Here's our comprehensive list of the best restaurants in Tokyo, divided by type of cuisine, with location and price range indicated to make it easy to choose.
There are quite literally tens of thousands of restaurants in Tokyo, and it would take a lifetime for anyone to eat at all of them. We’ve chosen some of the more approachable restaurants in Tokyo. They’re all located in areas you’re likely to visit, i.e. the main urban hubs. While there are in some cases better or more feted restaurants in Tokyo, they’re not great for casual visitors to the city. Often, they are inconveniently located (long train rides imminent), they’re too expensive (exorbitantly so), or difficult for foreigners to reserve and enter. The restaurants listed here are, for the most part, places that don’t require reservations unless they are fine dining spots!
Tokyo Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Tokyo: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Tokyo.
- Things To Do In Tokyo: Check this overview of Tokyo activities with links to all the key information.
- Flights To Tokyo: Find the cheapest flights to Tokyo and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Tokyo Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
Another great way to explore Tokyo's many culinary choices is to go on a Tokyo food tour - there is a plethora of food tour options for all tastes and budgets that you can book online at GetYourGuide and Klook. Tokyo cooking classes also let you get a real understanding of Japanese food, like the Shojin Ryori cooking class set within a Tokyo temple.
For information about Tokyo specialties, restaurant costs and where to find the best restaurants, see our What and Where to Eat in Tokyo page. There are also plenty of great vegetarian restaurants and vegan restaurants in Tokyo too.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to venture just a little off the beaten path, check out our Eat Like A Local in Tokyo page. As billed, these are places well loved by Tokyoites!
Best Restaurants in Tokyo by Type of Cuisine
Best Sushi in Tokyo
- Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi (Roppongi; expensive)
If you’re set on eating at Sukiyabashi Jiro but can’t snag seats there, try your luck with Jiro's son's restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi instead. - Manten Sushi (Marunouchi; mid-range)
There’s no shortage of high end sushi restaurants in Tokyo, but very few can match Manten Sushi Marunouchi’s cost performance in this category. This is one of the true must-visits for affordable sushi dining. - Hinatomaru (Asakusa; budget)
Whether it’s lunch, tea, or supper, you can’t beat a good sushi meal. Hinatomaru, a stand-and-eat sushi bar in Asakusa, serves up fresh, well-made sushi that’s great value for money. - Ginza Aoki (Ginza; expensive)
Ginza has no shortage of amazing sushi restaurants. Sushi Aoki, a 1-star Michelin restaurant is a tiny restaurant down a quiet lane in Ginza that’s a great place to begin your sushi journey. - Ginza Sushiko Honten (Ginza; expensive)
Ginza Sushiko Honten has 1 Michelin star and the honor of being one of the oldest sushi places in Tokyo. Naturally, it has the sushi chops to match these accolades. - Ginza Kyubey (Ginza; expensive)
Sushi empire Kyubey is one of Tokyo’s most famous high-end sushi restaurants. At the Ginza branch, you’ll get quality sushi without the rigid atmosphere of tiny counter seaters.
For more about Tokyo sushi, see our Best Sushi in Tokyo page.
Best Kaiseki/Kappo/Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo
- Den (Harajuku; expensive)
Named one of ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants,’ Reservations at Den in Harajuku are correspondingly difficult to secure. We thoroughly recommend this homey, creative kaiseki restaurant for a special occasion, though – it’ll be one of the best meals of your life. - Ginza Uchiyama (Ginza; budget to expensive)
With its nondescript entrance and zero signage, top kaiseki restaurant Uchiyama is tricky to find, but well worth the effort. Go for the signature sea bream chazuke, and bargain lunches that won’t require you to sell a kidney. - Ishikawa (Shinjuku; expensive)
With impeccable seasonal kaiseki cooking that both tastes and looks like works of art, it’s small wonder that Ishikawa in Kagurazaka is the go-to for many of the upper set in Tokyo. - Narisawa (Roppongi; expensive)
With two Michelin stars under its belt, Yoshihiro Narisawa’s eponymous restaurant in Aoyama is a favorite with gourmands all over the world. If you like several-hour intellectual exercises in gastronomy, this may be the right place for you.
For more about Tokyo kaiseki, see our Best Kaiseki in Tokyo page.
