The Inside Scoop
Two burger-obsessed Japanese writers tell us their likes,
dislikes—and why General MacArthur would be the
ideal dining companion

Yoshihide Matsubara
Publisher of Hamburger Street magazine and blog (www.hamburger.jp)

How old are you and what do you do?
I am 37 years old and am an ordinary office worker.

How many hamburgers do you eat in a week?
About three to four, but it depends, because I eat to update my blog or for tastings when a restaurant wants me to advise them about their new menu items.

What makes a good hamburger?
First, a good burger is one that has all the parts assembled with perfect balance and harmony. Many burgers in Japan are served with all the flavorings already included, so before adding ketchup and mustard, try it as it’s served to you first. Secondly, a good hamburger has a dignified appearance and is built up beautifully. In some traditional American diner-style shops, they serve the ingredients side-by-side on a flat plate. But I’m of the opinion that places which serve the hamburger in its complete form think precisely about the proper way to pile ingredients—the size of the patty, bun and vegetables and their order —and this really reflects the sensitive and delicate technique of the Japanese. Especially in downtown Tokyo, hamburgers have crossed over from being “American-style” to being simply a “delicious meal.” Their originality is evolving every day. Lastly, a good hamburger needs to be dynamic and hearty. After all, hamburgers are entertainment!

What makes a good hamburger restaurant?
It must be a comfortable place. If it’s an individually run shop, you should be able to speak with the staff. I think that the atmosphere and vibe of the place contributes to how delicious the burger is.

What’s your favorite hamburger?
A bacon cheeseburger with a bit of barbeque sauce. And red cheddar cheese.

What’s the worst burger you’ve ever eaten?
A hamburger that was just “luxurious” or just “big” in size. The balance and combination was not well calculated. These kinds of burgers, which try to grab your attention just from their appearance and by piling up ingredients randomly, really let you down.

If you could eat a hamburger with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
I would say General Douglas MacArthur. I heard that MacArthur’s first dinner after he got off his plane, the Bataan, at Atsugi base right after he seized Japan, was not the plain Western food that someone tried to served him, but a hamburger that he went to the trouble of asking one of the troops camped outside the base to order for him. I wonder what went through his mind when having the burger on the first day after he occupied Japan. I would like to interview him while sitting next to him eating the same hamburger [laughs].

What’s your opinion of Japanese hanbaagu?
The kind with mixed meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion and a hint of nutmeg, right? Sometimes, people put this kind of patty in between bread and call it a hamburger, but I think that this is totally different from the 100 percent beef patties sandwiched between buns. What, exactly, makes the hamburger I talk about? I definitely think it’s the color and the presentation, and the dynamic appearance. All these put together make you feel like you ate a hamburger. It’s tabletop entertainment! [laughs]

KEN Saito (A.K.A W-ICE)
Blogger at http://w-ice.cocolog-nifty.com (Japanese) and http://w-ice.cocolog-nifty.com/blog2 (English)

How old are you and what do you do?
I am 29 years old, and I work for a Japanese computer company. I belong to an overseas computer server marketing group, and I lived in the US for more than ten years when I was a child. I got hooked on “gourmet” hamburgers because they reminded me of the old days.

How many hamburgers do you eat in a week?
I try to keep it to less than two a week. However, when I’m very tired, I will eat a hamburger to perk me up. I make it a rule to eat no more than one a day because the second one will not taste as good as the first. After all, hunger is the best ingredient for a satisfying hamburger.

What makes a good hamburger?
Of course, the actual taste of the hamburger is crucial, but what happens before you bite into the hamburger is equally important. Mainly, the appearance and the aroma are extremely important factors. In smaller restaurants, you can hear and smell the hamburger patty being cooked. A perfectly assembled hamburger is a work of art. It’s exciting to imagine the taste of the hamburger before you actually take a bite. When I pick up the hamburger and smell the charcoal aroma, I can sense that I’m in for a helluva ride.

What makes a good hamburger restaurant?
I really don’t care much about the interior of the restaurant, as long as they serve good hamburgers. Other than that, I prefer 100 percent nonsmoking restaurants. Cigarette smoke really kills the hamburger’s aroma.

