15+ Incredible Places to Eat in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the best foodie cities in the world. Not only will you find incredible Japanese food but also some world-class international restaurants.

What I love about the restaurant scene in Japan is that most chefs specialize in one thing. Everyone is just like, “I’m gonna sell this one dish and spend my life making it the best version possible.” It’s a master class in becoming a master.

I’ve been to Tokyo seven times and have spent weeks eating my way through the city. But, like every metropolis, there are just too many options. Even if I eat like 4-5 meals a day, I still only scratch the surface. I will not, in any way, claim I am an expert on the Tokyo food scene.

But I’ve been to a lot of restaurants here and, since I’m often asked, I want to share my favorites:

1. Bebu-Ya (31-1 Udagawacho Hulic & New Shibuya 5F, Shibuya 150-0042, +81 3-5784-1729, bebu-ya.com/) – If you’re searching for all-you-can-eat Wagyu Yakiniku beef, Bebu-Ya is the best destination for an overall experience and affordability. You can get unlimited food and drink for only $60 USD! I recommend making a reservation in advance, though, as it’s popular. It’s a lot of fun, so I recommend going with a group.

2. Bifteck Kawamura Ginza (6 Chome-5-1 Ginza, Ginza MST Bldg. 8F, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-6252-5011, bifteck.co.jp) – At the suggestion of our hotel’s concierge, we went there in our quest for Wagyu beef. The steak basically melted in my mouth and exploded with flavor. The décor is incredible, the service over the top, and the wine list is world-class. If you want to spend money on delicious steak with out-of-this-world service, you can’t go wrong here.

3. Ichiran Shibuya (1 Chome-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya, 150-0041, +81 3-3463-3667, en.ichiran.com/index.php) – Recommended by many people, this ramen spot served one of the best meals I had my entire trip. The thick, flavorful broth is to die for. I also like how you eat in your own little private booth. Funky! Expect a wait during peak lunch and dinner times.

4. Izakaya Juban (2 Chome-1-2 Azabujuban, Minato, 106-0045, +81 3-6804-6646) – This is a hole-in-the-wall izakaya (think Japanese tapas) restaurant, with locals getting drunk on sake and eating tasty small plates. I was a big fan of the salmon and grilled squid. It also has a small English menu, but judging how my friend ordered for me, I think it doesn’t list everything, so if you see something you like, just point at it!

5. Jomon (5-9-17 Fujimori Bldg. 1F, Roppongi, Minato 106-0032, +81-3-3405-2585, teyandei.com/?page_id=18) – I stumbled across this yakitori restaurant by accident, and I’m glad I did. The food was incredible, the sake pours were really generous, the people were friendly, and the staff were really fun. It was a really, really good meal! Just be aware that the restaurant itself can be quite smoky because of the grill and is often busy, so make sure to make a reservation or arrive early if you want a table!

6. Kakimaru (6 Chome-1-6 Roppongi, Minato, 106-0032, +81-3-5413-3689) – My friend and I found this awesome place. There was an older couple next to us and a wedding party getting drunk across from us. As the night went on, the couple helped us pick food (the speciality crab dish, served in the shell, is to die for), and the wedding party kept asking how we loved Japan, refilling our sake glasses, singing, and talking baseball. It was an amazing experience. The food is also outstanding. Be sure to get the oysters. Note: While Google Maps will list the restaurant as Kakimaru, when you arrive, you’ll see it’s called Uohama.

7. Kyubey (8 Chome-7-6 Ginza, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-3571-6523) – Suggested by my friends, this restaurant (which has a couple of locations) offered the fanciest sushi I had in Tokyo. You sit at the bar and are served whatever the chef decides to bring (this is called omakase). It was expensive ($150 USD) but worth every penny. Check out this in which where the shrimp they served me is still moving.

8. Memory Lane (Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, +81 3-3342-1589, shinjuku-omoide.com) – On this tiny alley of yakitori joints, some require an entrance fee, but they are all worth it. You just wander in and out of these little shops and eat tons of good food. Most places only sit about six people, so they fill up fast.

