If you are looking for restaurants in Hiroo or the ultimate hang-out spot to satisfy your needs in every way possible, then you should check out EAT PLAY WORKS. This brand new building offers some of the most incredible food I have ever had, a dream working space, and a relaxing gem in the middle of the big city. I’m excited to share my experiences here with you!
Where is EAT PLAY WORKS?
EAT PLAY WORKS is located in Hiroo, just a 2-minute walk from the Hibiya Hiroo station. Hiroo is a convenient spot close to major areas such as Shibuya and Roppongi. There are multiple embassies here, along with small restaurants, boutique shops, and international schools.
Hiroo is a high-end neighbourhood popular with expats. I personally love this area because of the incredible number of delicious restaurants you can find here and the sense of a close international community.
Overview of EAT PLAY WORKS
The concept of EAT PLAY WORKS is to create a space where lifestyle and workstyle merge, complemented by incredible food, just as the name suggests.
The first two floors consist of an open-space area featuring different restaurants. You can think of it as a classy international food court. There is also a relaxing outdoor area, which is surprisingly spacious and great for hanging out, especially when the weather is nice.
The third and fourth floors consist of the member’s lounge. It is a comfortable members-only space where members can work and hang out. In the event space area, a variety of members’ events are offered. There is also a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the surprisingly secluded and quiet space.
The fifth and sixth floors house the offices. These offices are designed for quiet focus, with minimalist designs reminiscent of a European hotel. The atmosphere is conducive to diving straight into your work.
The Restaurants at EAT PLAY WORKS
Oh, did I mention that multiple restaurants at EAT PLAY WORKS in Hiroo are created by Michelin-star restaurants and chefs? For example, you can find “Bistro Némot”, created by “Lefel Vesons” with two Michelin stars, and “OXOMOCO”, which received a Michelin star merely five months after its opening in Brooklyn, New York.
The quality of the food experience here is incredible, yet the close and comfortable space of THE RESTAURANT makes it easy for you to relax and enjoy your meals while possibly making new connections. Each restaurant is set up in a style that allows you to fully indulge in the meal experience.
Every restaurant at EAT PLAY WORKS is unique, each with its own twist and spin. From Japanese cuisine such as sushi, soba, yakitori, and ramen to international cuisines like French, Mexican, Vietnamese, and Spanish, these 17 restaurants are sure to satisfy you.
If you are in Hiroo and looking for a restaurant, check out one of these many places. I had the pleasure of trying out three of the restaurants here, including Mutsuboshi, Sushidan, and Yakitori Satajuro Kakomu.
Mutsuboshi
Mutsuboshi is a soba restaurant specialising in homemade soba and tempura. Their soba is made with a mixture of different types of local flour from Nagano. The texture is a little more solid and stronger than the typical sobas you might be used to. Along with the soba sauce and tempura with just the right amount of batter, it is incredibly delicious.
You might think that a soba meal is just quick Japanese fast food. Although you can have the meal quickly for lunch, it can also be enjoyed as a relaxing dinner, similar to an izakaya. They serve a range of alcohol and local nihonshu from Nagano, as well as a wide range of small dishes.
Sushidan
Sushidan is created by “Hakkoku”, a famous sushi restaurant that has won multiple awards in Ginza. Needless to say, the quality is incredible! Not just the sashimi, but the rice is also delicious! It might sound odd, but my favourite was the egg sushi. Words simply can’t describe the flavour and texture.
At “Hakkoku”, the cheapest set of sushi with 15 pieces costs 12,000 yen per person. You might expect “Sushidan” to have similar prices, but you would be happy to hear that a set including 10 sushi is 3,000 yen for lunch and 5,000 yen for dinner. I highly recommend trying the sushi here.
Yakitori Satajuro Kakomu
Yakitori Satajuro Kakomu is a yakitori restaurant specialising in aging chicken. I had not heard of such a dish until I came to this restaurant. If you are familiar with aging beef, you’ll know it is a process where the beef is aged for a long period to achieve tender meat. The chicken is processed similarly and then grilled with charcoal to create a soft, tender, and juicy flavour.
They also have a special “Sansho sour” here. “Sansho” is a type of Japanese pepper, and this drink is created with shochu. You can smell the sansho while enjoying your drink, and it is refreshing, especially with your yakitori meal.
EAT PLAY WORKS Members’ Area
The member’s area at EAT PLAY WORKS is what my ideal co-working space looks like. There are comfortable sofas for you to hang out and chat, along with desks where you can focus and work. Complimentary snacks and drinks are available. Members enjoy free-flow drinks from 5 pm every weekday, including simple mixers and beer. They also offer some premium liquors, which you can purchase.
Regular events are held here, focusing on self-care. They have meditation sessions and events nearly every weekday. You can also rent the space to hold your own events.
Best of all, there is a terrace area where you can relax. Even though this outdoor space is in the middle of the city, it is quiet and feels like its own world. They have plants of various species which you can use for your cocktails, a footbath area, and bean bags for you to sit and hang out. You can bring along your drinks and even your pets!
If you are looking for a coworking space, you might want to check out the members’ area at EAT PLAY WORKS. Despite being in such a great location and part of this little oasis, membership costs just under 60,000 yen a month.
If you are curious to find out more about EAT PLAY WORKS, the restaurants, the members’ area and the offices, you can check out their homepage, Instagram and Facebook.
Discover the Perfect Blend of Dining, Working, and Relaxing
EAT PLAY WORKS in Hiroo offers a unique combination of dining, working, and relaxing. With its variety of high-quality restaurants, members’ lounge, and comfortable office spaces, it caters to a wide range of needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a place to eat, a spot to work, or just somewhere to unwind, EAT PLAY WORKS has something for everyone. The diverse culinary options, from Michelin-starred chefs to local favourites, ensure that every meal is a delightful experience.
In addition to the exceptional food, the members’ area provides a conducive environment for productivity and relaxation. The comfortable workspaces, regular events, and tranquil terrace make it an ideal spot for both professional and personal activities. If you are in Hiroo, make sure to visit and experience this exceptional space for yourself. EAT PLAY WORKS truly embodies the perfect blend of eating, playing, and working, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of Tokyo.