What’s the craziest hamburger you’ve ever eaten?
I don’t think there is such a thing as a crazy hamburger, since a hamburger is a dish that can be very creative. If you want to talk about crazy, I am the crazy one. On my business trip to Shanghai, I wanted to go to a famous hamburger restaurant rather than a local Chinese food restaurant.

What’s your favorite hamburger?
When I visit a restaurant for the first time, I usually order a bacon cheeseburger unless they have a very unique hamburger. In Japan, avocado burgers are very popular, but I don’t feel avocados are an ideal topping for a hamburger—they deduct points from the overall flavor rather than adding to it.

What’s the worst burger you’ve ever eaten?
I really don’t like overcooked, dry hamburgers. When I come across one of those, it really ruins my day.

If you could eat a hamburger with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
I don’t have a particular person that I want to meet with. I guess the logical answer would be “my wife,” but first, I have to find one.

What’s your opinion of Japanese hanbaagu?
I don’t really care. Hamburg steaks and hamburgers are totally different dishes. Of course, I sometimes eat Hamburg steaks, but they don’t stimulate me like hamburgers do. I guess I am only interested in hamburgers.

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Let’s Meat
Tokyo’s best burger shops will get your juices flowing

Arms

Featured on numerous Japanese TV shows and magazines, Arms is widely regarded as one of the best hamburger shops in Tokyo. With over ten years of experience, chef Takuji Iwata cooks up some mean hand-grilled burgers, all of which come with a side of thick wedge-shaped French fries. Arms’ famous cheeseburger includes a plentiful amount of melted cheese; a patty with a slightly crunchy outside and a soft, juicy inside; and crisp lettuce with homemade sauce. With 15 types of burgers and 11 sandwiches, Arms offers up something for everyone, including vegetarians. Its location right next to Yoyogi Park entices both locals and regulars who come from the suburbs to enjoy a juicy one in Arms’ warm, country house-like restaurant. In November, Arms widened its reach with a takeout- and delivery-only location on the other side of the park, making it possible for fans to enjoy a burger or sandwich beneath the trees in Yoyogi and beyond.

5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3466-5970. Open Tue-Sun 11am-11pm, closed Mon (except public holidays). Nearest stn: Yoyogi Koen. Takeout & Delivery: 1-9-21 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3466-5974. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Yoyogi Koen.
http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/632/tastemaker.asp

 

AS Classics diner

Situated in the suburbs near Komazawa Olympic Park, AS Classics Diner is like a trip back in time to ’60s-era America. Besides the retro interior, the menu boasts 19 varieties of burgers, including such popular items as the Loco Burger (topped with avocado, fried egg, and secret sauce); the Baked Apple Burger (garnished with an apple cooked in cinnamon and Calvados cider); the Hot Mexican Burger (with salsa and avocado); and the ASC Special “Hot Rod” Burger (smothered in cheese, fried egg, avocado, home-cured bacon and chili). Traditional burgers are also popular and, of course, come with delicious fries. The reason everything tastes so fresh here is because—well, it is. The patties are made with Australian beef and topped with the freshest vegetables, and the homemade buns use all-natural yeast. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, AS Classics Diner also offers burritos, soups, salads, great coffee drinks, plus 15 kinds of sandwiches like Smoked Turkey and Cheese (¥1,155), Roast Beef (¥1,050) or Avocado (¥997), on your choice of bread. The outdoor seating option is popular with dog owners, and a delivery service is available 10am-6pm.

