Best Foodie Spots In Tokyo | Japan
30 September 2024
Tokyo is a city that never ceases to amaze me, and its food scene is no exception. From bustling street vendors serving up steaming bowls of ramen to cozy izakayas with a local vibe, there’s something to satisfy every palate. In this post, I’ve rounded up my favorite foodie spots from my trip, each one worth checking out between your sightseeing adventures. These are the places I’d recommend to friends and family who want to properly check off the foodie aspect of their holiday in Tokyo.
Plus, I’ve included a few spots I didn’t get a chance to visit but were highly rated on various sites and all over social media. I can’t wait to try them on my next trip!
Note: Prices are not mentioned as they do fluctuate, but none of the restaurants recommended are fine dining or fancy overpriced places. They are just really good Japanese eateries. Also, remember there is no tipping in Japan.
It’s hard to list the restaurants in order of my favorites because they were all amazing for different reasons; it really depends on what you’re in the mood to eat. So, in no particular order but categorised by restaurants, bars and then desserts…
RESTAURANTS
Tonkatsu - Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu Shibuya
(our favorite place in Tokyo)
Where? Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu, Shibuya
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/CBkBMV1XaswvBrGH8)
What? This was one of our favorite places in Japan, and I have to say it's the best tonkatsu I’ve ever had - and I’ve had a lot! It’s probably the most underrated place we visited. I guess it hasn’t been hyped on social media, which is a good thing because the lines were never long.
They have a few different options on the menu, but our go-to was the tonkatsu. For those who might not know, tonkatsu is a Japanese dish that consists of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets, served with a tangy sauce. Here, you get the tonkatsu alongside some deep-fried vegetables (I love the pumpkin) and a delicious curry on a bed of Japanese rice. You also get a small portion of tsukemono (漬物), which are Japanese pickles, typically fukujinzuke (福神漬け), a mix of pickled vegetables that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tonkatsu. The set comes with fresh slaw on the side, and you have the option to add more fried pork cutlets (as pictured) or fried prawns.
It’s a small place with about 12 seats, offering that typical Japanese-style bar counter dining (also known as open kitchen dining).
Please don’t miss this place; it’s honestly so good! I still dream of this dish, and no tonkatsu I make at home seems to compare.
When? Lunch or dinner, there were never more than 2 to 5 people waiting ahead of us, and the turnover was pretty fast. I’d say we waited about 20 minutes each time we dined here.
Kaisendon - Tsujiihan
Where? Nihonbashi Kaisen Don Tsujihan - Ark Hills Branch
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/xVnT1iBywKzEVLPq6)
They have multiple branches, but I chose the one in the Ark Hills building because the lines are long at all locations. It's much better to wait in an air-conditioned building than in some of the other spots where the entrances are on the street and it's either too hot in summer or cold in winter or raining. You know that feeling when you're exposed to the elements and you're hungry!
What? Tsujiihan is an absolute gem for seafood lovers in Tokyo, especially if you're a fan of kaisendon (海鮮丼)—a rice bowl generously topped with fresh sashimi. This place went viral on social media; lines are often out the door at all their locations! I had to check it out to see if it was worth the hype, and drumroll… it absolutely was!
What I loved about this spot is how simple yet perfect the whole experience was. It’s not a fancy place, but the quality of the seafood is top-notch, and the portions are incredibly satisfying. The fish was so fresh, and the balance of flavors between the seafood and rice was just spot on.
They serve a variety of kaisendon bowls, allowing you to mix and match different types of seafood, from tuna to salmon to uni (sea urchin). What makes this experience even more special is that when you’re almost finished with your bowl, you can hand it over to the chef at the bar counter. He’ll pour a flavorful broth over the remaining seafood and rice, elevating the dish and adding a comforting twist to the last bites. Again, it’s that counter bar-style dining you see in a lot of places in Japan.
When? Lunch or dinner.
