Counter restaurants in Toranomon for business dinners and entertaining

Why counter seats suit business dinners

When it comes to business dinners, many people may picture a private room. But for a small group of 2 to 4 people, counter seats have advantages that private rooms don't.

• Conversation starts naturally: Your food is finished right in front of you, so you never run short of things to talk about.
• You're not too close: Even with someone you'd feel tense sitting across from, sitting side by side lets you relax and talk.
• Food reaches you at its very best moment: You can enjoy dishes freshly fried, freshly grilled or sushi pressed moments before, just as they are.
• You can enjoy the owner's stories too: Talk about the ingredients and the cooking helps put everyone at ease.

On the other hand, a counter isn't suited to complicated negotiations or conversations you don't want overheard. Choose between a counter and a private room depending on the purpose of the dinner.

Criteria for choosing in Toranomon

Toranomon is home to many government offices and the offices of large companies, and redevelopment has brought a growing number of new buildings and restaurants. Shimbashi, Kamiyacho and Kasumigaseki are all within walking distance, so another advantage is that you can pick a place that's easy for your guests to reach from their workplace.

Criterion	What to check
Location	Is it within a 10-minute walk of your guest's workplace or nearest station?
Seats and atmosphere	Is it a calm, comfortably sized space where you can hear each other easily? Is there enough room between you and the next seats?
Flow of the meal	Is it set courses only, or can you also order à la carte?
Budget	Roughly how much will it come to per person, including drinks?
Time	Rules such as the last entry time, last orders and 2-hour time limits
Accommodations	Can they cater to foods your guests don't eat and to allergies?

Choosing by occasion

A first dinner with a new client

A restaurant that serves set courses is the safe choice. You can concentrate on the conversation without being distracted by ordering, and you know how much the bill will be in advance. We recommend cuisines where the food itself becomes a topic of conversation, such as sushi, tempura or kappo (Japanese cuisine prepared in front of you at the counter).

Dinner with someone you know well

You might enjoy a restaurant that mainly serves à la carte, choosing dishes to your taste as the evening goes on. Places with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, such as yakitori restaurants or wine bars, also become options.

Occasions for thanks or celebration

Choose a restaurant that feels a little more special than usual, and mention the purpose when you book. Depending on the restaurant, they may be able to help, for example by adding a message to the dessert.

An evening on your own

Counter seats are also comfortable when you're dining alone. If you visit once beforehand, partly to check the place out for a business dinner, you can recommend it with confidence when the day comes.

From booking to the day itself

1. Decide the date and number of people: Counters have few seats, so aim to book at least 2 weeks ahead.
2. Tell them when you call to book: That it's a business dinner, the number of people, any foods your guests don't eat, your rough budget and your seating preferences (whether you can sit side by side).
3. Check the day before: The restaurant's location and how to get there, and the directions you'll send your guests (such as a map link).
4. Arrive first on the day: As the host, arrive at least 10 minutes early and wait for your guests.
5. Settle the bill discreetly: Step away from your seat partway through to pay, so your guests don't feel awkward about it.

Etiquette particular to counter seats

• Seating order: Generally, the seat farthest from the entrance is the seat of honor. Offering your guest a seat near the spot directly in front of the owner, where they can watch the dishes being finished, is also appreciated.
• Scents: Many restaurants place great value on aroma, so go easy on strong-smelling perfume and hair products.
• Photos: Whether you can take photos differs from restaurant to restaurant. Ask before you take any.
• Eat what's served right away: Sushi and fried dishes taste best the moment they're served. Don't get so caught up in conversation that you leave them sitting.
• Don't overstay: There's often another booking after yours. Respect the restaurant's time rules.

Featured restaurants

We'll add the restaurants to this article as soon as we're ready to cover them.