With new city-centre outlets in Harajuku, Shibuya and soon Shinjuku, Ikea is on a fast track to taking over Tokyo’s busiest shopping districts. Though smaller than its standard suburban venues in Funabashi or Tachikawa, these new-concept Ikea stores are designed for city dwellers with features catering specifically to Tokyo's compact lifestyle.
The in-store eateries are one example of this, with the café in Ikea Harajuku serving flat-bread snacks you can eat on the go, much like the crepes the neighbourhood is known for. If you miss the brand’s famed meatballs, however, the Swedish staple won’t be far out of reach for much longer. This month, Ikea Shibuya is opening a new restaurant on the seventh floor – the first of its kind in Ikea’s city-centre locations.
At the Sweden Restaurant, you’ll find classic Swedish dishes like salmon and meatballs, as well as several items that will be exclusive to Ikea Shibuya. To align with Ikea’s initiative to promote sustainable living, the menu will include vegan-friendly alternatives, including ‘meatballs’ made with plant-based ingredients.
Sweden Restaurant will officially open on Wednesday April 21, with business hours running from 11am-8pm. There will, however, be a pre-opening event on April 19 where Ikea Family members can sample the menu ahead of the opening. Members will have to make a reservation online between April 9 and April 16, with slots allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Aside from the new restaurant, the store currently has a ‘bistro’ offering veggie dogs and pastries for takeaway.
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