Restaurant Find: The Apollo Tokyo
With a spectacular view over the entertainment and luxury district Ginza, The Apollo Tokyo is a taste of Australian-Greek dining in the heart of Tokyo, and the first of it’s kind in Japan. Located on the 11th floor of the new Tokyu Ginza Plaza department store, high-ceilings and a light-filled interior immediately greet you, with both Mediterranean-Pacific aromas bouncing from the kitchen and it’s wood fire ovens.
The Apollo’s modern interior is designed by George Livissianis, with a focus on muted grey and white tones, leaving all the attention for the exceptional menu and extraordinary view. Exposed concrete and marble dominates the dining space and bar counters, with subdued cream stools and brown leather couches for extended seating.
Australian owners Jonathan Barthelmess and Sam Christie have ensured that the new Ginza outpost reflects their Sydney restaurant in precise details. With the same menu, including a stellar comparison of Australian wines, and staff trained in Sydney prior to opening in Tokyo replicating techniques and execution.
The Apollo’s signature dish, ‘Saganaki Cheese Honey Oregano’, is a smooth balance of sautéed greek cheese (90% sheep, 10% goat) with honey and oregano, named after the ‘saganaki’ Japanese grill plate it is cooked on. A stand-out for mains, is their slow roasted Australian lamb with milk (not goat) Feta Greek salad. For dessert, a traditional Australian pavlova with classic greek yogurt, and a second selection of Lemon curd and biscuit meringue tart. Divine!
The Apollo lunches are equally as popular as their dinners, come more than once and ensure you’ve got a different seat each visit: there’s always something about the view of Tokyo’s cityscape to enjoy each time.
The Apollo Tokyo
11F, Tokyu Plaza Ginza
5-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
+81 03 6264 5220
 Joanna is the co-editor and founder of Ala CHAMP Magazine, a London and Tokyo-based biannual printed publication focused on curiosity and investigations into creativity and cultural insight. She is Tokyo-based, and co-founder of agency Champ Creative where she is Art Director and Producer, and is a contributing writer for various publications in travel, art, architecture and design. |
(All photos courtesy of The Apollo Tokyo.)
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