouth, providing a comforting and satisfying experience. The supple texture of the Kujo green onions and the firm, chewy noodles make the udon noodles a high-quality treat.

7. Tonkatsu Maruichi Ginza Branch: Juicy, Extra-Thick Katsudon Heaven

Behind Kabukiza in Higashi Ginza lies Tonkatsu Maruichi Ginza Branch, a restaurant that opened on June 12th and has quickly gained fame for its extra-thick katsudon. The compact space features only six seats at the counter, catering to a diverse clientele from young people in their 20s to seniors in their 60s, dining solo or in pairs. The menu includes the specialty Tokujo and the popular Tatami, but if you’re looking for a refreshing experience, try the Rich Fat. The katsudon is about 5 centimeters thick, with a beautiful pink meat surface that beckons you to take a bite. The exterior is crispy, while the interior is moist, offering an exquisite texture. The loin’s sweetness and umami spread in your mouth, making it a luxurious treat that will leave you wondering if it’s really tonkatsu. The portion is quite large, so we recommend trying the Rich Fat over the Tokujo for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Conclusion: A Taste of Ginza’s Best Lunch Spots

Exploring the best lunch options in Ginza is an indulgent journey through Tokyo’s most luxurious district. From the 100% Matsusaka beef hamburger at Ginza Rantei to the exquisite deli plate and curry at French Bar Ginza Pie Brown, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The authentic Thai flavors at Yum Yum Ginza Branch, the fresh sushi and chirashi at Tsukiji Sushi PRO, and the soul-soothing kitsune udon at Kitsunean offer a taste of the world’s culinary delights. And, of course, the juicy, extra-thick katsudon at Tonkatsu Maruichi Ginza Branch is a must-try for meat lovers. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to add these seven lunch spots to your list for a truly memorable dining experience in Ginza.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Tokyo’s culinary scene, consider joining our YouTube membership, Gourmand. As a member, you’ll get access to exclusive restaurant introductions, live broadcasts, and a shared Google map that features sightseeing spots, restaurants, and cafes across Japan. Plus, you’ll have priority tickets to participate in our offline meetings, where you can meet like-minded individuals and enjoy a delicious meal together. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends and discover new culinary adventures. So, what are you waiting for? Join Gourmand today and start exploring Tokyo’s hidden culinary gems!