Luxury and Aoyama are attached at the hip. One well-positioned crane of the neck down Omotesando, and you’ll know exactly what we mean. Chanel. Comme des Garçon. Dior. Louis Vuitton. And seas of impeccably dressed shoppers spilling in and out of their doors. This is where Tokyo meets high fashion and high society, and when you add the nearby alt-fashion hub of Harajuku and the famous Meiji Jingu Shrine to the mix, it’s no surprise that the area is often one of the first destinations for the Tokyo uninitiated. But, Aoyama isn’t just about the money.
Step a few meters out from the big shopping districts, and you’re met with a selection of restaurant options that are as diverse as they are–gasp–affordable. This is surely good news for those who’ll need to give their wallets a rest, after a spot of retail therapy at Onitsuka Tiger or Gucci. For just a thousand yen or two, you can indulge in one of Tokyo’s best kept secrets: some of the best food here isn’t Japanese, but rather a bold fusion of two or more of the many culinary cultures converging on the city.
We pulled a few of our staff away from their routine tour planning duties to talk about their favorite lunch spots in the Aoyama area.
Tokyo is filled with hole-in-the-wall izakayas and restaurants, but few manage to deliver the rare trifecta: great value, generous portions, and delicious flavors — all while being healthier than the competition.
This restaurant specializes in tofu-based fusion cuisine, offering a wide variety of nutritious menu options. Every dish is crafted with carefully selected, high-quality domestic meats and vegetables.
The atmosphere is stylish yet understated, elevating the dining experience without pretension. To complement the food, there’s also a thoughtful selection of Japanese sake and wines, making it a true all-rounder.
A must-try is the tofu katsu meal: the outer layer is perfectly crisp, while the inside bursts with a savory mix of tofu, pork, and natural cheese.
I’d like to share a tasty spot in Omotesando—Luke’s Lobster, a long-standing, iconic lobster roll shop from Manhattan. It has been in Japan for over ten years. Strictly speaking, the Harajuku location feels more like a grab-and-go food stall than a full-fledged restaurant. Before I moved to Japan, I had already visited both the Japanese and U.S. locations as a tourist—and honestly, I think the Japanese version tastes even better.
The sweet, succulent lobster meat paired with warm bread and melted butter is simple yet satisfying—a perfect pick-me-up after a day of shopping in the bustling streets of Harajuku and Omotesando. That said, if you’ve already tried or gotten used to Luke’s Lobster outside Japan, it might not surprise you much.
But Japanese creativity always brings something new. Just a few train stops away is the Shinjuku branch, where you can enjoy not only the classic lobster roll but also a limited Japanese-style lobster ramen called Lobster Mazesoba. This dish features lobster, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms simmered into a rich, slightly spicy shrimp miso, and comes with crab rice as a “side-to-go” that you can mix in as you like. If you enjoy trying inventive flavors, it’s definitely worth a visit to see just how imaginative Japanese twists on this classic can be. I’ve personally enjoyed this dish, and can confirm it’s as delicious as it is creative. Just keep in mind that the lobster ramen is a seasonal special, and on the days it’s offered, it’s only available until 4 p.m.
Recommended Item: Lobster roll, Luke’s Trio, Lobster Mazesoba
Price Range:2,000~5,000 yen
This Chinese-style fried chicken spot was featured on the popular drama Gourmet of Solitude (Kodoku no Gurume), and for good reason. Its giant, thoroughly-seasoned chicken provides a distinct, flavorful contrast from the karaage and toriten you’ll usually find at Japanese dining establishments. It also won’t break the bank, offering a varied but not at all overwhelming selection of set meals, curries, and noodle dishes that are sure to have you cradling your gut as you leave.
One stand out item is the Mao Zedong fried chicken, which gets its name from the mountain of so-called “Mao Zedong spice” flakes that cover it. This fire-red mix of dried shrimp, fried garlic, chili flakes, sesame, and other goodies adds a new layer of zest and crispiness to an already zesty and crispy dish.
Another recommendation is the Japanese-style black sesame dandan noodles. The dynamic nuttiness of the soup is to die for, transforming the dish into a flavor rollercoaster that can easily go toe to toe with some of the best ramen that Tokyo has to offer. You can even pair it with the shop’s headliner fried chicken as part of one the more ambitious set meals on the menu.
One caveat is the Aoyama location’s lack of seating. If you don’t want to eat in solitude, limit your group to a friend or two, and don’t loiter too long after eating. The place bears a strong eat-and-get-out kind of vibe.
As an added bonus, there’s a nice little book shop next door that specializes in photo albums and artbooks. Be sure to pay it a visit, if you’re looking to tap into the area’s high culture vibe.
Recommended Item: Mao Zedong Chicken Set (Mou Takutou Chikin Teishoku)
Price Range: ¥880-1,100
Just a 10-second walk from the Omotesando crossing, TINUN is one of those places you can easily pop into for lunch and end up staying longer than you planned.
The lunch deal is simple but addictive: order one main dish and then you will get 50 minutes of a mini buffet. I found myself going back for small bowls of red curry, spicy vegetable salad, stir-fried veggies, and a light Thai vegetable soup. It’s hard to stop when everything feels homemade.
My personal favorite was the savory and fragrant Gapao Rice. The best way to enjoy the dish is to mix the egg on top with the rice and sauce, and then eat it all together.
I’ve also tried the Tom Yum Ramen, which surprised me with its refreshing sourness and that signature Thai chili kick. You can even choose between thin or thick noodles to get just the right texture for you.
The spice level overall was on the milder, slightly sweet side, which makes it approachable for people of all spice tolerances. As a chili lover, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more heat.
Another nice treat was the rooibos tea, caffeine-free and refreshing, perfect for balancing out the flavors.
With plenty of veggies and a light, fresh feel, the whole meal left me full but not heavy. If you’re in Omotesando and craving a quick trip to Thailand without leaving Tokyo, this is definitely a spot worth trying.
<Author>
Joseph Bayliss
Travel Consultant at WaWo Japan Travel
