We ate breakfast in Denny’s Japan. And it must be compared to American Denny’s because what’s the alternative?
Upon investigation it’s a different entity from their American counterpart as Japanese Denny’s is owned by 7/11. The same company who create those magnificent egg sandwiches with no crusts and always have umbrellas to sell.
Denny’s Japan primarily serves Japanese-inspired cuisine alongside Western dishes. Mainly hamburger steak patties served with rice and soup, ramen, curry, and fish. Everywhere in Japan serves fish, right? Their pancakes and eggs also scored highly. Denny’s Japan doesn’t serve hamburgers (just the patties), they offer sweeter pancakes, and includes unique items like cornflake parfaits and salmon biscuits. To be honest, if I had travelled all this way and items were a Western diet copy/paste it would be a disappointment. Even McDonalds and other fast food chains added a Japanese twist to their menus.
What’s obvious is the smaller portions, and smaller prices in comparison to American Denny’s. And staff don’t expect a 30% tip for doing their job. Nobody tips in Japan, it’s just rude.
They sell alcohol as I remember my dad necking a cold beer not long after Tokyo’s morning rush hour stampede had either gone to work, or home.
Breakfast
Denny’s Japan locations are often 24-hour restaurants with self-serve drink bars, free coffee refills, and table service bells. I have to admit ordering by app is a pain in the arse as it’s becoming widespread, and expected. But it’s not specific to Japan as this annoyance is global.
There’s very little wait times, you’re seated quickly and there’s an android tablet already at your table preinstalled with a menu if you can’t install their app. Showing photos of what you’re buying, translated into English. It also arrives exactly as shown which is important in Japanese law.
My dad prefers to order in person like yokels from the 1800’s, and chat with actual people. Paying cash. Denny’s obliged and we didn’t leave without eating so there’s no problem as long as this remains an option.
There were a few locations nearby main stations on the Yamanote Line in central Tokyo. The atmosphere’s designed for longer, relaxed stays and is “cleaner and more spacious than the American diners” to quote my dad. I have to trust his judgement as he’s visited both. He also tells me their booths can be a temporary lodging for inebriated travellers who might have missed the last train home. And a blind man could see how free coffee refills would be priceless in that scenario.
Tables and floors were immaculately clean. The food was good, affordable, and service was quick.
This was my first restaurant review. Thanks for reading and I hope you found it helpful.
Rating: 8 / 10
For more published content on Japanese culture and attractions, read my reviews of a baseball match at the Tokyo Dome, TapTap Lab Osaka, Caricature Japan and KK Overdrive at What The Dickens.
