All-Time Best
Sukiyabashi Jiro
Sukiyabashi Jiro
The legendary sushi restaurant made famous by the documentary 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi'. Master Jiro Ono serves an unforgettable omakase experience with fish sourced from Tsukiji's finest vendors.
Highlights
- Reservations required months in advance
- 20-piece omakase course
- Featured in Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Narisawa
Narisawa
Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa's innovative restaurant blends French technique with Japanese ingredients in what he calls 'Innovative Satoyama Cuisine'. A truly unique fine dining experience.
Highlights
- 2 Michelin stars
- Sustainable cuisine
- World's 50 Best Restaurants #56
Den
Den
Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa brings playful creativity to traditional kaiseki. Known for dishes like the 'Den-tucky Fried Chicken' and whimsical presentations that delight without sacrificing depth of flavor.
Highlights
- 2 Michelin stars
- Asia's 50 Best Restaurants #1
- Playful kaiseki
Ichiran Shibuya
Ichiran Shibuya
The ultimate tonkotsu ramen experience with individual booths for focused eating. Customize your noodle firmness, richness, and spice level for a personalized bowl.
Highlights
- Individual booth seating
- Customizable broth
- Open 24 hours
Tsukiji Sushisay
Tsukiji Sushisay
A beloved neighborhood sushi spot near the former Tsukiji market. Offers exceptional quality at more accessible prices than Ginza establishments.
Highlights
- Fresh market fish
- Counter seating
- Lunch sets available
Tonki
Tonki
Operating since 1939, this Meguro institution serves what many consider Tokyo's best tonkatsu. Watch the chefs bread and fry each cutlet to golden perfection.
Highlights
- Since 1939
- Counter seating with kitchen view
- Premium pork
Ukai-tei Omotesando
Ukai-tei Omotesando
A refined teppanyaki experience featuring premium Wagyu beef cooked on iron griddles by skilled chefs. Elegant atmosphere with impeccable service.
Highlights
- 1 Michelin star
- A5 Wagyu beef
- Counter teppanyaki experience
- Wine pairing available
Ginza Kyubey
Ginza Kyubey
One of Tokyo's most respected sushi establishments, serving traditional Edomae sushi since 1935. The omakase showcases pristine seasonal fish.
Highlights
- Since 1935
- Traditional Edomae style
- Seasonal omakase
- 1 Michelin star
Yakitori Torishiki
Yakitori Torishiki
A tiny yakitori counter where every skewer is grilled to perfection over binchotan charcoal. Reservations are essential for this cult-favorite.
Highlights
- 1 Michelin star
- Binchotan charcoal grilling
- Only 12 seats
- Omakase course only
Best of 2026
Sezanne
Sezanne
Newly awarded 3 Michelin stars in 2025, Chef Daniel Calvert's French cuisine at Four Seasons Tokyo continues to impress with technical brilliance and artistic presentation.
Highlights
- 3 Michelin stars (2025)
- French fine dining
- Hotel setting
Florilege
Florilege
Chef Hiroyasu Kawate continues to push boundaries with his sustainable approach to French-Japanese cuisine. The open kitchen creates an intimate, theatrical dining experience.
Highlights
- 2 Michelin stars
- Sustainable focus
- Open kitchen concept
Tempura Motoyoshi
Tempura Motoyoshi
Elevated to 2 Michelin stars in 2025, this tempura specialist showcases seasonal ingredients with light, crispy perfection.
Highlights
- 2 Michelin stars (2025)
- Counter seating
- Seasonal course
Winter Specials
Chanko Kawasaki
Chanko Kawasaki
Warm up with chanko nabe, the hearty hot pot eaten by sumo wrestlers. This Ryogoku institution serves authentic recipes in a traditional setting.
Highlights
- Sumo wrestler hot pot
- Near Ryogoku Kokugikan
- Group dining
Sometaro
Sometaro
A cozy monjayaki restaurant where you cook your own savory pancakes on tabletop griddles. Perfect for cold winter evenings.
Highlights
- Cook-it-yourself
- Tatami seating
- Budget-friendly
Imahan Ningyocho
Spring Specials
Kozue at Park Hyatt
Kozue at Park Hyatt
Seasonal kaiseki featuring spring vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sakura-themed dishes with panoramic views of Shinjuku.
Highlights
- 40th floor views
- Cherry blossom menu
- Sake pairing
Tempura Kondo
Tempura Kondo
Master Fumio Kondo's spring menu highlights mountain vegetables and delicate seasonal fish, all prepared with his signature light touch.
Highlights
- 2 Michelin stars
- Vegetable tempura specialty
- Counter dining
January Dining
Nihonryori RyuGin
Nihonryori RyuGin
Start the new year with osechi-inspired kaiseki at this 3-Michelin-star restaurant. January features special New Year ingredients and celebratory dishes.
Highlights
- 3 Michelin stars
- New Year special menu
- Molecular kaiseki
Nanzenji Hyotei Tokyo
Nanzenji Hyotei Tokyo
The Tokyo outpost of the 400-year-old Kyoto institution serves refined kaiseki with special January ozoni (mochi soup) offerings.
Highlights
- 400-year tradition
- New Year ozoni
- Elegant setting
Frequently Asked Questions
Tokyo has several excellent food districts. Ginza is known for high-end sushi and fine dining. Shibuya and Shinjuku offer diverse options from ramen to izakayas. Tsukiji/Toyosu area is perfect for fresh seafood. Asakusa has traditional Japanese cuisine, while Roppongi caters to international tastes.
For Michelin-starred restaurants and popular spots, reservations are essential and often need to be made weeks or months in advance. Many high-end restaurants require reservations through a hotel concierge or Japanese-speaking assistant. Casual ramen shops and izakayas typically don't require reservations.
Tokyo offers excellent food at all price points. A bowl of ramen costs ¥800-1,500 ($6-12). A quality sushi lunch can be ¥3,000-5,000 ($20-35). Fine dining omakase ranges from ¥15,000-50,000+ ($100-350+). Budget travelers can eat well for ¥2,000-3,000 per day.
Must-try dishes include sushi (especially at Tsukiji/Toyosu), ramen (tonkotsu or shoyu style), tempura, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), unagi (grilled eel), and wagyu beef. Don't miss seasonal specialties and convenience store onigiri!
While traditional Japanese cuisine is not typically vegetarian, Tokyo has seen growth in vegetarian and vegan options. Shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) is naturally vegetarian. Areas like Shibuya and Omotesando have dedicated vegetarian restaurants. Always clarify 'no meat, no fish' (niku mo sakana mo nashi) when ordering.