Top 20 Well-Established Restaurants Along the Yamanote Line Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 17 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Top 20 Well-Established Restaurants Along the Yamanote Line

The Yamanote Line is an absolute must when you're sightseeing in Tokyo. Major spots such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and Ueno are particularly popular along the Yamanote Line. It's always fun to ride the train, gaze at the streets of Tokyo, and think about what you'll eat for dinner that day. That's why this article will introduce 20 well-established restaurants along the Yamanote Line. Get off the train midway and enjoy your trip in leisure!

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Tokyo.

1. Ponta Honke (Okachimachi / Western Cuisine)

A 2-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, Ponta Honke is a well-established Western restaurant which has been in business for over 100 years. Japanese politicians and culturally influential people frequent this popular restaurant. Once you open their stylish hefty doors, a calm space filled with warmth will spread out in front of you. Their [Cutlet] (2,700 JPY), said to be the originator of Japan's cutlet, is recommended. Dipping the fatless pork loin in the batter and thoroughly frying it concentrates the umami (Japanese savory taste) of the cutlet. The removed fat is also used as frying oil to give it a fragrant flavor.

Ponta Honke

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:45 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:45 pm)
More Details

2. Kurofune-Tei (Ueno / Western Cuisine)

The well-established Western restaurant Kurofune-Tei is a 4-minute walk from Ueno Station. This restaurant was the successor to the famous Restaurant Kikuya which was visited by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Their specialty demi-glace sauce that has been passed down since they opened their doors features a traditional taste which takes one week to prepare. Be sure to try the [Hayashi Rice] (1,700 JPY) and [Beef Stew] (3,300 JPY) which is served with plenty of demi-glace sauce. You can also enjoy over 8 kinds of red and white wine perfect for Western food!

Kurofune-Tei

Open: 11:30 am - 10:45 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 4F, Kikuya Bldg., 2-13-13, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

3. Akihabara Santomo (Akihabara / Japanese Cuisine)

A 2-minute walk from Akihabara Station, Akihabara Santomo is a restaurant serving blowfish and Japanese cuisine for over 80 years. Once you pass through the Japanese-style entrance and the noren (sign curtain), you will find a warm and refined, orange-lit space. You can savor several dishes made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients. In particular, the recommended dishes include the [Seasonal Kaiseki Course] (7,560 JPY) (traditional Japanese course cuisine) featuring dishes made with seasonal ingredients, and the [Filling Eel Course] (8,680 JPY) featuring eel which has been thoroughly grilled or steamed!

Akihabara Santomo

Open: Normal hours: 5:00pm-10:00pm (L.O. 9:30pm) Delivery from 11:30am-2:00pm & 5:00pm-10:00pm Lunch: 11:30am-2:00pm (L.O. 2:00pm)
Closed: Thursdays
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: Three minute walk from Showa-dori Exit, Akihabara Station, JR Yamanoto Line/Sobu Line; or Exit 3, Akihabara Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Address: 15-1 Kanda Matsunagacho , Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)
More Details Reservation

4. Toritsune Shizendo (Suehirocho / Japanese Cuisine)

This restaurant is a 2-minute walk from Suehirocho Station and a 9-minute walk from Akihabara Station. Toritsune Shizendo is a branch of a well-established chicken restaurant which has been in business for over 100 years. The lunch-exclusive [Special Oyakodon] (1,600 JPY) (rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs) is a superb dish that uses a brand of egg called Nihon Ichi Kodawari Tamago. Only 20 dishes of this is served every day so it's best to come to the restaurant early as a line starts to form around noon. As for the evening, why not spend a blissful moment as you dine on their [Chef's Course] (starting from 6,900 JPY) filled with chicken dishes and well-aged sake (Japanese alcohol)?

Toritsune Shizendo

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY
Address: 5-5-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

5. Kyobashi Toriyasu (Ginza-itchome / Japanese Cuisine)

Kyobashi Toriyasu is a 45-year-old long-established chicken restaurant located 8 minutes away from Tokyo Station and 1 minute away from Takaracho Station by foot. It's known for its casual atmosphere despite being a restaurant of long standing. Here, you can enjoy traditional flavors which the restaurant achieves by only using carefully selected chicken meat from a 90-year-old chicken wholesale store. The [Fried Chicken] (550 JPY), which has addictive meat juices, and the [Grilled Pheasant Bento] (800 JPY), which is ordered 100 times per day, have been their specialty dishes since opening their doors. Their [Yakitori] (grilled chicken skewer) served with a secret sauce costs 210 JPY per skewer.

