Suji's New York Style Restaurant
American Home Style Cooking in Tokyo, Japan
A lot of people think that dining in Japan will leave them with raw fish and noodles as their only options. However, in a big city like Tokyo, you may be surprised to find you're actually spoiled for choice.
If you're looking for some home stlyle cooking in the Japanese capital, head to the Roppongi area where you'll find the remarkable Suji's New York style restaurant.
The Style
The first thing you might notice about Suji's is the decor- from the polished dark hardwood floors to the giant Manhattan skyline photo covering the walls to the eclectic mix of artwork- the style here is chic and contemporary, yet relaxed. And there are a lot of nice, authentic touches like the colorful, handcrafted tableware, funky egg-shaped salt and pepper shakers, fresh flowers, and coloring page place mats (sure to be a hit with the little ones). At Suji's, you'll feel like you're dining in style, yet not like you should be reading a copy of Vogue or fretting about which fork to use for which course.
The Atmosphere
Eating out at Suji's may make you feel like you've been transported into a whole other world. In fact, you may step off the street in Tokyo and feel as if you've entered some trendy Upper West Side bistro.
Aside from the interior design, the atmosphere at Suji's is truly something genuine and special. The staff are all excellent English speakers (some of them native or fluent), the menus are all in English, and the service and demeanor of the Suji's team may make you feel like you're back home. Attentive, friendly, and approachable, they may make you feel like they're working for tips (when in fact tipping is not customary in Japan).
If you're lucky, you may even inspire a visit from Suji herself, an outgoing, usually smiley Korean woman who spent many years in New York developing a love for the city, and its food and people. There's also a branch of Suji's in Seoul, Korea.
The Food
Home style American comfort food is the theme at Suji's. Selections include large, tailor-made burgers and fries and various other sandwiches, juicy meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and even a turkey dinner with all the fixins. You can also expect to find regional favorites like jambalaya, fish and chips, and Philly cheese steak.
Be aware: portions here are not typical Japanese size, but are more in line with real US-sized meals. Prices range from about 15-25 dollars per head, not including drinks. And you can expect to pay the standard 10% service charge.
But where Suji's really stands out is in terms of their breakfast selections. A hard find in Tokyo, American-style breakfasts here are out of this world. From proper stacks of pancakes with various toppings, a wide array of omelettes and styles of eggs, and even New York style bagels with cream cheese, Suji's really shines.
Weekend brunches have become increasingly popular and you can find many an ex-pat or foreign visitor sipping coffee or bloody marys on the outdoor veranda on a Sunday afternoon.
How to Get There
You can find Suji's near the Iigura-Katamachi crossing, a stone's throw from Tokyo Tower. The nearest stations are Roppongi, or Roppongi-Ichome.
So, the next time you're in Tokyo and fancy a taste of home, drop on in to Suji's and step into a unique and comfortable place where you can experience an authentic, delicious bite of Tokyo's constantly evolving culinary scene.
