
Heunde
RESTAURANT | Shin-Okubo
¥3,000-¥4,000
¥3,000-¥4,000
Shin-okubo, an area right by Shinjuku, is also known as Koreatown. This restaurant is popular for their fresh "ganjan-gejang", otherwise known as raw crabs marinated in soy sauce. Probably not the best choice of food if you're not an adventurous eater but if you're a seafood lover like us, be careful not to get addicted! Heunde gets their name from a beach town of the same name in Busan, South Korea.
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Kunnamashi
RESTAURANT | Shibuya
¥4,000-¥5,000
¥4,000-¥5,000
This is a cozy izakaya tucked away in a small street right by Shibuya Station. They paste their menus on the pages of children's books so you can enjoy a good story while you're deciding what to order. This place is recommended for their selection of their Japanese liquor such as sake ("nihonshu"), shochu (distilled liquor usually made with barley or vegetables) and umeshu (sweet plum wine) and the authentic "izakaya" experience. Note that you will be asked to take your shoes off when you enter the door.
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Men-no-bo Toride
RESTAURANT | Shibuya
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
The owner mastered the art of tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen at the globally notorious Ippudo. We recommend ordering the noodles "katamen" (firm or al dente) and adding all of the toppings, even the raw garlic! Try their gyoza too; they're a bit different from the gyoza served at other ramen spots. They're open until 3AM (last order is at 2:40AM) and ramen is usually a good idea especially after a night of drinking! It is a bit of a mission to get to from Shibuya station but the walk will probably help you sober up ;)
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Menya Kaijin
RESTAURANT | Shinjuku
¥1,000-¥1,500
¥1,000-¥1,500
A great seafood ramen, offering a light but flavorful fish-based soup. It comes with shrimp and chicken meatballs, but you can also order additional toppings. The riceball on the side is for you to dip into the soup and enjoy once the noodles are done.
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Cicada
RESTAURANT | Omotesando
¥5,000-¥6,000
¥5,000-¥6,000
If you're in search of Mediterranean food in Tokyo, look no further. The food, the drinks, the ambvience - everything is top-notch here and it's perfect for dates and special occassions. Make sure to include the following in your order: chickpea hummus, chermoula roasted eggplant, and zuchinni feta cheese fritters. Also, do leave room for dessert!
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T.Y.HARBOR
RESTAURANT | Shinagawa
¥4,000-¥5,000
¥4,000-¥5,000
This is a restaurant known for their great variety of food, craft beer and, also, their waterfront view. Even after you enjoy their gourmet dishes, there is always room for dessert - try their "Very Black, Blackout Chocolate Cake". They're usually very busy so we recommend making a reservation in advance. Pictured here is their grilled sirloin steak lunch.
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Tofu Ryori Sorano
RESTAURANT | Shibuya, Ebisu
¥4,000-¥5,000
¥4,000-¥5,000
Everything tofu! Cheese tofu, avocado tofu, tofu gyoza, tofu croquette, tofu salad, tofu dessert. Their signature dish is the handmade tofu, made for your at your table.
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Sometaro
RESTAURANT | Asakusa
¥2,000-¥3,000
¥2,000-¥3,000
Enjoy a Japanese comfort food, "okonomiyaki" (savoury pancakes), in one of Tokyo's old-fashioned neighborhoods. You can make your own or have one of the friendly (and very skilled) staff cook for you. All the tables are on tatami mats so we recommend wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off!
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Red Rock
RESTAURANT | Harajuku
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
This super-sized roast beef bowl is everything you need on a hungry day. Their wagyu steak bowl is also hard to pass.
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Haritts Donuts & Coffee
CAFE | Yoyogiuehara
¥300-¥1,000
¥300-¥1,000
Indulge yourself in the fluffiest and yummiest donuts with amazing coffee. Every visit is a new treat because different flavors are offered each day. The shop is in a traditional Japanese house and is hidden in a small residential alley.
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Sonam
RESTAURANT | Ebisu, Higashi-nakano
¥3,000-¥4,000
¥3,000-¥4,000
Enjoy homemade South Korean dishes cooked in the heart of Tokyo. Most popular items on the menu are their Freshly Made Mixed Kimchi (Dekitate Maze Kimchi), cheese samgyeopsal and gamja-tang. Don't forget to ask for paper aprons!
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Rojiura Samurai Curry
RESTAURANT | Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
Amazing soup curry with fresh vegetables from Hokkaido. Our favorite is the soy based (mild), chicken & 20 types of vegetable curry. Chose spicy level 2 for the perfect level of spiciness!
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CAFE KITSUNE
CAFE | Omotesando
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
Maison Kitsuné (a fashion & music brand) has branched out into coffee and is quickly becoming a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. Try a well-brewed cup in this trendy and modern Japanese-style cafe.