Best Izakaya in Tokyo
- Jomon (Roppongi; mid-range to expensive)
For slightly upscale but unpretentious, umami-packed Hakata-style grilled skewers, Jomon in Roppongi hits the spot. - Chanpuru-ya (Ginza; mid-range)
For hearty, homestyle Okinawan cooking, check out Chanpuru-ya, an underground izakaya in Ginza. - Musshu Mizuki (Ginza; mid-range to expensive)
This basement sake specialist is a great way to work your way through the various types of Japanese sake in pleasant surroundings. - Sake no Ana (Ginza; mid-range)
It’s not easy to find a sake bar open during the day. Luckily, at Sake no Ana in Ginza, you can have a full sake tasting along with lunch.
For more about Tokyo izakaya, see our Best Izakaya in Tokyo page.
Best Ramen in Tokyo
- Takahashi (Shinjuku; budget)
If you find yourself craving some delicious ramen in Shinjuku, Takahashi’s fantastically smoky ramen bowl will save your stomach and your soul. - Fuunji (Shinjuku; budget)
Shinjuku has no shortage of great ramen, but Fuunji in the west side is the place to head to for excellent tsukemen dipping noodles. - Mugi to Olive (Ginza; budget)
Sometimes eating like a local means queuing like a local. Thankfully, at Mugi to Olive in Ginza, the lines don’t last long – which is a boon when you want some good shoyu ramen. - Soranoiro NIPPON (Tokyo Station; budget)
Think ramen’s all meat and fish? Think again. Whether you’re vegetarian or not, the vegetable noodle bowls at Soranoiro NIPPON in Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street are sure to steal your heart.
For more about Tokyo ramen, see our Best Ramen in Tokyo page.
Best Soba in Tokyo
- Kanda Matsuya (Kanda; budget to mid-range)
At this long-running soba stalwart in Kanda, you'll slurp up delicious buckwheat noodles in old-fashioned, unpretentious surroundings. Don't expect a lot of fanfare - it's all about the noodles and little else. - Fukudaya (Shibuya; budget to mid-range)
A narrow back street in Dogenzaka houses some of the best soba noodles in Shibuya - a great lunch between all the shopping. - Honmura-an (Roppongi; mid-range)
For a slow lunch of soba in serene surroundings, try Honmura-an in Roppongi. It’s an oasis of calm amid the chaos of Roppongi.
For more about Tokyo soba, see our Best Soba in Tokyo page.
Best Udon in Tokyo
- Nanakura (Shinbashi; budget to mid-range)
Think you know udon? Think again. Inaniwa udon specialist Tenchaya Nanakura in Shinbashi serves up thin, chewy eminently slurp-able wheat noodles that’ll convert even the most ardent haters to udon evangelists. - Anpuku (Shinbashi; budget to mid-range)
Looking for something different? Try ‘wafu’ or ‘Japanese-style’ udon at Anpuku in the Shinbashi area. Imagine Italian or Chinese meets Japanese noodles and you’ll get the idea. Don’t knock till you try it – their udon is delicious. - Mentsudan (Shinjuku; budget)
Want Sanuki-style udon without the queues at Kanda’s Maruka? Hit up Mentsudan in Shinjuku for chewy udon noodles you won’t need to wait several hours for. Cheap, cheerful, delicious. What more could you ask for? - Udon Maruka (Kanda; budget)
Udon Maruka in Kanda is by far the best Sanuki udon restaurant in Tokyo, and you’ll have to be prepared to queue for the pleasure of slurping these thick, chewy noodles.
For more about Tokyo udon, see our Best Udon in Tokyo page.
Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo
- Agezuki (Shinjuku; budget to mid-range)
Who doesn’t like breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets? At Agezuki in Kagurazaka, the chef has been making tonkatsu for the last three decades - and has pretty much perfected the art of tonkatsu. - Maisen (Harajuku; mid-range)
Located in an old converted bathhouse near Omotesando Station, tonkatsu specialist Maisen has devotees lining up for its spectacular tonkatsu. Expect to pay a premium for quality, and decide for yourself if it’s worth the wait. - Butagumi Dining (Roppongi; mid-range)
Craving a quick meal in Roppongi? Head to Butagumi Dining - a casual tonkatsu restaurant taking this B-grade cuisine staple to heavenly heights. - Tonkatsu Marugo (Akihabara; mid-range)
On a side street in Akihabara is this sedate-looking tonkatsu restaurant. But don’t let Tonkatsu Marugo’s unassuming exterior fool you - this restaurant serves some of the area’s best tonkatsu, and has queues to match.