1F Orion Komazawa Bldg, 5-9-22 Yagumo, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-5701-5033. Open Wed-Mon 9am-11pm, closed Tue. Nearest stn: Komazawa Daigaku or Toritsu Daigaku. www.asclassics.com

 

Authentic

Owner-chef Takeshi Sato had never given the humble hamburger a second thought before he began his apprenticeship at Tokyo’s famed Firehouse. But he’s certainly a fast learner: just a few years later, he creates gourmet masterpieces at Akasaka’s Authentic. From simple cheeseburgers to the monstrous Authentic Burger—a mad combination of three beef patties layered with chili, egg, cheese and bacon—Sato personally crafts each sandwich into that perfect balance of crispy toasted bun and juicy, 100 percent beefy goodness. Not to be missed are the bacon cheeseburger, with three thick strips of bacon that are double-fried to an exquisite crunchiness, and the original broccoli cheeseburger, featuring a patty piled high with sautéed broccoli florets and drizzled with Monterey Jack cheese. Five fresh and healthful deli-style sandwiches are available for those looking for something a little different. While the queue is often out the door during lunch on weekdays, Authentic really shines at night—with a perky ska soundtrack and playful university-like atmosphere, it’s a funky and relaxing spot to grab a burger and a beer on the way home.

2-18-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3505-8584. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10:30pm (LO 10pm), Sat, Sun & hols 11:30am-8:30pm (LO 8pm). Closed during New Years and the Fuji Rock Festival. Nearest stn: Akasaka.

 

Beacon

Situated on a quiet backstreet between bustling Shibuya and up-market Aoyama, Beacon is—well, a beacon of fine dining in a centrally located neighborhood. And the Beacon Burger is, no doubt, one of Tokyo’s best gourmet burgers, made from freshly ground beef, hand-shaped and grilled to order. Served on a homemade brioche-type bun with toppings like real red cheddar, smoky American bacon and ripe avocado, the burger comes garnished with lettuce, tomato, red onion and crisp natural cut fries, with Heinz ketchup and a mayonnaise-based “secret sauce” on the side. It’s available at lunch every day. Or stop by Beacon on Sunday nights for the “Burger and Zinfandel” promotion, where an entire burger menu is available. You can choose from different sizes and toppings, plus a variety of unusual fries and side dishes. Enjoy your Beacon burger with a fantastic list of Zinfandel wines, all priced at ¥4,000. At Beacon, children are always welcome, which makes this restaurant the perfect place to bring the family for a casual Sunday dinner.

1-2-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6418-0077. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-11pm (LO 10pm), Sun & hols 11:30am-10pm (LO 9pm). Nearest stn: Omotesando or Shibuya. www.tyharborbrewing.co.jp/restaurants/beacon_e.html

 

Burger 5

Located in the heart of Ginza, Burger 5 is a place where customers can relax and enjoy a space that encourages free thinking and creativity. The motto here is “Simple is the Best”—patties are made with 100 percent beef seasoned only with rock salt and black pepper, which allows customers to enjoy burgers with an authentic taste. Burger 5 is perfect no matter how small or large your appetite for red meat may be, and diners are free to choose the quantity of beef used in their patty. Big eaters will want to order the Manhattan (¥1,800), which features three beef patties (totaling over 450 grams), also available topped with three slices of cheese (¥1,950). Other popular burgers include the Avocado Classic (¥1,100) and the Big Apple Classic (with baked apple and cinnamon, ¥1,150), and all the sandwiches are served with French fries and homemade pickles. If you’re an aspiring photographer, take note: you are welcome to display your work on the restaurant’s walls.

Ginza 5 B1F, 5-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5568-3110. Open Mon-Sat 11am-10:45pm, Sun & hols 11am-9:45pm. Nearest stn: Ginza.

 

Burger Mania

Located in the upscale Shirokane neighborhood, Burger Mania features a modern, New York-style interior, Seletti dinnerware, and a menu full of fantastic burgers. The most popular selection is the Avocado Cheeseburger (¥1,250), with thick slices of creamy avocado topped with gooey melted cheese. Other menu items include the Basic Cheeseburger (¥1,100), Teriyaki Burger (¥1,050) and even a Double Burger for just ¥1,400. All come with a side of French fries, and during lunchtime customers can get a salad and upsize their fries for free. For an original Japanese take on this traditional American dish, Burger Mania makes its buns using sake yeast. The restaurant also offers homemade pies and cakes—including a to-die-for cherry pie with ice cream—and diners can enjoy authentic milkshakes in flavors like strawberry, chocolate and cookie cream. At Burger Mania, the crowd is just as exciting as the food. Fashionable young locals are quickly making this restaurant a must-visit spot for dates, casual business meetings, and get-togethers with friends. So whether you’re looking for a good burger or a good time, this new Tokyo hotspot can’t be beat.

