We tried, we really did try, to find you that
proverbial free lunch. Unfortunately, the old adage seems to be true. But the good news is
that there is such a thing as a BIG lunch. This week we bring you the pick of a few of
Tokyo' hotel buffets, for those whose bellies are bigger than their wallets. Maki
Nibayashi
Ginza Dai-Ichi Hotel, Top of Ginza
A great view of Tokyo Bay and the Ginza area. This lunch buffet offers Chinese, Singapore
and other healthy Asian dishes for only ´2300 per person. Each chef has over 25 years of
experience, and special guest chefs regularly fly over from Singapore and Shanghai to
demonstrate what real Chinese cuisine is all about.
Buffet 11:30am-2pm daily. 8-13-1 Ginza 15F, Chuo-ku (03-3542-5311). Nearest stn:
Shimbashi.
Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo
(Tokyo Pacific Hotel in Japanese),
Restaurant Ukidono
HereÕs a different type of buffet for the ever finicky Tokyoite: Four different curries
ranging from mild to extra hot. A condiment bar allows you to tailor-make your own, with
toppings such as shrimp, beef, chicken, and all sorts of veggies. The price is nice too,
particularly in light of the upscale atmosphere. Curry buffet with salad bar ´1300; with
tea or coffee ´1500.
Buffet 12-2pm Tue-Sun, closed Mon. 3-13-3 Takanawa, Minato-ku (03-3445-6711). Nearest stn:
Shinagawa, Takanawa exit.
Kan-en
Another great deal at the Le Meridien Pacific, Kan-en dishes up an extravagant Chinese
lunch buffet with your choice of over 35 different Chinese dishes. Choose from pork buns,
mabo tofu, stir-fried vegetables, chow mein, fried rice, salad, dessert, soup, more
yam-chaÑthe works. Drinks are from ´500 but the buffet comes with a hot pot of pu-erh
tea so save your money. ´2900 for men, ´2500 for the ladies from Mon-Fri excluding
holidays. (Hmm... Is the price discrepancy because we eat less, or earn less?!)
Buffet 11:30am-2:30pm Tue-Sun, closed Mon. See listing above for details.
The Hilton Tokyo, Brasserie Checkers
Pizza and salad bar buffet. A nonstop selection of fresh garden salads with a variety of
unique condiments such as marinated chicken breast and mixed seafood, with a special house
dressing. There is also a daily pizza special and cold soup du jour. ´1500, add ´400 if
you want tea or coffee.
Buffet 11:30am-2pm Mon-Fri; Sat, Sun, national holidays till 1:30pm. 6-2-6 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku (03-3344-5111). Nearest stn: Shinjuku, west exit. Take the free shuttle bus
from in front of Keio department store.
Yokohama Grand Inter-Continental Hotel, La Vela
Lunch buffet Pranzo. A smorgasbord of Italian appetizers, salads, breads, soups, pasta and
pizza with your choice of one main dish (meat or fish). To finish off, a great dessert
selection with, of course, tea and coffee. Those with adventurous appetites should
definitely try the original ikasumi-pan (squid-ink bread). ´3200 per person.
Buffet 11:30am-2:30pm daily. 1-1-1 Minato-Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama (045-223-2222).
Nearest stn: Sakuragicho.