For more about Tokyo tonkatsu, see our Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo page.
Best Teppanyaki in Tokyo
- Ukaitei (Harajuku; expensive)
This excellent teppanyaki restaurant on Omotesando is a brilliant place to sample delicious Japanese meat and shellfish. They offer wine pairings chosen to accentuate the dishes.
For more about Tokyo teppanyaki, see our Best Teppanyaki in Tokyo page.
Best Tempura in Tokyo
- Kaneko Hannosuke (Nihonbashi; budget)
Who knew a tempura restaurant could inspire waits up to 3 hours long? But that’s just testament to how good the food is at Kaneko Hannosuke in Nihonbashi. If you’re keen on some great tempura and have time to spare, you should go. Just get there as early as possible. - Tenichi Ginza Honten (Ginza; expensive)
Tenichi in Ginza is a fantastic if slightly expensive restaurant for tempura. Given that people like Frank Sinatra and Gorbachev have eaten here, however, the price tag is probably worth it. - Tempura Kurokawa (Tsukiji; budget)
For honest, fresh, fabulous tempura bowls at bargain prices, try Tempura Kurokawa in Tsukiji’s Outer Market. A handful of deep-fried scallop and prawns at just JPY1500? Yes, please! - Tenkuni (Shinjuku; mid-range)
For fans of tempura fritters, Tenkuni in Shinjuku’s Takashimaya Times Square is another great choice when dining out in the area.
For more about Tokyo tempura, see our Best Tempura in Tokyo page.
Best Wagyu in Tokyo
- Ningyocho Imahan (Shinjuku; mid-range to expensive)
For some amazing sukiyaki - a simmered Japanese beef dish - be sure to visit Imahan on the 14th floor of Takashimaya Shinjuku. - Azuki (Ueno; mid-range to expensive)
If you’re looking for a sukiyaki restaurant that’s a little different from the rest, you’ve come to the right place. Azuki in Ueno prides itself on serving the finest “Sanuki Olive” wagyu sourced from cows on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa – these cattle spend their lives eating food mixed with local olive oil! - Cossott'eSP (Azabu Juban; expensive)
Special occasions call for special places, and Cossott’eSP in Azabu Juban is precisely the sort of restaurant you pull out all the stops for. Their yakiniku won’t come cheap, but the taste and quality of their wagyu is out of this world.
For more about Tokyo wagyu, see our Best Wagyu in Tokyo page.
Best Unagi in Tokyo
- Tsukiji Miyagawa Honten Isetan Shinjuku (Shinjuku; mid-range)
We love the Shinjuku outpost of Tsukiji Miyagawa Honten, an old-school eel restaurant that’s been in operation since 1893. The Isetan branch is modern and comfortable, but keeps the grilled eel standard as high as the original. Plus, there are English menus! - Akasaka Fukinuki (Akasaka; mid-range to expensive)
For some truly delicious classic Kanto-style unagi, where they steam the eel prior to grilling it, you can’t go wrong with Akasaka Fukinuki. This beautiful, traditional restaurant might be one of the best eel experiences in this part of town! - Izuei Honten (Ueno; mid-range to expensive)
For an unagi experience of a lifetime, visit Izu-ei Honten in Ueno. Any restaurant that’s been going strong for over 200 years is doing something right with their food.
For more about Tokyo unagi, see our Best Unagi in Tokyo page.
Best Yakitori in Tokyo
- Kushikwakamaru (Nakameguro; mid-range)
Kushiwakamaru serves affordable grilled skewers at a lively neighborhood restaurant in Nakameguro. Popular with the locals, this is a good option for a no-frills meal with friends. - Bird Land (Marunouchi; expensive)
Renowned Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant Bird Land in Ginza might be intimidating for some - but the Marunouchi branch is far more accessible and relaxed, and you’ll get the same amazing ingredients and service, too. - Imai (Harajuku; mid-range to expensive)
Think yakitori has to be cheap and cheerful? Think again. With its refined cooking and stylish surroundings, Imai in Harajuku proves that chicken skewers can be gourmet fare.
