WHERE TO EAT IN TOYKO

Sushi Restaurants:

Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza)

  • Overview: Sukiyabashi Jiro is a legendary sushi restaurant in Tokyo, renowned for its exceptional quality and traditional Edomae-style sushi. Helmed by sushi master Jiro Ono, it has earned three Michelin stars and worldwide acclaim.
  • Suggested Orders: Omakase (chef’s choice) menu featuring a selection of seasonal sushi, including tuna, sea urchin, and shrimp.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥40,000 – ¥50,000
  • Website: Sukiyabashi Jiro
  • Address: Tsukamoto Sogyo Bldg., B1F, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Sushi Saito (Minato)

  • Overview: Sushi Saito is another acclaimed sushi restaurant in Tokyo, known for its intimate dining experience and meticulous attention to detail. Chef Takashi Saito sources the finest ingredients and crafts each piece of sushi with precision.
  • Suggested Orders: Omakase menu featuring signature nigiri sushi made with seasonal fish and rice seasoned with Saito’s special blend of vinegar.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥30,000 – ¥40,000
  • Website: Sushi Saito
  • Address: Ark Hills South Tower 1F, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Kyubey (Ginza)

  • Overview: Kyubey is a long-standing sushi institution in Tokyo, revered for its classic Edo-style sushi and warm hospitality. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience where guests can savor the freshest seasonal seafood.
  • Suggested Orders: Chef’s selection sushi set featuring a variety of nigiri sushi, sashimi, and appetizers.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥20,000 – ¥30,000
  • Website: Kyubey
  • Address: 8-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Ramen Shops:

Ichiran (Shibuya)

  • Overview: Ichiran is a popular ramen chain known for its delicious tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen and unique solo dining booths. Diners can customize their ramen preferences, including broth richness, noodle texture, and spice level.
  • Suggested Orders: Tonkotsu ramen with Ichiran’s signature thin noodles and secret house-made broth.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥1,000 – ¥1,500
  • Website: Ichiran
  • Address: 1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Afuri (Harajuku)

  • Overview: Afuri is known for its refreshing yuzu-flavored ramen and commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients. The restaurant’s modern interior and flavorful broths have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
  • Suggested Orders: Yuzu Shio Ramen, featuring a light chicken and seafood broth infused with citrusy yuzu flavors.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥1,200 – ¥1,800
  • Website: Afuri
  • Address: 3-63-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Menya Musashi (Shinjuku)

  • Overview: Menya Musashi is a renowned ramen chain known for its rich and flavorful tonkotsu ramen with a robust pork bone broth. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and consistency has garnered a loyal following over the years.
  • Suggested Orders: Musashi Ramen, featuring thick, chewy noodles and a hearty tonkotsu broth topped with tender pork slices.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥800 – ¥1,200
  • Website: Menya Musashi
  • Address: 7-2-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Izakaya (Japanese Pub) Restaurants:

Izakaya Gonpachi (Roppongi)

  • Overview: Izakaya Gonpachi is a lively Japanese pub with a distinctive interior inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of izakaya-style dishes, including grilled skewers, sashimi, tempura, and sake.
  • Suggested Orders: Assorted yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sashimi platter, and house specialty cocktails.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥2,000 – ¥4,000
  • Website: Izakaya Gonpachi
  • Address: 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

Yakitori Alley (Omoide Yokocho)

  • Overview: Yakitori Alley, also known as Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane, is a nostalgic alleyway in Shinjuku lined with small izakaya bars and yakitori stalls. The narrow lanes and cozy atmosphere create an authentic dining experience.
  • Suggested Orders: Assorted yakitori skewers, grilled beef tongue, and draft beer or sake.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥1,500 – ¥2,500
  • Address: 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan

Tachinomi Izakaya (Various Locations)

  • Overview: Tachinomi izakayas are standing bars popular among locals for their casual atmosphere and affordable drinks and snacks. These no-frills establishments offer a wide selection of small plates and drinks, perfect for a quick bite or after-work drink.
  • Suggested Orders: Assorted izakaya dishes such as edamame, grilled skewers, and fried chicken, paired with draft beer or highball.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥1,000 – ¥2,000
  • Address: Multiple locations across Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro.

Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) Restaurants:

Gyu-Kaku (Various Locations)

  • Overview: Gyu-Kaku is a popular yakiniku chain known for its interactive grilling experience and wide selection of high-quality meats and vegetables. Diners can cook their own meats to their preferred level of doneness on tabletop grills.
  • Suggested Orders: Premium meat platter featuring marbled wagyu beef, kalbi (short ribs), and tongue, along with a variety of vegetables and side dishes.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥2,500 – ¥4,000
  • Website: Gyu-Kaku
  • Address: Multiple locations across Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro.

Jojoen (Various Locations)

  • Overview: Jojoen is a well-established yakiniku chain with a focus on premium cuts of beef and a commitment to quality and service. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience with comfortable seating and attentive staff.
  • Suggested Orders: Jojoen special course featuring a selection of premium beef cuts, including sirloin, ribeye, and tenderloin, served with assorted vegetables and dipping sauces.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥4,000 – ¥6,000
  • Website: Jojoen
  • Address: Multiple locations across Tokyo, including Ginza, Roppongi, and Shinjuku.

Rokkasen (Shinjuku)

  • Overview: Rokkasen is a yakiniku restaurant known for its high-quality meats, including wagyu beef sourced from various regions of Japan. The restaurant offers a spacious dining area with private rooms and a lively atmosphere.
  • Suggested Orders: Premium wagyu beef tasting set featuring a variety of cuts, such as chuck flap, skirt steak, and marbled ribeye.
  • Average Price per Person: Approximately ¥3,000 – ¥5,000
  • Website: Rokkasen
  • Address: 3-17-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan