Looking to stay on the cutting edge of food, drink and shopping trends in Tokyo? Sure, keeping track of all the new restaurants, bars, shops and stands opening across the city every month can feel exhausting and almost hopeless – but that's where we come in. Sparing you the trouble of wading through long lists of shiny promotional pics and hollow praise, we've again compiled a handy list of the top five spots to start business this month. Check out our editorial team's picks below, and make sure to leave a comment if you think we missed something.
1) Café Gitane
A popular Moroccan-French café opened in New York City's Nolita back in 1993, Café Gitane has brought its avocado toasts, salmon tartare, merguez with raisin-and-pine-nut couscous and other fusion-oriented treats to Tokyo. Opened in a quiet ’hood just south of Ebisu Station and near the Maison Martin Margiela boutique, it charms with high ceilings, a spacious terrace and a clientele almost too hip for an activity as mundane as eating. Read more
2) Coisof
Using sesame ice cream from specialist purveyors Gomaya Kuki, Coisofu offer soft serves in three different flavours – white sesame, black sesame and a mix of the two. Interestingly enough, their name combines the Japanese words for ‘love’ and ‘richness’ (both pronounced koi). That's also why their drawcard is the ‘love soft cream’, a Kagawa prefecture speciality said to invite love into one's life and decorated with colourful toppings sprinkled on top of the ice cream. Read more
3) MeetFresh Kichijoji
Taiwan fever is coming to Kichijoji just in time for the August heat: after landing in Akabane this spring, the frozen sweets purveyors are now setting up their third Japan outpost just north of Kichijoji Station. In addition to favourites such as Imo-en, which is shaved ice topped with a mix of sweet potato dumplings, taro, azuki and tapioca covered in black sugar syrup, they'll be selling a range of Kichijoji-only frozen drinks. Read more
4) Longrain
Thai restaurant Longrain is making the move from Australia to Yebisu Garden Place Tower. Already operating two locations in Sydney and Melbourne, its food has earned a loyal following thanks to an authentic array of spicy, sweet, sour and salty flavours and bright-coloured, extra-large tableware. The Ebisu restaurant is set to seat around 160 and is aiming for a relaxing, grown-up atmosphere. Read more
5) Yakiniku Futago 37 West 17th St
Think of it as a return home: a Japanese-style yakiniku joint opened in 2015 on Manhattan's West 17th Street, Futago now heads back to its original digs with a whole lot of Big Apple influences in tow. The most noteworthy feature at this soon-to-open Shinbashi eatery is the 'owner's meat' system: you can purchase your very own block of flesh to be stored and aged to perfection at the restaurant. Next, just make a reservation, let the staff know how you'd like your meat prepared, and get ready for a carnivorous feast. Read more