The Imperial Viking Sal: Japan's First Buffet Restaurant

Credited as Japan's first buffet-style restaurant, The Imperial Viking Sal (インペリアルバイキング サール) offers a grand dining experience on the 17th floor of the prestigious Imperial Hotel Tokyo. It's a destination for special occasions, combining hotel-level cuisine with panoramic views of the city skyline and Hibiya Park.

The undeniable star of the show is the Imperial roast beef, carved to order at a live station. Guests consistently praise its quality. Other highlights include large prawns, made-to-order tempura and omelettes, and an impressive dessert and gelato program featuring flavours like pistachio and yuzu. In a unique touch of theatre, a gong sounds to announce freshly prepared hot dishes like paella or xiao long bao, prompting a dash from diners to get them while they're hot.

While many praise the core offerings, some reviewers find the overall selection smaller than expected for the high price. Service can be inconsistent, ranging from highly attentive to brusque, with isolated reports of staff being dismissive of non-Japanese guests. Diners should also be aware that many dishes contain pork.

Expect to pay for the experience. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported lunch prices from ¥9,600 to ¥14,000, while dinner ranged from ¥13,600 to over ¥19,000 depending on the day and time. Drinks are typically extra; a small beer was recently quoted at ¥1,250 and a free-flow wine plan at ¥5,200. A 15% service charge is added to the bill. For the quality of the signature dishes and the classic atmosphere, most find it good value for a celebratory meal, but less so for those seeking a budget all-you-can-eat experience.

• Reservations: Booking is highly recommended, as the restaurant is often busy. Seating is usually time-limited to 90 or 120 minutes.
• Dress Code: A dress code is enforced; shorts and sandals are not permitted.
• Getting There: The restaurant is a 3-minute walk from Hibiya Station or Uchisaiwaicho Station, and a 5-minute walk from Ginza Station.
• Payment: All major credit cards, transportation IC cards (like Suica), and QR code payments (including PayPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay) are accepted.
• Dietary Notes: Many dishes contain pork. While some signage is present, guests with dietary restrictions should be cautious.
• Facilities: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Private rooms for 10–20 people are available for an additional fee. Parking is available.