Alice In Wonderland Cafe
Tokyo Theme Restaurant in Ginza Makes Your Trip to Japan Magical
Like most theme cafes, Alice in Wonderland Café is all about the atmosphere. A Tokyo restaurant that's unique and unforgettable, stop here on your travels to Japan.
From the outside, Ginza's Alice in Wonderland Café (+81 03 3574 6980, Taiyo Building, 8-8-5 Ginza, Chuo Ku, Tokyo 104-0061) appears to be just another of Tokyo’s tall buildings plastered with a vertical array of lit Japanese signs. But, after taking the elevator up to the 5th floor, you are in store for a real surprise as you step out transported into a whole different world.
The décor
In this Tokyo theme restaurant, the concept is Wonderland and all areas of the restaurant are decked out with the motif. From the Lewis Carroll inspired clock to the blue velvet draped walls to the playing card suits printed on coasters and bathroom doors.
In the main dining room, you are meant to feel as if you are in some version of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. The center of the room is made up of long tables surrounded by mismatching ornate chairs. And, as an interesting interpretation on the theme, some chairs come with little cotton “tails” which you may overlook at first.
In addition to the main room, there are various private rooms which you’re best advised to reserve. Among these are the “Glass World” and “Fantasy Forest” rooms, concealed within the long corridor of blue drapery.
The Wait staff
As expected, the (all female) wait staff are appropriately attired as our famous heroine. Their costumes, however, resemble more French maids done in baby blue and white, and shortened to expose as much leg as possible.
Aside from their coquettish appearance, they are all soft spoken and accommodating (summoned with the ring of a brass bell found on your table), yet none seem overly excited by their roles (happy to pose for pictures, but scarcely smiling) an observation that would surely start the wheels turning in the heads of any feminists out there.
The Food
The food at the Alice in Wonderland Café is above average compared to most theme restaurants (it is also a bit steep: think 5000 yen or about 50 dollars a head including drinks, dessert, and service charge). It consists of a wide assortment of fusion delicacies- from the Japanese version of pizza to the ubiquitous Caesar salad, fried prawns, and Western-style sushi rolls.
What really sets the food apart is the presentation. At this joint, even the food echoes the restaurant’s theme. The salad has croutons shaped like Alice, the sushi roll is arranged in the shape of a caterpillar, and the nibbles offered at the start of the meal contain a small “eat me” card (though no one’s size was compromised).
The desserts are a real standout here. You make your selection from the giant heart-shaped menu, and various characters are brought to sugary life on your table. From the white rabbit crepes to the Tweedle Dee and Dum parfait, you are sure to get a feast for your eyes, as well as your sweet tooth.
An Experience
Theme restaurants are fun for all ages and types. Popular with the Goth crowd and Harajuku fashion set, there were also tables of young males celebrating a birthday, young women and older couples enjoying a quirkily romantic night out.
So, with the right amount of alcohol and whimsy, see for yourself what this place has to offer. The Japanese seem to love it; and it certainly makes a delightful escape into another world.
How to Escape
Take the Metro or JR line to Ginza station. Come out of the Mitsukoshi Exit and walk toward Shinbashi. It’s on the main road just before the Ginza Nine complex.