Unitora
Where? Tsukiji Unitora Nakadori - Tsukiji Fish Market
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/LShYQY5XpyU3MqbLA)
What? Tsukiji Unitora Nakadori is a must-visit for seafood lovers, especially if you're into fresh uni (sea urchin). Located right at the Tsukiji Fish Market, it's famous for its uni bowls that went viral on social media, which means the lines can get pretty long. To handle the demand, they’ve partnered with nearby vendors to offer the same incredible seafood bowls when seating fills up - they’ll show you when you go. Additionally, their signature dishes, like the uni rice bowl, feature premium seafood like crab, salmon roe & fatty tuna, making it well worth the wait for a taste of that fresh market experience.
When? Breakfast or lunch
Yakitori - Jomon Roppongi
Where? Jomon in Roppongi
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/k9WE34LyQGKA8vrG7)
What? My iPhone photos don’t do this place justice, but this is another restaurant we returned to on our trip. You know a place is good if you have a short foodie holiday and end up going there more than once. This spot was actually recommended to us by a friend who often travels to Japan for business, and I’m not going to lie - I didn’t have high expectations. I never thought yakitori was something to go out of your way for, but I was wrong
If you didn’t know, yakitori refers to skewered meat grilled over charcoal, typically seasoned with tare sauce or salt. While Jomon is known for its yakitori, it’s actually a kushiyaki restaurant, which means they offer a variety of grilled skewers, including other meats and vegetables - not just chicken. You really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu! To top it all off, their ice cream sandwich baguette is a must-try, a delicious way to finish off the savory dishes. As for drinks, their sakes are served in traditional masu cups (small wooden square boxes) and they fill them to the brim, overflowing for that extra touch.
The atmosphere is pretty unique. They have small tables where you sit on the floor in traditional Japanese style, or you can sit at the open kitchen bar for that yakitori-cooked-right-in-front-of-you experience. There are also seats near the windows where you’re half inside, half outside. It’s a cool spot, but keep in mind it can get very smoky inside since the yakitori is cooked over an open charcoal grill. You might leave smelling like a charcoal BBQ, but honestly, it’s worth it.
When? Dinner for sure, it has a very cool dinner and drinks vibe.
Hikiniku - Kiwamiya Shibuya
(Halal Option Available)
Where? Kiwamiya - located in the underground food hall type area in Shibuya Parco Mall.
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/xhsyXzZRAASpbjSq8)
What? We discovered this place on the same day we were trying to get a reservation at Hikiniku To Come - a restaurant that's incredibly tough to book since reservations open online and fill up fast. We didn’t realize this when we tried to walk in!
Luckily, just around the corner from Hikiniku To Come, we stumbled upon Kiwamiya while searching for another spot. It turns out they serve a similar hikiniku-style meal.
So, hikiniku (挽肉) is the Japanese word for ground or minced meat. We noticed several places advertising hikiniku, often describing themselves as a ‘steakhouse’ or a place that serves hamburgers. But it's not what you'd typically picture as a hamburger or a steakhouse. Whatever this concept is, we absolutely loved it, and it ended up being one of the top meals we had in Tokyo.
At Kiwamiya, you get a high-quality, thick, round Wagyu minced meat patty that’s already seasoned but served raw. At the counter where you’re seated, there’s a hot grill plate right in front of you. You take small pieces of the patty, grill them to your preferred doneness, and eat them with rice. They also provide a couple of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor, a fresh slaw-like salad to balance things out, and a comforting chicken broth.
The menu is simple: you can order the hamburger steak (essentially the patty), or go for the hamburger steak with Imari steak. We opted for the second option. There’s also a Halal option! You choose the size of your patty, depending on how many grams of meat you want. They also offer a topping of truffle salt-flavored egg yolk if you’re into that. The menu includes instructions on how to cook and eat the hikiniku, and there’s a drawer under your bar table with napkins, chopsticks, and wipes for convenience.
It was such a unique experience to dine here, and it's one we genuinely miss and can't wait to return to. The meat was incredible - so juicy and full of flavor - and it was delicious with the rice. Minced steak, Asian style?!
Note: If you can get a reservation at Hikiniku To Come, please try it and let me know in the comments below if it was good. There they grill the meat over an open flame, which I’m sure is amazing.
When? Lunch or Dinner would be fine. Just note that the lines can be long (like most popular places in Tokyo). We waited 1 hr.