Kyobashi Toriyasu

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm, Drink L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 1F, Hitachi No. 6 Bldg., 2-6-14, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

6. Tenshin Hanten Tokyo Station Kurobei Yokocho Branch (Tokyo / Chinese Cuisine)

A 1-minute walk from Tokyo Station, Tenshin Hanten Tokyo Station Kurobe Yokocho Branch is a 65-year-old Chinese restaurant. Its interior overflows with a sense of refinement in which they serve authentic Chinese cuisine cooked by a top chef in China. Their popular dish [Tenshin Meal] is available in 3 varieties: the basic [Kyuryu] (1,200 JPY), the [Chukan] (1,800 JPY) with shrimp and crab, and the [Kinsho] (2,800 JPY) which uses shark fin. The classic Chinese dish [Peking Duck] (900 JPY) has been widely popular since the restaurant's establishment.

Tenshin Hanten Tokyo Station Kurobei Yokocho Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00)
Closed: None, New Year's Day
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Tokyo Station Kurobei Yokocho, 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

7. Apicius (Hibiya / French Cuisine)

Apicius is Japan's finest authentic French restaurant located 2 minutes on foot from Yurakucho Station or 1 minute on foot from Hibiya Station. The restaurant's unified and extravagant interior decorated with masterpiece paintings makes for an extraordinary space which makes you feel like you're in a museum. They have 4 kinds of upscale private rooms featuring a chandelier. The [Sea Urchin and Caviar Topped with Cauliflower Mousse Consomme Jelly] (6,480 JPY) is a superb dish that hasn't changed since the restaurant first opened. You can also enjoy vintage wine along with exquisite French cuisine.

Apicius

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 28,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Sanshi Kaikan, 1-9-4, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

8. SABATINI di Firenze Tokyo Branch (Ginza / Italian Cuisine)

This restaurant is a 3-minute walk from Yurakucho Station and a 1-minute walk from Ginza Station. SABATINI di Firenze Tokyo is an orthodox Italian restaurant where you can enjoy the authentic taste of the 100-year-old main branch in Firenze. In this classy space, you can enjoy several dishes made by a chef who has trained in a highly regarded restaurant. [Spaghetti Sabatini] (3,000 JPY) is a superb dish with the sauce mixed in front of you. They also have 500 kinds of wine carefully selected by a sommelier inside their gigantic wine cellar.

SABATINI di Firenze Tokyo Branch

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None *New Year's (According to building closing days)
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPY
Address: 3F, HULIC SQUARE TOKYO, 2-2-3, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

9. Raiden Sushi (Gotanda / Sushi)

Raiden Sushi is a well-established 40-year-old sushi restaurant located 2 minutes away on foot from Gotanda Station. Its cozy and wide interior features tables for four and counter seats from which you can witness how sushi is made. Every morning, the veteran sushi chef with over 30 years of experience goes to the market to procure fresh seafood and serves dishes made with these ingredients. The [Nigirizushi Set] (starting from 2,500 JPY), featuring hand-formed sushi served with dipping sauce, is highly recommended. You can also have their lunch-exclusive original dishes such as the [Tuna, Natto, and Green Onions Salad] (850 JPY).

Raiden Sushi

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 850 JPY
Address: 1F, Toyo Bldg., 2-6-3, Nishi Gotonda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

10. Hong Kong Garden (Meguro / Chinese Cuisine)

A 1-minute walk from Meguro Station, Hong Kong Garden is a 65-year-old well-established Szechuan and Shanghai restaurant. The first floor is a restaurant, the second floor is for large groups, and the third floor houses original private rooms, so they can serve meals in a variety of styles according to the number of people. Their specialty menu [Shark Fin Chawanmushi] (2,138 JPY) features chawanmushi (savory egg custard) topped with soft, high-quality shark fin. They also have a course which includes regular Chinese cuisine, such as stir-fried beef and bell pepper, with a two-hour all-you-can-drink!