1F, 6-5-7 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Tel: 03-3442-2200. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-11pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Shirokane-Takanawa. www.burger-mania.com

 

Cafe STUDIO

While the fashionable youngsters of Harajuku may know their spats from their sneakers, it’s probably safe to say they’re not hamburger experts. That’s why Café Studio, located across from fashion mecca La Foret, comes as such a surprise. This trendy dining spot offers a burger menu that’s not only impressive in its variety, but also for its ingredients—particularly the 100 percent wagyu patties that are the foundation of Café Studio's sandwiches. Recommended dishes include the Classic Studio Burger (¥1,100), which has been featured in several Japanese magazines; the Classic Cheese Burger (¥1,200); and, for the vegetarians in the house, the Vegetable Burger (¥1,100). All these can be topped with a selection of four types of cheeses and sauces, avocado, pineapple, mushrooms and other fresh veggies. Café STUDIO uses select seasonal organic vegetables, which has given it a cachet among health-conscious diners. For those who don’t like to eat alone, the space can also be rented for parties and events from 50 to 200 people.

YM Square Harajuku 1F, 4-31-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel 03-3478-0182. Open daily 11am-11:30pm. www.cafe-studio.jp

 

Faith

The hamburger is a decidedly Western creation, and most burger shops in Tokyo try to remain faithful to that model. Visitors to Faith, however, can find the perfect mix of East-meets-West in a bun, burgers that have Japanese-y flair without getting too wa. Faith was opened last year by Hiroshi Orii and his wife near Akebono-bashi, a neighborhood with a small-town Japanese atmosphere. Inside their cozy eatery await some truly tasty burgers, made from 100 percent Japanese beef and grilled to order. What sets Faith apart isn’t the tender, juicy patties, though—it’s the buns. Made with fermented butter, they are an unbelievably soft and chewy cushion for those heavy beef patties. Faith grills up over 20 varieties of burgers and sandwiches, including the California Burger (¥1,180)—served with avocado and a special spicy Cajun sauce—and, for those looking for some extra meaty goodness, a double hamburger (¥1,460). All burgers are served with fries, while sandwiches come with pickles.

16 Araki-cho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-6661-3353. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm and 5-9pm, Sat & hols 11.30am-7pm. Closed Sun (delivery only 11:30am-7pm). 

 

Fellows

Located just five minutes from leafy Komazawa Daigaku Park, Fellows is a cozy burger joint owned by Kurokawa-san, who uses the freshest ingredients and prepares everything from scratch. All the 100 percent beef burgers are cooked to order, including the Chili Beans Cheeseburger (¥1,500), the Avocado Cheeseburger (¥1,300) and the popular Bacon Cheeseburger (¥1,300), which features thick handmade bacon. Fellows uses graham flour for its buns, which means they’re crispy outside and very soft inside. Springtime is the perfect season to relax on Fellows’ terrace, and if you have a dog or cat, bring the furry friend along—the restaurant prides itself on being pet-friendly, and the calm, casual interior offers an escape from the racket of Tokyo.

2-17-9 Komazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. Tel: 03-5875-6331. Open Mon & Wed-Sat 11:30am-3pm and 5-10pm, Sun 11:30am-7pm, closed Tue. Nearest stn: Komazawa Daigaku. www.fellows-burger.com

 

Goro’s Diner

There aren’t a lot of hamburger restaurants that draw in the owners of other burger shops, but Goro’s Diner manages to pull off the feat. Since Seita Yoshizawa opened his place four years ago, he’s played host to a number of likeminded restaurateurs. Chefs and diners alike can choose from 15 kinds of burgers, with patties grilled on a teppan during lunch and by charcoal in the evening. Popular selections include the Rio de Burger (¥1,350), topped with calabresa sausages and a Brazilian sauce, and the Special Burger (¥1,700), a monster that includes thick-cut bacon, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, avocado slices and a sunny-side up egg, seasoned with original barbeque and teriyaki sauces. Goro’s Diner also offers a choice of buns—domestic wheat, rye and sesame—to cradle those thick patties. Stopping by for a midday meal? Try the special lunch set, with a plain hamburger, fries, salad and a drink for a mere ¥1,100. After four years of flipping those hot burgers all the way over in Gaienmae, Yoshizawa finally spread the love by opening a new Shibuya branch last November.

