Brunch, preferably on a sunny terrace, can seem like weekend ritual in European and American metropolises, but it hasn’t quite permeated Japanese culture to the same degree yet. If you are on the look-out for a great brunch spot for a relaxed weekend morning, here is a list of some of the most popular cafes and restaurants in central Tokyo that serve up full, delicious brunches well past the morning hours.

Shinjuku – Sarabeth's

Shinjuku City is a unique mix of business and nightlife centred around the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku Station. Directly connected to the station is our first recommendation: Sarabeth’s in the Lumine Mall on the 22d floor. 

As a branch of the NYC restaurant, it offers Western brunch and breakfast favourites all day long. Take your pick from French toast, pancakes, Eggs Benedict and freshly squeezed juices. The interior is kept in light colours with soft touches. Note you may have to wait during peak hours before will be seated.

Address: Lumine 22F, 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Nearest station: Shinjuku Station, 2-minute walk
Hours: 9 am to 10 pm, every day  
Link: http://sarabethsrestaurants.jp/location/shinjuku/

Shibuya – Blue Jam Café

Possibly Tokyo’s most iconic area, synonymous with pop culture and Japanese fashion, Shibuya City and especially the area around Shibuya Station is currently undergoing massive redevelopment and gentrification to appeal to a more sophisticated clientele. L.A. native Blu Jam Café in Shibuya's fancy Daikanyama neighbourhood is definitely a favourite where all-day brunch awaits you. From hearty to healthier choices that can be paired with craft beer or cocktails at your liking, it is the perfect start to weekend bliss.
 
Address: Moncheri Daikanyama B2, 20-20 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0034
Nearest station: Daikanyama Station
Hours: 8 am to 9 pm, closed Tuesdays 
Link: https://www.blujamcafejapan.com/accessdaikanyama

Minato – Mercer Brunch

An expat favourite, Minato ward is as diverse as it gets and caters to all tastes. A great choice for brunch is Mercer Brunch. The upscale Italian restaurant focuses on brunch during the day and offers a separate dinner menu at night. The interior is cosy but luxurious and menu options range from brunch classics to more substantial options like sirloin steak and eggs or sea urchin omelet. Outdoor seating is available and reservations are strongly recommended.

Address: Urban Style Roppongi 1F, 4-2-35 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: Roppongi or Roppongi-Itchome Station
Hours: Weekdays 10 am to 3:30 pm,  weekends 9 am to 5 pm
Link: http://www.mercer-brunch.com/

Chiyoda – Grand Kitchen

Home of the Imperial Palace, government ministries and ambassador residences, upscale Chiyoda City offers some fine choices for its diplomat residents. While Sarabeth’s also has a Chiyoda branch, give Grand Kitchen a try for brunch with a view. Traditional breakfast is served until 10:30 am. From 11 am, you can order a la carte all day with a wide choice of both lunch dishes and smaller tapas, salads and desserts. The restaurant is located in Palace Hotel Tokyo and its biggest selling point is the terrace overlooking the Imperial Palace moat. Make reservations to secure a spot outside.
 
Address: Palace Hotel Tokyo, 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Nearest station: Right next to Otemachi Station
Hours: 6 am to 11 pm, every day
Link: https://www.palacehoteltokyo.com/restaurant/grand-kitchen/

Chuo – Bills Ginza

Tsukiji, Ginza and the Tokyo Bay artificial islands of Odaiba and Kachidoki all fall into Chuo ward. The town is rich in history spanning both the gritty and the luxurious. A great choice for brunch is Bills Ginza. The Australian flair is reflected both in the modern urban interior and menu items ranging from classics like Eggs Benedict and ricotta hotcakes to green smoothies and fancy cocktails, like the classic white peach bellini or the local-inspired ginger and shiso mojito. There is usually a short wait on weekends, expect to be seated within 15 minutes.
 
Address: Okura House 12F, 2-6-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Nearest station: Ginza Station
Hours: 8:30 am to 11 pm, every day 
Link: https://billsjapan.com/jp/銀座

Bonus brunch spot

 Setagaya – Latte Graphic

While not located in central Tokyo, Setagaya ward receives an honourary mention as it is immensely popular with young Japanese and expat families alike. Futakotamagawa and Jiyugaoka are the two main hubs when it comes to cafés and dining in the ward. Our pick is Latte Graphic right outside the quieter southside of Jiyugaoka Station. The Australian-based chain offers Melbourne-inspired coffee specialties, freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and bliss balls all day long, which you can combine with either their morning or lunch menu, depending on how early you manage to get up. But even if you make it there late, the lunch menu still includes brunch items like Eggs Benedict and avocado toast.

Address: Jiyugaoka 1-8-18, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0035 (while technically in Meguro ward, it's just a 2-min walk from Setagaya ward which includes most of Jiyugaoka)
Nearest station: Jiyugaoka Station
Hours: 8 am to 11:30 pm (dinner menu in the evening)
Link: https://www.lattegraphic.com/

By Mareike Dornhege

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