Tokyo is Japan's capital and one of the world's most dynamic megacities, where ancient temples and shrines coexist alongside gleaming skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. As the cultural, economic, and political heart of Japan, Tokyo offers an unmatched blend of tradition and state-of-the-art modernity across its diverse 23 special wards and surrounding cities.
Tokyo is the world's most Michelin-starred city, home to sushi counters, ramen shops, tempura specialists, and yakitori stalls that range from ¥500 street snacks to ¥60,000 omakase experiences. Edomae sushi, born in Tokyo Bay, remains the benchmark for the style worldwide, while the city's ramen scene spans rich tonkotsu, refined shoyu, and truffle-laced Michelin-starred bowls. Izakaya (Japanese gastropubs) form the backbone of everyday dining, serving small plates of yakitori, sashimi, and fried snacks alongside beer and sake in convivial, smoky settings. Department store basements, known as depachika, hold some of the city's best food shopping — rows of bento, wagashi, and prepared dishes from famous restaurants sold to commuters heading home. Tokyo's food scene rewards exploration at every price point, from a ¥300 conveyor-belt sushi plate to a three-Michelin-star tasting menu.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten
Jiro Ono's legendary omakase sushi restaurant, subject of the documentary 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' and holder of three Michelin stars for decades. The 10-seat counter in Ginza serves a precisely choreographed sequence of nigiri. Now run by Jiro's son Yoshikazu Ono. Reservations are extremely difficult and typically require a hotel concierge or specialist service.
4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061 (Tsukamoto Sogyo Bldg B1F)
Narisawa
Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa's 2-Michelin-star restaurant is consistently ranked among the world's best, celebrating Japan's satoyama (countryside ecosystem) cuisine. Every dish tells a story of Japan's forests, rivers, and coastlines using hyper-seasonal Japanese ingredients presented with extraordinary artistry. The bread baked at tableside in embers is iconic.
2-6-15 Minami-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062
Den
Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa's 2-Michelin-star restaurant brings wit and playfulness to kaiseki-inspired Japanese cuisine. Famous for the 'JFC' (Japan Fried Chicken) amuse-bouche served with a menu in a KFC-style box, and the carrot-shaped bowl filled with vegetable dashi. Den is creative, unpretentious, and deeply joyful — a rare combination at this level.
2-3-18 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Sushi Saito
Among Tokyo's most coveted sushi reservations, Saito is a 3-Michelin-star counter where chef Takashi Saito works with only the finest seasonal seafood. The restaurant serves a classical Edomae omakase with extraordinary attention to temperature, seasoning, and fish aging. Near-impossible to book without a connection or luxury hotel concierge assistance.
1-9-15 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031
Kondo
Chef Fumio Kondo is widely considered Japan's greatest living tempura master, operating this 1-Michelin-star restaurant in Ginza for decades. His signature item is a whole sweet potato (satoimo) that takes 40 minutes to cook to perfection in rapeseed oil. The seasonal vegetable and seafood tempura omakase is a masterclass in frying technique.
5-5-13 Ginza 9F, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
A famous multi-floor izakaya with dramatic interior of soaring bamboo columns and wooden galleries, said to have inspired the Crazy 88 fight scene setting in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. Serves Japanese classics including soba, yakitori, robata grilled items, and sashimi in a spectacular theatrical setting. Lively and popular with foreigners.
1-13-11 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031
Ichiran
The world-famous solo-dining ramen chain where each customer sits in an individual wooden booth separated by dividers, ordering through a paper form slid under the kitchen curtain. Ichiran serves Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen that you customize to your exact preferences for broth richness, spice level, noodle firmness, and toppings. A uniquely Japanese experience.
B1F, 1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041
Fuunji
One of Tokyo's most acclaimed tsukemen (dipping noodle) restaurants, consistently ranked among the city's best ramen spots. Fuunji serves thick, chewy noodles alongside an intensely rich chicken and dashi-based dipping broth. The queue forms before opening and moves quickly. A must for serious ramen enthusiasts.
2-14-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Japanese
Edomae Sushi
Kaiten Sushi
Conveyor Belt Sushi
French
Gyudon
Gyukatsu
Hakata Ramen
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Italian
Izakaya
Kaiseki
Kissaten Coffee
Kushiage
Matcha Cafe
Molecular Gastronomy
Omakase Sushi
Shoyu Ramen
Soba
Sushi
Tempura
Tofu Kaiseki
Tonkatsu
Tonkotsu Ramen
Traditional Kaiseki
Tsukemen
Yakitori And Bar Snacks
Yuzu Shio Ramen
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
Find it at: Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku; Yurakucho yakitori alley
Takoyaki (octopus balls)
Find it at: Street stalls and food halls citywide, especially Asakusa and Shibuya
Taiyaki (fish-shaped filled pastry)
Find it at: Naniwaya Sohonten in Azabu-Juban and stalls near Asakusa
Korokke (croquettes)
Find it at: Ameyoko Market butcher shops in Ueno
Crepes
Find it at: Harajuku Takeshita Street
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Hours: Most stalls 5:00-14:00, closed some Wednesdays and Sundays
Ameyoko Market
Hours: Daily approximately 10:00-20:00
Depachika (Isetan Shinjuku / Mitsukoshi Ginza basements)
Hours: Daily approximately 10:00-20:00
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can cause confusion if attempted
Many ramen shops use ticket vending machines at the entrance — select and pay before sitting down
Cash is still preferred or required at many smaller restaurants, izakayas, and street stalls
Reservations are essential for popular sushi and kaiseki restaurants, often required months in advance
Conveyor-belt and chain restaurants are the most reliable option for walk-ins without reservations
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ¥1,000-2,000 per meal — ramen shops, gyudon chains, conveyor-belt sushi, street food | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |