Kimberly Hughes, Author at Savvy Tokyo

The Best Brunch Spots in Tokyo

Kimberly Hughes — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0000

There is something to be said for a quick brekkie on a busy morning in the metropolis as you stop by your favorite café for a coffee to go, grab a sandwich from your local conbini, or whip up something fast at home. And then, there is brunch, a meal to savor and linger over—preferably on a relaxed Tokyo weekend—whether with friends, family, a date or even solo.

Our roundup of brunch spots in Tokyo encompasses a wide variety of options for food styles, ambience, price ranges and locations. So sift through our 15 recommendations, and then get brunching!

1. Berth Coffee (Nihonbashi)

Find this spot on the first floor of the Citan Hostel. Seating is available both indoors and on the outdoor terrace. Breakfast fare includes options such as open-faced sandwiches, seasonal soups, salads, and an array of homemade cakes and pastries—plus fabulous coffee drinks served in attractive ceramic mugs. Pro tip: Head to the downstairs restaurant in the evenings for cocktails, dinner fare, and weekend DJ sets (plus chilled-out playlists throughout the week).

Where: 15-2 Nihonbashiodenmacho, Chuo-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Croissants/pastries from ¥250, sandwiches from ¥500

2. Lattegraphic (Jiyugaoka)

The Aussies do not mess around when it comes to brunch-style fare—and Lattegraphic does it to perfection. This sprawling café offers scrumptious eats like coconut cream and kiwi-accented granola bowls, avocado toast (but of course), and sides including poached egg and bacon. And with the edgy wall murals and shelves of artsy books, you’ll legitimately feel like you’ve just stepped into a Melbourne cafe.

Where: 1-8-18 Jiyugaoka 2F, Meguro-ku (Google Map Link)
When: 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily
Cost: Mains from ¥900

3. Sarabeth’s (Marunouchi)

Known as “The Breakfast Queen of New York,” Sarabeth’s opened its first store in Japan in 2015 and has since been one of the most popular places for Tokyoites to get classic eggs benedict, pancakes and French toast throughout the day. Here, time passes slowly, the food is delicious and reasonably priced, and you can be sure that you won’t leave the restaurant hungry since the portions are NY-style as well!

Where: Atre Shinagawa 4F, 2-18-1 Konan, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun & Holidays: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Cost: From ¥950

4. Clinton St. Baking Co. (Minami-Aoyama)

Clinton St. Baking Company doesn’t have a specific brunch plan but instead offers a variety of goodies that can be enjoyed all day long, at your own pace and preference. New York-inspired dishes are the trend here, but this is a rather broad concept, certainly not limited to pancakes and eggs. The menu includes the owner’s signature buttermilk biscuit sandwich with bacon, country breakfast, Spanish scramble, huevos rancheros, sandwiches and burgers, and so much more.

Where: 5-17-1, Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: From ¥1,000

5. Good Morning Cafe & Grill (Toranomon)

Good Morning Cafe & Grill has taken a fairly lackluster location in the middle of the concrete jungle and created a great place to dine outside. Potted trees and misting fans help keep the outdoor space cool, and large awnings provide shade for some tables. Rather than a view that looks down on the city, this one allows guests to gaze up at one of Tokyo’s tallest and most striking skyscrapers. Both a morning menu and a lunch menu are available on weekends and holidays, offering options such as scrambled eggs, burgers, salads, sandwiches and steaks.

Where: 2-16-6 Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Weekends and national holidays: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Weekdays: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: From ¥1,200

6. Bubby’s (Yaesu)

Bubby’s serves an assortment of fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers, and, most famously, American pie. Choose from delicacies like the classic apple, apple crumble, or the favorite, Michigan sour cherry. A good cherry pie is a rare find in Tokyo, so this is the place to indulge in it. Pair it up with a coffee or homemade pink lemonade. There are also a variety of brunch plates available, including various kinds of savory eggs benedict that come with a serving of seasoned home fries or salad.

Where: Yaesu Underground Shopping Center 3rd Avenue B1, 2-1 Yaesu, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
When: Weekdays 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m. (L.O. 9:30 p.m.); Weekends/Holidays 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (L.O. 9 p.m.)
Cost: From ¥1,500; Pies are ¥880 a slice

7. The All Day (Higashimukojima)

This is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you are visiting a friend’s home. The regularly updated weekend à la carte menu has featured dishes to date such as beef stew and a green chile shirasu (whitebait) omelet, along with creative sides including shishito peppers with karasumi (squid ink) sauce. Several sausage types are also on offer–think coriander, parsley and shiitake mushroom. The restaurant’s tagline is, in fact, “craft beer and good sausage”, so go ahead and wash down your brunch with a cold one, or enjoy one of the delicious coffee beverages.

