Saido
Saido is a fully vegan restaurant tucked down a back alley in Jiyugaoka, a quiet, tree lined neighborhood south of Shibuya. It opened in 2018 and quickly rose to the number one spot on HappyCow's global vegan restaurant rankings. Chef Katsumi Kusumoto, who previously ran a private members only restaurant in Nishi Azabu for a decade, describes the concept as "junk washoku vegan cuisine," meaning the menu centers on the satisfying, everyday Japanese dishes people actually crave (ramen, katsudon, unagi, fried foods) rather than health focused or austere vegetable cooking. Everything is plant based, free of white sugar and chemical flavorings, and also compatible with halal and oriental vegan diets (no five pungent roots). No alcohol is used in the cooking, though vegan sake, wine, and herb cordials are available to drink. The space is small and intimate, entered through a garden shop lined with plants.
Good to Know:
- Lunch offers individual dishes (ramen, katsudon, vegan eel rice box, curry) starting around ¥1,500 to ¥2,000, each with soup and an amuse bouche. Dinner is course style, with multi course sets at around ¥5,280 for seven courses and up to ¥10,000 or more for the full experience. Compared to equivalent non vegan fine dining in Tokyo, this is considered strong value.
- The vegan unagi (eel) is the dish that comes up most. The steamed vegetable presentation with its theatrical smoke reveal and hourglass timer is another signature.
- Desserts include a blueberry cheesecake served to look like a potted plant, complete with a fake out from the server. The kitchen leans into playful surprises throughout the meal.
- Reservations are required and the restaurant books up quickly. Book as early as possible once you have your Tokyo dates. Arrive on time; more than 15 minutes late may result in cancellation. Groups of seven or more must book directly with the restaurant.
- Gluten free and allergy accommodations can be noted during booking. The kitchen is well versed in dietary needs.
- Four minute walk from Jiyugaoka Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya, or Oimachi Line from Shinagawa). Take the Central Exit, head left, and look for the alley past the parking lot. The entrance is through the garden shop.
- Lunch: 12:00 to 14:00 (last order 14:00). Dinner: 18:00 to 20:00 (last order). Closed Wednesdays. Dinner service is Thursday through Saturday only.
More details
- Address: 2-chōme-15-10 Jiyūgaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0035, Japan
- Google rating: 4.8 from 257 reviews
- Last updated: March 31, 2026
- Official website