Yakiniku Like
Where? Yakiniku Like - they have a few different locations because it is a chain, but we dined at the one in Shibuya and thankfully the line/wait was never long.
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/odY4UUQ9oEXYEBme8)
What? Yakiniku Like is a must-visit spot in Tokyo if you’re craving some delicious, quick yakiniku. It’s not your typical yakiniku joint where you share a large grill with others. Instead, what I loved about this place is that you get your own personal grill station, which makes it perfect for solo diners or those who want to enjoy the experience without having to share! Having said that, even though it's designed for individual diners, you can still enjoy it with a friend or two - some branches even have a small table-for-two setup. I went back more than once during my trip because it was that good.
For those who aren’t familiar, yakiniku means "grilled meat," where you cook small slices of beef, pork, or chicken on a grill right at your table. You can even find premium cuts like Kobe beef on the menu. What makes this place stand out is how fast and convenient the service is, but you still get quality cuts of meat. You just pick your meats, sauces, and sides, and grill them exactly how you like it.
When? Lunch or dinner.
Conveyer Belt Sushi - Kura Shibuya
Where? Kura Sushi Shibuya Ekimae
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1kwv3YMb8u3pa3YA)
What? Now, it’s not a proper Tokyo foodie post if I don’t mention sushi, and Kura Sushi in Tokyo is one of those must-try experiences for sushi lovers. It's a popular conveyor belt sushi chain, known for offering some good sushi at super affordable prices. What makes Kura Sushi stand out is the combination of fun, tech-savvy dining with traditional Japanese sushi.
When you arrive, you’re seated at a booth with a conveyor belt running right past you, carrying endless plates of fresh sushi. Each plate offers a variety of options, from classic nigiri and sashimi to more creative combinations like seared tuna with cheese. Plates are generally priced around 100-200 yen each, making it an incredibly budget-friendly spot to try different types of sushi.
One of the coolest aspects of Kura Sushi is the digital ordering system. You can order specific dishes through a tablet, and within minutes, your sushi arrives on a separate express conveyor belt directly to your table! It feels like a game, making the whole dining experience interactive and fun. You can even order a beer through the tablet, which appears on the upper level of the conveyor belt (as pictured above). Pretty cool!
While it’s not the best sushi you’ll ever have, it’s great for the experience.
When? Lunch or dinner.
Sushi - Yoshino Sushi Honten
Where? Yoshino Sushi Honten
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/VX8eurUyJV33BPUA9)
What? Yoshino Sushi Honten is one of those places we stumbled upon purely by accident while wandering around the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo. We walked past and noticed a line out the door, filled with only Japanese guests. None of the signage was in English, so we figured it had to be good. We joined the line, and thankfully, a kind Japanese family noticed we had no idea what we were doing. They explained what the place was and even informed the waitress what we wanted when we got inside. The waitress didn’t speak any English and at some points called another staff member over to help translate a few things for us. The menu wasn’t available in English either (as you can see in the photos above), so we just went with the flow and took the suggestions they gave us. It turned out to be a really cool experience, dining with the locals. It felt very authentic, and that was awesome.
We later found out that this sushi spot has been serving Edomae-style sushi since 1879, which means they focus on simple, fresh ingredients prepared using traditional techniques from Tokyo Bay. Despite its long history and excellent reputation, it maintains a casual, no-frills atmosphere. It’s not a high-end sushi spot, but the quality of the sushi is outstanding. We went for lunch, which was surprisingly affordable at around ¥2,200, considering the expertise, quality and history of the place.
If you’re in Tokyo and looking for an authentic, no-fuss sushi experience with deep roots in the city’s history, Yoshino Sushi Honten is a great spot to check out. Just be prepared to have no idea what’s going on if you don’t speak Japanese.
When? Lunch or dinner
Tempura - Hakata Tempura Takao
Where? Hakata Tempura Takao - Shibuya Parco Mall
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/KtG5XYTUpjhD1WRj9)
What? Hakata Tempura Takao was the sleek tempura bar we were actually looking for when we found Hikiniku Kiyami (shown above), after being turned away from Hikiniku To Come.