Where: 2-24-14 Higashimukojima, Sumida-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Saturdays/holidays: Noon to 11 p.m.; Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.; Weekdays: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. to midnight.
Cost: Mains around ¥1500; Sides around ¥600 to ¥900

8. Woodberry Coffee (Shibuya)

If you like your lattes creamy and your brunch enjoyed in an attractive wood-toned atmosphere, Woodberry Coffee is for you. The baristas here are extremely attentive, going out of their way to explain the characteristics of each coffee type. Brunch-worthy plates include bagels topped with cream cheese and lox; granola and fruit-topped yogurt served in coconut husk bowls; and a robust grilled basil and chicken sandwich accompanied by tangy stone mustard and cumin-infused pickled red cabbage.

Where: 2-20-18 Higashi, Shibuya-ku (Google Map Link) Other locations also available.
When: Brunch served from 8:30 a.m. daily
Cost: Around ¥1,500 (half-sandwiches available for around ¥800)

9. Le Pain Quotidien (Shiba Park)

This bakery-restaurant from Brussels is a favorite brunch and breakfast spot for many expats living in the Minato area of Tokyo, and for good reason: the bread here (although not cheap!) is really delicious. The eggs benedict here are some of the best in the city. You can also enjoy other simple but beloved brunch dishes such as avocado toast, goat cheese, mushroom and spinach omelets, Belgian waffles, Surf & Turf brunch and more.

Where: 3-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Open daily, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Average around ¥1,000 to ¥2,500 for brunch.

10. Massif (Ikejiri-Ohashi)

Just steps from the Meguro River, brunch here feels like stepping inside a gallery. Amidst the cool wall art, chunky flower pots and stylish washi lamps, enjoy a weekend brunch of rotating fare whose plates to date have included Turkish eggs accented with spiced butter, crispy potatoes and confit garlic yogurt; and classic French toast topped with seasonal fruit. There is also excellent coffee and a spread of pastries and baked goods, including what may well be among the tastiest focaccia you’ll have in your life!

Where: 3-7-11 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (L.O. 2:45 p.m.)
Cost: Mains around ¥1,400 to ¥2,300

11. Cedros (Daikanyama)

Featuring surfboard-lined walls and sea creature art installations, this restaurant will make you feel like you’ve been transported right to the California shores. Weekend brunch menu options include scrambled eggs with plump chunks of Hokkaido snow crab topped with delicate Canadian lobster tail, served alongside crunchy toast; and huevos rancheros, a Cal-Mex-esque affair featuring a pair of handheld-sized tostadas piled high with eggs, beans and avocado, and flecked generously with feta cheese.

Where: Tradgard Daikanyama Ｄ, 1-32-3 Ebisu-nishi, Shibuya-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Mains ¥1,500 to ¥4,000; Cocktails ¥1,500 to ¥3,000; Champagne add-on: +¥5,000

12. Mercer Brunch (Roppongi)

This favorite little place of ours has everything you’d expect from a quality brunch in Tokyo: delicious food, a spacious terrace to enjoy it on, and an interior that simply tells you to sit back and relax. Specializing mainly in egg dishes and NY-style brunch, the menu features everything from salmon tartar to homemade sausages. Plus, all brunch deal items come with a serving of their beloved brioche French toast. Oh, and did we mention that the coffee is good, too?!

Where: Vort Roppongi Duels 1F, 4-2-35 Roppongi, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Weekdays), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Weekends). It is also open for dinner until 11 p.m.
Cost: From ¥1,700

13. Taste The World (Gaienmae)

Formerly known as World Breakfast All Day, this unique place reminds us in the most delicious possible way that yes, breakfast and brunch are universal. Every two months, this diner changes its menu to introduce traditional breakfast plates from all over the world—from Japan to Vietnam to the UK, Italy and beyond. The menus are curated in cooperation with foreigners and embassy officials living in Tokyo, so you can trust that the taste is authentic.

Where: 3-1-23 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku (Google Map link)
When: Daily, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Around ¥2,000

14. Le Pristine (Toranomon)

Le Pristine offers brunch in your choice of two, three or four courses. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, the menu features an artistic presentation of seasonal foods, beginning with the exceedingly tender Akaushi wagyu. Additional brunch touches include artistic Inku tableware inspired by Japanese izakaya, created by the chef in collaboration with Serax, and a genre-transcending playlist (think Khruangbin and slow jazz).

Where: 2-6-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Weekends and national holidays: 12 p.m.–3 p.m. (L.O. 2 p.m.)
Cost: 2-Course ¥7,700; 3-Course ¥8,250; 4-Course ¥9,570

15. The Oak Door (Roppongi)

Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s weekend brunch at The Oak Door is a luxurious yet cozy place that offers a seasonal buffet with options to add free-flow champagne or drinks. The buffet includes everything you can imagine—eggs, meat, seafood, salads, soups and desserts. The perfect deal for real brunch lovers in Tokyo who don’t mind spending a little more on Sunday’s main meal.

