![HappyCow logo](/img/hc-logo-name.png)
Vegan
Japanese
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Vegan restaurant est. 2018 in Jiyugaoka. Offers Japanese vegan cuisine with focus on vegetables and mushrooms. Choices include individual dishes of katsu, soba/noodles, curry, vegan eel and as well as bento sets. Serves vegan sake and wine, pancakes, ice cream, and cheezecakes. Has menu in English. Last orders 2pm for lunch and 10pm for dinner. Open Mon-Tue 12:00pm-3:00pm, 6:00pm-9:00pm, Thu-Sun 12:00pm-3:00pm, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Closed Wed. Last orders 7:30pm.
226 Reviews
First Review by Humus_Erectus
Garry_Evans
Points +215
Lives up to its reputation - Edit
Very original dishes: yakitori on charcoal blocks that you can eat (they are potato fries), mouse that looks like a plant in a pot. But these are not just gimmicks. Food tastes really good too. All the 5 star reviews on Happy Cow are not a mistake. If you are vegan and visiting Tokyo, you need to eat at Saido at least once. Fantastic restaurant. Can’t believe it doesn’t have at least a couple of Michelin stars.
Read morePros: Super, original food, Very friendly chef and staff, Great choice of wines, beer, sake etc
Cons: None
vegan.baddie
How far in advance did you need to make a reservation? Thanks for your help!!
Read moreGuest
andyjng
Points +5152
#1 Vegan Restaurant - Edit
I'd like to dedicate this review to my late brother on his birthday today. Happy 31st, bro! It took me a few years to follow you and go plant based but you remain a big reason why I'm still alive, healthy, and here today. I love you.
Read moreWhile Tokyo still has a lot to catch up to become a better vegan-friendly destination, restaurants like Saido give me so much hope and promise. I made reservations online for lunch here and after nearly missing it, am so glad that I got to experience my now favorite vegan restaurant in Japan.
This cafe started in 2018 by Chef Katsumi Kusumoto and should be on everyone's must-try list, especially if they are curious or wanting to experience veganized Japanese cuisine. It's tucked away on a not-so busy street so it really feels like you're being swept away for a wonderful experience.
Lunch sets set us back ¥2970, which included soup, salad, main entree, dessert, and two drinks (including wine and beer). The journey began right away with soup and salad, where its presentation matched that of fine dining restaurants. For our mains, I tried the Unaju (braised eel rice bowl) and my partner's Katsuju (fried cutlet)...
H O L Y. P L A N T.
This was the BEST vegan unagi-don I have had yet in Japan! The texture, taste, and composition resembled eel like I had remembered it in my past life. Smoky, teriyaki flavors infused the eel and it was exactly what I hoped it would be. The katsu was also incredibly crispy, juicy, and tender. This is no simple soy-meat that's been deep fried, it was on another level.
The experience concluded with another glass of wine with our sweet dessert - the blueberry cheesecake that's tucked away in a small pot that you eat with a mini shovel, and their seasonal sorbet which was creamy and refreshing.
Without a doubt, they have made their mark on the vegan food scene and we are not 'missing out' on anything when food is simply this good and good for you.
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended. I made a reservation through tabe-log as well as messaged the business on Facebook. The manager Hitomi-san was super friendly and fun to chat with about the business, and it left a wonderful impression on me to return in the future.
I cannot stop raving about my experience at Saido. Thank you Chef Kusumoto, Hitomi-san, and your entire team for this amazing lunch. I will do my best to come back every time I plan a trip to
Pros: Excellent lunch deal, Cute ambience, Wonderful service
vegan.baddie
How far in advance did you need to make a reservation? Thanks for your help!!
Read moreGuest
Soulhookedonfood
Points +16
A great experience at a humble restaurant - Edit
This is the first place after I landed and it did give me a very good kick-off of my holiday.
Read moreI have ordered the Vegan Cheese Salad, Vegan yakitori, vegan eel don and raspberry mousse. I went with an empty tummy just so I can try more food. Everything was so good. The service was great and the restaurant manager was very willing to explain the dish to me.
The chef was very observant and attentive too. He would always makes sure the food arrive at just the right temperature and he would adjust his pace according to my eating speed. This is something that is often forgotten on food business.
Highly recommend this restaurant and I would go again!
Updated from previous review on 2023-02-15
Pros: Good food, Attentive services, Authentic recipes
Guest
alimcg
Points +16
Absolutely intricate and Devine! - Edit
Thank you very much for having us! From the cheese platter to the kawaii raspberry mouse, it was spectacular! The service was exceptional and sustainably sourced. Definitely recommended for those who want a hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and exceptional quality and detail.
Read morePros: All vegan , Many options , Set menu
Guest
Rokuran
Points +24
Must visit! - Edit
Phenomenally authentic Japanese style food. Lovely wait staff, interesting options, and reasonably priced for the experience. In a very cute location as well - inside an adorably eclectic nursery. Only a short trip from Shibuya on the Toyoko line. Very glad I came!
Read morevegan.baddie
How far in advance did you need to make a reservation? Thanks for your help!!
Read moreRokuran
I didn't have to make a reservation, I just walked in! Too easy! Though I was by myself so I think it was easy to fit me in :))
Read moreGuest
cse
Points +276
wonderful and creative - Edit
the food was delicious and creative. you feel like you're being served inside of their home...very comforting. i don't have Facebook so i walked over to make a reservation. here is their email for anyone in a similar predicament: h.goto@funfair.co.jp enjoy!
Read morePros: service , innovative, delicious
Guest
xjamesxwalton
Points +36
Must go, best meal I had in Japan - Edit
Title says it all. By far the best meal I had in Japan, amazing food, wonderful and welcome atmosphere, I’ve never felt more comfortable eating through the setting and the food itself. A true gem of a restaurant, I would eat here every day if I lived here, wow
Read moreGuest
Migeov
Points +319
A must go if you are in Tokyo! - Edit
Friendly staff, amazing tasting food! Well deserved "best restaurant 2020 till today" by HappyCow!
Read morePros: Simply the best vegan food! , Good selection of vegan bio wine, beer and other., Not crazy priced.
Guest
JacquelineShino
Points +47
Best vegan ramen (especially the egg) - Edit
Best ramen I ever had also different types of noodles (broccoli or others) and the best was vegan egg. So glad that there are good vegan restaurants now in Japan😄definitely wanna go again!
Read morePros: Many vegan options, Super friendly staff, Easy to get with train
Guest
AkikoIwashita
Points +10
Super deliciouse!! - Edit
It looks and tastds really great!!
Read moreAll vegan menu!!
A restaurant where vegans and non vegans can enjoy together!!
Guest
PlamenIontchev
Points +313
Super vegan restaurant - Edit
This is one of the best vegan restaurant that I have visited. My friends organized for me here my farewell party before leaving Japan.
Read morePros: Very high quality food., Very tasty.
Guest
chocopunk
Points +1246
fun to choose out of many options - Edit
We had a four course lunch set (soup, salad, main rice/noodles and desert) and a glass of wine for 2200 yen, which is very reasonable.
Read moreThey encouraged us to share, so we chose four different main dishes of of nine (Una-juu rice, Katsu-juu rice, "Saimen" noodles Yakisoba and cold tomato noodles).
You can even choose a type of noodles out of six if you order one of three "Saimen" (Miso, Oil or Yaki/stir-fried), which is their speciality.
Guest
milesaway
Points +650
Creative take on Japanese classics - Edit
Finally someone produced proper vegan yakitori. Unagi was also good. And presentation was amazing.
Read morePros: Yakitori was great! , Could choose Junmai sake as welcome drink, Shiitake steak!
Cons: Cheesecake was disappointing, get the sorbet
Guest
hackfish
Points +17
Best vegan restaurant! - Edit
Wow. I've been to many vegan restaurants around the world but this is definitely tops my list for a number of reasons (they topped the happycow list in 2019 ✨).
Read moreThe foods are delicious, creative, and beautiful. If you get a chance to talk to the chef, do it. He's knowledgeable about food cultures in various context and cares deeply about conveying how vegan food can be tasty (tastier than omnivore foods) while being healthy. When he's not at the restaurant, he goes around the country giving lectures and demo on food cultures and veganism.
He also works on making delicious vegan products (e.g., vegan otafuku sauce and mentsuyu!). Can't wait to see his products outside of 🗾 too.
People in Japan are lucky to have a place and a chef like this. And for those of you who can't travel to Japan right now, put it on your post-pansemic todo list right now!
Thank you for the wonderful meal. 🙏 #Veganuary
Pros: Incredibly delicious vegan food, Talented, knowledgeable, and caring chef, Wonderful staff and atomsphere
Cons: None!
Guest
Ruzha
Points +3643
A Must Try! - Edit
As we entered Saido for the first time, I wondered "Was this really Happy Cow's top vegan restaurant in the entire world??" It seemed quite unpretentious, walking down the path by the many pots of plants and entering the small cozy space. But then the food arrived, and yes, it truly is fantastic! I chose to go there for my birthday, and the taste was birthday-worthy indeed! From the creamy mushroom soup with gold flakes, to the smoky salad, to the incredible unaju and the three colors soboroju sets, it is quite an experience! My only disappointment was the the bear dessert that I had wanted was sold out at the time, but that just means I'd have to go back soon again!
Read moreGuest
VincentValdmann
Points +110
Wonderful evening - Edit
I took my wife on a date there as none of us had been before. Food was good and creative, restaurant staff nice, ambiance very cozy. The neighborhood is also very lively and charming. Drinks are also creative And delicious.
Read moreWe thought quantities would be short but with 3 appetizers and a share dessert we were completely full.
Highly recommend
Guest
Yoko-san
Points +29
AuthenTech!! - Edit
Came for dinner with my friends. We loved our authentic Japanese cuisine which were amazing with lots of flavour, very impressive for a vegan restaurant. It's real AuthenTech! No wonder Saido is outstanding among other restaurants.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2021-02-25
Pros: Amazing taste, Excellent service, Warm Friendliness
Cons: none
Guest
sekinekko
Points +24
ずっと行ってみたかった! - Edit
SNSで知ってずっと行ってみたかった菜道さん🌱
Read moreお料理はとてもきれいで美味しくて大満足です✨
スタッフの方が色々丁寧に説明して下さって
私個人的にはお手拭きを持ってきて下さった際、使うかどうか確認して下さった事に感動しました✨
ゴミになるから使わないというお客さんが多いので聞いてから渡しているのだそうです!
ホスピタリティ溢れる接客と写真に残したくなる素敵なお料理💚
絶対また行きます🥺✨
ありがとうございました😊
Pros: おいしいビーガン料理
Cons: 予約で満席な日があるので注意です
Guest
RikakoArai
Points +21
ヴィーガンとは思えない日本料理! - Edit
ディナータイムに伺いました!
Read moreまず前菜では、かつや焼き鳥、唐揚げといったメニューを選ぶことが出来ます。メインではラーメン、焼きそば、鰻重や麻婆丼など、見慣れている日本の料理がヴィーガンで食べることが出来て本当に驚きでした!すべての料理で見た目も味も大満足です。日本ではあまり飲むことが出来ない、コンブチャもぜひ試して欲しいです。
東京にいるなら1度とは言わず、何度でも行きたいお店です!ベジではない人と一緒に行って、おいしさを共有するのも楽しみ :)
Pros: All vegan, Unique Japanese cuisine, Amazing food and Great experience
Cons: Nothing
Guest
EN5
Points +38
Wowzers - Edit
Absolutely incredible experience tasting some unique dishes. The staff were incredibly kind, attentive and helpful. For what you pay, you get more than you would expect compared to other places in Japan. I’ve been to many vegan restaurants in Japan and this is number one! Will most definitely return
Read morePros: Many unique dishes, Good options in the dinner courses, Cool, peaceful place
Cons: Nothing!
Guest
Ve-miho
Points +121
Delicious lunch ! - Edit
Lunch set is amazing ! The set includes soup , salad, rice or noodle , dessert and drink. We can choose a rice or noodle. We choosed a Una-jew and a Nishoku-don . All dishes are beautiful and delicious !
Read moreStaffes are so kind . We can spend relax time . I'm sure I visit Saido again .
Pros: Delicious, reasonable and staff
Guest
AngelaFaragasso
Points +480
Nice concept - Edit
Nice taste and wonderful soup. We took the dinner course. The salad, soup, Yakitori were amazing but the main dishes were not so special ( I got ramen and my husband katsu set with vegan eggs). Will definitely go back to try other dishes!
Read morePros: All vegan, Creative, Stylish
Cons: Pricey
Guest
YoshieAgata
Points +30
Amazing vegan Unaju - Edit
Lunch course 2000 yen was amazing! I had non vegan unaju when I was a little and it tastes much better than non vegan unaju. I'll come here again ☺️
Read morePros: Tasty, Artistic
Guest
npan1886
Points +17
Fantastic food and service - Edit
Delicious lunch set with soup, green beans salad, dessert and tea. Main was curry which was full of umami and vegetables (with a vegan egg added for extra texture)! Dessert is the popular blueberry cheesecake which was amazing - must try!
Read morePros: Many mains to choose from, Friendly service, English menu and staff who can speak English
Guest
GianlucaPotami
Points +24
Splendid! - Edit
A must visit being if you are a vegan in Tokyo! Delicious food and a very kind staff which is more than willing to give further explanations about the menu. The taste was just right and presentation very pretty. The vegan blueberry cheesecake is my recommendation 😋
Read morePros: No refined sugars , Some organic products, English menu
Guest
venusvenus
Points +16
RECOMMEND 10000% - Edit
The ambiance of the restaurant was remarkable, the presentation of the foods were very artistic. The explanation the foods from the worker made us very engaged with the dishes ! Unforgettable experience overall , would definitely recommend for anybody who is looking for the “wow” factor . Will come back again !
Read moreGuest
joshcoultas
Points +59
本気のビーガン日本料理 - Edit
Every dish that’s served at Saido will give every vegetarian and vegan the true sense of Japanese cuisine. It’s a must go for traditional yakisoba, unagi, and katsu on rice. All dishes have a rich and deep flavour and texture that will make you want to come back. The staff don’t try and rush you to order from the menu, you can take your time and relax here.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, English menu, Fast service
Cons: Reservation is necessary during busy times
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 55057 times.