Why These Buffets Are Worth Exploring
Tokyo’s buffet venues are renowned not just for volume but for high-quality international and Japanese dishes, live cooking, and refined service. These five restaurants offer diverse cuisine—perfect for travelers wanting to taste a bit of everything, with helpful English signage, upscale ambiance, and variety.
1. Imperial Viking Sal
—
The Imperial Hotel, Uchisaiwaicho (Chiyoda)
Why Visit:
Japan’s first-ever buffet (a “Viking”) concept, dating back to 1958—offering a refined dining experience with historical prestige and elegant service .
What’s Inside:
Located on the 17th floor, it features live stations for roast beef carving, European-style dishes, classic Japanese items, sushi, and gourmet desserts. The upscale setting includes private rooms and non-smoking seating .
Taste Highlights:
Signature roast beef (though some visitors find it slightly dry), premium sushi and tempura, and an extensive dessert selection including petits fours and crème brûlées .
Typical Cost:
Lunch: approx. ¥12,000–¥14,000; Dinner: approx. ¥17,000-19,000+ (service charge +15% applies) .
Tourist Tips:
English station labels and menus provided. Reservations strongly recommended, as it’s very popular even with hotel guests. Dress smart-casual and enjoy panoramic city views from the 17th floor.
2. The Terrace
—
The Westin Tokyo, Ebisu (Meguro)
Why Visit:
This elegant buffet features rotating seasonal themes (like Indian spice festival or summer-cool noodles), wide international offerings, and a refined resort-like space in central Tokyo .
What’s Inside:
Live stations for sushi, tempura, noodles, grill, salad, Indian curry, Mediterranean appetizers, and desserts crafted in-house (over 30 types) .
Taste Highlights:
Chilled noodles (Inaniwa udon, Korean naengmyeon), chicken biryani, grilled Aussie beef, tomato basil seafood, and a seasonal dessert spread with mousse, tarts, and fruit parfaits .
Typical Cost:
Lunch: ¥7,000-9,000; Dinner: ¥8,500–10,500. Dessert-only afternoons: ¥6,500 weekday special .
Tourist Tips:
Perfect for families and groups with diverse dietary preferences. English station signage, non-smoking setting, and elevated yet relaxed ambiance.
3. Buffet & Café Slope Side Diner Zakuro
—
Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa
Why Visit:
Styled as a cozy ski-lodge café, this buffet delivers hearty comfort food with good variety and relaxed vibes—great for groups or those wanting all-day dining without the city rush.
What’s Inside:
Stations include roast meats (beef, pork), sushi bar, tempura, curry, ramen corner, salad bar, and Western desserts like apple pie and crème caramel.
Taste Highlights:
Roast pork carving, fresh sushi, hot ramen dishes, healthy salad choices, and western-style desserts for a balanced meal.
Typical Cost:
Lunch: ¥7,800–9,800; Dinner: ¥9,800–14,000.
Tourist Tips:
English menus are available; the open, spacious layout is ideal for those with mobility needs or traveling with children. Non-smoking throughout.
4. View & Dining The Sky
—
Hotel New Otani, Akasaka Mitsuke
Why Visit:
Perched on the 17th floor, this buffet restaurant offers sweeping 360° views of Tokyo alongside high-quality dishes across Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine—an elegant, premium experience .
What’s Inside:
Live cooking zones for sushi, teppanyaki, tempura, roast beef, pasta, and premium salad, plus signature desserts from Pierre Hermé and Satsuki pâtisserie included in the buffet .
Taste Highlights:
Fresh sashimi, Wagyu seared meats, truffle pasta, tempura, signature pastries and chocolate fountain experience.
Typical Cost:
Lunch: ¥10,000–12,500; Dinner: ¥15,000–17,000 (15% service charge extra) .
Tourist Tips:
Reservations essential. Non-smoking environment, English labels at each station, and friendly multilingual staff ensure ease of dining for visitors.
5. Cascais Cascade Café
—
InterContinental Tokyo (Kasumigaseki)
Why Visit:
This expansive café buffet blends luxurious comfort with wide takeaway-style and plated options—from Western breakfast items to Japanese afternoon sweets and sushi—ideal for long-stay or conference visitors.
What’s Inside:
Continuous buffet with hot breakfast items, Western pastries, sushi, salad bar, and grilled selections available all-day. Known for spacious layout and buffet variety.
Taste Highlights:
Fresh coffee, pastries, Western breakfasts, afternoon sushi, grilled chicken, and seasonal desserts.
Typical Cost:
Breakfast: ~¥3,000–4,000; Lunch/Dinner: ¥5,500–15,000 depending on included drink package (not fully confirmed in data) .
Tourist Tips:
Non-smoking everywhere. English menus and helpful staff make it accessible. Ideal as a relaxing daytime city dining stop.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Buffet Venue | Atmosphere | Lunch Price | Dinner Price | English Friendly | Smoking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Viking Sal | Historic & upscale | ¥12,000–14,000 | ¥17,000-19,000+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| The Terrace (Westin Tokyo) | Elegant seasonal & international | ¥7,000-9,000 | ¥8,500–10,500 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Zakuro (New Takanawa) | Cozy, relaxed & family-friendly | ¥7,800–9,800 | ¥9,800–14,000 | ✅ | ❌ |
| View & Dining The Sky | Panoramic, upscale buffet | ¥10,000–12,500 | ¥15,000–17,000 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cascais Cascade Café | Spacious & varied all-day café | ¥5,500–12,000 | ¥7,000–15,000 | ✅ | ❌ |
✅ Final Thoughts – Part 1
These buffets highlight Tokyo’s best for travelers: combining high-quality international and Japanese dishes, elegant settings, and user-friendly dining. Whether you’re craving gastronomic classics, seasonal specialties, or family-style comfort, these venues cater superbly to foreign guests.
Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring more themed buffet spots—seafood-only, dessert-focused, wagashi displays, and healthy living buffets.
