Japanese restaurants in Tokyo
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Kujiraya
We'll leave it to you and your dinner companions to debate the ethics of this surprisingly popular restaurant, which serves nothing but whale meat. Conservation, environmentalism and morality aside, there are few places in the world where you can sample whale sashimi, fried blubber and fin steaks, though you're going to have to leave your politics at the door.
Although there is no English menu, you can order set menus based on price - whale meat isn't cheap, which is probably to do with the fact that they're endangered.
reviewed
-
B
Ume-No-Hana
This traditional, elegant restaurant is rightfully renowned for their tōfu-ryori, kaiseki (elegant, multi-course Japanese meals) meals that showcase tofu and yuba (tofu 'skin') in beautifully presented small courses. Both niku-nashi (vegetarian) and meat-inclusive sets are available, but ordering will be problematic unless you have a Japanese speaker make the reservation for you and help you decide the best set for you and your party.
reviewed
-
C
Sakana-Ya Ajisen
Although this neighbourhood sake pub is hidden away from the tourist masses on the island of Tsukishima, it's the real deal, and worth seeking out if you want to sample real brews and indulge on traditional dishes. The lack of an English menu means you'll have to work hard here if you don't speak Japanese, though it's worth the effort to sample rare koshu (aged sakes) and the house speciality, anago (braised seawater eel).
reviewed
-
D
Gyūbei
This brick-walled basement workhorse of a Korean barbecue joint is a fine place to grill kalbi (short ribs) or chicken in any of four exotic marinades over hot coals set into your table. For an extra treat, order a dish of namuru (marinated Korean vegetables) and generous pours of Korean soju (what Japan calls shōchū ). It’s across the three-way intersection from both H&M and Tōkyū department store.
reviewed
-
Toraji
Although it originates from the humble Korean dish known as bulgogi, yakiniku at this Marubiru establishment is anything but ordinary. Choose from a variety of immaculate cuts of meat, grill them over charcoals set into your table, and dip into a variety of sauces before popping into your mouth – delicious! Other branches around town include Roppongi and Shiodome.
reviewed
-
E
Rakutei
If the Japanese have elevated the deep-fried to an art form, then the chefs at Rakutei create masterpieces nightly. The freshest seafood and the lightest tempura batter are prepared to order, resulting in tender prawn and sweet potato that actually does melt in your mouth. Although there isn't an English menu, you can easily choose a set meal depending on how much yen you're willing to part with.
reviewed
-
F
Tomoegata
Given the preponderance of sumō stables in Ryōgoku, it’s only natural that you’ll find restaurants serving the calorie-rich chankonabe. Recipes vary for this hearty stew, but count on beef, chicken, pork, fish and/or seasonal vegetables. Tomoegata has been serving it for generations – go with a group, or eat it all by yourself if you want to become big like a sumō wrestler.
reviewed
-
G
Marugo Tonkatsu
In Akihabara's megawatt circus, Marugo sits serenely unplugged in one of the few prewar houses remaining in the area. Although the serene interior full of nostalgic diners is nothing like the otaku (geek) parade that's outside, Marugo survives by offerings some seriously delicious tonkatsu atop piles of fresh shredded cabbage.
reviewed
-
H
Umaya
This atmospheric, traditionally styled restaurant serves a variety of Japanese dishes, incorporating free-range chicken, house-made tōfu and a surprising number of vegetarian dishes (though not so many at lunch). To find it from Hitotsugi-dōri, head for Akasaka-fudōson-jinja but turn left just inside the shrine gate.
reviewed
-
I
Tsunahachi
Sit at the counter for the pleasure of watching the efficient chefs fry each perfect tempura and plate them one by one. From Shinjuku-dōri as you face Mitsukoshi department store, go down the small street to its left; Tsunahachi will be on your left. There's another, airier branch on the 13th floor at Takashimaya Times Square.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Robata
Back near the railway tracks, this is one of Tokyo's most celebrated izakaya (Japanese-style pub). A little Japanese language ability is helpful here, but the point-and-eat method works just fine. It's hard to spot the sign, even if you can read Japanese; better to look for the rustic, weathered façade.
reviewed
-
K
Futaba
Like so many homestyle eateries, this place doesn't look like much, in its nondescript corner building, but who needs charm when you make the best tonkatsu on the block? It's a bit like a diner with matter-of-fact service, but it knows its stuff and needs no gimmicks beyond the edges of the plate.
reviewed
-
L
Irokawa
Irokawa serves some of the best, most beautifully-grilled unagi (eel) around. Try the unaju (broiled eel on rice). The restaurant has a humble, traditional-looking exterior, with plants flanking the entrance, and is a friendly neighbourhood spot to try unagi with the locals.
reviewed
-
M
Matsuya
Rival to Kanda Yabu Soba and located almost next door, Matsuya is just as bustling and feels a notch more casual. Try plain zaru soba, then follow it up with the kamo nanban, soba with slices of roast duck. Soak it all up along with the merry crowd.
reviewed
-
N
Yonehana
This family-run unagi (eel) restaurant in Tsukiji Market is now in the hands of its third generation, and the friendly, English-speaking chef is happy to make recommendations. It's an excellent spot to try unagi (eel) if you're not up for a sushi breakfast.
reviewed