For more about Tokyo yakitori, see our Best Yakitori in Tokyo page.
Best Pizza in Tokyo
- Pizza Studio Tamaki (Higashi-Azabu; mid-range)
Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST) in Higashi-Azabu serves some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza in Tokyo. That’s not hyperbole - it’s just a fact of life in Tokyo. - Seirinkan (Nakameguro; mid-range)
Made famous by Netflix's Ugly Delicious, Seirinkan offers a selection of antipasto and pasta but just two pizzas; your choice of either Margherita or Marinara. A simple case of do one thing and do it damn well! - Pizza Strada (Azabu-Juban; mid-range)
Pizza Strada serves some fine wood-fired New York-style pizza cooked in front of your eyes; there's even a terrace should you wish to dine outside.
For more about Tokyo pizza, see our Best Pizza in Tokyo page.
Best Curry Rice in Tokyo
- Mokubaza (Harajuku; budget)
Mokubaza’s keema curry is the heavenly holy trinity of stewed meat, melted cheese and egg yolk. It’s a great way to fill up while exploring Harajuku or Shibuya. - Mi no Ringo (Harajuku; budget)
Mi no Ringo’s keema curry is saucy, soul-warming, and spicy - a perfect lunch break on a chilly autumn day in Harajuku. - Dominica (Tokyo Station area; budget)
Dominica’s soup curry is a fine example of the genre - spicy and hearty, generously portioned with meat and vegetables in equal measure. It’s no wonder this Kyobashi restaurant is so popular with local office workers! - Ganesha (Shimbashi; budget)
Located a 6-minute walk from Shimbashi Station, Ganesha is a cozy soup curry eatery that’s a firm favourite with local office workers. Join them for some of the area’s best soup curry! - Soup Curry Kamui (Akihabara; budget)
Fancy your soup curry with a dose of kawaii? Soup Curry Kamui in Akihabara is the place to go. You get anime-style artwork on the walls, and the waitresses are decked out in maid costumes on the weekends. It’s a novel treat, that’s for sure! - Buta Daigaku (Shinbashi; budget)
Travelling on a budget? You’ll love the wallet-friendly Buta Daigaku – delicious pork rice bowls can be had here for as little as JPY500. To go the whole hog, shell out JPY1080 for a donburi topped with 1kg of pork slices. - Ippei (Tokyo Station; budget to moderate)
Even with hundreds of lunch options around Tokyo Station, Ippei is a clear favorite with many office workers in the area. Hearty, solid, inexpensive set lunches of Japanese favourites that arrive within 5 minutes - what’s not to like? - Nakajima (Shinjuku; budget)
At JPY800, Nakajima is one of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals in town that’s a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Head to Shinjuku for this delicious bargain of a sardine lunch. - Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten (Shinjuku; budget to moderate)
Tsujihan serves one of the most iconic and beloved bowls of kaisendon or sashimi rice bowl in Tokyo. Their shop in Kagurazaka replicates the winning formula of the original shop in Nihonbashi - go on weekdays for a relatively fast turnover. - Soranoiro NIPPON (Tokyo Station; budget)
Think ramen’s all meat and fish? Think again. Whether you're a vegetarian or not, the vegetable noodle bowls at Soranoiro NIPPON in Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street are sure to steal your heart. There are vegan and gluten-free options, too. - Soranoiro Japanese Soup Noodle Free Style Honten (Imperial Palace area; budget)
Vegan or vegetarian ramen may sound like an oxymoron, but Soranoiro’s bright, flavorful bowls will convert any skeptics to this cause. The original Special Veggie Soba at their main Kojimachi branch is sure to win over both veggie and non-veggie lovers alike. - Brown Rice Canteen (Harajuku; budget to mid-range)
Yes, you can have traditional Japanese food that doesn’t contain fish stock! Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando serves up set lunches showcasing great Japanese vegetables and fermented foods – everything is healthy, organic, and vegan. - Open the Tokyo map
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- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
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- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
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- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
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- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
For more about Tokyo curry rice, see our Best Curry Rice in Tokyo page.
Best Soup Curry in Tokyo
For more about Tokyo soup curry, see our Best Soup Curry in Tokyo page.
Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo
For more about Tokyo teishoku and donburi, see our Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo page.
Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Tokyo
For more about Tokyo vegan and vegetarian restaurants, see our Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Tokyo page.
