“There are too many French and Italian restaurants in Tokyo,” says Michi Takahashi, who spent 25 years in French restaurants in California. Re-opened September 12 near Gaienmae, his California Diner EAT once again offers its signature burger with thick and juicy 100-percent Japanese beef, sweet sautéed onion and demi-glace sauce combined with Thousand Island dressing (¥1,000 lunch, ¥1,100 after 6pm). Not up for a burger? No problem: there’s also a robust tapas menu for dinner.

2-27-18 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest station: Gaienmae