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AFURI
RESTAURANT | Ebisu, Roppongi, Nakameguro, Harajuku
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
Yuzu shio ramen is our number one recommendation. Make sure you get it with the Aburi Chashu. Vegan option is also available.
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THE ALLEY LUJIAOXIANG
CAFE | Ebisu, Higashi-nakano
¥350-¥700
¥350-¥700
You will have to make a few important decisions before you can enjoy some tapioca -- Which tea will you choose? Do you want it sweet? Cold or warm or hot? -- but it'll all be worth it. As for seats - there is one small bench in the shop which is usually occupied.
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Umezono
SWEETS | Asakusa
¥1,000-¥1,500
¥1,000-¥1,500
This super traditional Japanese cafe located in the side-streets of Sensoji Temple has been serving sweets since 1854. Get your shiratama, red bean, jelly and ice cream fix!
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Minimal
SWEETS | Tomigaya (flagship), Ginza, Shirokane, Ikebukuro
¥600-¥1,000
¥600-¥1,000
The chocolate here is exceptional. They only use two ingredients; sugar and cocoa beans. However, each chocolate tastes distinctly different because of the origin of the bean. It's a fascinating experience to sample different cocoa flavors from all over the world.
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Sarutahiko
CAFE | Ebisu
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
Good place to try if you're into lattes. There are several locations in Ebisu but this one is the flagship store. Small seating area. Coffee beans are sold at their stores so you can enjoy their coffee at home.
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SARU
RESTAURANT | Ebisu
¥4000-¥5000
¥4000-¥5000
Make sure to order their fantastic applewood-smoked pork or tuna tail. They come with sides of mashed potatoes and wasabi tapenade. All ingredients and wine served are organic. Fun fact: SARU means "monkey" in Japanese.
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Chinkatei
RESTAURANT | Ebisu
¥1000-¥2000
¥1000-¥2000
Their spicy dandan noodles are delicious and highly addictive. Try a bit of coriander as topping. The restaurant's logo is a red camellia and it is printed on their "noren" (curtain) hanging outside their door.
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Bistro Shin/II
RESTAURANT | Ebisu
¥1000-¥2000
¥1000-¥2000
All-standing French bistro. There are two locations on same street but both of them are usually packed so it's best to book in advance. Pictured here is their delicious black pepper risotto.
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Junkadelic
RESTAURANT | Nakameguro
¥2,000-¥4,000
¥2,000-¥4,000
Here you will be served generous portions of Mexican food and well-made cocktails. Their nachos and chimichangas are especially tasty! Fun, festive decor.
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Com Crepe
SWEETS | Harajuku
¥600-¥1,000
¥600-¥1,000
Creme brule meets crepe in a cute little crepe stand in a side street of Takeshita street. No seats.
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LAND
RESTAURANT | Meguro
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
A small spiral staircase leads to a cosy kitchen serving rich Japanese curry and freshly brewed coffee. Closes when they're out of curry so best to go for lunch! Pictured here is the Butter Chicken Curry but we also recommend the Diasendori Curry which is served with a whole chicken leg.
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Pizza Slice
RESTAURANT | Shibuya
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
Enjoy a New York-style pizza for about ¥500 yen a slice. Fairly long walk from Shibuya Station but you will always find a crowd of young, stylish folks hoping to get a quick bite and drink. Usually very crowded around dinnertime, especially on weekends.
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Fish House
RESTAURANT | Ebisu
¥5,000-¥6,000
¥5,000-¥6,000
Try fresh raw oysters from around the world, especially ones from Noto Peninsula or Senposhi, Hokkaido if they are in season. You will find a pretty good selection of wines here.
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Dayone
RESTAURANT | Roppongi
¥700-¥1,000
¥700-¥1,000
Ochazuke is one of Japan's most delicious fast foods. Choose from a variety of toppings to be added to your warm bowl of rice soaked in tea. Highly recommended after a night of drinking.
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Maisen
RESTAURANT | Omotesando
¥2,000-¥5,000
¥2,000-¥5,000
Maisen does tonkatsu like no other - super tender on the inside yet crisp, but not too oily, on the outside. The Omotesando restaurant, an old converted bathhouse, is their flagship store.
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KIPPY'S COCO-CREAM
SWEETS | Harajuku
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
Tucked away in a quiet area of Harajuku is the world's first non-dairy, soy/gluten-free ice cream shop. Originally from Venice, California, they use coconut for the base and organic honey as a sweetener. Perfect for the health-conscious traveler!
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waen tokyo
RESTAURANT | Hatagaya
¥3,000-¥4,000
¥3,000-¥4,000
Enjoy great organic food in a quiet neighbourhood near Shinjuku. This place stocks up on different bottles of sake to match their changing food menu. Their juicy sashimi platter is a must. Open for dinner, closed on Mondays.
