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(Bloomberg) — Tokyo boasts the most Michelin stars of any city in the world, with more of the coveted awards than Paris and New York combined.
Japan’s capital has about 160,000 restaurants, according to the guide—enough to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in a different place each day for 146 years.
Discovering the best places in this culinary cornucopia can take you from the swankiest hotels to inconspicuous eateries down tiny side streets. Here are our 12 choices, in alphabetical order, for business dining in the city.
1. Argo: 1-4-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Information: +81-3-3265-5504; http://www.tojo.co.jp
What: Contemporary French.
Why: Exceptional view of the wooded grounds and moat of the Imperial Palace during the day, and at night of the lights of the Marunouchi district. Chef Atsushi Yamashita’s talent for presentation adds to his cooking skill.
Where: Directly across the Hanzomon Gate of the Imperial Palace.
When: Best during the cherry-blossom viewing season in April, though make sure you reserve at least a month in advance. At other times it’s easy to get a table.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes.
Sound Level: Quiet, with widely spaced tables allowing for discreet conversations.
2. Bice: 47th Floor, Caretta Shiodome, 1-8-1 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Information: +81-5537-1926; http://www.bicetokyo.com/eng
What: Contemporary Italian.
Why: Excellent risottos and fish dishes with a stunning view of Tokyo Bay. The interior is decorated with contemporary art.
When: Dinner.
Bar: No.
Private Room: No.
Sound Level: Subdued murmur of conversations revolving around the art and view as much as the food.
3. Kurosawa: 2-7-9 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Information: +81-3-3580-9638; http://www.9638.net
What: Shabu-shabu (Japanese-style beef and pork fondue).
Why: Top-notch meat.
Where: Around the corner from the Prime Minister’s residence. If you get lost, ask one of the many policemen.
When: Dinner with friends or colleagues.
Bar: No.
Private Room: Yes.
Sound Level: Shabu-shabu is a very social type of dining and consequently, there’s a lot of laughter here.
4. Kyubey: 8-7-6 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo. Information: +81-3-3571-6523; http://www.kyubey.jp
What: Sushi.
Why: A Ginza institution, founded in 1935, Kyubey serves top-notch sushi in a friendly atmosphere.
Where: One street over from Ginza’s Chuo-dori in Ginza 8- chome.
When: Good lunch place at the counter or for formal dinners.
Bar: No.
Private Room: Several, for up to 24 people.
Sound Level: The sushi chefs like to banter with the clients and explain about the fish.
5. New York Grill: Park Hyatt Tokyo, 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Information: +81-3-5322-1234; http://tokyo.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment
What: American-style steak.
Why: Easily accessible food for homesick Americans who feel they are Lost in Translation, or want to be.
Where: 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku.
When: Whenever.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: No.
Sound Level: About as close to New York sound levels as you’ll get in Tokyo.
6. Omotesando Ukai-tei: 5th Floor, Gyre Building, 5-10-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Information: +81-3-5467-5252; http://www.omotesando-ukaitei.jp
What: Teppan-yaki (grilled steak and seafood).
Why: Japanese-style cuisine served with French-accented sauces and a respectable wine list heavy on Burgundies. The interior features a baroque mixture of Venetian glass, glittering tiled walls and an ornate dessert room.
Where: In the Gyre building on Omotesando Boulevard.
When: Take a client to one of the private rooms or a date to the main grill room.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes.
Sound Level: While there are private rooms, most diners are seated at the counter so you’re bound to hear your neighbors’ conversation.
