Claimed to be the world’s best breakfast—fluffy pancakes that melt in your mouth, and egg, milk, and cheese aromas that fill the air.

Text & photos byNata

bills currently has four restaurants in Japan. Its founder is the renowned Australian chef Bill Granger. I’ll share more about this chef later. During our first Tokyo self-guided trip, I specifically requested to try the pancakes here. Although I’m not particularly interested in desserts, I’ve always wanted to dive deeper into the art of making delicious pancakes, so that’s exactly why I was eager to visit this famously popular brunch spot—even reportedly requiring online reservations just to get a table.

We chose the bills location on the 3rd floor of Sea Side Mall in DECKS Tokyo Beach, Odaiba. The space is spacious, with beautiful views of Odaiba Seaside Park. The interior features a fresh and airy design style that creates an especially open and calming atmosphere. We visited during weekday afternoon tea time, and while it wasn’t as crowded as expected, we still waited about 20 minutes for a table. By contrast, when I passed by the local bills branch in Yokohama on another occasion, the line was astonishingly long—I’m glad I dined at the Odaiba location, or I might not have dared to join the queue. From what I observed, the clientele skews younger, but there were also quite a few slightly older women—it’s a very popular restaurant among Japanese people.

Dubbed the world’s best breakfast by The New York Times, many celebrities have visited. Because of this title, some even praise their signature pancakes as the best in the world.

The owner, Bill Granger, is a well-known Australian chef and food writer. At the age of 24, he opened his first restaurant in Sydney. Ricotta hotcakes (cheese pancakes) and scrambled eggs became the restaurant’s famous highlights, quickly gaining popularity among locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. He later established four branches in Japan and one in the UK. He has hosted numerous TV shows and published books that have sold over a million copies internationally. He’s a highly acclaimed food researcher. Inside bills, you’ll find copies of his personal cookbooks. Feel free to browse them, and if you’re as much of a cookbook collector as I am, you might want to take one home.

The restaurant design is thoughtfully done, combining comfortable wood tones with the interplay of textiles for a visually harmonious and pleasant atmosphere.

The seating is divided into multiple zones, each with a distinct design ambiance. For example, I personally really like this bookshelf-and-sofa area.

The large central table for group dining reminded me of a grand library—a bold and stylish approach rarely seen in Taiwan.

As you walk around, you’ll notice that although the seating areas have different styles, they all coordinate naturally. This seamless interior design artistry is truly impressive.

No wonder so many people love dining here. Just sitting, chatting, sipping tea, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a treat in itself.

The outdoor seating area with direct views of the seaside park is also excellent. The warm, open lighting and relaxed vibe make it a favorite among young people—almost every seat was taken.

I wasn’t very hungry at the time, but I definitely wanted to try something, especially the hot pancakes. Let’s take a look at the menu and decide.

Artichoke, mint, lemon and parmesan spaghetti — 1,250 JPY

I ordered the pasta because I love eating it and enjoy seeing how others prepare it. This dish had a refreshingly light flavor, with a well-balanced ratio of herbs and cheese. Both the texture of the noodles and the firmness of the core met my expectations for pasta. I liked the flavor combinations. The price is a bit high, but it was an eye-opener for both my taste buds and eyes.

Ricotta hotcakes, fresh banana and honeycomb butter — 1,350 JPY

Almost every table had a plate of these—expensive-looking hot pancakes. What’s the allure?

I had to give them a try. While still hot, let the butter melt into the pancake, drizzle on the honey, and inhale the pure, natural aroma. Mmm, so wonderful—time to cut in while it’s still steaming hot.

As fluffy as frozen custard, those four words I rarely use—“melt in your mouth”—can finally come into play. The richness of the cheese fills each bite, while the egg and milk aromas are bright and full-bodied. The original flavor is already delicious, but adding nutrition-packed honey and fragrant butter, paired with bananas at just the right ripeness, elevates the texture to something truly luxurious. The so-called “happiness pancakes” truly live up to their reputation.

However, because the texture is so soft and smooth—almost like hot flan—combined with the strong aromas of egg, milk, and cheese, I found that eating a whole portion by myself was a bit too much and could get cloying. I’d recommend sharing one portion between two people to fully appreciate its deliciousness. That’s the best way to enjoy it. But if you’re a big fan of this type of pancake texture, feel free—go ahead and eat a whole portion or even more, as long as your wallet can handle it.

The checkout process is to simply greet a staff member, and they’ll show you the bill. You place your money on a small porcelain plate, and after a short while, they’ll return your change and receipt along with the plate. A cozy and pleasant afternoon tea experience—the Odaiba bills is definitely worth it.

Info
bills Tokyo Odaiba Store
Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo, DECKS Tokyo Beach, 3F, Sea Side Mall
Phone: 03-3599-2100
Business Hours: Monday–Friday / 9:00–23:00, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays / 8:00–23:00
Website:Official Website

Nata Not Sloppy
Enjoy being a stylish lifestyle coffee enthusiast and culinary researcher