Al Fresco Dining: 8 Best Outdoor Restaurants in Tokyo

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s always something special about al fresco dining in Tokyo, no matter the season. From gentle spring breezes and sun-kissed summers to relaxed falls and cozy winters, every meal is better outside.

But especially during the bright, clear-skied days of summer, when there’s no better time to enjoy the outdoors over a delicious spread under the sun. And thanks to Tokyo’s gourmet scene, many of its restaurants are in on the act, offering open-air meals that are so much more tempting than cramped indoor seating or park-bench picnics.

It’s time to grab your sunnies, order the Aperol Spritz and lounge on the breezy patio — check out some of the best outdoor restaurants in Tokyo that have one or the other: daytime shade, a heated gazebo (for chillier days), and all-day good vibes.

With four distinct seasons in Japan, al fresco dining in Tokyo might seem like a seasonal affair, reserved for those perfect moments when the temperature is just right, and the sky is a flawless blue. Thankfully, that’s not always the case.

Granted, the most ideal time for outdoor meals is during spring and autumn when the air is crisp, the breeze is gentle and the ambiance is just right. In spring, you can dine surrounded by delicate, pastel-pink showers of cherry blossoms. In autumn, the foliage bursts into stunning hues of fiery reds and oranges, creating a picturesque momiji backdrop.

However, some restaurants are well-prepared for other seasons. In winter, many patios are equipped with outdoor heaters, often placed near the parasol bases for extra warmth even in the coldest weather. During the peak of summer, misted fans provide a refreshing cool-down, making outdoor dining enjoyable even in the sweltering heat.

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1. Il Lupino Prime
2. Jiyugaoka Burger
3. Togo’s
4. Takao Beer Mount
5. Caffe Michaelangelo 
6. Ivy Place 
7. Ce La Vi
8. EATALY Harajuku

Il Lupino Prime is the kind of place that wears a lot of hats, but does it well. It juggles being a trattoria, a steakhouse and a cool bar — all housed in a jaw-dropping, four-story empire in Omotesando — thanks to the backing of the world-famous restaurateur Wolfgang Zwiener.

For al fresco dining in Tokyo, skip the first floor,where there’s a sleek open kitchen with classic chophouse grandeur; the second floor, with gleaming chandeliers and a private dining room for deal-closing dinners; and the third floor, where a bar stores enough liquor collection to impress any sommelier. 

The rooftop is where it’s at, with 40 outdoor seats that command a view of the lush Aoyama street below.

Thankfully, the restaurant is as serious about its food as its design. The steaks — we’re talking big leagues like USDA Prime and dry-aged T-bones — are among the city’s best, and the Italian lineup is sure to impress. Take the pappardelle tossed with truffle and the risotto thickened up by Parmigiano cheese, for example. 

Plus, the outdoor space also allows pets, and weekday lunch sets are surprisingly affordable for a restaurant of this caliber.

Reserve a table for Il Lupino Prime.

Who knew one of America’s greatest hamburgers is tucked away in the cool Jiyugaoka neighborhood in a small, but mighty joint? Granted, the name might not be the most creative, but the stacks at Jiyugaoka Burger are fantastic. 

The indoor space is dedicated to a petite kitchen, while wooden tables are set on the rooftop terrace lined with potted trees and rain-proofed for all-day al fresco dining.

The menu is a delicious exploration of quality that speaks for itself. Patties from domestic Hokkaido beef are bound by grated yam for allergy-free patties, while sesame buns are made without eggs or dairy. 

Beyond classics, there’s the pink burger, which uses cassis honey mustard and ribs glazed in an original sauce, ready to be washed down with a cool drink mixed with homemade syrup or craft beer. 

Reserve a table for Jiyugaoka Burger.

At Togo’s, neo-washoku interpretations are wrapped in a classic French diner flair, where white-linen tables in the elegant indoor space spill out to the private terrace that overlooks the neighborly Minami-Aoyama from the 14th floor.

The restaurant is helmed by Togo Kenchiro, who went independent in 2009 after a long-standing stint in prestigious Manhattan kitchens, and was one of the original team members behind the Nobu in New York City. 

The concept reimagines traditional Japanese cuisine through a Western lens, with a menu that swings between playful and comforting: Japanese curry, roasted onion ice cream, chestnut soup with mozzarella wonton and pan-fried cod with truffle. 

The course changes monthly, so part of the experience is the thrill of not knowing what’s next. Some dishes are mainstays, however, like the soba made in-house during lunchtime.

Reserve a table for Togo’s.

This is one of the most majestic outdoor dining venues in Tokyo — and it has to be, given that Takao Beer Mount is literally located on Mt. Takao at an altitude of 488 meters, making it the city’s highest beer garden. 

Considering half of the diners are mid-way hikers decked in sun hats and protective arm sleeves, the atmosphere is more casual, so you won’t need to feel ashamed if you swapped heels for hiking shoes.

