Best Family Restaurants Chains in Japan: Quick Guide

Japan's family restaurant chains, known as "famiresu" (ファミレス), are a beloved part of the dining culture, offering affordable, diverse menus that cater to families, solo diners, and everyone in between. These chains combine casual, welcoming atmospheres with extensive menus that feature Japanese, Western, and other international dishes, making them ideal for a wide variety of tastes.

Here are the top family restaurant chains in Japan with succinct, bullet-point details for easy reference:

1. Gusto (ガスト)

• Extensive menu blending Western and Japanese dishes: hamburgers, pizzas, pastas, ramen, curry.
• Family-friendly with kids’ meals, high chairs, and early breakfast options.
• Known for budget-friendly prices and monthly seasonal specials.
• Popular for weekday happy hour and casual dining atmosphere.

2. Saizeriya (サイゼリヤ)

• Affordable Italian-style family restaurant with pizzas
• Lunch specials with all-you-can-drink soft drinks and soups around 500-600 yen.
• Known for cheap wine and casual, cheerful atmosphere ideal for budget-conscious families.

3. Denny’s Japan

• Focuses on diverse menus with Japanese and Western influences.
• Popular dishes include ginger pork, fried chicken, Sichuan noodles, and marinated trout.
• Offers a cozy, slightly upscale dining environment compared to other family restaurants.

4. Royal Host (ロイヤルホスト)

• Upscale family restaurant chain known for quality ingredients like Australian beef and local pork.
• Menu features Angus sirloin steak and allergy-friendly kids’ meal options.
• More refined dining experience with emphasis on customer service and presentation.

5. Bamiyan (バーミヤン)

• Chinese cuisine-focused family restaurant chain.
• Popular dishes: mapo tofu, sweet and sour pork, dumplings, ramen.
• Offers affordable kids’ meals and a dessert menu including sesame dango and green tea chiffon cake.

6. Bikkuri Donkey (びっくりドンキー)

• Specializes in Hamburg steaks with various toppings served with sides.
• Known for hearty meat-focused meals in a casual setting.

7. Ootoya (大戸屋)

• Japanese family restaurant specializing in traditional home-style set meals (teishoku).
• Signature dishes include chicken nanban, scallop rice with miso, and demi-glace chicken katsu.
• Emphasizes healthy, comforting Japanese meals.

8. Big Boy (ビッグボーイ)

• Steak and grilled meat-focused family restaurant.
• Features a large salad bar popular with families and health-conscious diners.

9. Jonathan’s (ジョナサン)

• Wide-ranging menu including Japanese, Western, and international dishes.
• Family-friendly with varied kids’ meals and a casual, inviting atmosphere.

10. Joyfull (ジョイフル)

• Focuses on affordable meat dishes like American burgers and steaks under 1,300 yen.
• Casual, no-frills dining with a variety of Western and Japanese offerings.
• Popular for hearty meals in a relaxed environment.

11. Coco’s Restaurant (ココス)

• Known for hamburgers, pasta, pizza, and salads.
• Moderate pricing, typically 600 yen to just over 1,000 yen for main dishes.
• Seasonal specialties and notable for exceptional summer shaved ice desserts.
• Family-friendly atmosphere with drink bar options.

12. Jolly Pasta (ジョリーパスタ)

• Pasta-centric family restaurant chain.
• Menu prices typically range from 700 to 1,000 yen.
• Offers all-you-can-drink soft drinks and coffee for reasonable fees.
• Lauded for good quality and extensive pasta options.

13. Steak Gusto (ステーキガスト)

• Sub-brand of Gusto focusing on steak dishes.
• Known for affordable, quality steak plates with salad bar included.
• Popular for casual meat lovers and families.