1. Sushi Saito

Sushi Saito is one of the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo. Takashi Saito – a triple-Michelin-star sushi chef is the main driving force behind its success but it is more than great sushi that you will be getting when you step into this nine-seat counter restaurant. The ambiance and the setting are always comfortable and relaxed – creating the kind of atmosphere you need to enjoy some of the best sushi in the world. Just remember that reservations here are at a premium and you may have to book months in advance if you want to experience Takashi Saito’s skills and his legendary nigari sushi.

Sushi Saito

Address: Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 1 Chome−4−5, ARK Hills South Tower, 1F

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

2. Gindaco Takoyaki

Takoyaki is just as gloriously ubiquitous and affordable in Tokyo as they are in other parts of Japan and it is one of those dishes you must just try when you are in Tokyo. Due to its popularity, it will be a common sight in most food joints, including the malls. However, this is never a guarantee that every stall you walk up to will be serving the best takoyaki. Gindaco Takoyaki is one of the leading spots to check out if you want the best takoyaki in Tokyo. The takoyaki you will find here comes in a variety of toppings, flavors, and sauces, and the portions are also generous enough to bring an end to the hunger pangs in your belly, though if you’re super-hungry, you can always double your order.

Gindaco Takoyaki

Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−14−24 第5寿和ビル

Website: Gindaco Takoyaki

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

3. Tempura Kondo

Tempura is another incredibly popular dish in Japan and it is a treat for those who don’t mind having a generous dose of veggies on their plates. With its popularity, you can expect that you will be encountering it in a variety of eateries, but again, this is not a guarantee that you will always find the best in any joint you visit. For a great tempura experience, Tempura Kondo is the place to go to. This is an upscale tempura restaurant with an intimate dining setup. The restaurant has two main dining areas with comfortable counter seats and the kind of ambiance you need for a relaxed and fulfilling dining experience. Since it is an upscale, two-Michelin Star restaurant, it may not be a good option if you are looking for cheap places to eat in Tokyo.

Tempura Kondo

Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5 Chome−5−13 坂口ビル ９F

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 8:30pm (closed on Sun)

4. Konakara Honten

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Konakara Honten promises a relaxing and wonderful dining experience. It is a nice destination if you need a place for a quick but satisfying bite. The ambiance is always on point and their menu offering is also large and varied enough to help take care of most diners’ needs. In addition to the fast and friendly service you will be getting, you will also love the fact that the food is relatively affordable and they also come in extremely generous portions.

Konakara Honten

Address: 1 Chome-9-6 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan

Website: Konakara Honten

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

5. Tori Paitan Kageyama

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Tori Paitan Kageyama is the home to a wonderful marriage between chicken and ramen. This establishment is well-known in Tokyo and beyond as one of the best ramen restaurants with an incredible selection of tori paitan – a white thick soup that features tasty chunks of chicken and a characteristic savory taste. Apart from the rich soups, Tori Paitan Kageyama also presents pleasantly chewy noodles to act as the best accompaniments for the soups. The sight of the steamed chicken, the red leaf lettuce, the half-boiled eggs, and the fried green onions is reason enough for you to visit this restaurant every time you are in Tokyo.

Tori Paitan Kageyama

Address: 1 Chome-4-18 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan

Website: Tori Paitan Kageyama

Opening hours: Mon - Sat:11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10:30pm

6. Hiroki Shimokitazawa

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Hiroki Shimokitazawa is the right place to consider if you crave delicious teppanyaki prepared with lots of fresh and healthy ingredients. But this is not all that the restaurant has to offer. Its menu features delicacies such as fried squid, kimchi, and lettuce with either soba noodles or udon noodles. It is also a highly recommended joint if you want to indulge in tasty okonomiyaki with a generous loading of scallop, shrimp, squid, and lettuce. Being an incredibly popular place, expect to find lots of locals and visitors every time you visit.

Hiroki Shimokitazawa

Address: 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−14−14 ハニー下北沢

Website: Hiroki Shimokitazawa

Opening hours: 12am - 9:45pm (daily)

7. Sweet Baozi

Right outside Jimbocho Station, and at the corner of the shopping arcade, you will find Sweet Baozi restaurant. Having started operations in 1936, it is not just one of the oldest restaurants in the city but also one of the best. Its menu feature three types of gyoza – fried, steamed,and tenshin dumplings. Unlike most of the restaurants in Tokyo, one striking feature you will notice about this restaurant is that they don’t use garlic and you will also not find red chili oil on the tables. Instead, you will have access to chili peppers which you can generously sprinkle on your bowls for that extra hotness. But be advised that the dumplings here are so good that they do get sold out even before the closing time.

