Peter Luger Steak House, a name synonymous with top-tier steak in New York City and potentially the world, has been serving meat aficionados since 1887. While its reputation has faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly after a notorious no-star review from the NY Times in 2019, the allure of Peter Luger remains. For those seeking this legendary steak experience outside of the US, Tokyo offers the first international outpost. But how does this Tokyo rendition stack up, especially when considering the Peter Luger Cost in a foreign market?
Tokyo is no stranger to high-end steakhouses, hosting branches of renowned US names like Ruth’s Chris, Wolfgang’s, and Morton’s. Peter Luger’s arrival in Ebisu was a significant addition to this landscape. The menu mirrors the original NYC establishment, featuring classic steakhouse fare. While alternatives like hamburgers are available, the star attraction, and what most patrons come for, is undoubtedly the porterhouse steak.
The allure of a Peter Luger porterhouse is undeniable. In Tokyo, as in New York, it’s presented as a “steak for two,” a massive, sizzling cut steeped in rendered fat. While intended for sharing, it’s not uncommon to see solo diners tackling this meaty challenge. However, pairing it with the generous side dishes elevates the Peter Luger cost and might prove too much for a single person, though leftovers are an option.
During my initial visit, I opted for the Luger Burger. It arrived with a substantial portion of “French fries” (American medium, Japanese large), and unlike some presentations, lettuce and tomato were extra. The burger itself was commendable – flavorful meat, a satisfying crust, a coarse texture, and no unwanted gristle. The fries, more akin to thick-cut chips and fried in beef fat, were decent, although crispier French fries would have been preferable. Being a potato enthusiast, I supplemented with a side of German potatoes, which, in retrospect, were less enjoyable than the fries. Sides are designed for sharing, yet I managed to consume everything. A bacon topping on the burger proved overly salty and slightly burnt, a less successful addition. Despite this, the burger’s rich, fatty flavor was prominent, further enhanced by the fatty sides, leaving a noticeable layer of fat on my knife. To counter the richness, I chose an ume-shiso mojito, a sour and refreshing complement. Dessert was bypassed in favor of the adjacent boutique, offering takeaway options like cheesecake, pecan pie, and Key lime pie, previously at a slight discount for takeout. However, with prices now elevated to JPY 1,500, the cheesecake, while generously sized at 276g per slice, faces stiff competition in value compared to other Tokyo patisseries.
The total bill for this burger-centric meal, including a takeout dessert, exceeded JPY 7,000, potentially reaching JPY 8,000. This is a considerable sum for a burger, albeit a substantial and calorie-dense one. A notable service aspect is the automatic credit card charge upon booking, streamlining payment but potentially creating a moment of uncertainty regarding departure. Online receipts are not itemized, requiring a specific request for a detailed breakdown. While the bacon issue wasn’t raised at the time, it appeared to have been removed from the final charge.
The restaurant occupies a vast space, characterized by generously sized tables and ample spacing. Service was notably efficient; food arrived just eight minutes after ordering, hinting at pre-prepared burger components. English-speaking staff were present, and interactions at tables were engaging and attentive, a departure from the sometimes impersonal yet efficient service common in Japan. This personalized approach was a positive aspect. However, in a large, busy establishment, individual experiences may vary. For Japanese diners, communication through masks with non-native Japanese speakers might present a different dynamic.
To understand the Peter Luger cost evolution in Tokyo, menu snapshots from the restaurant’s opening in October 2021 and a year later, reflecting the most recent price adjustments at the time of writing, are insightful.
Comparing these to current NYC menu prices, starters, sides, and desserts are similarly priced after recent Tokyo increases of approximately 100 yen. The burger is notably more expensive in Tokyo by about $9, though it includes fries which are an additional $5 in New York. Steak prices, however, show a significant divergence. A year prior, porterhouse for two was nearly double the NYC price (USD $120 vs JPY 22,000), and sirloin followed a similar pattern (USD $60 vs JPY 11,000). Current prices in Tokyo have escalated further to JPY 32,000 for porterhouse for two and JPY 16,000 for sirloin, now approximately 2.5 times the New York cost, excluding the 10% service charge in Tokyo.
Examining price trends across other NY-style steakhouses in Tokyo reveals Peter Luger’s price hikes as more pronounced. Empire Steak House, Benjamin Steakhouse, Morton’s, and Wolfgang’s have also seen increases, but less drastic. Factors like the 38.5% tariff on US beef imports to Japan and fluctuating exchange rates affect all establishments, yet Peter Luger’s price adjustments stand out. This price surge deterred a planned return for the porterhouse. While potential tariff reductions are discussed, significant price drops on signature items are unlikely, though future market entrants might introduce more competitive pricing.
Consequently, my second visit focused on the steak sandwich, a weekday lunch offering limited to ten servings daily since late November 2022. Arriving at 11:30 am in December, I opted for the bar area, assuming the restaurant was full. Surprisingly, the bar was empty, lacking any discernible ambiance. Despite serving the full menu, it felt devoid of atmosphere, primarily functioning as a drink preparation area.
The steak sandwich arrived swiftly with a generous portion of chips. The sandwich itself was packed with high-quality, gristle-free meat, though the overall flavor profile leaned towards sweetness rather than umami, likely due to corn-fed beef. Luger’s Sauce, also sweet (corn syrup-based), contributed to this. Despite the bar’s lack of atmosphere, service remained excellent, and the restaurant manager engaged in conversation after payment.
Objectively, burgers at places like Aldebaran might surpass Peter Luger’s, and for budget-friendly beef options, Bakery & Burger JB’s Tokyo or Arabikidaze are compelling choices. For a more affordable steak sandwich, STABLER Shimokitazawa Meatsand (review forthcoming) is worth considering. However, for those seeking the authentic Peter Luger experience in Tokyo, a visit is recommended. Restaurant reservations are strongly advised.
📌 https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1303/A130302/13258435/
❓ My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3.99 (food 3.8, experience 4.4)
📱 Booking: 🟩 Booking has become easier since 2022. Dinner reservations a week ahead for specific times, or same/next day for lunch or flexible timings. Book via phone or TableCheck. Lunch-only bookings via Tabelog. Full menu at the bar (no reservations). Children now restricted to private rooms (7-8 guests, minimum JPY 100k charge). Cards only.
📍 Location: 4-19-19 Ebisu. Separate entrances for restaurant and boutique. Previously MLB Cafe Tokyo site. Opposite Ebisu Garden Place North side. Map data ©2021 Google
📅 Visit December 2022
Steak sandwich 4,900
💴 Damage: 5,390 (4,900 + 10%)⏱️ Time taken: 35m
📅 Visit: November 2021
Luger Burger 2,800+bacon 900 (not charged)German potatoes 1,400Ume-shiso mojito 1,400
💴 Damage: 7,040 incl 10% service⏱️ Time taken: 50m
