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Tsukiji Tama Sushi
Settle yourself near the windows and sip from a huge, earthy cup of green tea while you wait for your sushi, which will come immaculately presented and perfectly fresh. The menu also includes set meals and udon if you prefer, though either way, this is a pleasant corner from which to take in good Japanese food and bay views.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Vin Chou
Tucked away in this corner of Asakusa, Vin Chou is an odd bird: a French-style yakitori joint, offering foie gras with your tori negi (chicken and spring onion). With cheeses and fowl imported from Europe, it's chic and unique. It's just round the corner one block west of the Taikokan .
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Vinoteca
Quite possibly one of the hottest restaurants in the city at the time of writing, this inevitable crowd pleaser offers open-air dining overlooking the gardens of Tokyo Midtown. As these tables are some of the most in-demand seats in the capital, you would be wise to book in advance (in fact it's necessary) to ensure that you don't let down your better half.
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Yabu Soba
Near the arcade, this busy, famous place rustles up top-class soba , from the simple zaru soba - plain, cold buckwheat noodles to dip in broth - to the richly filling tenseiro (noodles topped with shrimp and vegetable tempura). There's a picture menu to help you choose. Look for the black-granite sign in front that says in English 'Since 1892'.
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Yakiniku Toraji International
Although it originates from the humble Korean dish known as bulgogi, (grilled meat) at this Roppongi Hills establishment is anything but ordinary. Choose from a variety of immaculate cuts of meat, and then slow roast them over charcoals. Next, dip your perfectly cooked slices of meat in a variety of sauces before popping them into your mouth - delicious!
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Yappari Tako
Although Yappari Tako serves up the full complement of your standard izakaya offerings, the real reason you're here is to sample their speciality tako (たこ; octopus) dishes. If you're having hesitations about sucking down a few plates of tentacled titbits, the attentive staff will offer you a glass of the shōchū of the day in order to ease your inhibitions and relax your throat.
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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.
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Yūrakuchō Yakitori Alley
Follow the smoke and steam that's looping its way up from under the railway tracks to this warren of rickety outdoor yakitori stands. Each open-air corner is tended by its own chef who knows everything you'd ever need to about the fine art of grilling chicken. These stands offer little shelter from the elements, so dress accordingly.
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Zest Cantina Ebisu
You'd be forgiven for thinking you were eating Tex-Mex somewhere in America after walking into this cavernous Ebisu institution. Although the jumbo margaritas, enormous bowls of nachos and sizzling hot plates of fajitas are reason enough to stop by, there is something endearing about Japanese waiting staff decked out in cowboy boots and hats.