Sweet Baozi

Address: 1 Chome-13 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 8pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

8. Tsuta

Tsuta is the brainchild of Chef Yuki Onishi – the creator of the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen eatery. This is a subtle indication of the quality of ramen in this joint, making it an obvious option for anyone looking to experience truly original flavors and the classic ramen experience. Anything you will eat at this restaurant is made from premium natural ingredients without any artificial component. The chief chef here doesn’t believe in shortcuts and this is all to the benefit of the diners who will end up with full stomachs and also an appreciation for the meticulous culinary techniques of the chef. Some of the must-try delicacies here include shio, miso, and shoyu ramen, soba, kamo abura, kamo paitan, and teriyaki chicken.

Tsuta

Address: Japan, 〒151-0066 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Nishihara, 3 Chome−2, 2-4 B1

Website: Tsuta

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

9. Miyagawa

Miyagawa is a relatively small tempura shop located right at the heart of Omotesando Station. The shop presents a variety of Kansai-style offerings, and this implies that you will find several lighter and milder dishes that make a great option for snacks to keep you fueled while you continue with your exploration of Tokyo. When you come here, be sure to try jo-tendon – a favorite lunch delicacy featuring zucchini, sweet potatoes, and onions with seafood such as squid and shrimp.

Miyagawa

Address: Japan, 〒107-0062 Tokyo, Minato City, Minamiaoyama, 6 Chome−1−6 パレス青山 1F

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)

10. Hashiguchi

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The ambiance in Hashiguchi is just as inviting as the foods you will be seeing in your plates or bowls. It is a relatively small joint, but one that is well-known for its ambiance, quality of service, and their sushi menu. The chef also happens to be the owner and he is not only friendly, but also kind and attentive and will do everything possible to ensure you walk out with smiles on your faces. Since no phones are allowed into the restaurant, it is a great joint to forget about the outside world and focus on the dining experience without any distractions from the digital world.

Hashiguchi

Address: 1 Chome-5-20 Motoakasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0051, Japan

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

11. Narisawa

The foods at Narisawa are boldly defined as “Innovative Satoyama.” Satoyama is a region between the plane lands and the mountain foothills where man and nature live peacefully and sustainably. This alludes to the restaurant’s philosophy which aims for diners to get an appreciation for the seasons as they sample and appreciate the endless flavors drawn from various provinces around the country. Don’t be surprised to find peculiar menu items, depending on the season.

Narisawa

Address: 2 Chome-6-15 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan

Website: Narisawa

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

12. Tokyo Shiba Toufuya Ukai

Tokyo Shiba Toufuya Ukai boasts the best homemade tofu, expertly crafted with a blend of clean spring waters and high-quality soybeans, leading to a rich and extremely sweet taste. The restaurant is uniquely designed, featuring beautiful pine trees, as well as a pond with koi carp. With the presence of the garden, the pond, and the incredible menu, this restaurant has all you need for the authentic Tokyo dining experience. However, it may not be a good choice for those looking for budget dining options in the city.

Tokyo Shiba Toufuya Ukai

Address: 4 Chome-4-13 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

Website: Tokyo Shiba Toufuya Ukai

Opening hours: Tue: 11am - 7:30pm; Wed - Fri: 11:45am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mon)

13. Ise Sueyoshi

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is a private restaurant located between Roppongi and Hiroo in Tokyo. It specializes in traditional Kaiseki-style Japanese delicacies with a tinge of English flair. The food at this joint is prepared under the supervision of chef-owner Kikunoi who has vast experience in the restaurant industry having worked in reputable establishments in Canada. Apart from his vast experience, the chef is also friendly and super sociable. He tends to calmly walk up customers’ tables and explain the source of ingredients used in your meal, including his reasons for choosing them. The staff is also extremely attentive and will gladly respond to all concerns you may have. You will not only leave with a full stomach but also an ear-to-ear smile after a nice dining experience at Ise Sueyoshi.

Ise Sueyoshi

Address: Japan, 〒106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 4 Chome−2−15 水野ビル

Website Ise Sueyoshi

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 9:30pm

14. Sushi Yoshitake

This is a wonderful three-Michelin star sushi restaurant led by an amazing chef. The quality of the food at this omakase-style diner is among the best you will find in Tokyo and it comes with a relaxed and enjoyable ambiance to make you relish every bite from your bowl. Try the abalone, octopus, and uni.

