Alice in Wonderland
Open an ornate door made to look like a book, and you’ll enter into a breathtaking world of chess patterns, lavish chandeliers, heart-shaped tables and waitresses in Alice costumes. The attention to detail here is fascinating: the cocktail list is an expandable card game, and to order, you have to ring a small golden bell.
The food is no different: heart-shaped bread, quiche shaped like the Cheshire cat and a green caterpillar of avocados. You’ll truly feel just like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Shinjuku Odakyu Halc BF3, 1-5-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Zauo
One of the most well-known of Tokyo’s themed restaurants, Zauo Shinjuku is undoubtedly a must-visit. Here, the first thing you’ll notice is the water that surrounds the tables and runs along the aisles between. If you haven’t guessed already, this is a fish restaurant and here you’ll be handed a fishing rod and some bait ready to start fishing for your dinner!
If you’re feeling super hungry or you’re just not a very good fisher, don’t worry: you can order direct from the menu too.
Shinjuku Washington Hotel 1F, 3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Lock Up
For those hankering after a dining experience without the luxury, head to prison-themed restaurant, the Lock Up. Upon arrival, you and your dining companions will be handcuffed and lead to a cell, where you’ll be able to order your food. As a prisoner, you’ll have to eat from some pretty strange receptacles such as syringes, beakers and test tubes, while sitting in your dark and spooky surroundings.
The Lock Up is certainly a restaurant for those who want to try something a little different, and absolutely for those with a strong stomach!
1-16-3, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Shinjuku square building 6F, 7F
Moomin House Café
If you’re a fan of the Finnish animated series The Moomins, you’re sure to fall in love with this delightful café. Alongside the Scandinavian cuisine and cosy atmosphere on offer here, you’ll enjoy plenty of chances to share your table with a giant stuffed Moomin or two. In fact, some customers take their companions so seriously that some even order them their own drink!
A Moomin fan or not, this is a once in a lifetime chance to dine with a stuffed animal.