The 8 Most Romantic Restaurants in Tokyo

Although it might be a little mainstream, there are plenty of reasons why this is one of the city’s most sought-after dinner spots. Located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows offering unforgettable views of the city skyline, which is impressive during the day but truly unforgettable at night. In terms of food, the restaurant offers a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine, all perfectly matched with a very comprehensive wine list. If the place looks or sounds a little familiar, that’s because it was also home to some of the most iconic scenes from the 2003 cult classic Lost in Translation starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray.

For something a little more laid-back but with plenty of romantic potential, Hacienda del Cielo is the place to go. It’s hidden on the rooftop of a rather unassuming tower in backstreets of Daikanyama, which is one of Tokyo most fashionable neighbourhoods. Serving up a slightly fancier take on classic Mexican and featuring some of the best summer cocktails around, it’s the perfect place to visit to impress. It does get hectic on weekends, so to avoid missing out, visit during the week, or book ahead.

If it’s a classic and traditional atmosphere you’re after, then Echikatsu in Yushima is your spot. Having opened in 1871 and been passed down through six generations, you can’t get more authentic than this place. Guests enter through the ancient gates and make their way down through the Japanese landscape garden, setting the scene for the evening’s festivities. The restaurant is comprised of a number of individual tatami-mat rooms that can accommodate large groups or, of course, couples.

A breezy, relaxed brunch date is a great way to start the day, and if you want to be right in the heart of all the action, nab a table at Bills, the Omotesando-based, Australian-founded café-restaurant that has found an unprecedented level of success here in Japan. Bills makes a pretty substantial classic Aussie-style breakfast, but they’re most famous for their fluffy ricotta pancakes. Once you’ve finished your meal, you can continue the date out on the lush, green rooftop garden, soaking up the sun and admiring the view.

For a cozy, intimate ambience, high-quality meat and a price that won’t leave you eating cup ramen for the rest of your vacation, make time to visit Teppan Bambina, a teppanyaki restaurant siting in the fashionable suburb of Azabujuban. Sleek and modern with indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a failsafe choice, and a great place to sample some of the city’s best wagyu beef alongside a glass of organic wine.

Sometimes making date decisions can be hard, but if you head to Out, the fascinating concept restaurant in the centre of Shibuya, all the decision-making has been done for you. This restaurant is built on the concept of ‘one dish, one wine, one band’ in order to curate the perfect atmosphere. The dish? A variation of truffle pasta (depending on what’s best seasonally), the wine? A glass of red carefully selected to perfectly compliment the pasta. And the band? Led Zeppelin, an undeniable classic. For a truly novel experience that’s not in any way cheesy or cliché, the team here have found the perfect solution for easy date-night harmony.

When we typically think of Chinese food, we might think easy takeout, cheap dinner with friends, or fascinating and delicious street food. Well, a date at Conrad Tokyo’s China Blue is sure to give you a whole new perspective on Chinese food. The restaurant is located inside the high-end Conrad Tokyo, which features floor-to-ceiling windows offering incredible panoramic views of Tokyo Bay.

Considered to be one of the 50 best restaurants in the world, Florilège is definitely one place to consider if you’re really looking to impress. Founded by the rather famous chef Hiroyasu Kawate, this restaurant offer a type of French-Japanese fusion that has been uniquely perfected by Hiroyasu Kawate during his time working and training in both Japan and France. The restaurant has only 16 seats at the counter and six others in a private room, so if you don’t want to miss out, be sure to book well, well, well in advance.