One of my fondest memories in Japan was at a local tempura bar where the chef cooked the tempura fresh in front of you and served it with impressively long chopsticks, right to the drying rack at your bar counter table. While this place wasn’t quite that, it’s a great option if you’re looking for delicious local tempura without needing a reservation. There were some other places I had researched that had amazing reviews for tempura, but they were quite pricey and required bookings in advance. I will add them to the list below of "places I'd like to try."
The menu features a variety of freshly fried tempura, and their standout is the Takao Tempura Teishoku Set, which includes a mix of meat, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. They also provide free-flow mentaiko, a local delicacy made from marinated cod roe that has a slightly spicy and umami-rich flavor, along with various salts to enhance the tempura’s flavor. Each piece is served hot and fresh, ensuring you enjoy the best experience possible.
When? Lunch or dinner.
Crab Ramen & Katsudon - Kani Ramen Hinata
Where? Kani Ramen Hinata
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/yt2CqkfpUaiEDmr57)
What? My iPhone photos don’t quite do this place justice, but don’t let the humble appearance fool you. This small, no-frills local joint may not look like much, but the food is super comforting and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of spot with a simple counter setup where you sit right in front of the kitchen, watching the cook whip up dish after dish.
The crab ramen is a tasty twist on your usual ramen, and the reason we went is because we saw it on social media and it looked good. We love ramen and we love crab! It had such an awesome crab flavor throughout. We also ordered the katsudon, even though we were just there for the ramen, because that’s what all the locals were ordering, and we could see why - crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with a soft omelette. So good!
When? We went late at night, after walking around the area after dinner, and it hit the spot perfectly. It's not fancy at all, just cheap, Japanese comfort food that’s totally worth trying if you're in the mood for something local and low-key.
Tokyu Food Show - Shibuya Station
Where? Tokyu Food Show, under Shibuya station
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/NmcMUHSCKVdaDbQQ7)
What? This isn't a restaurant per se, but I had to add this to my Tokyo foodie blog post, and here’s why...
Don’t let the name fool you - Tokyu Food Show isn’t a temporary pop-up; it’s a permanent foodie paradise located underground in Shibuya Station, within the Tokyu Department Store. The space is divided into three main sections: a gourmet supermarket offering fresh produce, a takeaway bento section filled with beautifully prepared Japanese meals to-go, and a sweets section with both Japanese and international treats, all packaged in perfect, gift-worthy boxes.
In the gourmet market, you’ll find an impressive selection of local and high-quality ingredients, from fresh sashimi to premium meats, Japanese dry goods, and more - ideal for a grocery haul.
The bento section is also great, with an incredible variety of meals. From sushi to tempura, these beautifully presented boxes make on-the-go dining both easy and delicious.
For those with a sweet tooth, the sweets section offers a stunning array of desserts, from traditional Japanese wagashi (delicate, artfully crafted Japanese sweets often made from rice, red bean paste, and seasonal ingredients) to luxurious pastries. These treats are perfect for indulging in or taking home as a thoughtful gift.
This was one of my favorite places in Tokyo, and I most definitely did a grocery haul on my last day before leaving the country. Some of the gift bentos I loved and took away were:
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory’s Salt and Camembert Cookies (omg, so good)
Dango sets from Dango
Red bean mochi gift sets
As for the grocery section, I stocked up on Japanese sweet potatoes, soy sauces, dashi, kombu, noodles, the famous Japanese sweet grapes, and grabbed some fresh sushi for the train ride to the airport.
Whether you’re stocking up on gourmet items, grabbing a quick meal, or looking for a sweet treat to gift or enjoy yourself, Tokyu Food Show is a must-visit in Shibuya. Be sure to visit early, as it can get quite busy, especially on weekends!
When? Anytime
BARS
Bar Qwang - Roppongi
Where? Bar Qwang - Roppongi
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/qK4eyGastVAKLmEs7)
What? Bar Qwang quickly became our favorite spot for happy hour before dinner, and we were actually recommended it by the same friend who suggested Jomon. Even though we were staying in Shibuya, we made the trip out to Roppongi just to have happy hour here on more than one occasion - it was that good. Tucked away in a basement off the busy streets, it’s cozy and dimly lit, with a chilled-out vibe that's perfect after a day of exploring.
