Roll out the red carpet! Old Hollywood glam meets Modern Tokyo. True to its original menu selection and service, Lawry’s The Prime Rib Tokyo opened its doors in 2001. The dramatic, elegant, art deco interior provides a fabulous introduction to what’s in store for your dining experience. Admittedly, this was not the impression I had in mind as home of the world famous Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, but it is in fact a drop-dead-gorgeous setting for American prime rib in Japan.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib was established 1938 in Beverly Hills, CA and later moved just on the other side of La Cienega in 1993. With two locations serving Japan, Tokyo & Osaka, I must say that the Akasaka Twin Tower Building is top notch. It’s luxurious and majestic to say the least. From the sophisticated main entrance, to the grand staircase that descends towards the main dining area, the red velvet booths, and the staff dressed in classic Lawry’s The Prime Rib attire, we were in for a treat.
The pictures featured in this article were taken on our second visit during the weekday Lunch Course available from 11:30am to 3:00pm (LO 2:00pm). This option is great because of two reasons: the unlimited salad, soup & dessert bar and a petite-sized prime rib serving. Called The Lunch Cut, ¥2,800, this is a perfect portion for a smaller appetite or one who wants to sample the prime rib for the first time. Additionally, they offer The Tokyo Cut ¥3,900, a portion fitting for most of the locals. This cut is the first choice available before you move into the “American” portions, such as The California Cut ¥4,900 or The ‘Diamond Jim Brady’ Cut, ¥9,900.
The unique experience at Lawry’s is when the gleaming “Silver Cart” is presented for table side service. According to the History Hall in the restaurant, each cart costs as much as a new Cadillac and carvers go through a special Lawry’s training program to become experts at hand-carving the roasted prime ribs of beef to guest’s request. We ordered ours medium-well done and we couldn’t have been more satisfied. Topped off with whipped cream horseradish and a side of Yorkshire pudding to soak up the remaining Au Jus, it was oh so savory!
Do you observe the American Thanksgiving holiday? If you’re having difficulty finding a “bird” or your oven isn’t large enough to roast one, Lawry’s in Tokyo will prepare some turkey dishes for two days only during dinner. Also, in limited number, you may also reserve a whole turkey. Reservations required! Hope you enjoy some turkey & roast beef with your family and friends. Happy holidays to you and yours!
To access Lawry's The Prime Rib Tokyo, take a 3-minute walk via the Ebisu Skywalk from Ebisu Station (Lawry’s The Prime Rib Tokyo relocated from Akasaka Twin Tower Building to Ebisu Garden Place in April 2014).