Where: Grand Hyatt Tokyo 6F, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Weekends and national holidays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m
Cost: Food only: ¥6,600; With free flow drinks: ¥8,800; With free flow champange: ¥11,000; Seafood add-on: +¥4,400

Which of these brunch stops in Tokyo interests you the most?

Italian Jewelry Brand FOPE Opens a Flagship Store in Ginza

Kimberly Hughes — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Amidst the sophistication of Tokyo’s Ginza district, on a side street flanked by shops that include Paris Miki Optique and Moncler, sits a similarly refined newcomer: FOPE Ginza, which opened its first Japan-based flagship store in June 2023.

Italian Heritage

As the company’s third flagship shop worldwide, joining others in Venice and London, FOPE Ginza reflects the company’s Italian heritage beginning with the building itself.

Its outer facade is crafted using terrazzo—a hefty material that FOPE Japan Country Manager Momoko Ishida describes as having involved a significantly challenging undertaking by local shokunin (master craftspersons).

The result is a sleek exterior featuring pyramidal edges, which is illuminated each evening after dark to envelop the building in a softly illuminated glow.

FOPE Ginza’s interior, built in the style of Renaissance humanistic architecture, features the striking view of three arches that serve to separate the space into three separate zones: a spacious entrance, a central customer service area and a private VIP section toward the back.

FOPE’s name is an abbreviation from the original Italian that translates as “Factory Jewelry Precious Export.” The company’s beginnings extend back to 1929 when founder Umberto Cazzola opened a workshop in the northeastern Italian city of Vicenza. This location remains FOPE’s center of production today, where successive generations of his family members have remained committed to expanding the company while also retaining its core values.

The Highest Standards In Craftsmanship

Ishida explains that FOPE’s roots lie in machinery and engineering, along with its commitment to the highest standards in craftsmanship. These elements have combined to form the company’s innovative signature style—found in each one of its jewelry pieces, whether bracelets, rings, necklaces or earrings: an 18-karat gold chain featuring a patented technology known as “Flex’it”.

“FOPE’s engineers developed a machine technology for inserting spring coils inside of the chains, thereby resulting in a stretchable flexibility that allows for each jewelry piece to be put on and taken off with ease,” Ishida notes. “This no-clasp style, as well as the ability to mix and match different pieces from our various collections, are innovations that reflect FOPE’s unique approach to jewelry making; we called it everyday luxury, jewelry that can be worn 24/7”.

Versatile Jewelry For All

Ishida explains that Fope’s collections are typically genderless—with one possible exception being “Man,” featuring black diamonds.

She also emphasizes the jewelry’s versatility, including earring chains that may be worn long or looped. In addition, she says, customers may select between chains that are either round, oval or flat; as well as among color schemes of yellow, white or rose gold. She also notes that letters can be used to create stylish personalized pieces through the use of initials or full names.

While FOPE’s numerous collections may seem overwhelming simply due to the sheer number of possible options, staff are extremely attentive and will take the time to help each customer select the pieces that best match their desired features.

A must-see and try in FOPE boutique?

Jennifer Lopez’ latest music video, “Can’t Get Enough,” features the singer wearing a FOPE necklace from the Eka Mia Luce collection. It is the only one of its kind that exists in the entire world, Ishida explains—and it is available in FOPE Ginza.

For more information about FOPE Ginza, see its official website (Japanese only).

Great Spots For Autumn Cocktails In Tokyo 2022

Kimberly Hughes — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 01:00:00 +0000

You know you are in good hands with Tokyo’s bartenders when it comes to creating original seasonal menus. Whether it’s rich fruits or sophisticated smoky accents, here are suggestions for five bars in the metropolis whose menu offers a creative autumn twist.

Rooftop Bar at Andaz Tokyo

Chill out at Tokyo’s tallest rooftop bar in the upscale Toranomon Hills complex. Swank is done to perfection here, from the walnut wood décor to the electro-jazz soundtrack. This year’s seasonal cocktails, prepared by award-winning mixologists, feature a selection of smoked tea martinis available through October 31, whose wafting fragrance will meet you as soon as you emerge from the elevator.

Smoked tea martinis

The lineup includes the Inca Chocotini, which combines pumpkin purée with white cacao liqueur, maté tea syrup, cardamom bitters and smoked palo santo; and the Smoky Bullet, which pairs earl grey flavored gin with peat whiskey, Angostura bitters and sakura smoke. During November and December, seasonal options include a selection of decadent spice-infused hot coffee cocktails, including the Rooftop Brulée. Be sure to grab a seat with a view of the cityscape below.

