The 6 Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo
Japan makes some of the best Vegan food in the world because they grow the most perfect produce and their tofu is heavenly. Here's my top 6 Vegan/Vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo:
1. Sincere Garden
This is my favourite place to eat lunch with friends because the food is great, it's quiet, and Omotesando/Harajuku is just nearby to go shopping after. In my opinion, they make the best salads in Tokyo. They have this 50 vegetable salad (not sure if it's always this many veggies) with homemade dressing that tastes straight out of a garden. I love to get that with their grain rice, a soup of the day (it's always good no matter what they make), and a tea (they have a good variety and you can choose hot or cold)- basically the lunch set. Their curry plates are also fantastic, and so are their desserts (I'm a big fan of their tofu cheesecake).
Sincere Garden, Mon-Sun 11:00am-8:00pm. Takano Building 2F, 3-5-4 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0061. Tel: +81 03 5775 7375
2. SORANOIRO
They have regular ramen, vegan ramen, and gluten-free ramen- so everyone has options. Their vegan ramen is made from the most delicious rich carrot/paprika broth, which gives off a very strong Japanese umami flavour, and it's topped with so many fresh vegetables (changes seasonally). You buy your ticket from their vending machine first, then pass it to the waitress before taking a seat. When you sit down you'll notice that they thought of every little detail, from the sauces, to bibs and little elastics available at the table to tie your hair up. The ramen is light, fresh, and extremely satisfying. My favourite location is in Hirakawachō (the menu differs between locations), but there's also one in Tokyo station- perfect for a quick healthy meal before you take the Shinkansen.
Soranoiro, Mon-Fri 11:00-3:00pm, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Blue Building, 1 Chome-1−10 Hirakawachō, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 102-0093. Tel: +81 03 3263 5460.
3. Three Aoyama- Revive Kitchen
This is another 'everyone has options' place. It's in a beautiful, quiet, tucked away 3 part complex (there's also an organic cosmetics shop and a spa) in Aoyama. All of their ingredients are locally sourced and organic, and they have plenty of great vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options. My favourite items are their cold pressed juices, GF Pumpkin Gnocci, and GF French toast. They also have really nice salad plates and exceptional lunch sets.
Three Aoyama, Mon-Fri 8:00am-9:00pm, Sat-Sun 10:00 am-8:00pm. G/F, 3-12-13 Kita Aoyama, Minato-Ku, Tokyo. Tel: +81 03-6419-7513.
4. Rainbow Raw Food
This was my go-to lunch because they were able to deliver to my home via Uber Eats :). It's all vegan and the food is only cooked up to 48°C (or is raw) to keep the maximum amount of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes inside. The decor is very Hawaiian-inspired with a very cozy, laid back vibe, and the staff are very warm and friendly. You have to try their raw sushi with homemade onion bread!
Rainbow Raw Food, Tues-Sat 11:00am-5:00pm, 8/F, 3-17-14, Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 150-001. Tel: +81 03 6427 1984.
5. Ain Soph. Ripple
The best Vegan junk food in Tokyo! Their burgers, chili & cheese fries, mac & cheese, and burritos are the delightful goodness anyone's (vegan or non-vegan) dreams are made of. My husband and I liked to grab a bunch of their takeaway items before taking road trips out of Tokyo.
*Also their other location (Ain Soph Journey in Shinjuku) makes the best Vegan pancakes- sooooo fluffy & full of flavour!
Ain Soph Ripple, Mon-Fri 11:00am-4:00pm, 4:45pm-7:00pm, Sat-Sun 11:00am-7:00pm. Nissho Building 1F, 2-46-8, Kabuki-Cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021. Tel: +81 03 6380 3205
6. Elle Café
I celebrated a lot of birthdays here. It's pretty, sophisticated, and again- there's options for everyone (they break it down as vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, or skinny- which means low calories I'm guessing). This organic café is divided into 3 main sections; the deli (where you can takeaway amazing freshly baked organic bread, salads, and my fav- their coconut yogurt parfaits), the first floor café (a more casual environment/menu), and the 2nd floor restaurant (a more luxurious experience). They also have an outside terrace and an international selection of natural wines. Head there on a Saturday or Sunday for lunch then visit the fresh farmer's market that always takes place across the street.
Elle Café, Deli & Cafe Mon-Sun 11:00-8:00pm, Restaurant 11:00am-10:00pm. 1-2F, La Porte, 5-51-8, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001. Deli Tel: +81 03 6451 1997, Restaurant Tel: +81 03 6451 1996.
*SNACKS
GoodTown Doughnuts - They always have a great selection of freshly made, super cute Vegan doughnuts (as well as almond milk for coffee or tea). *Go early for better choice.
Onigiri from convenience stores- choose the seaweed (kombu) or pickled plum (umeboshi- my personal fav).
Mochi- many places sell this from traditional shops to supermarkets, to department stores and even convenience stores. They are traditional Japanese desserts made from rice flour and sugar, and are usually filled with azuki bean paste and/or fruit.
Anmitsu- made of small cubes of agar jelly (a white translucent jelly made from red algae), topped with with sweet azuki bean paste, fruit and mitsu (sweet black sugar syrup). It's light, refreshing, well balanced (so many textures & flavours), and always my choice at traditional Japanese dessert cafés.
If you have any other favourites I left out (there's tonnes) please kindly leave them below so that everyone has more to discover :).
-T