Around Tokyo
This sushi restaurant on the south coast is considered the island's best by locals, and so it pays to book ahead. A must-try is bekko sushi, made with…
Must-see restaurants in Japan
Kanazawa
The art-deco, woody, candelit atmosphere of this Western-style bistro near Higashi-chaya-gai is a big selling point. The Taisho-era (1912–26) building…
Kyūshū
This branch of the famed Karatsu Bāgā can be found near Karatsu Station. The menu items are the same as at the original, with the 'Special' – with cheese,…
Imperial Palace & Around
A short walk from the northeast gate of Imperial Palace Park, this burger cafe is a great spot for a break while sightseeing. Prop up at the counter or…
Hiroshima
If choosing sushi and sashimi seems overwhelming, the good set menus at Sushi-tei can sort you out with eight to 12 pieces of artfully prepared fatty tuna…
Imperial Palace & Around
This is one of Kyoto’s most interesting cafes – it’s built inside an old sentō (public bathhouse) and the original tiles have been preserved. Light meals…
Nagasaki
Come for the buffet, stay for the view at the new Nagasaki branch of this much-loved casual buffet chain. Dozens of savoury and dessert offerings…
Yokohama
Friendly staff grill up a wide range of okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) at your table, with prawn, squid, pork or veg (the English menu has some cute manga…
Western Honshū
If you have been craving vegetables in Japan, fill up at this cafe near the castle at a salad bar of pumpkin, peppers, okra and other veg. Vegetarian…
Iwate Prefecture
Customers line up and tour buses roll in for this hugely popular wanko-soba restaurant. As per tradition, the waiter will refill your tiny bowl with soba…
Osaka
At the main branch of this Osaka institution, a large dining hall serves a wide variety of set-course meals and sushi (à la carte or in sets), reasonably…
Nagasaki
In the Dutch Slopes a quirky 'World Foods Restaurant' operates most weekends; each week a different chef comes to prepare inexpensive meals from their…
Northern Higashiyama
Overlooking the Shirakawa Canal, just across the street from the National Museum of Modern Art, this tiny French-style cafe is a lovely spot to take a…
Kanazawa
A rotating menu of succulent small plates is featured at this family-run izakaya (pub-restaurant). The few tables offer seating on tatami mats, but opt…
Downtown Kyoto
Mishima-tei, around since 1873, is a good place to sample sukiyaki (thin slices of beef cooked in sake, soy and vinegar broth, and dipped in raw egg) as…
Nagoya
Lovers of wholesome, delicious, healthy foods are in for a treat at this trendy, friendly vegan cafe preparing lunch sets and cafe items that are free of…
Southern Higashiyama
At Kasagi-ya, on Sannen-zaka near Kiyomizu-dera, you can enjoy a nice cup of matcha and a variety of sweets. This old wooden shop has atmosphere to boot…
Ebisu, Meguro & Around
Green tea isn’t the only flavour Japan has contributed to the ice-cream playbook; other delicious innovations available (seasonally) at this famous Ebisu…
Yaeyama Islands
In the centre of Sonai is this delightful little Okinawan izakaya that serves local specialities such as Ishigakigyū-sutēki (Ishigaki-style steak; ¥1300)…
Central Honshū
Dorothy, you're not in Emilia-Romagna any more. Upstairs inside the JR Takasaki Station building, this local favourite serves every pasta dish conceivable…
Fuji Five Lakes
Ex-New Yorker Michael has run the show here for over two decades, pouring drinks at the bar and recounting Fuji folklore while his wife cooks up authentic…
Yaeyama Islands
In the Tsuki-ga-hama area, the relatively upmarket Kitchen Inaba serves the usual local specialities in a spot where no other dining options exist. It's a…
Roppongi, Akasaka & Around
British baker Stacey Ward has caused a sensation with her authentic marzipan Battenburg cake and Victoria sponges – so much so that fans queue for…
Northern Higashiyama
Karako is a favourite ramen restaurant in Kyoto. While there's not much atmosphere, the ramen is excellent – the soup is thick and rich and the chashū …
Kii Peninsula
This new restaurant – the only place in Hongū serving regularly after dark and naturally a gathering spot – dishes up small plates made with local…
Uosensuisan Izumo-eki Minamiguchi-ten
Western Honshū
This hulking seafood izakaya around the corner from the station is always loud and packed – you may have to wait. It'll be worth it if you're a fan of all…
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
'Uncle Eggplant' specialises in Japanese-style curry – that curious dark-brown melange that manages to be both sweet and savoury, mild and flavourful –…
Downtown Kyoto
This is one of the easiest places for non-Japanese to enter on Ponto-chō, a street where many of the other restaurants turn down even unfamiliar Japanese…
Kagawa Prefecture
Just short of the first set of steps leading up Konpira-san, this is one of dozens of Sanuki-udon joints in Kotohira. You can't miss it: the front window…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This bright, well-regarded shop specialises in inaniwa udon, a thin chewy wheat noodle that originated in Akita Prefecture in the 1600s. Locals seek out…
Kyūshū
In business since 1948, the Kimura family makes such sought-after udon noodles that this tiny eight-seat shop closes whenever it runs out. Arrive early or…
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
A best friend to harried and hungry commuters, Food Show has steamers of dumplings, crisp karaage (deep-fried chicken), sushi sets and heaps of salads…
Imperial Palace & Around
Located in a converted machiya, Manzara represents a pleasing fusion of traditional and modern Japanese culture. The fare is creative modern Japanese and…
Kanazawa
Popular with Western tourists and locals alike, this new-in-2015 izakaya (pub-restaurant) specialises in modern takes on small-plate classics, like an…
Kyūshū
Local Hirado-gyū, marvellously marbled and tender, is highly prized. This place on Hirado's main shopping street does it yakiniku style: in a private room…
Harajuku & Aoyama
This Aoyama outpost of famed Karuizawa soba shop serves handmade, 100% buckwheat noodles all day and (nearly) all night. Go all in with the (truly) jumbo…
Izu Peninsula
A cute izakaya cluttered with eclectic decor. The menu caters to all with cheap and tasty dishes such as jumbo okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), tempura and…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Constructed haphazardly from caravans, pine beams, fake turf and fairy lights, this pop-up community dining and gathering space is emblematic of…
Nagoya
A cheery, clean and colourful halal Indian institution where you can get serious with curry. The all-you-can-eat buffet is good value and includes your…
Ginza & Tsukiji
Vegetarians and vegans rejoice: Nataraj brings its warm colours and low-key elegance to its three-storey Ginza branch. Sizeable set meals include…