Udagawacho branch: Ryukho Bldg 1F, 11-11 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3770-1056. Open Tue-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun & hols 11:30am-10pm. Closed Mon and all Tue after national holidays. Jingumae branch: Okamoto Bldg 1F, 3-41-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3403-9033. Open Tue-Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun & hols 11:30am-9pm. Closed Mon and all Tue after national holidays. www.gorosdiner.com

 

The Great Burger

If you have any doubt that hamburgers are a hip food in Tokyo these days, head to The Great Burger. Located just off Harajuku’s trendy Cat Street, this homey restaurant attracts flocks of local students, designer-types, and other members of the city’s youth brigade. The Great Burger recreates the feel of ’50s-style America, but the relaxing, calm space is all Tokyo. The juicy and tender patties are 100 percent beef, though you can choose lamb if you like. Popular burgers include the basic Bacon Cheeseburger (¥1,250), the Gorgonzola Burger (featuring plenty of melting Gorgonzola cheese, ¥1,150), and the Avocado & Jamon Serrano Burger (¥1,300), which is gently spiced with nutmeg, salt and pepper. All burgers come with fries and include tomato, lettuce, onion, relish, mayo and mustard, and the buns are made with all-natural yeast.

1F J-CUBE A, 6-12-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3406-1215. Open daily 11:30am-11pm. Nearest stn: Harajuku or Meiji-Jingumae. www.the-great-burger.com

 

Hachi no Su

Nothing goes better than a burger and a beer—or at least that’s the thinking behind the shitamachi-style pub Hachi no Su. The selection of nine juicy burgers includes classics like the Onion Burger and Bacon Cheeseburger, each one stacked high with fresh toppings that cradle a perfectly grilled hamburger patty. Diners who want to venture off the menu proper can create their own monster of a burger by piling up any sandwich with onions (¥150), chili (¥100), thick slices of mozzarella cheese (¥150), or even an extra patty (¥300). Besides the thick, 100 percent Aussie beef patties, burger connoisseurs may find themselves appreciating Hachi no Su’s fluffy original buns—just the thing to soak up all that delicious beer on tap. Complement your meaty meal with draft Lowenbrau, Hoegaarden, Bass Pale Ale and Guinness, or choose from a selection of bottled beers. Classic pub-style grub also makes an appearance on Hachi no Su’s lengthy menu, including fish and chips, sausages, oysters, and cheese.

Takahashi Bldg 1F, 3-56 Kita-Senju, Adachi-ku. Tel: 03-3888-2690. Open Tue-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun 1-11pm, closed Mon. www.hachinosu.com

 

Homework’s

Tokyo’s gourmet burger boom can be traced to the opening of the first Homework’s restaurant. This burger shop bases its food around the “3 H” policy: healthy, hearty and homey. The patties are 100 percent beef and charcoal-grilled, served on either graham or white bread baked specially for Homework’s. Popular items include the 150g burger accented with sharp Italian blue cheese (¥1,550), as well as several vegetarian options, such as the Golden Veggie Burger (¥1,000), made with soybeans and pecans. Other meat-free items include the Spring Vegetable with Tapenade Sandwich (¥1,100), packed with grilled zucchini and red peppers, and the fresh Falafel Burger (¥1,000). Besides the two Homework’s branches in Hiroo and Azabu-Juban, the parent company also operates the popular Pantry delis in Roppongi and Marunouchi. Delivery is available for orders over ¥2,000 from all four eateries.

Hiroo: 5-1-20 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3444-4560. Azabu-Juban: 1-5-8 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3405-9884. Both open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun & hols 11am-6pm. Pantry Roppongi Hills: 03-5786-9861. Pantry Marunouchi: 03-5221-8666. www.homeworks-1.com

 

I-Kousya

Located just two minutes from JR Suidobashi station, I-Kousya is a student favorite—and the perfect place to visit before an event at nearby Tokyo Dome. Everything here is prepared from scratch and made to order. Chef Ryota Matsuhashi has, through nothing more than trial-and-error (and some welcome advice from relatives Stateside), stumbled upon what may be the meatiest patty in Tokyo: a combination of fresh ground beef with chunks of minced steak. Each burger is grilled with care and served up alongside thick and crispy homemade potato chips. Of the ten burgers on the menu—all of which are available in regular (110g), large (150g), or double (220g) sizes—a few stand out as must-eats for any connoisseur: the BBQ Bacon Burger, with strips of bacon slathered in tangy homemade barbeque sauce and sliced green peppers; and the new Garlic Burger, marinated in, and topped with, minced garlic. Diners looking for lighter fare will delight in I-Kousya’s 11 varieties of non-burger sandwiches, including grilled shrimp and avocado.

1F 1-4-8 Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3291-4102. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm (LO 2:30pm) and 5-9:30pm (LO 9pm), Sat 11:30am-6pm (LO 5:30pm), closed Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Suidobashi.

 

Oatman Diner

First opened eight years ago way out in Kawagoe, Saitama, Oatman Diner has gained a reputation of being the best burger shop in the region. Now, Tokyo-based burger connoisseurs not willing to make the trek up north can finally rejoice at the opening of the second branch in Ikebukuro. Owner Tatsuya Igarashi was originally inspired to start making hamburgers after a fateful meeting with a big beef sandwich in San Diego, California. Handmade and teppan-grilled beef patties star in over 15 kinds of burgers ranging from the plain-Jane to the exotic, including the Roast Beef Burger (¥1,120) topped with horseradish and gravy, and the Rock ’N’ Roll Burger (¥1,320), a mean combination of bacon, cheese, avocado and chili. Regulars who have torn through the menu can customize their favorites with a variety of extra toppings, and half-sized burgers are also available for those who want a little bit of everything. Oatman Diner also offers special seasonal burgers that change by the month.

Ikebukuro: Sato Bldg 2F, 2-13-3 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. Tel: 03-3981-9670. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-11pm; Sat, Sun & hols 11:30am-4pm and 6-11:30pm. http://ikebukuro.oatman-diner.com Kawagoe: Urban M 1F, 14-1 Wakita-machi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama. Tel: 049-222-8398. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-3:30pm and 6-11pm; Sat, Sun & hols 11:30am-11pm. www.fellows-burger.com

 

The Pantry

Serving up sandwiches like mom used to make since 2003, The Pantry is Tokyo’s go-to spot for healthy, wholesome meals between two slices of bread. Both locations—in the business centers of Marunouchi and Roppongi Hills—offer eat-in, take-out and delivery options. For the health-conscious, a 20-item salad bar beckons, and debuting this spring is a new seasonal special: veggie pita with cheese spread.

Roppongi Hills: B1 Metro Hat, Roppongi Hills, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5786-9861. Open daily 9am-10pm. Marunouchi: 1F Shin-Tokyo Bldg, 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5221-8666. Open daily 11am-9pm. http://www.thepantry.jp

 

Roti Roppongi

Located just minutes from Roppongi crossing, Roti Modern American Brasserie serves up the renowned Roti Big Burger, a thick, fresh-ground patty glazed with a smoky homemade BBQ sauce. A smorgasbord of toppings is available, including mushrooms, bacon, avocado and three varieties of cheese. If seafood is more your thing, try the Cajun Swordfish Burger, skillet-cooked with Cajun spices and grilled pineapple. Roti’s newly introduced spring menu includes the BBQ Chicken Melt, which features shredded rotisserie chicken topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and strips of crispy bacon. Sandwich lovers should check out The Reuben, a meal between two slices of bread that includes grilled beef pastrami, sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese. This spring Roti offers a new happy hour weekdays from 5-7pm, with an outstanding 50 percent off drinks and selected appetizers, along with a new Sunday brunch menu starting Easter Sunday. Roti's Roppongi patio, located off the street, is quiet and secluded and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fine spring weather. Families and children are more than welcome, and an international staff are always ready to make customers feel at home.