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Cosme Kitchen Adaptation
RESTAURANT | Ebisu
¥3,000-¥4,000
¥3,000-¥4,000
Vegan and gluten-free food are rarities in Japan but there's a restaurant in Tokyo that does both. Their "Clean Eating Buffet" boasts a satisfying salad and deli selection. The tree planted in the middle of their restaurant in Ebisu is also worth checking out!
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Ushigoro Bambina
RESTAURANT | Shibuya, Ginza, Gotanda, Ebisu
¥5,000-¥8,000
¥5,000-¥8,000
Delicious wagyu yakiniku that won't break your wallet. We recommend ordering one of their courses so that you can try a variety of meat. Our favorite is the "anniversary course".
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Tohryu
RESTAURANT | Azabujuban
¥1,900
¥1,900
This high-end Chinese restaurant serves THE BEST tantanmen ever (listed as "shisen soba" on their menu). The soup is a blend of sesame, spices and some sort of magic. You cannot find anywhere else.
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Tatsunoya
RESTAURANT | Shinjuku
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
The difference between ramen and tsukemen is that tsukemen noodles are served seperately from the soup. We usually prefer ramen over tsukemen, but Tatsunoya is an exception as their soup is absolutely exquisite. It is so flavorful and so delicious, that it leaves you wanting to go back for more!
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Sky Restaurant 634
RESTAURANT | Tokyo Sky Tree
¥14,000-¥20,000
¥14,000-¥20,000
A restaurant that offers the most magnificent view in all of Tokyo - hands down. It is located inside Tokyo Sky Tree at 345 meters above ground where you can enjoy the endless Tokyo skyline while indulging in beautiful French cuisine.
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Boulangerie et Cafe Main Mano
BAKERY | Yoyogiuehara
¥14,000-¥20,000
¥14,000-¥20,000
Making decisions at this bakery is difficult because everything is good. The fig sourdough bread is a personal favorite.
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Sora To Kumo Yatsugatake Bagels
BAKERY | Yoyogiuehara
¥300-¥1,000
¥300-¥1,000
These are top-notch bagels! Our recommendation is the sausage wrapped in bagel (left), which is especially wonderful when it is fresh out of the oven. The other bagels have fillings such as cream cheese and cinnamon that are baked inside.
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HIGASHIYA
CAFE | Ginza
¥1,500-¥5,000
¥1,500-¥5,000
HIGASHIYA offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese tea and sweets. Everything about the experience is beautiful; the stylish interior, therapeutic atmosphere, delicious tea and delicate sweets.
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Dashin Soan
RESTAURANT | Shimokitazawa
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
This sudachi (lime-like citrus) soba from Dashin Soan is all you need on a hot summer day. The sudachi is there to flavor the soup, but you can also eat it if you want!
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Bear Pond Espresso
CAFE | Shimokitazawa
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
If you're ever in Shimokitazawa take a quick walk to Ichibangai and stop by for coffee at Bear Pond Espresso. The coffee is excellent. It gets pretty crowded on the weekends as seating is limited.
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The Roastery
CAFE | Harajuku
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
If you enjoy your coffee strong and with a bitter punch, you will like the coffee here. The Roastery is a café with hip ambiance and decor. They use their in-house roasting machine and beans imported from countries around the world to brew “single-origin” coffee.
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Aoyama Flower Market TEA HOUSE
CAFE | Omotesando
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
Expect a bit of a queue trying to get into this popular cafe - but it's worth the wait. This cafe, hidden in the back of Aoyama Flower Market, offers a wide range of herbal teas for you to enjoy in a relaxing greenhouse-like atmosphere.
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Lattest
CAFE | Omotesando
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
A lattest is espresso poured into in a large shot glass of cold milk. The barista recommends that you take your first sip while the espresso on top is still hot. The warm bitterness of the espresso with the cold milk is divine!
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Good Town Doughnuts
SWEETS | Omotesando
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
Good Town Doughnuts are freshly baked everyday and are wonderfully chewy on the inside. What’s even more amazing is the sugar coating and all the different flavors they offer. One will not be enough.
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Mr. Farmer
RESTAURANT | Omotesando
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
In collaboration with local farmers, a group of restaurateurs opened Mr.Farmer, a vegetable cafe appealing to health-conscious customers through top-quality ingredients. Their menu includes a wide range of delicious salads, soups, sandwiches and fresh cold-pressed juices.
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Harajuku Gyoza Lou
RESTAURANT | Omotesando
¥500-¥1,000
¥500-¥1,000
Fried or boiled? With or without garlic and chives? Those are about all the options you get at this gyoza dumpling restaurant - along with a few side dishes. But the dumplings are so good that you’ll keep coming back for more!
