Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
I think some of the disagreement here has to do with WHERE the diner is eating rather than what and how much. If one frequents Robuchon and Ramsey's places, one will pay through the nose. Saying that Japan is expensive for dining based on that sample is misleading. The best meals I have ever had were at no-name back-street places (like the "Cafe Macaroni" in the dorama "Lunch Queen"). A tokatsu, hayashi rice or curry lunch special almost never runs more than 800 to 1200 yen and rarely fails to satisfy completely. Really good ramen or soba at the local noodle joint is always good and usually runs 500-800 yen. I can't eat that well for that little money at home.
I completely agree. The little mom-and-pop restaurants in Japan offer some of the best low-budget dining experiences in the developed world.
While I occasionally duck into a mid-level Italian or other European-style restaurant during a long stay (where I can get a satisfying meal for ¥2000+), during short stays, I stick to the neighborhood eateries.
I'm reminded of a friend who took a whirlwind tour of Southeast Asia. went from one luxury hotel to another, and ate in the French restaurants the whole time. My response was, "So tell me why you went to Southeast Asia instead of France."