1F Piramide Bldg, 6-6-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5785-3671. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm and 6-11pm, Sat 11:30am-5pm and 6-11pm, Sun 11:30am-5pm (brunch). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.roti.jp

 

Trader Vic’s

Located in Akasaka’s famed Hotel New Otani, the world-renowned restaurant and bar Trader Vic’s is celebrating 35 years of bringing South Pacific heat to Tokyo, as well as the 75th anniversary of the chain’s founding in San Francisco. Served in the spectacular Boathouse Bar (yes, there’s an actual boat suspended from the ceiling), the burgers here are cooked in a special Chinese oven fuelled by cherry wood. The 10-layer Perfect Burger (¥3,150) consists of a 225g patty of 100 percent Japanese beef, fresh lettuce, melted American cheddar cheese, onion, tomato, avocado, crispy bacon, and a mayonnaise-based sauce—served with a pickle, French fries, onion rings and homemade chili con carne. Only 20 are served each day. Trader Vic’s also offers a trio of 60g 100 percent Japanese beef burgers (¥3,200), accompanied by eight different toppings—including surprises like peanut butter—and the Ultimate Burger (¥3,150), made from 100 percent Japanese beef and topped with American cheddar cheese, mozzarella, mushrooms and sautéed onions. Wash your meal down with one of Trader Vic’s 100-plus original tropical cocktails, like the Samoan Fog Cutter (¥1,943), a combination of gin, rum, sherry and lemon, served in a ceramic stein bedecked with topless dancers.

Garden Tower 4F, Hotel New Otani, 4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3265-4707. Open daily 11:30am-1am (lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, dinner 5-10pm, bar 11:30am-1am; LO 12:30am). Nearest stn: Nagatacho or Akasaka-Mitsuke. www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/restaurant/vics

 

Zest Cantina Iikura

With just two burgers on offer—the Original and “Monster Burger”—the always popular Zest Cantina might seem a little light on beefy goodness. But the secret is the price: ringing in at just ¥980, the Original Beef Burger is the perfect base for stacking up toppings to create a customized masterpiece. Add-ons include egg, cheese, bacon and avocado, as well as chili con carne and even an extra beef patty. And make no mistake—this is some excellent hamburger. Using 100 percent Angus beef imported weekly from the USA (and ground in-house every morning), each patty is thick, juicy, and tender without falling apart like so many other sandwiches. To top off all those toppings, Zest has created a special tangy sauce used only on its burgers. Couple the beefy goodness with the fun Tex-Mex theme that you’ve come to expect from this restaurant, and you have the perfect place to sit back and chow down while enjoying a cold brew—only ¥200 during Happy Hour from 11:30am-7pm every day except Sunday.

Grand-Mer 1F, 5-18-19 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5570-6999. Open daily 11:30am-4am (LO 3:30am). www.global-dining.com

 

Zest Premium Burger

While the Zest Cantina restaurant chain has made a name for itself with tasty tacos, fajitas and some mean margaritas, not so many people know that its younger sister offers up some of the best burger deals in town. Zest Premium Burger keeps things simple with a selection of four burgers: the hamburger, cheeseburger, avocado burger and spicy salsa burger. The simplicity ends there, though, as each patty is coarsely ground from a block of 100 percent Angus beef, hand-shaped and grilled to order, then finally slid atop the freshest domestic-grown veggies. At 140 grams, a Zest burger is bigger than average and less expensive than a typical gourmet burger, and it’s so fresh you can almost hear it moo. Zest Premium Burger’s Hiroo location, just steps away from the station, is a convenient destination for a juicy burger. And get this: on rainy days, the restaurant offers bottomless cups of coffee. If you’re looking for something delicious before or after a day at Tokyo Dome City, meanwhile, head to Zest Premium Burger’s LaQua shop.

Hiroo: 1 & 2F, 5-3-16 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6277-3536. LaQua: LaQua 1F, 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku. Tel: 03-6661-3544. Both open daily: 10am-10pm. www.zest-burger.jp