It’s all superfood, superfood, superfood nowadays. Avocado this, almond that and then there’s the biggie: the gluten-free foods. This is becoming all the rage now and the gluten-free market is now booming, worth over $390 million. Of course, many people suffer from gluten allergies, but eating gluten-free seems to be the new hip thing now. And we’re not complaining, as it’s a healthier option. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite gluten-free restaurants in Tokyo for all you gluten-free folk out there!
Brown Rice by Neal’s Yard Remedies
This place is a popular one with gluten-free eaters. With options such as the classic miso soup, steamed vegetables and a delicious citrus tofu cake, you can enjoy a meal here for about ¥1,300. It’s not just the fantastic food that’s a hit, it’s also the cool interior. Brown Rice by Neal’s Yard Remedies is ideally location too—near the Meji Shrine in Harajuku—so is a perfect place for lunch after some Tokyo exploring. Reserving a table is advised for this foodie spot.
Crayon House
Crayon House’s philosophy is “thinking about culture from an organic point of view”—and that is exactly what it does. With the healthiest ingredients out there and serving nothing but wholesome dishes, you’ve come to the right place for superfood goodness. Crayon House doesn’t just serve vegetarians options, so it’s suitable for those meat-eaters out there too. The place is made up of two restaurants: Hiroba which offers Japanese food and Home which serves Western-style dishes. A lunch buffet will cost you around ¥1,250 and there is just a vegetarian dinner buffet on Monday evenings, with more vegan options at the weekend. There is also an organic produce shop. A good place to go eat something different with a wide range of options.
Natural Lawson
So not a restaurant, but those good people at the 24-hour convenience store Lawson have gone for a healthier option range called Natural Lawson. They are located in the business districts of the larger cities of Japan, so it’s not just Tokyo that benefits from this chain. Natural Lawson’s following among health-conscious men and women is well deserved. They offer healthy, low-calorie delicatessen food, boxed lunches and sweets. They also sell rice bread, which can be a bit on the pricey side at ¥800 for a loaf. There are a range of products too, such as detergents and cosmetics which are all made from good ol’ natural ingredients. There is a great Natural Lawson in Roppongi Hills which is another perfect location for a pit stop on your Tokyo tourist itinerary.
Japan Crepe
Harajuku is all the rage for crepes—including gluten-free ones. All the crepes at Japan Crepe are made using gluten-free rice flour. The crepes are absolutely massive, so completely satiate any pancake craving. The pancakes are filled with fruit and so add to the natural and healthy feeling of them. From sweet to salty pancakes, they also serve gluten-free dorayaki (red bean pancake), so there is a good variety of sweet goodness to choose from.
Little Bird Cafe
Right next door to Japan Crepe is Little Bird Cafe, one of our gluten-free favorites. There you can order up some heartier gluten-free items like pizza, hamburgers, pasta, ramen. We also love it for it’s dairy-free menu and dessert options. A must-visit if you’ve got a big appetite! See our full review on the restaurant here.
Health-conscious? See our full guide to healthy eating in Tokyo.
