Restaurants in Tokyo That Need to Come Back! (Opinion)

So many amazing and unique restaurants in Tokyo have disappeared for special reasons—some due to the pandemic, others because their owners chose a new path. But even though they’re no longer around, these places live on in our hearts, memories, and the exciting food culture of Tokyo.

Today, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most cherished restaurants in Tokyo that once brought so much joy to the city!

Maison Able Cafe Ron Ron

I always found the idea of this restaurant fascinating. Maison Able Cafe Ron Ron was a one-of-a-kind dessert cafe in the heart of Harajuku. It was a burst of creativity on Cat Street, a quiet, artsy alley full of colorful shops and fun cafes. It was also the first cafe to bring a new twist to dining by using a conveyor belt to serve bite-sized desserts rather than traditional sushi. The idea came from Maison Able, a company that loved supporting fresh and fun ideas. 

The menu was full of delightful surprises, with a wide range of mini treats and tasty snacks. Swiss rolls, macarons, and pancakes were just some sweet delights passed by on the belt. There were also savory treats like pasta, mini burgers, and meat buns to enjoy if you needed a break from all the sugar.

The cafe had a warm and friendly atmosphere. I can just picture spending an afternoon there, surrounded by pastel walls, roses, and cute cat motifs. Every corner of the cafe was designed to make visitors smile, from the adorable desserts with cat ears and tails to the special spots for taking lovely photos. Although Maison Able Cafe Ron Ron eventually closed its doors, it left a legacy of sweet memories and innovative dining.

Kawaii Monster Cafe

If Harajuku is the heartbeat of kawaii culture, Kawaii Monster Cafe was its lively and playful soul! It was started by the renowned artist Sebastian Masuda, the “King of Kawaii,” who wanted to show Tokyo’s new and exciting side. Every wall of this place burst with bright colors, playful shapes, and cool monster images. The staff looked like friendly monsters ready to entertain you.

You could try yummy treats made with colorful ingredients. For example, there were blue hamburgers, fries with rainbow sauces, and desserts that looked like art. There were even special drinks with fun names that added to the magic of the experience. I can only imagine how fun it must have been to sit inside a giant teacup while being served rainbow-colored food by staff dressed as futuristic Harajuku creatures.

Moreover, the cafe also hosted wild shows, including burlesque and drag queen events, making every visit a lively and unforgettable adventure. It’s a shame that it shut down in 2021, but I love that its amazing spirit and creative energy still live on through pop-ups and special events.

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Robot Cafe

Okay, this one sounds like a sci-fi movie! Robot Cafe in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, was one of the most distinctive restaurants in Tokyo, where robots and dancers put on a wild show. It opened in July 2012 with a wonderful idea to brighten the lives of busy office workers, and quickly, everyone was talking about it.

It promised exclusive shows with neon lights and wild designs where vibrant robots danced alongside performers in futuristic outfits. The shows were energetic, with loud music, flashing lights, and fantastic robot acts that amazed kids and adults. To top it all off, Roboko, the cafe’s adorable mascot, welcomed visitors at the door, adding to the friendly vibe.

This place also offered delicious meals and drinks. The food was simple yet satisfying, perfectly matching the cafe’s futuristic theme with a mix of local and creative flavors. In a world where everyone daydreams about fantasy, why not turn dinner into something extraordinary? Sadly, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Robot Cafe had to shut down and never reopened its famous doors.

Gundam Cafes

Of course, Tokyo also had spots for anime fans! Gundam Cafes were inspired by the popular Gundam anime. Fans could enjoy Gundam-themed meals and refreshing drinks. They could also buy cool merchandise like coffee mugs, keychains, and T-shirts. These cafes were in exciting locations, like under the Yamanote Line train tracks in Akihabara, where giant robot statues made the surroundings more magical. 

Despite not being a Gundam expert, I’d go just to sit under a giant robot’s foot while drinking the Gundam fruit juice. Just thinking about it feels incredibly awesome and would make for many exciting photos! After 11 years of service, Japan’s chain of Gundam-themed cafes was locked down during the pandemic and eventually closed all its branches.

Anna Miller’s

Anna Miller’s wasn’t crazy or colorful; it was cozy, like your grandma’s kitchen! It was also a much-loved restaurant chain that brought a taste of American home cooking to Japan. This chain began in Hawaii in 1973 and later mostly grew in Japan. The brand became popular in Tokyo, known for its fun and cute waitress uniforms—white blouses paired with bright, short dresses and heart-shaped name tags. 

The menu featured many yummy American-style dishes and pies that tasted like homemade treats from the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. When the last branch in Takanaka closed in the summer of 2022, it marked the end of a beloved era, leaving only the original branch in Hawaii to carry its legacy.

Why do we still talk about these closed restaurants in Tokyo?

Though these restaurants in Tokyo have closed, their influence still shines brightly. They were experiences filled with creativity, warmth, and unforgettable moments. Each brought something special, from playful themes to artistic food, making dining an adventure rather than just a meal. Their unique charm turned them into landmarks where flavors and imagination blended perfectly. 

Someday, I hope someone can revive these iconic spots and add fresh twists. Imagine robot waiters who do a little dance when they deliver your dishes, or Kawaii Monster Cafe hosting a kawaii cooking class where you decorate rainbow cupcakes. And Anna Miller’s? Let’s return those pies but serve them in a retro-futuristic diner with roller-skating waitresses!

Now, it’s your turn! Which place would you bring back? A monster-filled rainbow cafe? A conveyor belt full of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)? Or maybe a pie paradise? Let me know in the comments!