Where to Find the Best Pancakes in Tokyo

Tokyo isn’t just home to the best food in the world, it’s almost home to the best pancakes in the world. Little do most people know just how divine Tokyo’s pancake scene is. Read more to find out where you can enjoy the best pancakes in Tokyo. 

Tokyo is a city that loves its sweets and good food, and pancakes are no exception. Tokyo’s food scene wouldn’t be complete without its fluffy pancakes, topped sky-high with whipped cream and extravagant toppings. It’s impossible to name “the best pancakes in Tokyo,” but I can certainly give you the top options to consider.

FYI: Tokyo’s obsession with pancakes translates to LONG lines. Expect a wait. But, in some cases, you can make a reservation.

Rainbow Pancake – Best Macadamia Pancakes in Tokyo

Located in the heart of the Harajuku neighborhood you will find a gem, a legend in its own right – Rainbow Pancake. The first time I learned about Rainbow Pancake, I wanted to go because I wanted actual rainbow pancakes. Well, as it turns out, they have this specialty called macadamia nut pancakes. I’ve never eaten these before, much less heard of them.

The cafe is small and only accommodates around 15-20 people, so as you can imagine, the wait is long. After nearly an hour and a half, we go inside and look around to see that no one’s eating rainbow-colored pancakes. Everyone was eating these creamy, fluffy souffle macadamia nut pancakes. I had to try them.

I expected these to taste overly sweet and to perhaps leave with a satisfied bellyache – I did not. The dish was surprisingly tame in sweetness, but indescribable in taste and fluffiness. These are the best pancakes in Tokyo, in my opinion.

4-28-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM M-F, 10:00 AM – 8:PM Weekends

 Flippers

Flippers is another favorite, and many will swear these are the best pancakes in Tokyo. Flippers specialize in souffle pancakes with fruit and cream toppings, and yes, you can also expect a wait here too, usually an hour. You can find locations in both the Jiyugaoka and Shimokitazawa neighborhoods. 

 

Bills Tokyo

Bills is a beloved Australian restaurant chain that has wooden tables, a healthy menu, and a light and cozy atmosphere. It’s the quintessential Tokyo cafe, but with an Australian brekkie vibe. If you’re not in the mood for the classic avocado toast, their pancakes are also a local favorite. Be sure to make a reservation unless you want to wait at least an hour. Weekends are also longer. Hours are usually between 8 AM and 11 PM. You can make reservations online.

Locations: Harajuku, Ginza, Yokohama, Odaiba, Harajuku 

Eggs n’ Things

This Hawaiian pancake chain has made ripples in Tokyo and it’s famous for its extravagant sky-high whipped cream pancakes. This is where you go to watch Tokyites attempt to stage their best instaworthy photoshoots after waiting over an hour in the rain in another pancake line.

Eggs n’things is a bit like Denny’s and less like your cute Tokyo cafe, but it’s a cult favorite that also has things like hash on the menu to balance out the extreme sweetness factor. These aren’t the best pancakes in Tokyo, but they’re also some of the most beloved.

There are locations all around Tokyo: Ginza, Harajuku, Yokohama, Odaiba.