Sushi Yoshitake

Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 7 Chome−8−13 Brown Place９Ｆ

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)

15. Uobei

If you are looking for affordable sushi served with the speed of light in Tokyo, then you have every reason to check out Uobei. This restaurant uses tablets for service and this means that you will not have any wait staffing coming by your table. The service will also be very fast. Though the ambiance or the setup is not necessarily the best, the concept of the food coming on a conveyor belt and the ease of making your order are Uobei’s strong points.

Uobei

Address: Japan, 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 2 Chome−29−11 第六セントラルビル 1F

Website: Uobei

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 12am

16. Unkai Japanese Restaurant

This is a very authentic Japanese eatery with the ambiance and the menu to make you thank the gods for the tasty Japanese cuisines. The restaurant overlooks a perfectly manicured traditional garden, complete with a pond to complement the beauty of each season. The menu mostly features seasonal delights and this guarantees you fresh and tasty cuisines each time of the year you visit. They also offer private dining rooms for those who want unforgettable dining experiences with exclusive ambiance and beautiful views of the garden.

Unkai Japanese Restaurant

Address: 1 Chome-12-33 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan

Website: Unkai Japanese Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sun: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:30pm

17. Ginza Kyubey

Ginza Kyubey is another leading restaurant where you will never be disappointed by the sushi experience. The restaurant offers a uniquely personal experience where the chef is actively involved in not just preparing your meal but also helps you choose the very best. When you walk into the restaurant, the chef will boldly take you through the menu, explaining to you every detail, including the unique ingredients and an overview of how it will be prepared. At any given time, the chef will attend to no more than 10 diners. It is believed to be the first restaurant to serve uni and salmon roe wrappe din dried seaweed.

Ginza Kyubey

Address: 8 Chome-7-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Website: Ginza Kyubey

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:30am - 1:30pm, 5pm - 9:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

18. Kikko

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

At Kikko Restaurant in Tokyo, the food and the music are always in harmony to treat you to an indelible experience. It is a small restaurant but with outstanding service, a rich menu of delicate and tasty foods, and a nice blend of beverages, including beers, whiskeys, sakes, and wines. The owner of this joint is a master musician and they are the source of the soothing and entertaining shamisen performances that further accentuates the dining experience.

Kikkō

Address: 2-2-13 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Website: Kikkō

Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Sat: 11:30am - 1:30pm, 5:30pm - 9pm; Sun: 11:30am - 1:30pm (closed on Wed)

19. Inose

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Inose is a little local sushi restaurant managed by husband-and-wife. The restaurant is an omakase-only joint, meaning that you will savor the chef’s recommendation for the day. As such, it doesn’t have any menu for you to choose what you want but nevertheless, have faith–a delightful dining experience awaits every time. Boasting fresh and delicious sushi and welcoming staff (including the chefs), this small but genuine eatery deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Inose

Address: Japan, 〒141-0022 Tokyo, Shinagawa City, Higashigotanda, 2 Chome−20−2 ハイマウント御殿山 1F

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)

20. Sukiyabashi Jiro

Sukiyabashi Jiro is an exclusive and world-renowned sushi restaurant in Tokyo and a famous destination for world leaders and celebrities who want to have the authentic sushi experience in the city. It specializes in serving only the omakase tasting menu with each menu being determined every morning and served to order. You will find over 20 sushi variations and if you have never tasted sushi before, the restaurant will gladly teach you how to go about it so that you get the most out of the flavors and the experience in general.

Sukiyabashi Jiro

Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4 Chome−2−15 塚本総業ビルB1階

Website: Sukibayashi Jiro

21. Gonpachi Nishiazabu

This is another authentic Japanese restaurant that is rarely absent from the list of the top restaurants in Tokyo. The quality of its services and its range of menu items has made it a highly frequented joint by famous visitors such as George W. Bush and former Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi. The joint offers a variety of Japanese cuisines with notable menu items being skewered grilled chicken, soba noodles, and sushi among others. This restaurant enjoys thousands of positive reviews from people all over the world, adding further credence to its reputation as one of the leading restaurants in Tokyo.

Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Address: 1 Chome-13-11 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan

Website: Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Opening hours: 11:30am - 3:30pm (daily)

22. Midori Sushi Ginza

Midori Sushi Ginza is reputed as one of the best places to check out if you want to enjoy tasty sushi without breaking the bank in Tokyo. The sushi quality here is world-class and this has made it an extremely popular joint for both foreign tourists and locals. As such, you may find very long queues but the wait will be worth it when you take the first bite of the sushi or any other seafood dish you may want to order from the restaurant.

Midori Sushi Ginza

Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, 中央区Ginza, 7 Chome−2−2 山下ビル １F 番先

Website: Midori Suhsi Ginza

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

23. Sushi Dai

Sushi Dai has an omakase menu that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Though the menu hardly changes, the restaurant’s secret lies in the quality and the consistency that the restaurant has maintained over the years. The ambiance is accentuated with modern decor featuring elegant murals that pay tribute to certain elements of the Japanese past. For a good dining experience, you are encouraged to line up early so that you can get nice seating places.

Sushi Dai

Address: 6 Chome-5-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan

Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Sat: 5:30am - 2pm (closed on Wed & Sun)

24. Fukuzushi

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Fukuzushi was initially opened in 1917, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the city. It specializes in quality and unique Japanese cuisines made by experienced and expert chefs and using only the freshest and finest ingredients. The restaurant’s interior is warmly done to exude the old Japanese feeling which is a further compliment to the range of the traditional Japanese cuisines you will find on the menu. Some of the must-try menu items here include deep-fried scallops, tai sautee, assorted tempura, and nasu no torimoso gake.

Fukuzushi

Address: 5 Chome-7-8 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Website: Fukuzushi

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 1:15pm, 6pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

25. Sushi Kanesaka

A breathtaking experience awaits you at Sushi Kanesaka. It is not only the food but also the ambiance and the high quality of service that makes this joint one of the best places to visit for a great dining experience in Tokyo. It is a simple and straightforward restaurant, with an elegant yet very minimalistic design. The food is always super fresh and in a world of its own! The chef here is always enthusiastic to give you a detailed explanation of what you will be ordering and also take you through the method he will use to execute your order, including a glimpse of some of the ingredients they will be using. It is an extremely personal affair that will leave more than satisfied with the whole experience. And, though, it is a relatively expensive restaurant, when you walk out, you will feel that you got your money’s worth.

Sushi Kanesaka

Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, 中央区Ginza, 8 Chome−10−3 銀座三鈴ビル

Website: Sushi Kanesaka

Opening hours: 11:30am - 1pm, 5pm - 10pm (daily)

26. Tsukiji Sushi Say Honten

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Tsukiji Sushi Say Honten is a relatively new joint in Tokyo but has continually grown in reputation owing to its rich menu, quality service, and superb ambiance. It is highly revered by both the locals and foreign tourists who love its huge selection of sushi offerings. However, the restaurant is not all about sushi. Its menu has an envious selection of seafood as well as authentic Japanese traditional foods that will put you right at the core of the country’s culinary diversity. It is also worth noting that it is a relatively affordable restaurant. If you are traveling as a group and you are looking for a great place in Tokyo that can accommodate the diverse dining needs of your group members, then Tsukiji Sushi Say Honten will be highly recommended.

Tsukiji Sushi Say Honten

Address: 4 Chome-13-9 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Website: Tsukiji Sushi Say Honten

Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Fri: 10am - 2pm, 5pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closd on Mon)

27. Yasuda

Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.

For you to dine at Yasuda, you will need to have a reservation because this is a relatively small restaurant with limited seating but the food is always extraordinary. And just to demonstrate the caliber of this joint, your reservation must be made one month in advance. The dining experience you find at this joint is friendly, fun, and entertaining at the same time. It is operated by the chef-owner whose knowledge of the delicacies will blow your mind even before you take the first bite from the traditional pots. You will not help but notice the real art that goes into sushi making while you watch your food get crafted by the chef’s expert hands. Apart from the great dedication in serving you the best sushi, the chef-owner is also flexible enough and will take into account any dietary requirements you may have.

Yasuda

Address: 4 Chome-2-6 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan

Website: Yasuda

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 6pm - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Dive deep into Tokyo’s culinary diversity at these restaurants

Japan has incredible culinary diversity. It is not just what they eat but also how their foods are prepared that makes them extremely unique from what you will find in most parts of the world. Tokyo is a hub of this diversity and if you know where to go, you will be amazed by just how deep the country’s culinary diversity is. Keep this list in mind for the right joints to check out if you want to get the most out of Japanese foods.