The Best Brunch in Tokyo

It’s no secret that Tokyo’s a foodie paradise. But, where does one brunch in this great city? Read on to discover some of the best brunch in Tokyo. 

If you’re searching for the best brunch in Tokyo, look no more. Tokyo has a range of brunch options to satisfy everyone. One thing Tokyo doesn’t lack is food. In fact, there are too many options.

The suggestions below are some of my favorite haunts around the city, and many are also classic brunch spots that all the locals know about.

You will see recommendations for neighborhoods from Daikanyama, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and more. I firmly believe Tokyo is best seen when you can get to know its neighborhoods. You can find an intuitive explanation of nearly 30 of Tokyo’s top neighborhoods, packed with recommendations that only four years of living in Tokyo can provide.

You can purchase my book, The Hidden Tokyo Neighborhood Guidebook, here, and it promises to disclose hidden secrets and gems buried around this city that will be far worth the investment. Ok, let’s get started.

Ivy Place – Daikanyama

Brunch is often served best with a side of window shopping and leisurely strolls. This is why I recommend Ivy Place in Daikanyama as one of the best brunch spots in Tokyo. The restaurant is trendy and beautiful, situated in the middle of Daikanyama next to T-site.

The food is classic and is especially known for its pancakes. Reservations are highly recommended. However, you can show up to put your name down and then walk next door to browse one of Tokyo’s most stunning bookstores – Tsutaya. The hour will fly by.

Ivy Place Website

Daikanyama is an ideal brunch spot in Tokyo with its trendy streets lined with local boutiques.

 Rainbow Pancake Harajuku

It’s hard to recommend the best brunch spot in Tokyo without addressing the pancake obsession throughout the city. Rainbow Pancake is practically legendary in Harajuku and is famous for its macadamia nut pancakes. Unfortunately, the wait here is pretty hardcore. You can’t exactly put your name down and leave, and you will have to endure some pain to get to the finish line. But, if you’re in the mood for some of Tokyo’s best pancakes in a local Harajuku hideaway, this is a must.

Peak Lounge Park Hyatt Tokyo – Shinjuku

The Peak Lounge is my favorite spot in the world for afternoon tea. The Park Hyatt Tokyo is “the Lost in Translation Hotel,” but it’s also a stunning piece of architecture. It also embodies the essence of superior Japanese hospitality.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of a splurge, then consider The Peak Lounge for an afternoon tea/brunch adventure. You can then explore the hotel and even book a spa experience you won’t likely ever forget at The Club on The Park. 

 Bills Tokyo

This Australian restaurant chain has found a loyal following in Tokyo. The cozy atmosphere of rustic wooden tables provides the perfect context for dishes such as pancakes and avocado toast. If you’re looking for a traditional brunch in Tokyo, consider Bills. There are multiple locations around the city such as in Odaiba, Omotesando (Harajuku) and even Yokohama. Just make sure you reserve ahead online or in person. This place tends to have at least an hour wait, like most spots in Tokyo.

 Sarabeth’s

With locations around Tokyo, Sarabeth’s is a local favorite for your classic eggs benedict and a range of healthier options. Click here to see their picture menu. The line here can also be a little long, but that seems to be the norm for restaurants that serve brunch in Tokyo.

 Chinatown Yokohama

If you head south to Yokohama’s Chinatown, you’ll find some attractive brunch options here as well. Technically dim sum is not traditional American brunch, but the restaurant Manchiro Tenshinpo is some of the best dim sum I’ve ever had in the world.

The reason I’m including it under brunch options is because it’s not like your typical chaotic cart-pushing dim sum experience. This place is in a gorgeous Chinese decor ballroom which often has a piano playing in the background and an eager waitstaff. It’s pretty high-end and it makes a perfect weekend brunch spot.

After lunch or brunch, you can stroll the quaint streets of Chinatown or even go to a teahouse.

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If you’re heading to Tokyo, I recommend my guidebook, Hidden Tokyo. It’s an original neighborhood guide that takes you into over 20 of Tokyo’s most interesting neighborhoods. It’s over 400-pages full of advice, earned from 4 years of relentless exploration. Take your trip to the next level. Get it now.