HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Ginza Ginza's Hidden Gems: Three Quirky Must-Visit Restaurants

Ginza's Hidden Gems: Three Quirky Must-Visit Restaurants

Last updated: 19 June 2020

Ginza is famous as one of Tokyo's most sophisticated, upscale areas with a lot of fancy shops and restaurants - this doesn't mean that there's only high-class experiences to be made. In fact, Ginza is home to a lot of well-established restaurants that offer both authentic cuisine and a casual, comfortable atmosphere to relax in. We've looked for the most interesting ones!

This little gem is called Small Wonderland and located at the backside of Ginza's famous Kabuki-za Theater. Combining modern style and the extraordinary location of an old, renovated house, the atmosphere is almost as amazing as the food: French-inspired cuisine is on the menu here. One of the most popular dishes is the "Venison Burger" for 1,800 yen. The juicy deer meat patties are carefully finished with delicious sauce and served between homemade burger buns - this unique venison delicacy is mouthwatering, a culinary experience that cannot be had anywhere else! We also highly recommend the various appetizers, such as the pâté or marinated dishes, as well as the red wine stew - the menu is full with delicious dishes, you'll most likely have a hard time choosing what to order!

The Spanish Bar Pais Vasco will tickle your taste buds with delicious dishes from Basque Country, which is said to be the world's top gourmet region. From traditional Basque cuisine to modern and creative dishes, the many tastes of Spain - and particularly Basque Country - can be savored to the fullest here. This doesn't only go for the food but for the drinks as well, of course. Accompanying the menu excellently, a selection of around 50 Spanish and Basque spirits are available, such as the famous Txakoli which has recently been very popular in Japan. Occupying three entire floors, there aren't only seats at the lively counter, but also tables for two, making for a wonderfully cozy and private atmosphere.

There's an abundance of high-class Japanese restaurants to be found around Ginza, but Himawari offers an authentic seasonal dining experience in a much more laid-back atmosphere.

Chef Yoshida welcomes every guest warmly, making everyone feel at home right after entering the restaurant. He has honed his skills in Sapporo, and while the foundation of his gourmet creations undoubtedly lie with authentic Japanese cuisine, he isn't concerned with culinary boundaries and follows his very own modern style. His main focus is on the four seasons and their different tastes - as such, the only item on the menu is the "Omakase Course", or "Leave it to the Chef" for 12,000 yen. Because of this emphasis on the seasons, the ingredients and dishes change every single week.