Recent Reviews
I often passed by the building housing IKEA Harajuku, which was a shame. But on this day, I was determined to line up before it opened. This AUX BACCHANALES (dedicated to the god Bacchus) is a French bistro with locations near the Imperial Hotel (in front of Taimei Elementary School) and in Kioicho, near the Hotel New Otani. However, the Harajuku location isn't listed on their website. After contacting the operating headquarters, I learned that the Harajuku location is a cafe, while the Ginza and Kioicho locations are bistros. I don't know the details, but the operations are handled by different companies. It's similar to how the ramen shop Sumire is a sibling company to Junren. They don't compete with each other and try not to offer the same menu items to maintain their separate identities. The Harajuku cafe has luxurious interior decor, a beautiful view of the Meiji Jingu forest, and reasonably priced menu items, making for a pleasant and casual dining experience. However, it's a popular spot, so be prepared for a line even before opening. You could say it's a "high-end" looking restaurant. Since it was right after opening, a large delivery of French bread and other items from a bakery was being delivered near the kitchen. This is likely part of how they keep prices down. It's not a bad thing at all. Even Michelin-starred ramen shops sometimes use noodles from reputable suppliers like Asakusa Kaikarou.
This casual French restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of WITH HARANUKU, directly across from Harajuku Station. It's a stylish chain that aims to convey the popular food culture of France. It usually has terrace seating, creating a truly French atmosphere. The Harajuku location is highly recommended, offering a great view of the lush green forests of Harajuku Station and Meiji Jingu Shrine's Outer Garden. This time, I enjoyed a weekday lunch set that was quite a bargain. Beef Hamburg Steak in Red Wine Sauce - 1,300 yen Coffee + 300 yen x 2 Lobster Bisque Soufflé Doria Plate - 1,300 yen Considering the prime location and stylish lunch, the price is a steal. Without drinks, it's possible to eat for under $10. Even as a Japanese person, I was very satisfied with this lunch in the city at this price. The interior was bright, and all the tables looked comfortable. The terrace seats also have a great view, and I saw some foreign tourists sitting there. I don't know the weekend prices, but the weekday lunch is affordable and recommended.
I visited on a weekday evening. I grabbed a bite to eat before a concert at Yoyogi National Stadium. The reasonably priced lunch menu is available until 5 PM. The quiche and onion gratin soup plate allowed me to enjoy a variety of dishes, and everything had a pleasant flavor. It's a convenient restaurant near the station.
This cafe-restaurant is located on the third floor of WITH HARAJUKU. It's operated by Les Deux, a company that runs many stylish restaurants mainly in Tokyo, and this particular establishment is themed around French popular food culture. The menu includes a strawberry mille-feuille for 650 yen, a pear chiboust for 600 yen, cafe au lait for 700 yen, and hot coffee for 550 yen. While the taste is just average for the price, and the service and seating arrangement aren't particularly great, this place is valuable because it's a rare spot near Harajuku Station where you can usually get a seat without waiting in line. However, the restrooms are located outside the restaurant. Be aware that the women's restroom often has an incredibly long queue, so female customers should take this into consideration.
■ Soufflé Omelet Rice ■ Strawberry Mille-feuille ■ Iced Coffee A cafe located on the third floor of a building overlooking Harajuku Station. It was quite crowded for a weekday lunch, but the interior was lovely and had a luxurious feel. The soufflé omelet rice was fluffy, but I would have preferred it to be a bit more runny.