Vegan
Japanese
Multi-course meals and lunch bento box. Buddhist vegetarian food. Open Mon-Tue 12:00pm-3:00pm, 6:00pm-9:00pm, Thu-Sun 12:00pm-3:00pm, Thu-Sat 6:00pm-9:00pm. Closed Wed.
62 Reviews
First Review by jasminetea
mchaza
Points +144
Amazing Sho-jin ryouri - Edit
It can be difficult to find good sho-jin ryouri food in Tokyo but oh my Bon will blow you away. Whilst on the pricy end its well exceeds your expectations. You are placed in your own room in a building that feels like another world. Whilst in this room that would well suit a Mafia boss or a politically important figure you will be greeted with lovely servers who speak pretty good English and will make sure to improve every bit of the experience. We got a set of 12 dishes which I can't explain but was exquisite. If you are vegan and in Tokyo, book a spot if you can, can't to be missed. Overall with a bottle of wine it cost me and my partner around 300 AUD or 23,000 YEN.
Read moreUpdate: visited again in 2024, five years since the last visit. It remains a requisite visit for any travelling vegan in the city.
Updated from previous review on 2019-06-03
Pros: Incredible food, Private room, English friendly
Cons: Bit out of the way
Guest
SuperChipmunk
Points +404
Best shoujin ryori thus far - Edit
I cannot fully express how great our experience is in this traditional restaurant. Each dish was so carefully prepared. The word “delicious” doesn’t seem to be enough to describe it, but evey bite felt good. The ambience was perfect. And the service was superb. We were so lucky to book a table on the dates that we prefer. Don’t forget to book in advance.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-07-02
Kittybiscuit
Sounds delicious. How did you book a table? I can only see a phone number. Thanks!
Read moreGuest
mchaps76
Points +25
amazing experience - Edit
the food was thoughtfully prepared and delicious, the service was so kind. this was a special dinner that my family and i will not forget.
Read moreGuest
SoCalCal
Points +2129
Superb tasting menu of Buddhist food - Edit
As this was one of Tokyo's highest-rated vegan restaurants, we secured a reservation to experience it for ourselves. We reserved a horigotatsu room, which I thought included a standard table with chairs, but instead turned out to be a traditional room with a cutout under the table for legs. BTW, this "leg-alcove" also had heated mats on the bottom! We opted for the 10-course tasting menu, which included a few seasonal specials in addition to the standard courses.
Read moreAll of the food was delicious and beautifully presented. I would definitely recommend dining here, but reservations are a must. We ate here early on our trip to Tokyo before we had acclimated to the Japanese accent, so it was somewhat difficult to understand the explanation of some of the courses. Regardless, we enjoyed the meal immensely!
Pros: Excellent tasting menu experience, Friendly and informative staff, Delicious food
Guest
Kametabi
Points +48
Paradiesisch - Edit
Die Einrichtung war traditionell japanisch und das Abendessen war meisterhaft durchdacht und gestaltet. Es wurde zu jedem Gang erklärt, aus was dieser besteht und worauf man während des Essens achten sollte. Alles auf Japanisch, aber vielleicht weil ich mit Japanern dort war.
Read moreSogar Reste, die bei der Zubereitung anfielen wurden in einem Gang geschmackvoll verwertet. Das soll wohl auch eine der Charakteristika dieser alten japanischen Zubereitungsart Fucha sein.
Ich würde gerne regelmäßig dorthin. Absolute Empfehlung.
Pros: Atmosphäre, Essensgestaltung, Geschmack
Guest
JulianBernstein
Points +41
Amazing experience - Edit
We absolutely loved the unusual, zen, charming, welcoming interior and atmosphere at BON. We had our own little room and the many different servers that came in to bring us things were all lovely.
Read moreThe food was very good, and beautifully presented.
We got the 8 course dinner and it was the perfect amount. All the dishes are small but delicious and d each is different from the last.
This was also really reasonably priced. Coming from NYC we were expecting the bill to be muuuuuch higher.
Pros: Memorable experience , Delicious vegan/vegetarian food, Absolutely beautiful presentation
Guest
Tsukimi
Points +5334
Unforgettable experience! - Edit
Went here during Corona in July 2021 so there were no other guests. The quite atmosphere was amazing!
Read moreI can imagine it’s busy now again!
Every dish is arranged extremely beautiful and delicious!
A friendly elderly lady dressed in Kimono explained every dish politely.
The old building has a very unique Charme. Felt a bit like I’m in Kyoto.
I even got some keychains as presents.
