Ikebukuro is the third largest ward in Tokyo. Scattered with an abundance of shopping facilities like Sunshine City, Tobu Department Store, and Parco, it’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike! After a day of shopping, you'll want to take a coffee break or enjoy a delicious dinner - and there's plenty of options for you here! More of these places are starting to serve extremely popular desserts as well. Here is a list of the top 13 places to visit in Ikebukuro!
1. Kanda no Niku Bar RUMP CAP Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Branch
Kanda no Niku Bar RUMP CAP Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Branch
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from the West Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station
Address: 1-15-7, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Bistro Wine Cafe HEARTH Ikebukuro 1st Branch
Another favorite is their [Premium Cheese Fondue]. Made with an original cheese, it’s served in a cocotte and eaten with fresh vegetables. The dinner menu also includes rich offerings like the [Duck Rossini] that's seasoned with truffle sauce and [Beef Outside Skirt Steak]. They also have dessert-style galettes, such as ones made with pumpkin or topped with vanilla ice cream. If you're a galette fan, this is a must-try!
Bistro Wine Cafe HEARTH Ikebukuro 1st Branch
[Friday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *Closes at 11:00 pm on Sunday and the last day of any consecutive holidays
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
[Monday - Thursday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *Closes at 11:00 pm on Monday
Closed: None
*Except for the beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 3,100 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station
Address: 3F, Katei Bldg., 2-27-5, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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3. kawara CAFE & DINING Ikebukuro
A popular signature dish is the [Half and Half Steak and Cheese Grill], made with Angus beef and chicken. The combination of rare beef and chicken whose flavor is enhanced with cheese will make you keep coming back for more. The menu also includes their special [Kawara Soba]. A local dish from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, it consists of green tea soba (buckwheat noodles) served on top of a heated kawara (a type of Japanese roof tile).
In addition, they also serve dishes like [Maguro and Cream Cheese Nama Yuba Harumaki], [Margherita Pizza], and [Weekly Japanese Teishoku] (set meals). Their desserts are quite popular and varied as well, with 3 types of waffles for you to choose from: [Strawberry], [Choco-banana], and [Kuromitsu Kinako]. There's even a parfait with toppings like fondant au chocolat, warabi mochi, shiratama (glutinous rice balls), and matcha, as well as a soy milk no-bake cheesecake!
kawara CAFE & DINING Ikebukuro
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY *After 5:00 pm, a cover charge of 324 JPY will be applied / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station
Address: 10F, The SH one, 1-26-6, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
4. Flamingo
They also offer many set meals like the loaded [Sandwich Set] and the [Neapolitan Set] that uses their original sauce. If you feel like spending some time in an authentically retro cafe, stop by Flamingo!
Flamingo
Closed: None
*Closed during the beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station. Located on B2F of the same building that Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank is housed in, which can be found on the opposite side of Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro.
Address: 1-15-9, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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5. Cross Dine
Sometimes the staff wear costumes for occasional events, and the dishes are made with seasonal ingredients as well, so you can experience the changing of the seasons here. The casual dining style, combined with the quiet atmosphere of a hotel restaurant, makes this restaurant ideal for a night out.
Cross Dine
[Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
*Opening hours and prices may vary according to special events or occasions
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station
Address: 1F, Hotel Metropolitan, 1-6-1, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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6. Takano Fruit Parlor Ikebukuro Tobu Branch
The fruits are selected by experts, who make sure to offer you only the juiciest and fresh ones available. There are classic desserts like parfaits and waffles, but it's recommended to order from their seasonal menu. Their April menu that contains limited-edition desserts like [Spring Strawberry Parfait], [Loquat Parfait], and [Mango Mille-feuille] is particularly popular!
Takano Fruit Parlor Ikebukuro Tobu Branch
[Sunday] 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: 1,365 JPY
Access: Located on 2F of Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, which is around the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station.
Address: Area 1, 2F, Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, 1-1-25, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
7. Organic&Natural Burger Kitchen
This restaurant's Ikebukuro branch can be found inside of Lumine, shopping mall. It offers take-out, making it indispensable for guests on the go. They offer a wide variety of healthy dishes - not just hamburgers - such as Acai bowls and cold-pressed juices, making it a popular pick for many.
Organic&Natural Burger Kitchen
Closed: Irregular
*Based on Lumine Ikebukuro's closing days
Average price: 1,501 JPY - 2,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Lumine Ikebukuro, 1-11-1, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
8. Milkyway East Exit Branch
For each constellation, there is a matching flavor and sauce, and the parfaits are so cute that you'll want to try them all! It’s open until 10:00 pm, making it the perfect stop for an after-dinner dessert.
Milkyway East Exit Branch
Closed: None
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 1-12-8, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
9. Yukinoshita Ikebukuro
The odorless, pasteurized milk they use comes from Ohmizu Farm in Shizuoka Prefecture, while the water they use is a brand called "Mori no Mizu" that comes from the forests of Shirasu Plateau in Kagoshima Prefecture. Every single ingredient contributes to the rich flavor of their pancakes! Their fluffy kakigori (shaved ice dessert) is also popular, with toppings such as azuki (sweet red beans) and pears.
Yukinoshita Ikebukuro
*From 8:00 pm, it becomes a cafe and bar. Opening hours may change due to private parties.
Closed: Always open in August
Average price: 2,001 JPY - 2,500 JPY
Address: B1F, CIC Bldg., 3-25-11, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
10. Tsubakiya Coffee Shop Ikebukuro Saryo
The retro interior is reminiscent of the Taisho (1912 - 1926) and Showa (1926 - 1989) eras, and even the cute waitresses wear long skirts with an apron, looking like classic maids! This laid-back space, where you can enjoy the Japanese-style Western cuisine, light meals, and fruit cakes, will truly feel like a trip back to the past!
Tsubakiya Coffee Shop Ikebukuro Saryo
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 9:00 am - 7:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 1-6-4, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
11. BAKE CHEESE TART Ikebukuro Branch
The little UFO-shaped tarts are particularly popular for their irresistible cheese flavor and for being easy to eat with your hands, so it's little wonder that there's always a line for them. The delicate taste is not too sweet and the texture is unbelievably fluffy, making them a dessert beloved by everyone!
BAKE CHEESE TART Ikebukuro Branch
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: JR Ikebukuro Station, 1-28-2, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
12. RINGO Ikebukuro Branch
Their freshly baked and piping hot apple pie can be enjoyed on site, but even if you take it home and heat it up, it'll still be delicious! The outside is crispy, while the apple chunks inside match well with the firm custard, making this an extremely popular dessert to give as a present.
RINGO Ikebukuro Branch
Closed: None
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, JR Ikebukuro Station, 1-28-2, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
13. Maison Kayser Ikebukuro Branch
Their sweet bread are their most popular to-go products, such as their syrup-loaded croissants or almond cream pastries - all delicious options for anyone with a sweet tooth. At night, they even offer a dinner menu, so depending on the time of the day, you can enjoy different delicacies!
Maison Kayser Ikebukuro Branch
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O.), Tea Time from 3:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
*Based on Sunshine City's closing days
Average price: 2,001 JPY - 2,500 JPY
Address: 3-1-2, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
14. GORILLA COFFEE Ikebukuro Branch
Their coffee blends are top-tier, while the cold-brew is quite popular as well. They also offer a selection of cake sets and shakes, which are great for a quick break. Its convenient location makes it good for those going alone, too.
GORILLA COFFEE Ikebukuro Branch
Closed: Irregular
Address: 1F, Esola Ikebukuro, 1-12-1, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)