Denny’s Japan – Not your Genuine American Diner

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For a long time, I avoided going to Denny’s Japan.  I make it a rule when I’m on travel for work to never go to chain restaurants.  The only time I’ll falter is when that particular restaurant isn’t available to me (hello, Mellow Mushroom).  The more and more I saw “limited time” crazy offers at McDonald’s and Burger King (I really should have a whole series on just the limited time offers), the more I considered trying Denny’s out.

I remember fondly (ha!) growing up and walking out of Denny’s while on vacation. Late–night trips with friends for pancakes and coffee as well.  The service was always horrible. So it was with glee that I forced my family to go with me for breakfast while they were visiting.  They didn’t believe me.  Perfect opportunity for early in their trip that, no really, Japan’s customer service is impeccable.

[Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November of 2016 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.]

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What are the differences and similarities of Denny’s in Japan?

Denny’s Japan are what you would consider “family restaurants”. There are many different chains that fall under this category that I will delve into in a future article. They are obviously a different atmosphere than an izakaya (Japanese bar) but most still have happy hour deals which are very reasonable!

One of the differences about Denny’s Japan versus the original in America, is that they have … Japanese food (和食, washoku)! But they also have a bunch of western style dishes (洋食, Youshoku).

The dessert menu is similar but different. Parfait is my favorite at family restaurants, but this is much different than sundaes in America. Lots of them have corn flakes in them – do not knock it till you try it! I have friends that won’t even give it a chance but the crunchy and creamy at the same time is amazing!

The prices are all quite reasonable and you can go in just for a coffee – one of the few places you’ll see refills in Japan – and relax. Some locations have “drink bars” where you can choose all different types of drinks. There is free Wi-Fi as well if you are looking for a Wi-Fi connection.

While many restaurants and stores in Japan don’t take credit cards, Denny’s is one place that does take credit cards.

Fun fact: Denny’s Japan (デニーズ レストラン) is actually owned by Seven and I holdings, yes, the same that own the convenience stores.

Many of the 500+ Denny’s Japan locations are open 24 hours a day, I may or may not have seen people passed out in their booths waiting for the first train…

Like most places in Japan, the employees wear matching uniforms, and because it’s Japan, you can buy cosplay versions of them! Not the same as I’ve seen them wearing, but I thought it was funny.

Denny’s Japan: The Service

First, service in Japan is wonderful.  A twist to American service in many family restaurants (like Denny’s Japan) and izakaya (Japanese bar) is that they have a doorbell (there’s no other way to describe it) at every table that lights up your table number for the staff to see and they come running right away.  If for whatever reason that doesn’t work, there’s always the “sumimasen!” option.

There you go, Dad, service in Denny’s! There is always someone from the wait staff wandering the floor with a carafe of coffee.  You never have to ask for the check because as soon as they bring your food, they put your bill in a small plastic container at the end of your table.  

Want to order more? No problem! They’ll just bring you another receipt.

What’s that next to the creamer and sugar?  Door Bell!! Or as we call it in Japan, “the ping pong button” based on the noise it makes. Instant service.

Dennys Japan Menu

Fear not, Traveller! Dennys Japan has translated menu’s into English but they are full of pictures if they don’t bring you one.  Since much of the food is American inspired, if you know some basic katakana (one of Japan’s syllabaries for foreign words), you’ll do just fine!

While the portion size is smaller in Japan, there is also calorie information if you are concerned about that. Have allergies? Denny’s Japan also has this information available to you.

The breakfast menu at Denny’s Japan is used from 6 am until 11 am, the lunch menu is from 11 am to 3 pm, and the dessert menu and “Grand Menu” are always available. Watch out for special seasonal menus as well.

There are always special menus for either seasonal items (yup, there are “limited items” everywhere) as well as yummy dessert parfait menus.

The menu is giant so you will have no shortage of different foods to try.

Denny’s Japan Food

OK, I’ll be honest, I’ve only gone for breakfast – though I’ve been to many of the other family restaurants for dinners and happy hours.  Japan’s breakfasts are very different from America’s and sometimes you just really want some eggs and bacon.  Much harder to find in your local cafes (though visiting a 喫茶店 Kissaten is a MUST for your experience in Japan).  While there are no “grand slams” available, there are still “American Breakfasts” with just a few changes.  

They just about always come with salad for one. The pancakes tend to be a lot sweeter than American style (which cracks me up because most Japanese sweets aren’t nearly as sweet).  The meals are customization options: pancakes/toast, coffee or lattes.  

Coffee is actually refillable (unless there is a “drink bar”, usually you don’t get free refills in Japan).  

Bacon here is more like Canadian Bacon then the crispy bacon you can get in America but you get used to it.  

They also have a typical Japanese breakfast as an option (fish, miso soup, pickles, and rice normally) if you want to check out the local fair which is also very tasty.

How about you? Would you try Denny’s Japan?

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