Roppongi, Akasaka & Around
Kikunoi is one of Japan's storied ryōtei, the high-class restaurants that serves kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine). Its Akasaka branch is (relatively…
Must-see restaurants in Japan
Asakusa & Sumida River
The former Miyagino sumo stable is the location for this one-of-a-kind restaurant that has preserved the dōyō (practice ring) as its centrepiece. Playing…
Fukuoka
This Fukuoka-born chain (since 1993) has a nationwide following. That's as much for its serving style as for its fresh noodles and 15-second kitchen-to…
Northern Higashiyama
This elegant noodle shop, a five-minute walk from Ginkaku-ji, is named after the signature dish – thick white noodles that are served in broth with a…
Tokyo
This classic restaurant, open since 1931, specialises in yōshoku – Western cuisine adapted to the Japanese palate. Its signature dish is omuraisu (an…
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
Set in an old wooden house with a white lantern out the front, Kado specialises in katei-ryōri (home-cooking). Dinner is a set course of seasonal dishes …
Tokyo
For generations, people have been lining up outside this restaurant – in business since 1760 – to try its signature dish oyakodon, a sweet-savoury mix of…
Harajuku & Aoyama
There are sushi shops that pride themselves on hewing to tradition and then there is sushi m (and blessedly Tokyo has room for both). Here there are two…
Harajuku & Aoyama
Eatrip is one of the big players in Tokyo's farm-to-table organic movement. Chef Shiraishi Takayuki works closely with domestic producers and his cooking…
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
The Mensho chain is known for its innovative ramen recipes and the clean, contemporary design of its shops. At this branch the concept is farm to bowl…
Imperial Palace & Around
A small traditional place not far from Funaoka Onsen, Kanei is for soba connoisseurs – the noodles are made by hand and are delicious. The owners don’t…
Harajuku & Aoyama
Sahsya Kanetanaka is the entry level offshoot of exclusive kaiseki (haute cuisine) restaurant Kanetanaka. At lunch (served until 2pm) choose two mains …
Downtown Kyoto
Giro Giro takes traditional kaiseki and strips any formality so you're left with great food but in a boisterous atmosphere and with thousands more yen in…
Ebisu, Meguro & Around
The name, Kabi (Japanese for 'mould'), would be unfortunate if it weren't tapping into the current vogue for all foods fermented and funky. The Nordic…
Ueno & Yanesen
In a gorgeous wooden building dating to 1875, Innsyoutei (pronounced 'inshotei' and meaning 'rhyme of the pine cottage') has long been a favourite spot…
Tokyo
This casual restaurant from long-time producer (300-plus years!) of katsuo-bushi (dried bonito flakes), Ninben, naturally serves dishes that make use of…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Nanraku is Miyako-jima embodied in an izakaya – an earthy, convivial atmosphere, with ingredients sourced from local bounty. Chef Nanraku-san is a local…
Ebisu, Meguro & Around
Tonki is a Tokyo tonkatsu (crumbed pork cutlet) legend, deep-frying with an unchanged recipe for over 80 years. The seats at the long counter – where you…
Ginza & Tsukiji
A collaboration between the impossible-to-get-a-reservation for kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) restaurant Kurogi and centuries-old Kyoto tea shop…
Osaka
In business since 1841, Yoshino specialises in Osaka-style sushi, which is hako-sushi ('pressed sushi'). This older version of the dish (compared to the…
Asakusa & Sumida River
In business for over a century, Otafuku specialises in oden, a classic Japanese dish of vegetables and seafood simmered in a soy sauce and dashi (fish…
Western Honshū
This bar is in perfect balance: it manages to have loads of old-Japan charm, while maintaining a cocktail list that features plum wine and shōchū (strong…
Ginza & Tsukiji
Kagari changed the ramen game in the mid-2010s with its tori paitan soup, a chicken broth so thick and rich with collagen as to be almost opaque. Added to…
Nagoya
This has been the place to try Nagoya's famed miso-katsu (a type of tonkatsu – deep-fried pork cutlet) since 1947. Signature dishes are waraji-tonkatsu …
Around Tokyo
Sample unagi (freshwater eel) here, grilled on hot coals and served in lacquered boxes over rice. Eel numbers have plunged in recent years, and the…
Downtown Kyoto
As the name suggests, books line the walls of this cool cafe located in a converted machiya attracting a mix of locals and tourists. It’s a great place to…
Ginza & Tsukiji
Truly vegan restaurants are few and far between in Tokyo and ones that make so much effort over their food as Ain Soph are even rarer. Thank heavens then…
Ueno & Yanesen
Tucked down an alley off Yanaka Ginza is this design-savvy deli and cafe that subscribes to the farm-to-table ethos by telling customers all about its…
Northern Higashiyama
Perfectly located for a break when museum-hopping in the Okazaki-kōen area, this delightful restaurant is set in an old machiya with tatami-mat floors, a…
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
Kanae is a perfect example of one of Shinjuku-sanchōme's excellent and all but undiscoverable izakaya: delicious sashimi, seasonal dishes, simple staples …
Central Honshū
Since 1966 this delightful restaurant has been preparing succulent Hida beef in private tatami rooms in a traditional Japanese house. On the banks of the…
Hakone
Savour premium Japanese beef, cooked teppanyaki-style in front of you by the chef, at this elegant restaurant, an outpost of the celeb chef Nobu's dining…
Naha
Perfect for lunch after touring Shuri-jō, Ashibiunā has a traditional ambience and picturesque garden. Set meals feature local specialities such as gōyā…
Kanazawa
A variety of Japanese dishes and yōshoku (Western-style meals) are served at this stylish cafe in the quieter backstreets of Katamachi – the website will…
Ueno & Yanesen
Housed in a beautifully wooden building from 1909, Hantei is a local landmark. It serves courses of kushiage (meat, fish and vegetables deep-fried in oil…
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
Mensho is the new agitator in the Tokyo ramen scene, now with a couple of shops around town, each with a different speciality. At this one, it's a twist…
Matsumoto
This wonderfully traditional izakaya (pub-restaurant) serves favourites such as oden (a stew comprising fishcakes, tofu, vegetables and eggs simmered in a…
Kamakura
Popular with Japanese celebrities, this rustic little restaurant specialises in handmade ju-wari (100% soba), including kamo seiro (cold soba in hot broth…
Kyūshū
In the middle of nowhere (in a parking lot) in Niji no Matsubara is a brown-and-white Toyota serving burgers so famous people line up to buy them, and…
Matsumoto
Miso and ramen fans shouldn't go past this purveyor of fine noodles in a cute little building opposite the Richmond Hotel. Miso-rāmen and black Kuro-miso…
