5 Best Restaurants in Tokyo

Ah, the art of eating! Whether you’re an epicurean traveller, always looking for new and exciting foods, or a casual diner, Tokyo has thousands of restaurants to offer to hungry locals and tourists alike! But with so many options at your disposal, how do you choose something that’s truly spectacular for your tastes buds? Here we’ve assembled a list of 5 restaurants that you absolutely have to stop through for a well-deserved break.

SUKIBAYASHI JIRO: For the Sushi Lover

You’re in Japan, so of course you have to try sushi! And what better place to have THE best sushi experience of your life than at Jiro’s. Located in the famous Ginza district of Tokyo, Jiro Ono is a master chef with three Michelin stars to his name. The restaurant serves only one menu, named ‘’omakase’’, which here means ‘’chef’s choice’’. Jiro himself prepares around 20 pieces of sushi and serves them to the customers seated directly in front of him at a traditional style counter bar.

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Be aware though that this type of eating is one of the finest dining options in Tokyo. As such, you will need to dress appropriately (no shorts, sandals, t-shirts, etc). The price for an ‘’omakase’’ course meal is 30,000¥, regardless if it’s lunchtime or dinnertime. Sukibayashi Jiro requires reservations, which you can make by calling the restaurant.

Visit the Sukibayashi Jiro website for more information on how to reserve a seat, as well as for some information about the correct way of eating sushi.

Address:

4-2-15 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Map:

L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon: French Cuisine in the Heart of Tokyo

L’ATELIER is one of many restaurants owned by renowned French chef Joël Robuchon. Having earned 3 Michelin stars for his restaurants around the world, Robuchon brings classic French delicacies to Tokyo in his intimate sushi bar inspired restaurant.

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With a stunning open kitchen where you can see the chefs working, you’ll want to sit there for hours are try every item on the menu. For pricing and reservations, please visit L’ATELIER. Don’t forget to have a look at the tantalizing menu.

Address:

Ebisu Garden Place 1-13-1 Mita Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Map:

KANDA: For a Taste of Traditional Japan

Yet another three-star Michelin restaurant, Kanda offers traditional Japanese cuisine in the Akasaka district. Dinner courses vary between 10,000¥ and 40,000¥ where the chef can tailor your culinary experience to your tastes.

Taking inspiration from nature and its seasons, the menu varies from month to month, depending on the available seasonal ingredients. You can visit Kanda’s official website to check their menu and learn about reserving a seat.

Address:

3-6-34 Moto-Azabu Minato-ku, Tokyo

Map:

NEW YORK GRILL: For A Western Experience

You’ve probably seen this restaurant on TV before. It was made famous in the movie ‘’Lost in Translation’’ when the protagonist spends a few hours in Tokyo in this world-renowned hotel. You can find the New York Grill lounge on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku. On a clear day, you get a panoramic view of Tokyo and the surrounding mountains and at night, you’ll be completely mesmerized by the dazzling lights from down below.

The New York Grill offers fabulous cocktails and delicious meals to complement the view. On some afternoons and evenings, you can be treated to some live music to soothe your worries, and aching feet, away!

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Address:

Hyatt Tokyo Shinjuku Park Tower 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Map:

Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta: For Ramen Lovers

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When the 2016 Edition of Michelin Guide Tokyo was unveiled, the biggest shock was not about which restaurants obtained three-stars, but that a ramen restaurant was awarded a Michelin star.

The news spread immediately, not only within Japan, but to gastronomists all around the world. Although some ramen fanatics had high regards to the restaurant, Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta had become the most famous ramen restaurant in the world over night.

Their signature dish, which more than 80% of its customers order, is the Shoyu Soba. With broth taken from a brand chicken, clams, and fish, the world famous bowl is finished with refined chicken oil with a hint of truffle in it. Despite its simplistic presentation, the flavor is extremely complex with rich tones of various ingredients creating a burst of joy in one’s mouth.

Whether you favour traditional Japanese cuisine, or you’re not opposed to trying Western and European foods, Tokyo is brimming with wonderful restaurants to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ve selected 5 highly acclaimed (and appropriately expensive) restaurants however, it’s fair to say that you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get good food. If you get the chance to visit Tokyo, try ducking into small road-side restaurants where locals go to hang out. You’ll get a very different kind of feeling, and a lovely overall experience.

Address:

1-14-1 Sugamo Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Map: