Ginza Lunch

Amid the high-end shops and throngs of tourists, Ginza boasts a dizzying array of restaurants all vying to earn a name for themselves. Once you start looking, there is a whole world of choices within easy reach.

Until you ask 'Why the bamboo facade on a bistro?' you'd never guess there's a  world-class Japanese restaurant tucked away in the basement  (Shibahama)

Just down the block from the iconic Seiko clock tower in the heart of Ginza, you can turn the corner

  and find a narrow alley crammed with restaurants

Ginza may be known for gleaming glass storefronts with  high-end brands, but it still has its fair share of traditional touches  (Toki no Niwa)

with ramen so good customers line up for it.

Roast beef donburi, topped with an egg yolk and a sprinkle of sesame.

Shrimp & veggie tempura over rice, with soup and pickles on the side.

Ginza can claim at least six traditional wood-fired ovens turning out authentic Neapolitan pizza.

(Isolina Cucina Italiana)

No assembly line here: burger and fries made to order.

Charcoal grilled in an open kitchen (Kitano)

Nothing says "hand-crafted sushi" quite like preparing and serving it one piece at a time. (Kosasazushi)

Just when you think you've discovered all the hole-in-the-wall gems, you stumble upon yet another. (Soujyu)

Sit down and this shabu-shabu feast for one appears before your eyes.