Last Updated: 3/28/24 | March 28th, 2024
Tokyo is one of the best foodie cities in the world. Not only will you find incredible Japanese food here but you’ll also find some world class international restaurants too.
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 masterclass in becoming a master.
I’ve been to Tokyo seven times and have spent weeks eating my way through this city. And, like every big city, there’s just too many options. Even in all my eating (and, when in Tokyo, I eat like 4-5 meals a day), I still have only scratched the surface. I will not, in any way, claim I am an expert on the Tokyo food scene.
But I’ve eaten at 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 place to go for overall experience and affordability. You can get unlimited food and drink for only $60 bucks! I recommend making a reservation in advance as it’s a popular place! It’s a lot of fun and 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 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) – A little hole-in-the-wall izakaya restaurant (think Japanese tapas) with locals getting drunk on sake and eating tasty small plates. I was a big fan of their salmon and grilled squid. They have a small English menu, but judging how my friend ordered for me, I think it doesn’t list everything, so if you see something, point at it and get 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 really generous, the people friendly, and staff 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) – While catching up with my friend, we 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 (try the speciality crab dish, it’s served in the shell and to die for), and the wedding party kept asking how we loved Japan and refilling our sake glasses, sang songs, and talked 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 go there the restaurant will be 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 (at $150 USD) but worth every penny. Check out this video 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 6 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” in Japanese, are the specialty of this restaurant with the fish coming directly from the Tsukiji Fish Market – 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 they don’t accept card here.
10. Oreryu Shio-Ramen (1 Chome-22-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, 150-0043, +81 3-5458-0012, oreryushio.co.jp/) – This ramen restaurant is renowned for its signature dish, Shio Ramen, which is a type of Japanese ramen 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! Oreryu Shio-Ramen has several locations across Tokyo.
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 Ginza, and being an oyster lover, went in for some giant oysters. Japanese oysters are big and meaty, and the ones here were no different. They also lacked a very briny, oceany taste to them (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 that’s made fresh the same morning, and 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. 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 on one of my last days there. 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) – The tempura here is well known for its lightness. It’s a small establishment with set tempura menus. 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 the Tsukiji Fish Market in 2018) powers much of the world’s sushi supply. All around you are fish with 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 the 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 Fish Market itself, it’s a great place to go 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 the street.
So, there’s my current list of the best eats in Tokyo! The next time you find yourself in Tokyo, you won’t be short of food options!
Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!
Want More Information on Japan
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Japan for even more planning tips!