Update-date: Jun 07 2020
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Ueno
Ueno District. Home to Ueno Zoo, which is well-known for its pandas, and Ameya-yokocho - a street market district which developed out of the black market that arose after World War II. This popular market district is filled with shops offering everything: from confectioneries to shoes and even military surplus equipment, not to mention the recent surge in the numbers of newly opened branches of foreign restaurants. Why not bring that special someone to Ueno to enjoy the unpretentious, down-to-earth atmosphere, as well as the great restaurants that the area has to offer?
1. Echikatsu
Established in 1871, Echikatsu is a long-standing restaurant offering an authentic, traditional dining experience where you can enjoy sukiyaki (hot pot stew) while taking in the charms of the old downtown district of Tokyo. After passing through the lattice doorway and reaching the restaurant, you will find yourself in their carefully tended traditional inner gardens, complete with a small pond. With its long history and spectacular garden scenery that changes according to the season, you're sure to enjoy your visit to Echikatsu at any time of year.
The soup for the sukiyaki is made with a soy sauce base. Prepared by the proprietress of the restaurant in the previous day, the soup gives the sukiyaki a simple and light flavor.
Echikatsu was also frequented by many of the great writers of the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). The simple, traditional Japanese furnishings give the restaurant a calm atmosphere.
Echikatsu
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY
Access: Five minutes from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line [Yushima Station] / 8 minutes from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line / Toei Oedo Line Hongousanchoume Station
Address: Yushima 2-31-23, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY
Access: Five minutes from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line [Yushima Station] / 8 minutes from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line / Toei Oedo Line Hongousanchoume Station
Address: Yushima 2-31-23, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
2. FRAGRA
FRAGRA offers exquisite French cuisine and a wide variety of wines. With a fashionable interior that will make you feel as though you are dining in southern Europe and breathtaking stonework decor, FRAGRA is an ideal place to spend a moment with that special someone.
This is the [Tsubugai to Jagaimo no Bourguignon] (Whelk and Potato Bourguignon), served with herb butter.
The romantic atmosphere of this place is perfect for an intimate moment with that special someone.
FRAGRA
Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Monday (When Monday falls on a National Holiday, the restaurant is closed the following Tuesday.)
Average price: 4,001 JPY - 4,500 JPY
Address: B1F, MOT Bldg., 3-22-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
Closed: Monday (When Monday falls on a National Holiday, the restaurant is closed the following Tuesday.)
Average price: 4,001 JPY - 4,500 JPY
Address: B1F, MOT Bldg., 3-22-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
3. FANTASISTA
FANTASISTA prides itself on its delicious Napoli pizza, made by award-winning chefs and baked in a traditional wood-fired stone oven. This traditional bar-style restaurant offers a wide variety of wines to enjoy with your meal at very reasonable prices, and the fashionable design of the bar makes it perfect for a casual date.
The juicy Italian homemade sausage, [Jikasei Sausage], is one of the most popular items on the menu.
The restaurant has a very homely atmosphere, with seating available on both the 1st and 2nd floors.
FANTASISTA
Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) (ends when food runs out), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) (special lunches are available on national holidays)
Closed: Monday (When Monday falls on a National Holiday, the restaurant is closed the following Tuesday.)
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY *The menu features a wide variety of dishes and drinks, including appetizers, pizza, pasta, and wine! / [Lunch] 1,200 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Exit A4 of Uenohirokoji Station. You can also get to the restaurant from JR Okachimachi Station, JR Ueno Station, Yushima Station, Naka Okachimachi Station, and Suehirocho Station.
Address: 1-2F, Orange Bldg., 3-40-11, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) (special lunches are available on national holidays)
Closed: Monday (When Monday falls on a National Holiday, the restaurant is closed the following Tuesday.)
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY *The menu features a wide variety of dishes and drinks, including appetizers, pizza, pasta, and wine! / [Lunch] 1,200 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Exit A4 of Uenohirokoji Station. You can also get to the restaurant from JR Okachimachi Station, JR Ueno Station, Yushima Station, Naka Okachimachi Station, and Suehirocho Station.
Address: 1-2F, Orange Bldg., 3-40-11, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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4. Ueno Seiyoken 3153 Branch
For high-class French dining in a casual atmosphere, Ueno Seiyoken 3153 (pronounced “Saigo-san”) Branch is the place for you. It is a branch of the famous French restaurant chain, Ueno Seiyoken, which was originally established in Tsukiji in 1872. It moved to Ueno in 1876 with the opening of Ueno Park. Despite being comparatively new, the Ueno Seiyoken 3153 Branch has inherited the traditions and formality of its parent restaurant, while offering a more casual dining experience. Located on the 3rd floor of UENO3153, which is close to the station, it is easy to find and ideal for enjoying a meal after a day out shopping or sightseeing.
The restaurant has a traditional yet casual atmosphere, with 4 private booths available.
The special demiglace sauce, which is stewed for 7 to 10 days, is a must-try!
Ueno Seiyoken 3153 Branch
Open: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm (Food L.O. 8:30 pm. Drinks L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,001 JPY - 2,500 JPY
Address: 3F, UENO3153, 1-57, Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,001 JPY - 2,500 JPY
Address: 3F, UENO3153, 1-57, Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
5. Kamadoya Ueno
Kamadoya offers traditional Japanese cuisine served in private booths that have been decorated to resemble a traditional Japanese home. The restaurant uses only select ingredients brought in directly from the region they are produced in, with the chefs dedicating their best efforts to bringing out the true flavors of the ingredients in dishes like the [Okemori Shungyo] - a decorative fresh fish assortment that uses every part of a whole fish. The restaurant also offers a wide range of sake (Japanese alcohol).
The Akita Komachi rice, supplied from Ogata Village in Akita, is carefully cooked in an earthenware pot.
The seafood and other ingredients to supplement the rice are also incredibly fresh.
Kamadoya Ueno
Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:45 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 2:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: Beginning and end of the year
Average price: 5,000 JPY
5,000 JPY, 6,000 JPY, and 7,000 JPY courses are also available.
Access: 3-minute walk from Hirokoji Exit of Ueno Station. The restaurant is right beside Ueno Marui. You will find it straight after going into Okachimachi Chuo Street.
Address: 6F, Shin-Tonoda Bldg., 6-13-9, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 2:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: Beginning and end of the year
Average price: 5,000 JPY
5,000 JPY, 6,000 JPY, and 7,000 JPY courses are also available.
Access: 3-minute walk from Hirokoji Exit of Ueno Station. The restaurant is right beside Ueno Marui. You will find it straight after going into Okachimachi Chuo Street.
Address: 6F, Shin-Tonoda Bldg., 6-13-9, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
6. Sumibi Yakitori Ueno Hirokoji Torie
Sumibi Yakitori Ueno Hirokoji Torie is a yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant that offers delicious yakitori made from 5 different types of high-quality chicken. Despite being in a hard-to-find location that's concealed in the backstreets of Ueno, the restaurant’s great reputation means that it bustles with customers day in, day out. With great food and a fantastic atmosphere, Torie is an ideal place for a date.
Be sure to try their [Yakitori 7 Piece Set], which includes 7 different skewers chosen by the owner.
The restaurant’s wide variety of snacks and side dishes to enjoy with your drink with is yet another reason behind its popularity.
Sumibi Yakitori Ueno Hirokoji Torie
Open: [Weekdays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Saturday] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station. Head towards Yushima.
Address: 1F, Kurita Bldg., 3-40-8, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details
[Saturday] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station. Head towards Yushima.
Address: 1F, Kurita Bldg., 3-40-8, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
