Meguro River (Meguro-gawa) is a famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo. The cherry blossoms there are best seen together with a nice meal in a restaurant along the river, rather than partying under the trees. Around Nakameguro, where the river is narrow, the branches of the trees on both banks reach out to each other, creating an arch over the river. Here are some select restaurants in Nakameguro from which to see fantastic views of cherry blossoms!
Click here for trivia about cherry blossom viewing.
This is a chic yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) restaurant that serves outstanding yakitori developed with years of experience, seasonal dishes, and select sake (Japanese alcohol) and wines that can be enjoyed with fantastic views of cherry blossoms. The first floor has Japanese decor filled with the scent of wood, while the second floor is like a trendy bar. There are views of Meguro River from both the first and second floors.
Their specialty, [Asupara Maki] (asparagus wrapped with pork), is their best-seller.
Their [Toriwasa] (chicken with wasabi) has a firm texture.
Nakameguro Nanbantei
Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) Closed: Sunday Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY Access: West Exit via Main Gates of Naka-meguro Station Address: 1-22-3, Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
2. Paris Shokudo
This is a casual French restaurant with a warm, cozy atmosphere where you can have bistro-style dishes with wine. The terrace seating, which is recommended during the cherry blossom season, is on a comfortable wooden deck where you can feel the breeze while enjoying the food and view!
This is the [Bottom Sirloin Flap Steak and Fries] that's packed with natural beef flavors.
The corner seat is perfect for couples to relax in.
Paris Shokudo
Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) *Only available on Sunday and National Holidays, Dinner 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:30 pm) Closed: Tuesday Average price: 5,001 JPY - 6,000 JPY Address: 3F, Aobadai 117 Bldg., 1-17-2, Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Source: hitosara (Japanese)
3. NISHIKOORI
This is an authentic Japanese restaurant with a modern interior. Here, you can enjoy handmade soba (buckwheat noodles) and authentic Japanese cuisine made with plenty of seasonal ingredients while enjoying a view of the cherry blossoms. It faces Meguro River, so during the cherry blossom season, you can experience the elegant beauty that Japan is known for, both through the modern, Japanese-style decor and the blooming cherry blossoms.
Enjoy a drink together with the [Roasted Duck], which has umami (Japanese savory taste) that seems to melt in your mouth, all while viewing the cherry blossoms.
The [Izumo Warigo Soba] from Okuizumo, made with stone-ground buckwheat, is recommended for the end of a banquet.
NISHIKOORI
Open: 11:30 am - 11:30 pm Lunch 11:30 am - 5:00 pm Closed: None Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY Access: 4-minute walk from the ticket gate of Naka-meguro Station. From the ticket gate, walk towards Ikejiri along Meguro River. Address: 2F, Granbell Aobadai, 1-23-4, Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
4. mother esta
Here, you can enjoy organic food that is healthy for the body and soul. During the cherry blossom season, their window seats are recommended for getting a full view of the cherry blossoms. They have a selection of fantastic organic cuisine made with plenty of natural, pesticide-free vegetables that are perfect for those looking for more vegetables in their diet.
This is their [Grilled Whole Organic Broccoli] with anchovy and cheese sauce.
Their [Bio Wine] is made with organic grapes.
mother esta
Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) Closed: Wednesday Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY Access: 13-minute walk from Ikejiri-Ohashi Station 15-minute walk from Naka-meguro Station Address: 1F, Seiwa Bldg., 2-20-14, Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo More Details
5. CRAFTALE
This is the perfect date spot, as you can enjoy fantastic cuisine while being surrounded by cherry blossoms that are in full bloom. It is a French restaurant that's located in a great spot along Meguro River. The restaurant's name represents their desire to craft a tale together with the producers and customers. Here, you can enjoy unique dishes that are not available anywhere else!
This is their [Craft Original Parfait] that customers actually create!
The [Drinks Pairing] and [Bread Pairing] that accompanies their meals are recommended.
