Kotto Dori, Tokyo
Kotto Dori is better known for brand-name stores than restaurants, but even the most diehard shopper needs nourishment from time to time. Located in one of Tokyo's smartest areas, Kotto Dori roughly translates as Antique Street and an abundance of antiques and collectables stores lines the avenue. Kotto Dori's international and local mixture of shops, restaurants and cafes range from Italian to Hawaiian.
Kura Carmine
6-11-8 Minami-Aoyama,
Minato-ku, Tokyo
A kura is a traditional rice storehouse, a type of building becoming tricky to locate as Japan modernises. Kura Carmine offers a simple yet tasty Italian menu ranging from grilled fish and lightly steamed vegetables to a selection of pasta dishes in a utilitarian but beautiful interior. Expect to pay about 4,500 yen (about HK$325) per head without alcohol.
Kua'Aina
5-10-21 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku
Some claim Kua'Aina makes the best burgers in Tokyo and the queues outside at weekends attest to this. Originally from Oahu's North Shore, Kua'Aina has 12 branches in Japan, a far cry from its simple beach-shack beginnings. Aside from the usual beef varieties, sandwiches include mahi and turkey, both of which are outstanding with Kua'Aina's signature Kaiser bun and extra crispy French fries. Even the drinks have a subtle Hawaiian influence, with pink guava juice and tapioca tea available along with fizzy drinks. Save room for the warm chocolate fondant. All sandwiches are made to order and prices start at 980 yen.
Relleno Sugawara
Dai Ni Wada Bldg, B1/F, 5-12-6 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
Tucked away inside a small basement just off Kotto Dori is Relleno Sugawara, a five-table restaurant specialising in international cuisine with an emphasis on Californian ingredients, whatever they might be. Chef Sugawara presides over an open kitchen and the intimacy of such a small eatery allows customers to feel they are dining at a friend's house rather than a boutique restaurant. The menu is limited to a handful of pasta, fish and meat dishes and courses start at 6,000 yen per person.
Adding Blue
6-3-16 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku
At the back of Tokyo's Blue Note jazz club is the music venue's upmarket dining option Adding Blue, which serves a decidedly meaty menu. Pork chops, steak cuts and rack of lamb alongside fresh ham and salami will put off vegetarians. Adding Blue has a terrace ideal for a glass of wine on warm summer evenings. Dinner starts at 7,000 yen per person.
Alux
Lexington Aoyama Bldg, 5-11-9 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku
Alux's interior (above) was designed by Hong Kong actress Kelly Chen, formerly a graphic designer based in New York. Lights shimmer in the background in rainbow hues and the restaurant's tiered floors separate the bar and dining area. Food is less of a focus than the swish cocktails served at the bar, but European-style tapas and light salads are Alux's main fare, costing upwards of 3,500 yen per person.