Updated from previous review on 2024-01-31
Guest
Mechone
Points +44
Fucha Ryori - Edit
This place has consistently upheld its reputation as a top-tier establishment managed by exceptional individuals. The cuisine is distinctive and delectable, with a seasonal menu that keeps things fresh. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone seeking not only outstanding food but also an exceptional dining experience.
Read moreCons: Very filthy ladies restroom
Guest
mysticsonic
Points +819
An elevated experience - Edit
I want to emphasize that this is a dining experience, which made the evening 5 stars.
Read moreSome of this traditional food wasnt really my cup of tea, but it was all made and presented with such care that I would still rate this a 5 star meal for the overall experience. If I lived on Tokyo I would save this for a very special occasion.
Guest
kylijshaw
Points +598
Unique and special - Edit
Bon was truly a unique and special experience - it would be a fabulous place to go for a special occasion. The care that went into each dish was very obvious. The presentation was beautiful and the staff that brought each course were so kind and offered explanations on everything. The owner and chef even came at the end of our meal to check in on us and he even offered to take a photo of us (as did another staff member when we were leaving - so kind!!!)
Read moreGuest
bvanwassenhove
Points +138
Wow! - Edit
Everything, from the food to the presentation, the decor, and the hospitality is simply amazing. I feel like I spent two hours in an oasis of beauty in the midst of this bustling city.
Read moreGuest
GrayHorwitz
Points +2044
Not worth the cost imo. Also, my review got removed? - Edit
I went here my last week after living in Tokyo for several years. It was overall a fine experience, but honestly I was hungry at the end of the meal and it was a lot of money for dishes that were good, but not for that price point. Not sure why my initial review was removed…
Read moreGuest
bettafrg
Points +2566
Delicious Japanese/Chinese fusion - Edit
The shojin ryori course menu was amazing, every dish was beautifully arranged and it tasted delicious. I was definitely full at the end of lunch! The restaurant’s atmosphere was also special, it looks like and old Japanese house with tatami floors and feeble lightning.
Read moreGuest
JennKub
Points +1119
Definitely worth the experience - Edit
Reserve in advance. Traditional Japanese building and a very cute setting. 8 course meals and drinks. It’s higher in price but very carefully thought out and presented.
Read morePros: Traditional flavors, Accommodating and friendly staff, Nice atmosphere
Guest
lemurcat
Points +381
Fancy but worth it - Edit
It is a bit pricy but a good value for the price. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. You do need a reservation!
Read morePros: Good value for the price, Friendly staff speaks some English, Fancy rooms
Guest
saturnhp
Points +680
Absolutely amazing - Edit
Such a lovely dining experience! We ordered the cheapest set course and the portion is good enough. Separated dining room for each table and very reasonable Price. Every dish is so fresh and delicious. Service is great too. Would definitely come back!
Read moreGuest
leoinna
Points +28
Multiple courses, japan style - Edit
Stunning traditional restaurant hidden away in Tokyo, quite far away from the general hustle and bustle!
Read moreFor ¥6000 each we got seated in a private room with a pamphlet containing short explanations of the following 12 (!) courses. The staff was lovely and tried their best to explain every course further. Beautiful presentation!
It is buddhist vegetarian so no garlic or onions!
My only critique would be that after a couple of dishes, they all started tasting similar.
Guest
seanlochrin
Points +166
Amazing Shojin Ryori! - Edit
Had the 6 2 course and was very filling. Amazing experience in a private tatami room and traditional experience - highly recommend. Easy to get to on the subway from Ueno.
Read morePros: Beautiful food, Traditional cuisine , Private tatami room
Cons: Expensive
Guest
chelspea
Points +262
Best meal of my LIFE? - Edit
This place is pricy - a multi-course dinner for 2 will be $90 USD even, minimum. You have to call to make a reservation 1 month ahead of time. I hate talking on the phone and was scared to do this in broken Japanese, but every staff member we interacted with was very proficient in English. We had no problems at all.
Read moreThe food, literally every seperate item on every single plate was DELICIOUS. Tempura veggies! Miso! Carrot soup! Steamed tofu! Tiny biscuits and vegetables cut into the shapes of butterflies and leaves! This was the first time I liked mushrooms, ever! A little strawberry by itself, literally the best strawberry I have ever had! It’s amazing they got so much distinct and superb flavor out of every single thing that was served.
The atmosphere is a 10 out of 10. It is worth the hassle of getting there (took us 50 minutes to walk from the swan boat pond in Ueno park, but if you go straight from the closest station it should only take like 10 minutes) just to see the little garden out front, experience the overwhelming kindness of the staff, and be seated in the private tatami room. We sat and savored the meal for almost 2 and a half hours. Be aware it might take this long if you’re making a reservation for later in the evening.