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Kyotatsu
RESTAURANT | Ebisu
¥4,000-¥5,000
¥4,000-¥5,000
You don't have to spend a fortune to find good sushi in this country. Sometimes you don't even have to walk too far from the train to do so. The station building in Ebisu has a variety of great restaurants to choose from and Kyotatsu is definitely one of them. Their "itamae" (sushi chef) will delight you with the some of the best seafood this country provides, along with their finest selection of sake. They have several locations around the city including Roppongi and Narita Airport.
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Toritake
RESTAURANT | Shibuya
¥2,000-¥4,000
¥2,000-¥4,000
This three-storey establishment isn't exactly what you'd call pretty but they'll serve you big, juicy yakitori for a low price. It's usually full of loud, drunk locals and a great place to have a non-touristy dining experience. Smoking indoors isn't banned in Japan so don't be surprised if the customers next to you are puffing away on their cigarettes while you eat. Try ordering "nikogori" as a side dish.
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Hantei
RESTAURANT | Nezu (Shitamachi)
¥5,000-¥6,000
¥5,000-¥6,000
Kushiage is Japanese pinchos. What you will be served will depend on the season but their delicious dark miso paste is served all-year round. Their photogenic three-storey establishment is a renovated old-school Japanese house sitting in a quiet residential neighbourhood.
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Matsubara-an
RESTAURANT | Harajuku
¥2,000-¥4,000
¥2,000-¥4,000
Matsubara-an Keyaki Soba in Omotesando is the sister restaurant of the upscale soba noodle restaurant in Kamakura. You can watch them knead their quality soba noodles which they later boil and serve in rich soup. The lunch set comes with delicious little bites.
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Yasaiya-Mei
RESTAURANT | Omotesando, Roppongi, Gotanda, Azabujuban
¥4,000-¥5,000
¥4,000-¥5,000
Yasaiya Mei is well-known for their original vegetable shabu-shabu, but their a la carte menu is delicious too! They partner with over 50 local farms to source fresh organic vegetables from all over Japan.
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Seijo Anya
SWEETS | Seijogakuen
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
Seijogakuen station is a bit of a travel from city center, but this traditional Japanese sweets cafe is worth the train ride. They offer a variety of beautiful and delicious sweets. This photo is of their "okonomi shiratama" (rice flour dumplings) served with three different toppings of your choice.
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Gyukatsu Motomura
RESTAURANT | Shibuya, Shinjuku
¥1,000-¥2,000
¥1,000-¥2,000
Gyukatsu is deep fried breaded beef cutlet. And this restaurant serves it medium rare and with a hot stone palate that you can grill the cutlet on. Try it with their fantastic special mountain wasabi sauce and/or rock salt.
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The Apollo
RESTAURANT | Ginza
¥6,000-¥8,000
¥6,000-¥8,000
An Australian Greek Restaurant that will satisfy your craving for Greek food. You're going to want to order everything from their Greek salads, taramasalata, flat bread and lamb, but make sure you leave room for their famous avgolemono (lemon) pie.
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SMOKEHOUSE
RESTAURANT | Harajuku
¥5,000-¥6,000
¥5,000-¥6,000
Take a break from sushi and ramen - go enjoy some bbq meat! They have 4 kinds of sauce for you to enjoy at each table: House Pit, Voodoo Hot, Carolina Vinegar, Porter Pepper. Try all of them with pulled pork and beef briskets with a side of corn bread.
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Obicà Mozzarella Bar
RESTAURANT | Roppongi
¥5,000-¥6,000
¥5,000-¥6,000
Yes, as the name suggests, this place serves mozzarella - freshly made ones, that is. Enjoy several kinds of this white gem with a touch of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Also offers a great selection of wine to go with your cheese dishes.
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Obana
RESTAURANT | Minami-senju
¥6000 - ¥7000
¥6000 - ¥7000
How long are you willing to wait in line for the most amazing Michelin-starred "unagi" (eel)? Hopefully you're ok with an hour or two because Obana is extremely popular and doesn't take reservations. We assure you that the long wait will all be worth it once you taste their delicious unagi that has been served to Tokyoites since 1910. Be prepared to take your shoes off and sit at tables placed on tatami mats. True story: Emiko once had to crawl to the exit because her legs fell asleep.
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Tokyo Swiss Inn
RESTAURANT | Higashi-azabu
¥8,000-¥9,000
¥8,000-¥9,000
Ever tried racelette cheese? You can enjoy this heavenly dish in generous portions here at the Tokyo Swiss Inn. Pictured here is their equally divine cheese tart.
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Delirium Cafe Ebisu The Roast
RESTAURANT | Ebisu
¥3,000 - ¥4,000
¥3,000 - ¥4,000
The pink elephant might look familiar if you're a fan of craft beer. This place can serve up to 40 kinds of Belgian beer at one time. Don't forget to add their super tasty Belgian fries to your order! According to their website, the pink elephant is a symbol of happiness :)
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