Hong Kong Garden

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 11:30 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None *Only serves New Year's food on December 31. Closed on January 1 and 2. Open only for reservations on January 3.
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 1-8-8, Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

11. Yakiniku Kimien (Meguro / Yakiniku)

Located a 1 minute walk away from Meguro Station, Yakiniku Kimien is a well-established yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant where you can enjoy first-class Kuroge Wagyu beef (a type of high-quality beef). Its homey interior features tables and tatami rooms. They serve an abundance of yakiniku from carefully selected A5 Kuroge Wagyu beef to directly delivered fresh offals. The recommendation for this restaurant is the [All-You-Can-Eat Kuroge Wagyu Beef Course] (5,980 JPY) featuring all 68 dishes. In addition to yakiniku staples like beef tongue and sirloin, they also have an all-you-can-eat course for authentic Korean cuisines like kimchi and savory Korean pancakes!

Yakiniku Kimien

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:30 am) *Accepts reservations outside business hours
[Sunday, National Holidays] 4:30 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 2F, Meguro G Bldg., 1-4-16, Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

12. Ninniku-ya (Ebisu / Steak, Hamburg Steak, and Curry)

Take a 7-minute walk from Ebisu Station and you will find Ninniku-ya - a garlic cuisine restaurant established in 1983. The wooden interior of the restaurant reminiscent of an Asian resort features a wide space adorned with imported chairs, tables, and paintings. Their [Whole Fried Aomori Garlic] (1,000 JPY) is a popular freshly baked dish with a sweet garlic taste that spreads inside your mouth! Don't forget to try their [Garlic Draft Beer] (650 JPY) sprinkled with garlic chips!

Ninniku-ya

Open: [Tuesday, Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Address: 1F, Flat 16, 1-26-12, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

13. Ginpei Ebisu Branch (Ebisu / Japanese Cuisine, Kaiseki)

A 5-minute walk from Ebisu Station, Uosho Ginpei is a well-established restaurant that's been in the business for over 50 years. Its sister branch, Ginpei Ebisu Branch, opened its doors in 2016 as a restaurant in Ebisu Garden Place. It's housed on the 38th floor of the building, so you can enjoy your meal while gazing at the sunset view of Mt. Fuji a stunning night view from the window seat. They procure fresh fishes from all over Japan including Wakayama, and draw out the authentic flavor of the ingredients by only using simple seasoning. The [Simmered Kichiji Rockfish] and the [Famous Sea Bream Rice Course] are recommended. They also have about 40 kinds of sake that go well with their dishes. There are even rare sake brands that you won't be able to drink in other restaurants.

Ginpei Ebisu Branch

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: -
Access: Around a 5-minute walk from the East Gate of the JR Ebisu Station, using the Ebisu Sky Walk passageway
Address: 38F, Ebisu Garden Place Tower, 4-20-3, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
More Details

14. Gyusha (Shibuya / Western Cuisine)

An 8-minute walk from Shibuya Station, Gyusha is a Western restaurant that's been around for over 45 years that is known very well by the people who know it. The restaurant retains a quaint Japanese modern atmosphere where you can savor authentic Western food made by chefs who have trained in top hotels. The timelessly popular [Grilled Pork with Ginger Set Meal] (1,200 JPY) and the [Chicken Diable] (1,400 JPY) featuring a thick and juicy chicken cooked gratin-style, are well-regarded dishes among their patrons. The meat is directly delivered from a well-established meat merchant, so their meals are served at a low price!

Gyusha

Open: [Weekdays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Tea time 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
*Open on weekends and national holidays for pay-by-hour parties. (Reservation required. Please inquire to the restaurant.)
Closed: Weekends, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: B1F, NHK Kyodo Bldg., 41-1, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

15. VIDRIO (Shibuya / Spanish and Mediterranean Cuisine)

VIDRIO is a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station. This is a well-established Spanish restaurant with that's been open for over 35 years and is located in Spanish Hill in downtown Shibuya. Based on the image of a Spanish wine cellar, their spacious interior is filled with an exotic atmosphere. They use ingredients imported from Spain to recreate the taste of Spanish homemade dishes. The recommendation for this restaurant is the [Mixed Paella] (1,780 JPY) packed with the umami of chicken and seafood and the popular [Navarra White Asparagus Salad] (1,600 JPY)!