Everything is operated on a flat-rate, giving you a scenic tabehoudai all-you-can-eat and free-flow drinks experience. The venue has two seating options: open-air tables on an observation deck and a sheltered hall offering a sweeping panorama of the verdant slopes of the mountain. 

Four of Japan’s top beer brands — Asahi, Kirin, Suntory and Sapporo — are on tap. Beyond that, there are over 50 drink options and a buffet lineup featuring oven-baked pizzas, yakisoba, spaghetti and barbecues. 

Reserve a seat or table for Takao Beer Mount.

The sun-lit house of Caffe Michaelangelo, mounted right across the Daikanyama T-Site, has long been a popular name but still feels like a secret place. The space is 18th-century Mediterranean vibes mixed with friendly trattoria furnishings — terracotta tiles, faux classical statues and a walled patio centered around a 300-year-old Zelkova tree. 

The building may have been constructed in the Showa Period, but you wouldn't know it with its modern makeover, adding a touch of flair to the space with sage green interiors and leather banquettes that flank the indoor space. 

On a good day, the windows of the storefront are opened to let the breeze in, and diners kick off with an Italian menu featuring pinsa romana made from rice and soy flour, prosciutto sandwiched between panini, cheese platters and a garden salad. Mains include pasta (the spaghetti tossed with clams is a favorite) and risotto.

In the afternoon, the restaurant operates as a cafe that works on a menu of Italian dolce and French pastries. It’s a European bistro, so ordering from the all-day cocktail menu is not just acceptable — it’s encouraged. 

From Tysons & Company — the same team behind The Roastery by Nozy Coffee — comes a terrific brunch spot in Daikanyama that’s made up of a cozy terrace area shaded by canopies and the surrounding Keyaki trees, and a sultry dining space featuring exposed wooden beams, large windows and a gently-sloping rooftop.

The menu at Ivy Place is brunch-forward and a medley of Asian and Western. To start, get the kanpachi carpaccio or the knockout of Vietnamese spring rolls loaded with pork and shrimp, served with mint and nuoc mam sauce. 

Then, dive into a double cheeseburger stacked with Colby-Jack, Tillamook cheddar and smoked bacon. Some dishes are large enough for sharing, such as the Mediterranean-spiced grilled swordfish, watercress pizza and marinated lamb chops with pineapple salsa. You also can't go wrong with the buttermilk pancakes.

For a few more Instagrammable and delicious Daikanyama cafes, check out these stunning cafes in Daikanyama.

The vibe is sipping Aperol Spritz on a balmy Saturday while twirling your fork through perfectly al dente carbonara, right by Harajuku Cat Street. 

Sitting on the terrace with a view of Harajuku Station, it’s easy to forget that Eataly is a global chain with a reign across America and Europe. Here, it feels laidback, cozy and authentically Italian, just like the pun in its name. 

And while the words “pasta” and “pizza” might get tossed around easily these days, Eataly is clearly doing something right as it constantly draws in a mix of Tokyo locals, Europeans craving flavors from home and travelers. 

The menu stays true to regional Italian cuisine with dishes like bucatini spun with Amatriciana sauce and pappardelle with duck ragu. Pasta is either freshly made on-site or delivered from Gragnano, while pizzas are crafted from Mulino Marion flour flown in from Cossano Belbo in Piedmont, and come in classic Neapolitan or Roman styles. 

And if the food impresses, the drinks are equally as tempting — try the zesty limoncello or a refreshing Campari soda.

The late-night, party-loving crowd knows Ce La Vi as the club in Tokyo; food snobs recognize it as the contemporary Asian restaurant with a stunning sky bar. 

Despite its sophisticated, high-glam appearance — think wall-to-ceiling windows and velvet fabric (lots of it) — the atmosphere is more casual than pretentious, with a menu designed for sharing. 

The menu features classic Asian recipes with a creative twist: Chinese dandan noodles topped with foie gras, pizzas covered with kaffir lime and prosciutto, and pistachio tagliatelle cooked with Thai basil and burrata cream. 

The price is slightly above an on-the-whim dinner stop, but it’s arguably the perfect celebratory prelude before you launch into the energetic buzz of Shibuya nightlife. 

Either soak up the summer with some of Japan’s best beer gardens or escape it with the best restaurants and food tours in Tohoku!

Some of the best Tokyo restaurants with outdoor seating include the Canal Cafe, Caffe Michaelangelo, Eataly Harajuku and Ce La Vi. 

Most outdoor dining options in Tokyo are pet-friendly, but be sure to double-check the store policy before you arrive. 

Some of the best outdoor brunch spots in Tokyo can be found in Daikanyama, such as the Ivy Place and Caffe Michaelangelo.

Al fresco dining refers to eating outside, typically in a casual, open-air setting. The term "al fresco" is derived from Italian and means "in the fresh air." 

This style of dining can take place in a variety of outdoor venues, such as patios, gardens, rooftop terraces or sidewalk cafes, and is often associated with enjoying meals in pleasant weather.