Five Unconventional Tokyo Lunch Gems that Will Surprise and Delight You

Tokyo, the bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culinary scene, never fails to surprise food enthusiasts. Today, we’re diving into a delightful selection of five unique lunch options that range from a historic Western restaurant to a newly opened pasta place and beyond. Join us as we explore a Michelin-starred unagi restaurant, a legendary beef bowl chain with a single surviving store, a chic cafe that uses bread from a famous bakery, and more. Let’s get started!

1. Ochanomizu Ogawaken: A Century-Old Western Restaurant with a Rich History

Nestled behind Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ochanomizu Ogawaken is a Western restaurant that has been serving patrons since 1905. Founded by Tetsugoro Ogawa, the restaurant is now managed by his third son, Hiroshi Ogawa, who operates it alongside his three brothers and grandchildren in three distinct locations: Shinbashi, Meguro, and Ochanomizu. The interior of Ogawaken boasts a serene European-style ambiance that attracts an adult clientele aged 40 to 80, who come alone or in groups to enjoy a relaxing meal. The lunch menu’s signature dish, hamburger steak, is a must-try. The cold broccoli and potage, with its subtle sweetness, offer a refreshing start. The star of the show, however, is the piping hot, Kuroge Wagyu beef hamburger steak. Juicy and tender, it’s served with a traditional demi-glace sauce that’s cooked for ten days, achieving a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness. Savor this classic dish with a side of rice or bread, and don’t forget to dip the bread into the remaining sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Holmes Pasta: Despair Has Never Tasted So Good

Holmes Pasta, a new addition to Tokyo’s culinary scene, opened its doors on July 11th. The restaurant, which has branches in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and other areas, offers a unique dining experience. The Ikebukuro location, our focus today, boasts a clean and tranquil atmosphere that appeals to women and couples aged 20 to 40.

The restaurant’s mascot, a cat-like character, adds a touch of whimsy to the dining experience. The menu’s standout dish is the Spaghetti of Despair, a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The vibrant red sauce, which combines meat-based shabu sauce, olives, and mushroom cheese, is both addictive and satisfying. The chewy pasta and hawk claws give the dish a tangy twist, making it a feast for the senses. Despite its dramatic appearance, the Spaghetti of Despair is a delightful surprise that combines aesthetics and taste.

3. Don Taro: The Last Stand of a Legendary Beef Bowl Chain

A short walk from Myogadani Station, you’ll find Don Taro, the sole survivor of the Gyudon Taro chain that once thrived in the Kanto region. In 2012, the chain faced bankruptcy, and its stores were on the brink of extinction. However, determined employees revived the restaurant under a new name, leaving only two stores standing in Yoyogi, Tokyo, and Myogadani. Unfortunately, the Yoyogi store closed in 2015, leaving Myogadani as the last bastion of Gyudon Taro.

The restaurant’s name, with the “gyu” character covered by tape, hints at its storied past. Don Taro’s prices are surprisingly affordable, with beef bowls priced in the 300 yen range, significantly lower than major chains like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya. The beautifully plated gyudon, served in just 10 seconds with a side of miso soup, delivers a strong seasoning reminiscent of the original Gyudon Taro. Don Taro’s affordable beef bowl is a must-try, and its future success may one day allow it to shed the tape that conceals its history.

4. Pelican Cafe Azabudai Hills Branch: A Café for Madams and Gourmands Alike

Pelican Cafe, located in Azabudai Hills and directly connected to Kamiyacho Station, is a refined cafe that uses bread from Asakusa’s famous bakery, Pelican. The cafe’s open design creates a spacious atmosphere, and it’s a popular spot for women, who make up 80% of the clientele, often dining in groups of 2 to 4. The menu features a variety of dishes, but the ham cutlet sandwich and the exclusive fried shrimp sandwich are the stars of the show.

The fried shrimp sandwich, available only at the Azabudai Hills location, is a true delight. Served on fragrant toast with crispy fried shrimp, a side of cabbage, and a zesty Worcestershire sauce, it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The sandwich’s size, roughly the size of a fist, is ideal for a madam’s appetite, making it a popular choice for lunch parties. To avoid the long wait times, visit during off-peak hours or wander around Azabudai Hills while waiting for your table.

5. Wood-Grilled Unagi Ginza Onodera Main Branch: Michelin-Starred Eel for a Bargain

Just a 5-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station, you’ll discover the Wood-Grilled Unagi Ginza Onodera Main Branch, which opened its doors on July 19th. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, serving domestic eel dishes at an astonishingly low price of only 980 yen. The restaurant is an offshoot of the wood-grilled restaurant Ginza Onodera, which has received a Michelin star for four consecutive years.

The interior features a cozy atmosphere with about 10 table seats in the back and 8 counter seats in the front. The clientele is diverse, with patrons aged 40 to 80 dining alone or in small groups. To enjoy a full-fledged eel meal, order the eel bowl, which comes with soup and ginger for just 980 yen. The eel’s crunchiness and the mellow egg-yellow rice are a match made in heaven. The low price is made possible by the restaurant’s efficient use of technology, such as QR codes for ordering and payment machines, which reduce labor costs and maximize the cost rate.

Conclusion: Tokyo’s Surprising Lunch Options

From a historic Western restaurant to a Michelin-starred eel restaurant, today’s selection of lunch spots in Tokyo offers something for every palate. Whether you’re craving a hearty hamburger steak, a daring pasta dish, an affordable beef bowl, a chic cafe experience, or a gourmet eel meal, these five restaurants are sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you with a memorable dining experience. Don’t forget to check out the locations of these five incredible lunch spots and treat yourself to a delightful meal the next time you’re in Tokyo. Bon appétit!