The local take
Sushi and ramen are well covered, alongside soba, tempura, sukiyaki, takoyaki and the yakitori and small plates of the izakaya, the neighborhood pub where office workers unwind. Some of the liveliest meals happen in yokocho, narrow alleys packed with tiny bars and grills, while department store food halls are made for grazing. Ginza is strong on polished sushi counters and refined set menus, Shinjuku keeps things casual and cheap, and the streets around Tsukiji are all about seafood.
Fine dining shows up too, from Kyoto-style cooking to teppanyaki. Every pick includes a note from the local guide who recommends it, and the chips narrow things to sushi, ramen, izakayas or fine dining.
SushiCasualAida Honten (あい田 本店)
Aida Honten is a casual sushi spot in Ginza that’s open for both dinner and lunch courses.
Tokyo, GinzaRecommended by Kaori M.
CasualAkafudaya
This restaurant is tucked away in a back alley of Shinbashi and is popular with workers in the nearby offices.
Tokyo, ShinbashiRecommended by Kenji K.
CasualAndy’s Shin Hinomoto
Andy is a British expat who is married to a Tokyo local.
Tokyo, YurakuchoRecommended by Kenji K.
CasualAsakusa Imahan
This restaurant in Asakusa has a long tradition of serving up authentic Japanese cuisine, especially sukiyaki and shabu-shabu (hot pot).
Tokyo, AsakusaRecommended by Kaori M.
CasualAsakusa Kagetsudo
If your tastebuds tend to gravitate toward sweet flavors instead of savory ones, adding Asakusa Kagetsudo to your Tokyo itinerary may be wise.
Tokyo, AsakusaRecommended by Kaori M.
SushiCasualAsakusa Sushiken
Sushiken is a high-quality sushi restaurant in Asakusa near the Sensoji temple.
Tokyo, AsakusaRecommended by Kenji K.
CasualAteniyoru (酒肴日和 アテニヨル)
If you’re looking for a lively place to go for good drinks and snacks, try Ateniyoru.
Tokyo, UchisaiwaichoRecommended by Kenji K.
CasualBar Okina
Bar Okina is a tiny restaurant in Shinjuku located in the famous Golden Gai district.
Tokyo, ShinjukuRecommended by Kenji K.
IzakayasCasualChikaro (チカロ)
Chikaro is an izakaya in Yurakucho dating back to 1963.
Tokyo, YurakuchoRecommended by Kenji K.
Fine DiningChisou Koryu (馳創吼龍)
If you want to try a taste of Kyoto in Tokyo, try Chisou Koryo.
Tokyo, GinzaRecommended by Hiromi N.
CasualCoffee Zingaro
Coffee Zingaro is a trendy café in Nakano designed by the famous contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
Tokyo, NakanoRecommended by Kenji K.
IzakayasCasualDaini Horaiya (第二宝来家)
Daini Horaiya is a popular izakaya in Tokyo’s famous Omoide Yokocho, an alleyway packed with little pubs and restaurants.
Tokyo, ShinjukuRecommended by Kaori M.
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