Looking for great food, restaurant, and cafe in Omotesando / Harajuku area? Here are some recommendations that is for affordable restaurants including Ramen and Gyoza, vegan place, afternoon tea, fancy place, etc. by a local foodie!
Where To Eat in Harajuku, Omotesando, and Aoyama
Many of you might visit Harajuku/Omotesando area for many reasons. There are many places to do shopping, and also dine-in, and it might be difficult to choose where to go. Of course, there are some “Kawaii” cafe and “Monster Cafe”, etc. However, I’d like to introduce non-touristy places.
Here are restaurants and cafes I’ve been and I like. I grew up, went to university, worked in Tokyo before/after living in US. I used to not take pictures of food much, so I embed the official Instagram below if I don’t have a pic at the restaurant.
Harajuku Gyoza Rou – Affordable & Casual Restaurant
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If you want to have good food with less money, I’d recommend Gyoza dumpling at Harajuku Gyoza Rou! This shop is pretty popular and I find a line all the time.
It’s good for a quick meal, I think. You can choose Gyoza with/without garlic.
Harajuku Gyoza Rou
- Price: $
- Closest station : Meiji Jingumae. You can also walk from Harajuku station and Omotesando station.
Popular Ramen Restaurants in Harajuku
Ramen is one of popular foods in Japan. Here are my favorite ramen shops in Harajuku area.
Afuri – Yuzu Salt Ramen
Have you heard/tried Yuzu? Yuzu is Japanese citrus that is very refreshing and a bit sour. Afuri has a ramen with Yuzu-salt soup, bamboo shoot, Mizuna (green leaves), Chashu (grilled pork), seaweed, a half of boiled egg, etc.
I’d like Afuri ramen when I don’t eat greasy / heavy ones..
Afuri has multiple locations, and I’ve seen some celebrities posting a picture of Afuri ramen.
Afuri Harajuku
- Price: $
- Closest station : Harajuku station. You can also walk from Meiji Jingumae station.
Ichiran – Famous Tonkotsu Ramen
For Tonkotsu lovers, Ichiran is a must try ramen shop in Japan. It might be a bit confusing for you to order, so check it out Ichiran Ramen Order Guide 101.
Ichiran Harajuku
- Price: $
- Closest station : Harajuku station. You can also walk from Meiji Jingumae station.
Pariya – Deli Style Cafe in Omotesando
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If you are looking for deli style meal with much veggies and good balanced nutrition, Pariya is a good option.
They have a lot of options to choose from. The restaurant itself is not too big though.
Pariya Aoyama
- Price: $
- Closest station : Omotesando station. You can also walk from Harajuku station and Meiji Jingumae station.
Red Pepper Omotesando – Famous for their Lasagna
Red Pepper is located very close to the Omotesando station, exit A1, You will find a line here especially on weekends!
Their lasagna is famous, but it might be not same as you imagine. It’s like a lasagna inside of soup!
Also, it’s not very spacious, I recommend not bringing huge bags. I saw some people left their luggage (suit case) in front of the restaurant though.
Red Pepper, Omotesando
- Price: $$
- Closest station : Omotesando station. You can also walk for 10-15 minutes from Harajuku station and Meiji Jingumae station.
La Fée Délice – French Galette with Cute Decor
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It’s a perfect place to go for having a Galette surrounded by cute decor. They have both savory and sweet galette.
La Fée Délice, Meiji Jingumae
- Price: $$
- Closest station : Meiji Jingumae. You can also walk from Harajuku station and Omotesando station.
Napule Minami Aoyama – Italian Restaurant
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For Italian food, Naples is my favorite in Omotesando area! The atmosphere is great with cheerful decorations. I ordered pizza and pasta to share with my friend. Both are great.
Highly recommended to make a reservation!
Napule Minami Aoyama
- Price: $$
- Closest station : Omotesando station
Sangria – Spanish Restaurant in Aoyama
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If you like Spanish food, Sangria is a place where I’d go for Spanish food in Omotesando area! It’s on the Aoyama street. Walking up to the stairs, as soon as you enter the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’re in Spain by the decor. They have a fountain thing too!
You can eat paella for lunch, which is actually rare in Tokyo as long as I know.
Sangria, Aoyama
- Price: $$
- Closest station : Omotesando station.
Brown Rice – Vegan Restaurant in Omotesando
If you are vegan, you might like this restaurant that is located a middle of Harajuku and Omotesando. Easy to go there from Omotesando street. The entrance might be a bit difficult to find, but you can find the sign.
I ordered “1 soup 3 sides”, that comes with rice, miso soup, 3 dishes, and pickles.
You can order beverage, too. I got a cup of iced coffee, and they serve agave syrup on behalf of sugar.
Brown Rice by Neal’s Yard
- Price: $$
- Closest station : Omotesando station. You can also walk for 10-15 minutes from Harajuku station and Meiji Jingumae station.
Tavern by the green – Afternoon Tea in Omotesando
Tavern by the green is a restaurant located on Omotesando street. Its on the 2nd floor, very quit nice atmosphere.
On spring season, you’ll have a nice view of green leaves on Omotesando street. They change menu seasonally that is fun to go repeatedly.
- Price: $$
- Closest station : Omotesando station. You can also walk for 10-15 minutes from Harajuku station and Meiji Jingumae station.
Rakanka – No White Sugar Used
Rakanka is a bit far away from Harajuku station, maybe walking for 20 minutes or so. 10 minutes from Omotesando station. The closest station is Gaienmae station.
But, it’s a good place when you’d like to eat something healthy. Especially caring for less-sugar. They use Rakanka (monk fruit) as sweetener instead of sugar.
I ordered “Obanzai Lunch” that comes with some small dishes, rice, miso soup, and Rakanka tea.
They also sell some products, rakanka tea, sweetener, etc.
Jingumae Rakan Ka
- Price: $
- Closest station : Gaienmae station might be easy, but you can go from Omotesando station
CILQ – French for Special Occasion
If you are looking for a bit fancy restaurant, CILQ is a french restaurant that is great for special occasion, in my opinion.
- Price: $$$
- Closest station : Omotesando station
Looking for things to do in Harajuku area? >> Sightseeing Guide in Shibuya and Harajuku area
Harajuku and Omotesando (Aoyama) area is known for shopping area, though, there are many various of good restaurants and cafes to try!
