Going on a first date can be a daunting task; deciding what to wear, stressing over small talk and hoping your date is enjoying their meal are just some of the more stressful parts of the package.
Arguably, choosing the right restaurant could be the most important ingredient for a date to go well – making the right choice for a restaurant can mean all the difference between the first date being the last or the first of many. Luckily, choosing the perfect restaurant has never been easier than now, with the ‘First Date Awards’ listing Tokyo’s top restaurants that you should be visiting on your first date.

Differing from traditional restaurant awards that use the expertise of food industry judges, the ‘First Date Awards’ is based on the evaluations from people who visited the restaurants on a first date.

From the findings, five winning restaurants have been picked out as grand prize winners and have been named as the ‘Restaurant to go to on a first date in 2021’. The website also lists runners up that were also picked out by first date diners, and are split into different price range divisions ranging from ‘casual’ to ‘more than 5,000 yen per person’ to ‘more than 10,000 yen per person’ so check out the full list if you are considering a place to dine at within certain price ranges.

First Date Awards 2021 Winners

Winner no. 1
Ebisu APARTMENT CAVE (Ebisu)

A secretive adult hideaway, which lacks a signboard (adding to the intimate and private atmosphere), the EBISU Smoked APARTMENT CAVE provides full-course smoked meals. With warm smoke rising all around, first dates will be surrounded by an air of mystery and intrigue.

Rating:
Atmosphere – 4.9
Cooking – 4.5
Staff Service – 4.7

Comments from evaluators:

‘The staff were very down-to-earth despite the deluxe and luxurious atmosphere. Thanks to you, I was able to talk with my date without being nervous! The food was also unique and interesting, and provided plenty of conversation starters so I could enjoy the dinner without having to worry about what to talk about. I would definitely recommend the restaurant to my friends.’ – Woman in her 30s

‘Thank you very much! The staff who served me was both polite and impressive!’ – Male in his 20s

‘I was surprised that everything was smoked! Thank you for the whiskey ^ _ ^ It was delicious’ – Woman in her 30s

Winner no. 2
Jidori-ya Tsukada Shibuya (Shibuya)

Serving up carefully selected dishes featuring locally sourced chicken. The restaurant’s stylish interior is perfect for date night dinners.

Rating:
Atmosphere – 4.6
Cooking – 4.7
Staff Service – 4.7

Comments from evaluators:

‘The restaurant was nice, serving up delicious food within a calm atmosphere’ – Male in his 30s

‘The staff were very nice and I felt welcome from the beginning of the date all the way through to the end. The restaurant is affiliated with the izakaya chain; Tsukada Farm, but despite the gastropub connection I felt the food was both delicious and well presented. It was also reasonably priced! I wish there were more stores like this that can produce such quality food and atmosphere!’ – Woman in her 30s

Winner no. 3
Ebisu Komeru (Ebisu)

This hidden restaurant specialises in serving up ‘clay pot rice’ using carefully selected top-quality rice. There are a lot of private rooms on the premises, which are perfect for an intimate date night dinner. It can be a little confusing to find the restaurant as it lacks a signboard and is located on a basement floor in Ebisu, but if you have the courage to open the door, you can find a stylish restaurant reminiscent of the Taisho era stretching out in front of you.

Rating:
Atmosphere – 4.9
Cooking – 4.6
Staff Service – 4.4

Comments from evaluators:

‘The restaurant had a mysterious atmosphere, and all the food was delicious! Choosing the rice for my dinner was fun and I had the best dinner! I would definitely visit again.’ – Woman in her 20s

‘The food was delicious, the atmosphere was good, the food was delivered in a timely manner and overall it was a wonderful restaurant’ – Woman in her 30s

‘The food was delicious and I also enjoyed talking to the staff in a friendly manner! Thank you very much!’ – Woman in her 20s

Winner no. 4
BLU (Ebisu)

Serving up flavourful Italian cuisine made using seasonal ingredients that can be paired with the restaurant’s recommended wines, BLU is a hot spot for date night.

Rating:
Atmosphere – 4.6
Cooking – 4.4
Staff Service – 4.6

Comments from evaluators:

‘My date night dinner consisted of generous portions of food and wine. We went with the restaurant's recommendation for the main course, which was extremely helpful and also very tasty! 10/10 for cost performance! I feel like I could return to BLU on a daily basis! – Male in his 40s

‘I really enjoyed the aesthetics of the store and the calm atmosphere and well-thought out service. It was great to see the cooking done in front of me, which also led to interesting conversations.’ – Woman in her 30s

Winner no. 5
Atelier Morimoto XEX (Roppongi)

This restaurant is well known for its popularity amongst both Japanese and international celebrities. Designed by Masaharu Morimoto, known as one of the ‘Iron Chefs’ from the Japanese cooking show of the same name, who specialises in serving sushi and teppanyaki. The restaurant is split, with different floors preparing sushi and teppanyaki dishes.

Rating:
Atmosphere – 4.9
Cooking – 4.6
Staff Service – 4.7

Comments from evaluators:

‘The food was delicious and the service from the restaurant staff went above my expectations. The chef cooked in front of me, which was very interesting, and I was also impressed by the multilingual staff at the restaurant entrance. On the second floor there was a stylish fireplace that really caught my eye.’ – Woman in her 30s