9. Nihonbashi Kaisen Donburi Tsujihan (3-1-15 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Kuei Building 1F, +81 3-6262-0823, tsujihan-jp.com/) – Seafood rice bowls, known as kaisen donburi, are the specialty of this restaurant, with the fish coming directly from Tsukiji, one of the largest fish markets in the world. Although you’ll likely need to wait in line for a while, it’s all worth it when you get a seat at the counter and can watch the chef prepare your food right in front of your eyes. Remember to bring cash, as cards are not accepted.

10. Oreryu Shio-Ramen (1 Chome-22-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, 150-0043, +81 3-5458-0012, oreryushio.co.jp/) – This restaurant (with several locations across Tokyo) is renowned for its signature dish, Shio Ramen, a type of Japanese egg noodles with a clear, salty broth. Trust me, the ramen here is to die for. You can customize the spice level, the richness of the broth, and texture of the noodles. Make sure to bring cash!

11. Ostrea Oyster Bar and Restaurant (8 Chome-9-15 Ginza, 8F Jewl Box Ginza, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-3573-0711, ostrea.jp) – I found this while wandering around Ginza, and being an oyster lover, went in for some giant ones. Japanese oysters are big and meaty, and the ones here were no different. They also lacked that briny, oceany taste (I prefer my oysters to be more sweet than salty). The restaurant doesn’t get too busy, so you won’t have a wait.

12. Pizza Savoy (Orient Azabu 1st floor, 2-20-12 Azabujuban, Minato-ku,+813-6665-8102, savoy.co.jp/) – It’s unlikely to happen, but if you get tired of Japanese food at some point, make your way to Pizza Savoy. Think fermented pizza dough that’s crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, topped with mozzarella cheese made fresh the same morning, all baked in a wood-fired oven. It’s seriously the best pizza in Tokyo!

13. Standing Sushi Bar (1 Chome-12-12 Nishishinjuku, Kasai Bldg. 1F, Shinjuku, 160-0023, +81 3-3349-1739) – Recommended by my other food guru, Jodi, this standing sushi location is one of many in town. It’s great for a quick bite: you stand, eat sushi, and get out. It has a robust menu, so you can get anything you want, and a meal here will only set you back around $25 USD. Go during lunch when the wait isn’t as long compared to dinnertime. It’s some of the best sushi in town. Really.

14. Sushi Zanmai (11 Chome-9-4 Tsukiji, Chuo, 104-0045, +03-3541-1117) – This sushi restaurant has locations across the city; I ended up eating at the one in the fish market. The fish was fresh, the servings were large, and the staff was attentive. I can’t speak for the other locations, but this one gets very crowded around lunchtime (expect a 30-minute wait).

15. Tenmatsu Tempura (1 Chome-8-2 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo, 103-0022, +81 3-3241-5840, tenmatsu.com/english.html) – This small establishment with set menus serves tempura well known for its lightness. The staff doesn’t speak great English (the clientele was mostly Japanese businessmen), but they were super friendly and accommodating, and the food was outstanding.

16. Toyosu Fish Market (6 Chome-6-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, +81 3-3520-8205) – This world-famous fish market (which replaced Tsukiji in 2018) powers much of the world’s sushi supply. All around, you will be met with fish in colors and shapes you didn’t know existed. I have never seen more seafood I couldn’t identify! Most of the restaurants nearby source their food right from the market.

I haven’t done much eating around this new market; however, here are some suggestions for places to eat near the old Tsukiji Market (which you can still visit):

• Nakaya (5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Tsukiji Ichiba Jonai 8, Chuo 104-0045, +81 3-3541-0211, tsukijigourmet.or.jp/46_nakaya/index.htm) – Located in the market itself, it’s a great for a sashimi rice bowl breakfast. I loved the uni salmon bowl.
• Sushi restaurant with no English name (6 Chome-25-4 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo-to 104-0045) – One of the best value meals I had the whole trip, it included a delicious 15-piece sushi lunch, with huge cuts of fish and a tasty miso soup. The restaurant is small, so try to avoid peak eating times. There’s no real good signage, but it’s the only restaurant-looking place on this street.

***

So there’s my current list of the best eats in the Japanese capital! The next time you find yourself in Tokyo, you won’t be short of food options!