Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2012

If the usual izakaya, yakitori, yakiniku joints seem passé, maybe you need to go somewhere that requires a reservation—but not a platinum card. Tucked underneath Roppongi’s nocturnal haunt Tokyo Sports Café, the newly renovated Side Door (B2F Fusion Bldg, 7-13-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku; www.sidedoor.tv) offers course meals from ¥5,000 and full entrées like roasted chicken, pan-fried veal with tempura zucchini, large flower- and vegetable-infused salads and more. A healthy New World wine selection focusing on California and Australia help make a robust, Western-styled gourmet meal even more full-bodied.