One of the biggest properties in Tokyo, Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main is as luxurious as it is large. This retreat is so enormous that has its own boutique-hotel-within-a-hotel, the ultra-exclusive Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Executive House Zen.
The immense complex also boasts 38 excellent restaurants, serving everything from Chinese and Japanese fare to French, Polynesian and casual American cuisine. Visit this behemoth to tantalize your taste buds. Read on for just a sampling of what the sprawling Tokyo stay has to offer.
Teppanyaki Grill in the Garden
Make the most of the hotel’s verdant surroundings by dining at Seisen-Tei, a tiny teppanyaki tucked into the 400-year-old New Otani Garden. Book in advance to reserve a spot at the cozy counter and glimpse at the peaceful koi pond before a chef begins crafting a feast before your eyes.
Dig into plates of ultra-fresh Japanese beef, seafood and produce, all grilled to perfection on a searing iron griddle.
Polynesian Cocktails in an Exotic Boathouse
Escape the city for an evening of island-style entertainment at Trader Vic’s. This San Francisco export is the only outpost of the popular tiki bar in Tokyo.
Decorated in the style of a South Pacific boat house, with comfortable cane seating, beautiful carvings and a stunning chandelier made of shells, the restaurant serves flavorful fare such as Indonesian rack of lamb and macadamia-crusted sea bass with wasabi mashed potatoes. But whatever you decide for the entrée, save room for dessert — Snow Balls (vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate sauce and shredded coconut) are the venue’s classic confection.
Trader Vic’s is also known for its exotic cocktails and is credited with creating the original mai tai. Slide up to the bar and order one of these famously fruity concoctions alongside an array of stomach-lining snacks. The egg rolls, crab Rangoon (crab and cream cheese wontons) and five-spice chicken wings should do the trick.
Palatial French Fine Dining
The most well-known of the property’s restaurants might just be Tour d’Argent. This opulent venue is the only branch of the acclaimed Paris restaurant, which has been a French fine-dining institution since 1582.
The Tokyo space is a feast for the eyes, adorned in magnificent period furnishings, luxurious curtains and interior panels, shimmering chandeliers and classical objets d’art.
Tour d’Argent has gained a reputation of excellence in Tokyo thanks to its world-famous duck, fine French cakes, crêpes Suzette, pâté and rich soups. Because of its popularity, reservations are a must at this authentic French dining room, as is adherence to the elegant dress code — a jacket is required for gentlemen. But it’s worth it to dine at this exquisite venue.
Morning Comfort Food
Satsuki is a bright and sunny café with a fabulous breakfast menu, weekend lunch buffets and fresh Japanese bento lunches. It looks like your typical lobby dining room, but this casual spot has something special on the menu: arguably the best pancakes in the city.
Fluffy, delicious and soufflé-like, these hotcakes are so sought-after that packets of the mix are available in New Otani Shop (the hotel’s boutique) and at many upscale supermarkets around Tokyo.
Although the mix is good, nothing beats the original. These thick, luscious treats come with a knob of butter and are beautifully adorned with seasonal garnishes.
This breakfast staple is also available on New Otani’s room service menu and in miniature versions at several of the weekend and breakfast buffets in the luxury hotel.