VIDRIO

Open: [Monday - Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) *Open on Weekends and National Holidays until 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) *Open on Sundays and National Holidays until 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Address: 2F, Uchida Bldg., Spanish Hill, 16-13, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

16. Shibuya Sarashina (Shibuya / Udon and Soba)

Shibuya Sarashina has been in business for 50 years. Once you step inside the restaurant, you will find a relaxing space unique to Japan. Spend your time in leisure despite being a 2-minute walk away from Shibuya Station. The recommended dish is [Tenzaru] (1,250 JPY) (cold soba with tempura). You'll notice the technique they fostered over 60 years as you eat this dish. Aside from this, you should try the [Ohagi Set] (rice ball coated in sweet red bean paste) along with soba (buckwheat noodles). This surprising combination will surely become your new addiction.

Shibuya Sarashina

Open: [Monday - Saturday] 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) Open on Sunday and National Holidays until 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm).
Closed: None
Average price: 600 JPY
Address: 22-4, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

17. Torishige (Shinjuku / Japanese Cuisine)

Torishige is located a 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, and it is known as Tokyo's iconic well-established motsuyaki (roasted giblets) restaurant which has been in business for 70 years. It was relocated a few years ago, and its interior underwent a chic renovation. They have counter seats where you can get a view of food being grilled over charcoal, as well as tables and private rooms where you can dine in comfort. They stock 25 whole pigs every day, so they have a wide array of rare kushiyaki (grilled meat skewers). In particular, the [Upper Tongue] (1,000 JPY), which uses 2 tongues for one serving, is recommended. In addition, the [Meat-Stuffed Bell Peppers], a regular in homemade Japanese cuisine, is said to have originated from Torishige!

Torishige

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holiday, Day before National Holiday] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 00:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Access: A one-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, JR, Keio, Odakyu Odawara, Toei Oedo, and Toei Shinjuku lines.
Address: 2-6-5 Yoyogi , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
More Details

18. Masudaya Jirosuke (Shinjuku / Izakaya)

Merely a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, Masudaya Jirosuke is a 64-year-old soba restaurant located in Kabukicho in downtown Shinjuku. Although it underwent renovations in 2018, it has retained the spirit of a "soba restaurant for the masses" with its modern Japanese interior. Their handmade and homemade soba is thoroughly ground using a stone mortar which gives it a distinct aroma and smoothness! This goes well with their secret sauce that is prepared over 10 days. Try their [Jirosuke Tenseiro] (1,900 JPY), which features crispy shrimp tempura!

Masudaya Jirosuke

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:15 pm, Drink L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 2F, 2-38-3, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

19. Goubuli Seibu-Ikebukuro Main Branch (Ikebukuro / Chinese Cuisine)

Take a 2-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station and you will find Goubuli Seibu-Ikebukuro Main Branch, where you can enjoy steamed buns that have been passed down for 161 years. As it is in the department store directly connected to the station, you'll definitely want to stop by this restaurant when you're shopping. Using about 40 kinds of spices from specialty dishes, their [Steamed Meat Bun] (220 JPY) is a superb dish known for its juiciness that spreads in your mouth. The recommendation for this restaurant is the [2-Hour All-You-Can Drink "A" Course] (4,800 JPY) which comes with amazing Chinese dishes such as 4 kinds of mini steamed buns and spicy shrimp.

Goubuli Seibu-Ikebukuro Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays] 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 10:30 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) *Unable to accept reservations for 12:00 am - 5:00 pm in the beginning and end of the year, Saturday, Sunday, and National Holidays.
Closed: Irregular (According to closing days of Seibu Department Store)
Average price: [Dinner] 1,800 JPY / [Lunch] 1,200 JPY
Address: 8F, Seibu Ikebukuro, 1-28-1, Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

20. FLAMINGO (Ikebukuro / Coffee Shop)

Located a 1-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, FLAMINGO is a well-established coffee shop that has been in business for over 40 years. It is filled with aquariums and plants, and many customers frequent this popular coffee shop to spend a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Their most popular dish is the [Neapolitan Set] (700 JPY) served with their original sauce. An upgrade to a large serving is free, and it also comes with a drink during lunch. They're open from 10:00 am, so it's very convenient for when you're sightseeing!

FLAMINGO

Open: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: None. Only closed during the beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Address: 1-15-9, Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

That concludes this list of well-established restaurants along the Yamanote Line! Aside from Japanese food, there are also a wide array of restaurants serving authentic Italian or Spanish cuisine. All of these are easily accessible, so look for a shop that interests you and take an impulsive hop off the train!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.