Hours: Sun, Tues–Thu: 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fri & Sat: 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Closed on Mondays until further notice.
Address: 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Autumn cocktails: ¥2,420 each

Whisk

This lounge-style bar and restaurant, set inside the artistic Mesm Tokyo hotel in Takeshiba, is an excellent place to spend an evening overlooking some of Tokyo Bay’s most dramatic nightscapes while indulging in inventive mixology cocktails. The bar is themed on a painter’s palette and offers cocktails and mocktails spanning artists from Keith Haring to Hokusai.

Harvest

For a seasonal option, consider the aptly named Harvest—a rich tipple combining rye whiskey brew combined with accents of maple walnut, burdock root and cinnamon, and served alongside an attractively-arranged puffed rice cake; or Coffee Break, featuring brandy with lavender bitters, an almond-mascarpone mousse and cinnamon, and rich Sarutahiko coffee.

Hours: Mon–Thu: 2 p.m.–11 p.m., Fri: 2 p.m.–12 a.m., Sat: 12 p.m.–12 a.m., Sun & Holidays: 12 p.m.–11 p.m.
Address: 1-10-30 Kaigan, Minato City, Tokyo
Cocktails: ¥2,600 each

Bar 3R

Set inside a modest-looking building on a street corner near Shinjuku-gyoen, just along the edge of Tokyo’s famed gayborhood Nichome, opening the door to this bar feels somewhat like passing through a threshold into another world. Amidst the foliage and the mood lighting, owner Aki Tazawa puts on an impressive one-woman show as bartender, chef and DJ. Relax to the sound of her smooth tracks—which could likely be R&B, old-school soul or 1970s Japanese rock—as you sip your cocktail of choice.

Hazelnut Kahlua

Autumn options include an amaretto-flavored brandy and Cointreau on the rocks topped with a maraschino cherry; or creamy hazelnut with Kahlua flecked with pistachio nuts. As you gaze down at the street below from the large window framed by a leafy tree, you’ll hardly believe you’re in central Tokyo—and you’ll want this gem of a bar to stay secret.

Hours: 5 p.m.–2 a.m. (Irregular days off: see their Instagram for schedule updates.)
Address: Shinjuku Building 3F, 3-1-32 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Cocktails: Starting from ¥900
¥500 cover charge (includes a small plate of food)

Ironbark Grill & Bar

Ginza is arguably one of Tokyo’s most famous old-school cocktail bar districts. Hard-core aficionados will most definitely want to spend some time in these hideaways watching these seriously suited bartenders engaged in their trade. Such traditional bars are a slow affair that normally also come with a hefty cover charge, so another option in the area to consider is Ironbark, located on the sixth floor of Ginza Six. The Australian-themed bar is lined with bottles from the Melbourne gin company and packages of beans from Byron Bay’s Bun coffee, which might be used for your first autumn drink of choice—an espresso martini.

Byron Bay’s Bun coffee espresso martini

Other seasonal offerings are the “pumpkin-o-lantern”, made from fresh pumpkin blended with soy milk and hojicha (roasted green tea), and topped with the tangy, salted tajin spice and fresh kyoho grapes, which can feature in a gin or vodka cocktail with black tea and grapefruit accents.

Evening hours: 5:30 p.m.–11 p.m. nightly. (Also open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Address: Ginza Six 6F, 61-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Cocktails: From ¥1300

Bar Trench

Recently voted as 25 on the list of Asia’s Top 50 bars, this classic establishment in the quiet Ebisu backstreets hardly needs an introduction—particularly since its head bartender, Brazilian-born Rogerio Igarashi Vaz, appeared in a recent Netflix special on ‘Midnight Asia’. The uber-talented, exceedingly friendly Vaz and his team craft absinthe and other herbal cocktails, replete with tall, carved gleaming ice cubes, in an intriguing dimly-lit library-esque setting. The atmosphere is set to the backdrop of Vaz’s playlist, which is sometimes edgy, sometimes smooth and always perfectly attuned to the vibe of the night.

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The beautifully-lettered menu is divided into categories including signature, classic, absinthe, and seasonal cocktails—but fall-themed options are found throughout the menu, including Café bon temps, an herby and creamy concoction featuring chicory root-infused vodka, absinthe and coffee; and Salt and Tears, with gin, Cointreau and grapefruit bitters, dusted with satsumaimo (sweet potato) salt made in-house. Vaz is also happy to make original cocktails by request—he suggests an autumnal hot rum spiced with ginger, cinnamon, chili and cloves.

Hours: Every night, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.
Address: Dis Building, 1-5-8 Ebisunishi, Shibuya, Tokyo
Cocktails: ¥1320 to ¥1760
¥500 cover charge

Autumn is many peoples’ favorite time to enjoy the best of the season but Tokyo’s creative cocktail bars are actually fantastic places to visit at any time. Once you visit these bars, along with others on the Tokyo scene, you’ll want to come back to experience what they have to offer during other seasons of the year.