CRAFTALE
Open: [Saturday, Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O 12:30 pm) [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday] 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) Closed: Wednesday, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY Access: 6 minutes on foot from Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. Address: 2F POP Building , 1-16-11 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo (Map) More Details Reservation
6. La Luna Rossa
Enjoy regional Italian cuisine with the [All 6 Items Full Course Dinner] in this chic restaurant, which has the feel of a hideaway facing the Meguro River. Savor this cuisine while viewing the cherry blossoms! Their course meals include chewy handmade pasta and juicy meat dishes. The great atmosphere of this restaurant is perfect for a night-time cherry blossom viewing date.
At this restaurant, you can savor the flavors of ji-dori (local chicken) under a large cherry tree. Akira's specialty chicken sukiyaki (hot pot stew) is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed in this great restaurant that's located along Meguro River. Quickly cook the chicken and enjoy it dipped in Versailles eggs from Saga Prefecture. This restaurant has a traditional Japanese decor, with large windows that have a great view of the cherry blossoms. This wonderful view will stimulate your appetite for their specialty [Chicken Sukiyaki] and [Charcoal Grill], as well as for their sake.
Yakitori Akira Nakameguro Main Branch
Open: 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am) *Calls for reservations are accepted between 3:00 pm - 2:00 am. Can enter past 10:00 pm. Open on Sunday. Closed: None *Except for the beginning of the year Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY Access: 5-minute walk from Naka-meguro Station Address: 106, Riverside Terrace, 1-10-23, Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
8. WAIPIO
Their [Loco Moco], which has been introduced on TV, is a popular dish here. It consists of 100% beef hamburger steak with a generous serving of their special gravy sauce. It comes with a soft-boiled egg that goes perfectly with the spicy gravy. This Hawaiian cafe has a nice view of cherry blossoms.
Enjoy mizutaki (ingredients boiled in water or broth and served with dipping sauce) in a restaurant with traditional Kyo-machiya (traditional wooden townhouse in Kyoto) decor that has a view of blooming cherry blossoms. Their [Shimizu's Mizutaki] is said to be an outstanding dish. People who have had mizutaki in many places before commented that they were likely to return for their amazingly soft chicken breasts. Their special soup that has been simmered for 6 hours has a light and well-rounded flavor. It is full of collagen and appreciated for its beauty benefits.
Shimizu
Open: Dinner 6:00 pm - 3:00 am (Food L.O. 1:30 am, Drinks L.O. 2:00 am) Closed: None *Except for the beginning of the year Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY Access: 5-minute walk from Naka-meguro Station Address: 104, Riverside Terrace, 1-10-23, Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo More Details
10. HUIT
Enjoy casual French cuisine in a quiet cafe located along a row of cherry trees. [Amatriciana] is a delicious pasta dish served for lunch at this stylish European restaurant by Meguro River. It consists of thin noodles served with plenty of vegetables and grated cheese. Enjoy your meal while admiring the cherry blossom trees from the airy cafe. Their daily lunch plates are popular, and in the evening, you can enjoy bistro-style dishes with a wide selection of wines.
HUIT
Open: [Monday - Saturday] 11:45 am - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm) [Sunday, National Holidays, Last Day of Consecutive Holidays] 11:45 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) Closed: None Average price: 4,001 JPY - 4,500 JPY Address: 1F, Riverside Terrace, 1-10-23, Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Source: hitosara (Japanese)
11. Nakameguro Yakiniku Hanabi
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Nakameguro Yakiniku Hanabi is a popular restaurant in a good location, just a 1 minute walk from Nakameguro Station. Here, guests can enjoy the amazing flavors of carefully selected Japanese Black Wagyu beef. The Specially Selected Hanabi Platter for 1 is especially recommended. It gathers highly popular menu items and lets guests eat their fill of the delicious Japanese Black Wagyu flavors. The private rooms partitioned by walls and doors provide a quiet and relaxing space, and when combined with the sophisticated environment of Nakameguro, produces an unforgettable time for customers. In particular, enjoying a highly elegant meal in the spring cherry blossom season, with the deeply moving sight of the cherry blossoms, is like a dream come true.
Nakameguro Yakiniku Hanabi
Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am -2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm-11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm), [Saturday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30pm (L.O. 11:00 pm) Closed: Sunday Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY Access: 1-minute walk from Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. It's on the 4th floor of the Nakameguro Ekimae Bldg. Address: 4F, Nakameguro Ekimae Bldg., 1-22-4, Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, TokyoMap