I’d say this is a must-stop for Tokyo visitors regardless of veganism status. Make it a priority!
Updated from previous review on 2023-04-10
Guest
carlfagerlind
Points +104
Absolutely fantastic - a must! - Edit
Fantastic service, authentic atmosphere, unique and mindblowingly tasty food! A true experience worth every cent even if you go for the most expensive option (¥10,000).
Read morePros: Unique and really good food, Excellent service, Wonderful experience
Cons: Expensive, but worth it
Guest
SakuraJennifer
Points +2504
MUST GO - Edit
This place is definitely a must go, even for non-vegetarians or vegans. The service is impeccable and the food outstanding and so delicate. We choose the 6000 yen dinner course menu. This was more than enough! We were definitely stuffed at the end, only with tasty and delicious food. The waitresses are so kind and hospitable. They change the menu based on seasonal produce which is amazing. The interior is also very cozy and you will sit in a private room, very special experience. Must. Go.
Read morePlease be aware: reservations are required and they only have 8 private rooms so I assume they fill up quite quickly. #Veganuary
Guest
Mondpudding
Points +620
Highly recommended Kaiseki - Edit
The restaurant is placed in a traditional Japanese house. Very nice atmosphere and reminded me of Kyoto.
Read moreWe were seated in a private room and they served Fucha-Ryouri one by one (Kaiseki Style). Everything was delicious and the presentation on point. The amount was also more than enough for me.
For any Vegans visiting Tokyo and want to have a special experience I can highly recommend this place.
I think the Kaiseki dinner was 10.000¥ per person, but they also offer a lunch meal for 3000¥ that I want to try next time.
Updated from previous review on 2023-01-16
Guest
dangrossman
Points +130
An exceptional experience - Edit
Our first real vegan kaiseke in Japan - an incredible experience. A huge variety of dishes in a picture-perfect (private room) setting, provided by the kindest and most attentive staff. Each more delicious than the last. But, as in most good places in Tokyo, get that reservation early!
Read morePros: Delicious varied food, Beautiful traditional setting, Kind and attentive staff
Cons: Expensive (but only typically, for Tokyo)
Guest
Oxman
Points +23
Brilliant experience and service, quite pricey but still worth it. - Edit
Beautiful serving and most of the dishes were tasty. All vegan, it seems. A little lower price would’ve made me give it 5 stars
Read moreGuest
a7c
Points +513
Great experience - Edit
This is definitely an experience in a traditional Japanese setting. They bring out little dishes one by one. It didn’t seem like much at first but by the end we were all so full.
Read moreGuest
DanielKunz
Points +26
It’s an experience. - Edit
I lack the words to describe this place and the food. It’s a philosophy, not just eating. This has a price - a very reasonable one.
Read morePros: Amazing, beautiful food, Super friendly staff, Wonderful place.
Cons: Not the cheap quick dinner - not a minus actually
Guest
SharonR
Points +2949
Worth it - Edit
Bon serves Fucha Ryori, Buddhist temple food introduced from China during the Edo period. We only had better Fucha Ryori in Koyasan, in a 4.5 star temple lodging and were served by Buddhist monks. So, yeah, Bon was pretty amazing indeed.
Read moreFirst, you're led to a private tatami room. Walls are thin so hope you get good neighbors (ours were terrible, but experience was so great we didn't even care).
We chose the 8,000 yen even though we knew it was going to be a ridiculous amount of food because we wanted to try everything. Two people switched off serving us, each time delicately placing the food for us and explaining what was in front of us. In regards to this, Bon actually beat temple eating, where I felt rushed to finish. Here we were able to savor each moment with our dish.
The first two things we tried were the most puzzling, also because they hadn't started explaining yet, a little sweet cookie and the tea. I'm assuming the cookie was a palate cleanser, but I didn't particularly care for it. I honestly thought the tea was a watery soup until I re-checked the menu.
Standout items:
* The seasonal soup! Mushroom broth, very rich in flavor. After finishing the soup, the mushroom at the bottom were tender and still full of flavor
* Appetizer of chestnuts and mountain potatoes. Simple and delicious
* Sesame tofu, better like sesame for this one. They're not joking around when they add it on there
* Tempura, including taro, vermicelli noodles, and I believe sweet potatoes made to look like shrimp
Overall the whole experience was amazing, we left feeling very happy, well taken care of (and full).
Pros: Fully vegan, Friendly, Beautiful presentation
Guest
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