Restaurants with Vegetarian Options in Tokyo – Local Picks from a Japanese Friend

Finding vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Tokyo can be a bit tricky. If you're looking for spots that aren’t strictly vegan or vegetarian but still offer delicious meat-free dishes, then this post is for you. I asked my Japanese friend, who’s vegetarian, to share some of her favorite places in Tokyo that offer solid vegetarian options. These are not fully vegetarian or vegan restaurants, so if you're looking for places that completely avoid meat, seafood, and animal-derived ingredients, these may not meet your strict criteria — but they’re great for casual dining with vegetarian choices.

🌱 Sumi-Bio (スミビオ) – Vegan-Friendly Lunch Spot in Ebisu

Nearest station: Ebisu Station

Type: Vegan options like soy meat dishes

Google Maps: Sumi-Bio

This cozy spot near Ebisu is where my friend used to go often for lunch. Sumi-Bio offers vegan-friendly meals, especially dishes made with soy meat. It's a great stop if you’re in the Ebisu area looking for a casual and light plant-based meal.

🍱 Ume no Hana (梅の花) – Elegant Tofu Cuisine in Ginza & Ueno

Locations in Tokyo: Ginza & Ueno

Type: Tofu-based dishes, traditional Japanese dining

• Ueno location
• Ginza location

A more traditional and refined Japanese dining experience, Ume no Hana specializes in tofu cuisine. My friend’s family loves to visit for birthdays and special occasions. It’s not fully vegetarian, but they offer several tofu-focused dishes that are a great choice for plant-based eaters.

🍜 Soba Roppon (蕎麦六本) – Vegetable Soba in Roppongi

Nearest station: Roppongi Station

Type: Vegetable tempura soba, tororo soba

Google Maps: Soba Roppon

Located in the lively area of Roppongi, this soba shop is known for flavorful noodle dishes with vegetable toppings. The vegetable tempura soba and tororo soba are perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's a simple, authentic, and accessible option for vegetarians.

🍛 Bondy (ボンディ) – European-Style Japanese Vegetable Curry

Nearest station: Jimbocho Station

Type: Vegetable curry

Google Maps: Bondy

Bondy is famous for its rich, hearty curry, blending European and Japanese styles. The vegetable curry is a satisfying choice, especially for those craving comfort food. It's popular, so try to visit on a weekday to avoid long lines.

🍕 Pizzeria Domo Nakameguro – Pizza and Wine with a View

Nearest station: Naka-meguro Station

Type: Italian pizza with vegetarian options

Google Maps: Pizzeria Domo Nakameguro

If you're in the mood for Italian, this trendy spot in Nakameguro has lots of vegetarian pizza options. My friend loves pairing a pizza with a glass of wine here. It’s a popular place, and she’s even heard of celeb sightings! Perfect for a casual evening out.

🍲 Marugame Seimen (丸亀製麺) – Budget Udon with Veggie Choices

Various locations across Tokyo

Type: Udon with vegetarian-friendly toppings

Google Maps: Marugame Seimen

This udon chain is affordable, quick, and tasty. They offer simple vegetarian udon options, and with many branches around Tokyo, it’s easy to find one near you. Just be aware that some broths at udon and soba restaurants may contain fish, so double-check if you're avoiding all animal products.

Tips for Vegetarians Traveling in Tokyo

• Soba and udon shops often have veggie options, but the broth might not be fully vegetarian (commonly includes fish stock).
• Fully vegetarian or vegan restaurants are still not widespread in Japan, so flexibility and asking staff for ingredient info can be helpful.
• Use Japanese phrases like “Niku to sakana nashi onegaishimasu” (No meat or fish, please) to make things easier when ordering.

Whether you're vegetarian or just looking to eat more plant-based while exploring Tokyo, these local-recommended restaurants offer a great mix of Japanese and international flavors. 🍽️✨