Run by a husband-and-wife duo, Mr. Hasegawa takes care of the cocktails, while Junko whips up the bar snacks - and wow, the Thai food here is incredible. Being half-Thai, I can confidently say it's some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had. The pork salad (pictured) was my favorite - bursting with flavor and the perfect amount of spice.
The drinks menu is just as impressive. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so I told Mr. Hasegawa my usual drink preferences, and he whipped up something unique just for me, based on my taste. This place was so cozy, and I miss it already. Also, I know I’ve placed this establishment under “bars,” but you can most definitely go for dinner as well.
When? Happy hour or after dinner drinks. EVEN DINNER!
DESSERTS
Cremia Ice Cream - Excelsior Cafe
Where? Excelsior Cafe
What? One dessert that you cannot miss, especially if you love ice cream and soft serve, is Cremia. This is soft serve like no other; I swear the Japanese do everything better! Made from the finest Hokkaido milk, it’s incredibly rich and creamy, served in a crisp langue de chat cone. I found it in most of the Excelsior Cafes around Tokyo.
When? All the time! ;)
Age.3 Ginza - Fried Sandwhich
Where? Age.3 - Ginza
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/hmPe7s7h4MLBNkBo9)
What? Age.3 (pronounced "A-ge-san") is a trendy spot in Ginza, specializing in fried sandwiches that have become a viral sensation on social media. The name "Age" stems from the word ageru (揚げ), which means "fried" in Japanese, and "san" stands for "3," but is also used to sound like "sandwich." So basically, it means "fried sandwich." They offer both sweet and savory options.
There are so many different choices in both categories, depending on what you’re in the mood for, but I loved the keema with cheese sanwhich, and the sweet potato sandwich with cream was also yummy, weird, but yummy.
This little spot is always buzzing, and the lines can get long, so try to visit during off-peak hours. There’s no seating, but there’s a park just across the road where everyone seemed to take their sandwiches to enjoy. It’s a fun, delicious twist on traditional sandwiches that’s definitely worth a visit if you're in Ginza!
When? Snack - I wouldn’t consider this place somewhere to go for a full meal. It’s more of a snack spot for me, but I’m putting it under dessert because of all the sweet options.
Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée - Imo Pippi
Where? Imo Pippi, Asakusa
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/rciDdpP5gE7XKxVc6)
What? I went to Imo Pippi because, during my research on where to eat in Tokyo, their sweet potato crème brûlée kept popping up—and I love Japanese sweet potatoes. They’re different from the regular kind, with a naturally sweet flavor that’s hard to resist. And this one was turned into a crème brûlée, which I don’t mind sometimes! So, I went out of my way to try it. Honestly, I didn’t love it and wouldn’t recommend it. You’re probably wondering why I’m mentioning it, right? Well, I recognize that everyone’s tastes are different—some people really love desserts, especially unique ones. So, if you’re one of those people, I’d suggest giving it a try.
That said, I’m still glad I went because it gave me the chance to explore a part of Tokyo I hadn’t been to before. Imo Pippi specializes in creative sweet potato-based desserts, and the area around Asakusa is always buzzing with energy. Many people take their desserts to-go and enjoy them while walking around or at a nearby park. If you’re into trying something unique and love Japanese sweets, it might be worth your visit!
When? A snack if you want to try something unique and explore the area.
OTHER
Places I missed out on but would like to try;
Hikiniku To Come
Verve Roppongi Coffee Shop
Hakata Ramen
The Seirinkan Pizza
Godaime Hanayama for Udon
Tempura Fukamachi - This is the place I wanted to go for tempiura, the reviews were amazing but it was consistenly booked out.
Tempura Ono for a tempura Omakase
Katsudon from Katsudonya Zuicho Shibuya
Soba noodles - We didn’t find a good place yet so please let me know if you do.
Shabu Shabu - We didn’t find a good place in Tokyo yet but the one in Osaka that we found was amazing - check out this blog post [here].
ENJOY! Let me know which places you go to and what you think!
Also, let me know in the comments if I missed any places that you would recommend.
