CARVAAN TOKYO — Restaurant in Tokyo

3.8 stars

I almost didn't come because some of the reviews were so harsh.

Do know that their hours have been updated due to Corona so check the hours beforehand to avoid disappointment.

I found the staff all to be quite young but basically very polite and kind and if you ask about any ingredients they are sure to find out for you. I've been to many high-end afternoon teas but I found this one uses really good ingredients. The environment also did not feel like Japan so it was very refreshing. It feels like we traveling to a foreign country. The inside of the restaurant is very dim at the interior is kind of like a medieval theme.

The portions are not very big but the quality was surprisingly good. I had the afternoon tea set at was delighted by all the unique spices and flavors. The salad had Sacha inchi nuts which are quite rare and hard to find but they sell it at the Carvaan shop in Tokyo Food show, next door. The cheesecake was one of the best I've ever had and I've had a lot of cheesecakes before. The baklava could have been crispier but it was not sickeningly sweet as it is that many places. Don't get me wrong, it was very sweet... Just less sweet than other places.

The lemon Myrtle tea was fantastic. The cardamom coffee tea was a bit underwhelming and watery. The tahini paste that goes with the Falafel wrap was really good though the fried falafel inside was somewhat greasy but still good tasting.

Although it's kind of higher priced I would like to come again for a lunch set. A pleasant surprise in the middle of Shibuya. After dining you can get an amazing free aerial view of Shibuya in the lounge next to the restaurant.

I definitely don't recommend coming on a Saturday or Sunday. Weekdays are your best bet.

Unlike most shops in Japan payment is done...

We visited the restaurant hoping to enjoy lunch and explore the atmosphere. Upon arrival, while the cashier was assisting another customer, we began looking for the entrance. We were initially asked to wait outside rather than inside, which already felt a bit unwelcoming.

When we were finally invited in, we noticed that many tables were available. However, the staff insisted we sit at a specific table that we did not feel comfortable with. Despite politely requesting to move to another available table, our request was denied, and we were told we must remain where we were placed.

As the menu was brought to us, our child began to enjoy and explore the surroundings, as children naturally do. We were immediately warned about this, which added to our discomfort and made us feel unwelcome and we immediately left the restaurant.

We have been in Japan for 10 days and have consistently experienced warm hospitality - until this visit. This was the only time we encountered such behavior from restaurant staff, which compelled us to leave the establishment right away.

We strongly believe that customer-facing staff should be well-trained in communication and hospitality. A high-quality dining experience is not just about the food or décor, but about how guests are treated. Unfortunately, despite the restaurant’s appealing exterior, the service we received did not reflect the standards we’ve come to...

Terrible. Scam.

I am not so harsh with my critics, almost never happens but... This restaurant has do much homework to do that I couldn't avoid it.

Went there with my wife for lunch, a total of 8.185¥ (more or less) for both. Around 12 customers with us included.

Their mistakes: (1) it took around 25 minutes for lunch to arrive since we ordered it. (2) it took around 15 minutes for them to bring 1 beer. Then, they made a mistake and brought different one. Lucky us they amended in 2 minutes so.... Why was first one so late?... (3) food is overpriced. For 2800 per person you expect either quantity or quality but none of both happened. Their fries are more cheap place style, I would dare to say they were frozen ones and if not.... Shame on them. The Arabic bread is so plain it just makes you question why so expensive. Meat also is normal, no big deal. (4) the tablecloth is a cheap A4 colour print with the logo of the restaurant.... For real? For that price?... No better that Mac or KFC....

In Japan lunch is very affordable usually and for 1800¥ you can have great menus so.... Why this 2800¥ lacks do much?

I worked in restaurants for long and my family rents businesses since much more longer. We always had talks about service, good points, bad points, etc.... And in this place alarms kept sounding.

Definitely won't repeat and will recommend...