Restaurant
Narisawa
Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa's acclaimed Aoyama restaurant, serving a seasonal tasting menu built around Japanese ingredients, forests and the farming landscape.
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
A sprawling, open-late izakaya in Nishi-Azabu with handmade soba, charcoal skewers and tempura, made internationally famous by a scene in Kill Bill.
At a glance
- Type
- Izakaya
- Area
- Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo, Japan
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open daily · 11:30–03:30
- Official site
- gonpachi.jp
Good to know
- Open late
- Vegan and halal menus
- Group dining
- 260 seats
- Non-smoking
- Parking
Why we recommend it
Gonpachi in Nishi-Azabu is a big, theatrical izakaya in a building styled like an old Japanese warehouse, with a central dining hall overlooked by wooden balconies and lanterns. It became famous around the world after it was used as the inspiration for a fight scene in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, and it remains a lively, reliable choice for groups and first-time visitors who want a sense of occasion with familiar Japanese food.
The menu covers three main crafts. Soba is made from buckwheat that is ground in-house on a stone mill each morning, and can be ordered cold with a dipping sauce or hot in broth. Skewers of chicken, pork, beef and vegetables are grilled over binchotan charcoal, and tempura is fried to order. There is also a wider izakaya menu of sashimi, salads and rice dishes, plus sake, shochu, beer and cocktails. Dedicated vegan and halal menus make it one of the easier places in Tokyo for groups with mixed dietary needs.
The restaurant is open every day of the year from 11:30 until 03:30, with last food orders at 02:45 and last drinks at 03:00. Lunch runs from 11:30 to 15:00. After 17:00 there is a minimum charge of 1,650 yen per person including tax, so it is better suited to a proper meal than a quick drink. The building has 260 seats across counters, tables and private rooms, and it is completely non-smoking. Book online or by phone for evenings, especially with a group; reservations are taken between 11:30 and 22:00.
Gonpachi suits groups, families, film fans and anyone looking for a late dinner in a district better known for bars. Service is used to international guests and the menus are easy to navigate. Prices are moderate for the area, and ordering several dishes to share is the best approach for a group.
It is on the ground and first floors of 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, about ten minutes' walk from Roppongi, Nogizaka and Hiroo stations, at the Nishi-Azabu crossing. There is parking for six cars. The museums and towers of Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are a short walk away.
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu FAQs
How late is it open?
Every day from 11:30 to 03:30, with last food orders at 02:45.
Is there a minimum charge?
Yes, after 17:00 there is a minimum charge of 1,650 yen per person including tax.
Is it the Kill Bill restaurant?
Yes, its interior inspired the fight scene in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.
Are there vegan or halal options?
Yes, there is a vegan menu and a halal course.
How do I book?
Online through the official website or by phone, between 11:30 and 22:00.
Is it non-smoking?
Yes, the restaurant is completely non-smoking.
What should I order?
Handmade soba, charcoal-grilled skewers and tempura.
How do I get there?
About ten minutes' walk from Roppongi, Nogizaka or Hiroo stations.