If you are fancying some Greek food The Apollo may be just what you need! This contemporary Greek restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Ginza.
The Apollo is located on the highest floor of Tokyu Plaza Ginza. I wrote (here) that department stores are rarely my first choice when dining out, but The Apollo is one of the few exceptions to the rule.
The Atmosphere
The floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer a breathtaking view of the city. At night, the panorama is spectacular — it gets me every time. Good food with a view is always an unbeatable combo!
The lunch crowd is very different from the dinner crowd. During the day, it is much more family-oriented. I personally like going there at night to enjoy the city lights, but bare in mind that there is an additional 10% service charge after 17:00. All in all, it is a great spot for a date, a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The tables are a bit close to each other though, so it does lack some sense of intimacy.
The Drinks
The Apollo has great cocktails. I definitely recommend the Pearsephone (1,300 yen) unless you are a coriander-hater. This vodka-based cocktail made with fresh pear is refreshing and not too sweet. It is a perfect way to work up your appetite! They also have a nice wine list, but the wines are expensive… Prices for a bottle start at 4,440 yen. During our last dinner at The Apollo, my boyfriend and I shared a bottle of The Stump Jump Shiraz 2017, a deep full-bodied Australian red wine with interesting black fruit notes. A good pick!
The Food
The Apollo has four different course menus for lunch (2,200 ~ 5,500 yen) and one dinner course (6,380 yen + 10% service charge). I have tried the Full Greek menu that is served for both lunch and dinner, and I would highly recommend it to first-time customers. Not only does it have all the good stuff, but it’s also a great deal that won’t leave you hungry! I have my favorites and I like to try new dishes so I tend to do a la carte, but it usually ends up more expensive than the course menu…
Taramasalata Mullet Roe Dip (1,430 yen)
The creamy Taramasalata dip is fresh and lemony. Maybe a tad too sour, but not enough to be a deal-breaker by any means. It comes with some nice warm pita bread sprinkled with herbs. A very nice duo!
Saganaki Cheese Honey Oregano (2,200 yen)
The pan-fried Saganaki Cheese is a pure wonder. The cheese is served hot in sweet, bubbly honey with a tasty crust seasoned with oregano. It’s an absolute delight — unquestionably one of The Apollo‘s highlights!
Greek Salad: Village Salad Cucumber Tomato Radish Creamy Feta Olives (1,980 yen)
The Greek Salad is good. The dressing is simple and the vegetables are very fresh. The piece of feta on top is crumbly and accentuated by a dash of olive oil and herbs.
Fried Eggplant Pickled Onion Yoghurt (1,980 yen)
The fried eggplant turned out to be an excellent surprise. The fried layer is thin and the eggplants have a nice soft texture. The yogurt on top adds a fresh touch to the dish.
Apollo Sausages Chickpeas Saffron (3,080 yen)
The sausages are good but there is nothing especially memorable about them. They are seasoned with saffron and come served on a bed of chickpeas.
Greek Style BBQ Chicken (3,080 yen)
Just like the sausages, the BBQ Chicken is nothing exceptional. The big and tender pieces of chicken are served on a layer of chickpea hummus, but the flavoring is mild.
Loukoumades (Greek Doughnuts) Metaxa Cream Pistachio (1,870 yen)
The pistachio and cream nicely accentuate the light texture and subtle honey taste of the loukoumades. Pleasant, but I did not find it mind-blowing.
White Chocolate Poached Rhubarb Honeycomb (1,870)
The White Chocolate Poached Rhubarb Honeycomb is nothing short of amazing. The white chocolate is very rich, but not too heavy or sugar-loaded. The poached rhubarb is fresh and sweet, and the crispiness of the honeycomb brings a perfect balance to this dessert. It’s heaven when you get the perfect bite with a little bit of each ingredient. I’m usually not upset about skipping dessert, but I’ll definitely make sure to leave room for this white chocolate wonder next time!
Overall
If you want to enjoy Greek food, The Apollo is an excellent option. However, if you want some traditional Greek cuisine it may not be the best place for you. Many of their dishes are created with a modern twist. I really like the food there, but you do pay more for the great view and location. That being said, if you don’t have a restricted budget, The Apollo is undoubtedly an amazing dinner option.
The Apollo
Opening hours: open everyday from 11:00 to 23:00
Website: click here
Address: 11F Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 5-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-6264-5220
