In Japan there are very popular Western Style Diner Chains that are referred to as “Family Restaurants” and Gusto is one of the popular options.
“Family Restaurants” in Japan can be found in most major cities. They almost always have bottomless self-serve soft drinks as well as tea and coffee.
The menus are huge and have lovely big pictures of the food you can order.
The appeal is the casual nature of these restaurants and the price. For this reason, you will always find Family Restaurants in Japan full of university and high school students as well as young families.
This is not the kind of restaurant that you need to worry about your child being very quiet ( of course, they still need to stay seated though.)
It’s also a great restaurant to choose if you want to sit and just linger for a while (many Japanese students study from these types of diners.)
Gusto is mostly western food (or a Japanese spin on Western food) with a few Japanese dishes.
Some Gusto restaurants also have the little cat robot that delivers the food to the table. All food orders are done via an iPad at the table (in Japanese or English.)
Kids Menus
There are also kids meals- which often come with a small toy.
For me, personally, I love the hot cocoa from the machines here.
Please note: I don’t really love eating at Gusto when the restaurants are located in a basement (they get a bit smelly and it’s a bit claustrophobic having no windows.)
The easiest way to find a Gusto is to google “Gusto near me” on google maps once you are in Japan.
Another Family Restaurant you may enjoy is Royal Host.
