5 Tokyo sustainable restaurants to dive in for eco-friendly culinary wonders

As a city that harmoniously blends the ultramodern with the traditional, Tokyo is adding a vibrant shade of green to its gastronomic palette. Known for its culinary prowess, the metropolis is embracing a surge of restaurants dedicated to sustainability, showcasing innovations such as zero waste, fair trade, and a spectrum of plant-based delights. These eateries not only challenge the conventions of Japanese cuisine but also offer a feast for the senses, ensuring that every bite contributes to a healthier planet.

Here are five sustainable restaurants in Tokyo you’d definitely want to check out!

Hoshi no Kitchen (Aoyama)

In Tokyo’s Aoyama district, the ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO RESTAURANT, also known as “Hoshi no Kitchen,” offers a unique culinary experience aiming to transform societal perceptions through dining. Drawing inspiration from family-friendly eateries, this restaurant is championing palatable sustainability, making it accessible to all. With a focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hoshi no Kitchen is redefining sustainable dining, often viewed as elitist, by serving signature dishes with sustainable ingredients in an inviting ambiance. Collaborations with the Japan Sustainable Restaurant Association and initiatives like the Tableware Reuse Project “TRANSFER” underscore its commitment to sustainability. Learn more about Hoshi no Kitchen here.

Details for Hoshi no Kitchen

Address: 2-3-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo (Google map)
Opening hours: 11am ~ 9pm (L.O. 8:30pm), Closed on Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday)
URL: Homepage (JA)

PIZZERIA ITALIA DA FILIPPO (Nerima)

Tokyo-based Italian restaurant, PIZZERIA ITALIA DA FILIPPO, has earned accolades from FOOD MADE GOOD in sourcing, society, and environment, with an additional award for its innovative sourcing practices. The restaurant is renowned for utilizing lesser-known fish varieties and transforming overlooked produce into unique products like limoncello liqueur, all while supporting fair trade. Owner Masakazu Filippo Iwasawa, with experience in Italy and France and multiple international awards to his name, exemplifies a profound love for local food and producers, collaborating with Japanese suppliers to develop original, domestically produced flour for both pizza and pasta. Read more about PIZZERIA ITALIA DA FILIPPO’s relationship with FOOD MADE GOOD here.

Details for PIZZERIA ITALIA DA FILIPPO

Address: 2-13-5 Ishigami-cho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo (Google map)
Opening hours: Lunch 12pm ~ 3 pm (L.O. 2:30pm), Dinner 5:30pm ~ 11pm (L.O. 10pm)
URL: Homepage (JA)

Stage by The Ethical Spirits & Co

Tucked away above Tokyo Riverside Distillery in Kuramae, “Stage” unveils a bar and restaurant radiating sophistication and revealing the distillery’s true spirit. Here, the ingenuity of The Ethical Spirits & Co’s sustainable spirits is on full display, harmoniously merging with an ambiance characterized by polished concrete, copper, and verdant foliage. The drinks, epitomized by the rooftop mint-infused mojito, eloquently celebrate the unique attributes of the spirits and the commitment to sustainability, complemented by distinctive dishes like the Kuramae Fried Chicken. With its elegant bar and cozy seating, Stage invites guests into a captivating spectacle of bartenders creating their ethical drinks.

Details for Stage by The Ethical Spirits & Co

Address: Taito City, Kuramae, 3-9-3, Usui Building, above Tokyo Riverside Distillery (Google map)
Opening hours: Thurs-Sat, 6pm ~ 11pm
URL: Homepage

AIN SOPH. (Ginza, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro)

Established in 2009 by Yuki Shirai, AIN SOPH. has become a beacon of vegan dining in Japan, with locations in Tokyo and Kyoto. The name, a nod to the Hebrew term for “infinity,” signifies its dedication to delectable, sustainable cuisine. Renowned for its fusion of seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese techniques, AIN SOPH. offers an extensive menu, complemented by a full bar, earning acclaim from publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. Beyond culinary excellence, the chain champions social responsibility, sourcing locally and donating profits to charity, making it a cherished spot for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Details for AIN SOPH.

Address: Different restaurants have a different theme. Visit their webpage to choose a location.
Opening hours: Varying hours dependent on restaurant.
URL: Homepage

Echigo Yakuso Distillery CRAFT GIN STAND (Omotesando)

Established in 1976, the distillery ingeniously transforms surplus alcohol from their health food production into award-winning craft gin, THE HERBALIST YASO, utilizing wild herbs and traditional techniques. The distillery exemplifies a zero-waste ethos, with each phase of production contributing to a sustainable cycle, benefiting both human and planetary health. Beyond its eco-conscious manufacturing, the distillery serves as a vibrant community hub, featuring an art gallery, restaurant bar, and a variety of workshops, allowing visitors to immerse in a rich tapestry of nature, art, and culinary delights. Learn more about Echigo Yakuso Distillery CRAFT GIN STAND here.

Details for Echigo Yakuso Distillery CRAFT GIN STAND

Address: 4 Chome-1-22 Jingumae, Shibuya City (Google map)
Opening hours: Tues-Fri (1pm ~ 8pm), Weekend (11 am ~ 6pm)
URL: Homepage (JA)