Tokyo is Japan's capital and the center of a metropolitan area of about 37 million, blending Edo-period temples, imperial gardens and neighborhood shrines with skyscraper districts, global cuisine and dense rail infrastructure.
Tokyo's cuisine is the broadest of any city in Japan, covering Edomae sushi, tempura, tonkatsu, unagi, soba, ramen, yakitori, kaiseki and dozens of regional Japanese styles alongside international food. The city holds more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other in the world, yet the everyday food culture rests on counter shops, standing soba bars, izakaya and department-store food halls (depachika). Edo-era dishes such as sushi, tempura, soba and monjayaki grew out of fast food for a growing merchant city, and many still follow those roots. Prices range from a bowl of ramen or gyudon for around ¥1,000 ($6.37) to omakase counters above ¥40,000 ($255) per person. Reservations are essential for high-end restaurants and increasingly useful for popular mid-range spots; Tabelog, TableCheck, OMAKASE and hotel concierges are the main routes for foreign visitors.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Izakaya
Tempura
Tonkatsu
Kaiseki
Ramen
Yakitori
Unagi
Food tours & tastings in Tokyo
Eat your way through Tokyo with a guide.
Browse food experiences in TokyoWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake)
Find it at: Asakusa / Nakamise
Price: ¥200–400 ($1.27–2.55)
Tamagoyaki (rolled omelet skewers)
Find it at: Tsukiji Outer Market
Price: ¥150–500 ($0.96–3.18)
Ningyoyaki (small sponge cakes)
Find it at: Asakusa
Price: ¥500–900 ($3.18–5.73)
Menchi-katsu (fried minced-meat cutlet)
Find it at: Yanaka Ginza
Price: ¥150–300 ($0.96–1.91)
Crepes
Find it at: Takeshita Street, Harajuku
Price: ¥500–900 ($3.18–5.73)
Yakitori and kushiyaki skewers
Find it at: Ameyoko, Ueno
Price: ¥200–600 ($1.27–3.82)
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Toyosu Market
Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko)
Depachika food halls (Isetan, Mitsukoshi, Daimaru)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Many top restaurants require reservations weeks ahead; use Tabelog, TableCheck, OMAKASE or a hotel concierge
Tipping is not customary; a table charge (otoshi) of ¥300–800 ($1.91–5.10) per person is normal at izakaya
Ticket-vending-machine ramen shops often need cash; look for an English button or picture menu
Lunch sets at high-end restaurants often cost a third of the dinner price
Convenience-store chains and depachika are strong budget options for quality food
Cash is still required at many small counter shops; larger venues accept cards
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ¥500–1,500 ($3.18–9.55) per meal at gyudon chains, standing soba and ramen shops | 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. |