The 35 best restaurants in Tokyo: Budget to High End

5 Comments / Asia, Japan / By
A close-up of a bowl of ramen, featuring a rich, creamy broth, tender slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. The noodles are thick and inviting, with chopsticks resting on the bowl’s edge. In the background, a blurry image of a drink can be seen, adding to the cozy dining atmosphere.

Introduction

Your guide to the best restaurants in Tokyo for all budgets. Tokyo offers a food scene that’s second to none. Whether you’re travelling on a shoestring budget or ready to splurge, Tokyo has something to tantalise every taste bud. From Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant street food stalls.

Exploring Tokyo means diving into its world-renowned Japanese cuisine. Imagine slurping a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen, savouring a delicate piece of sushi, or enjoying a comforting bowl of rice topped with seasonal ingredients. Budget travellers will love Tokyo’s convenience stores and vending machines, which are packed with cheap eats and tasty treats (7-11 hunting is a game in itself!), as well as fantastic value lunch sets.

Tokyo is famous for the set meal, which provide a full meal at a reasonable price, often including miso soup and other traditional favourites alongside the main dish.

Navigating Tokyo’s food scene can feel overwhelming, but there’s something for everyone and I will help narrow down your search a little in this article. Whether grabbing a quick lunch set near Tokyo Station or exploring the hidden gems of Memory Lane, you’ll find the perfect place to satisfy your cravings. Tokyo ensures a delightful dining experience for every traveller. Let’s dive into the best restaurants for all budgets in Tokyo, as well as some quirky alternatives, and see why this city is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

How long are you spending in Tokyo? Have a look at my ideal itineraries for 14 days and 7 days

What can I expect

It is testament to Japan that a meal at a high end restaurant or at the train stations (I cannot recommend the Ekiben’s at shinkansen stations highly enough!) can get you equally excited. You will have some of the best value food around and in 15 days we didn’t have one bad meal. There are not always options for an English menu, google translate and a strong dose of adventurous foodie spirit will be your friend. Below are some of the dishes you will come across in Tokyo and beyond.

Not booked your accommodation yet? Check out my guide to the best accommodation in Tokyo for all budgets. Or have a look at the best hotels in Kyoto and Osaka for all budgets

Types of cuisine

  • Sushi: Vinegared rice paired with seafood, vegetables, or egg, often served as rolls or nigiri.
  • Ramen: Noodle soup with various broths like tonkotsu (pork bone), miso, soy sauce, or salt.
  • Kaiseki: Multi-course haute cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, meticulously prepared and presented.
  • Tempura: Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables.
  • Yakitori: Skewered and grilled chicken, often served with various sauces or seasonings.
  • Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served without rice.
  • Udon: Thick wheat noodles served in a variety of broths, either hot or cold.
  • Soba: Buckwheat noodles, also served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce.
  • Tonkatsu: Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, usually served with shredded cabbage and sauce.
  • Okonomiyaki: Savoury pancakes mixed with ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood, often topped with sauce and mayonnaise.
  • Shabu-shabu: Hotpot where thin slices of meat and vegetables are cooked in boiling water and dipped in sauces before eating.
  • Donburi: Rice bowls topped with various ingredients such as beef (gyudon), chicken and egg (oyakodon), or tempura (tendon).
  • Onigiri: Rice balls often wrapped in seaweed, filled with ingredients like salmon, pickled plum, or tuna.
  • Miso Soup: Traditional soup made from fermented soybean paste, often containing tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
  • Yakiniku: Japanese-style barbecue where diners grill their own meat and vegetables at the table.

Best Restaurants in Tokyo: Budget tier cheap eats

You don’t have to spend the world to get a great meal in Tokyo but it is worth noting that some of the best places can often have a long queue. Planning the restaurants you want to try in advance can be very helpful and make bookings if that is an option

Although i’m not going to outline it here, consider the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market for a budget option too. Offering everything from sushi rolls, the freshest catch of the day and some niche seafood you may have never tried before, sea urchin anyone?

Disclaimer: This article features affiliate links. If you click these links, and choose to book with that hotel or company, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support that allows me to continue providing this information

TOP TIP: We used our mobiles for directions, bookings and transport all over Japan. Coming from the UK our network providers had packages available for data but they were a total rip off. We chose to use Airalo for an eSIM. Giving us all the data we needed at a fraction of the price, without needing to get a physical SIM or change number. It has been fantastic in multiple countries! Get yours here

A traditional Japanese meal featuring a bowl of tempura, including shrimp and vegetables, served over rice. Accompanying the main dish is a bowl of soba noodles in broth and a bowl of miso soup. The meal is presented on a dark tray, with the various components arranged neatly, reflecting a balanced and appetizing meal.
A traditional tempura set meal

Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

  • Address: 3 Chome-9-10 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese
  • WEBSITE
  • This cosy spot is famous for being Tokyo’s oldest onigiri restaurant, rice balls, made fresh with various fillings. It’s a Bib Gourmand listed restaurant, known for its affordable prices and traditional flavours, making it a perfect place for a quick, inexpensive meal and first on my list of affordable restaurants. Please note this is a cash only restaurant

Grill GRAND

  • Address: 3-24-6 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food)
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Known for its retro vibe and hearty “Western style” dishes, Grill GRAND serves up classics like hamburger steak and pork cutlets. It’s a great spot for a filling meal at affordable prices, and its nostalgic atmosphere adds to its charm.

Ponchiken

  • Address: 2 Chome-8 Kandaogawamachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0052, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese Curry
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Ponchiken is renowned for its delicious and affordable Japanese curry. The cosy restaurant serves hearty portions of curry with a variety of toppings, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Katchar Batchar

  • Address: 2F, 3-2-10 Minamiotsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0005, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Indian
  • WEBSITE
  • Katchar Batchar offers a taste of India in Tokyo with its authentic and flavourful curries. This small, welcoming restaurant is known for its reasonable prices and vibrant, aromatic dishes, making it a great spot for curry lovers.

Hashimoto

  • Address: 2-5-7 Suido, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0005, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Unagi (eel)
  • WEBSITE
  • Producing exquisite Unagi since 1835, this family run restaurant is now in it’s 6th generation of ownership. The sauce is a masterpiece and this should be high on your list if you are looking to try eel in Japan

Tensuke

  • Address: 3-22-7 Koenjikita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 166-0002, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Tempura
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Tensuke is a favourite for its fresh and crispy tempura served at reasonable prices. The tempura is fried to perfection, making it a delightful experience for those who love this classic Japanese dish. The egg yolk on the “egg lunch” is beautiful. It is common to find a long line here, so time your visit well

L’insieme

  • Address: 1-31-7 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 136-0071, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Italian
  • MORE DETAILS
  • L’insieme offers delicious Italian cuisine in the heart of Tokyo at affordable prices. The restaurant is known for its cosy ambiance, char grilled meat and Neapolitan syle pizzas, making it a great spot for a casual meal.

Konjiki Hototogisu

  • Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Ramen
  • WEBSITE
  • Previously holding a Michelin star, Konjiki Hototogisu is famous for its innovative ramen. The restaurant’s signature dishes include shio (salt) ramen with a delicate truffle sauce, offering a unique twist on traditional flavours. It is certainly a contender in the best ramen debate in Tokyo.

Ramenya Toy Box

  • Address: 1 Chome-1-3 Higashinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0014, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Ramen
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Ramenya Toy Box is celebrated for its rich shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. This popular spot with counter seats serves expertly crafted ramen with a deep, savoury broth that keeps customers coming back for more.

Sobamae Nagae

  • Address: 4-9-3 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-0082, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Soba
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Sobamae Nagae is known for its handmade soba noodles, offering a variety of hot and cold soba dishes. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and traditional methods makes it a standout for soba enthusiasts.

Best Restaurants in Tokyo: Mid tier restaurants

Tamawarai

  • Address: 5-23-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Soba
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Tamawarai, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is celebrated for its exquisite handmade soba noodles. Known for its dedication to quality and traditional preparation methods, it offers an authentic and refined dining experience  .

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten

  • Address: 1 Chome-5-4 Higashiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0044, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Unagi (eel)
  • WEBSITE
  • A one Michelin star restaurant, Nodaiwa is famous for its grilled eel dishes. This restaurant, housed in a charming traditional building, offers a range of eel dishes prepared with a family recipe dating back centuries, making it a must-visit for eel enthusiasts.

Sennomago

  • Address: 4-4-2 Nishiogikita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 167-0042, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Chinese
  • WEBSITE
  • A Sichuan and Shanghai based Chinese restaurant where you can choose how your fish is cooked. This restaurant offers something different to the Tokyo culinary scene

Matsunozushi

  • Address: 2-16-12 Minaminagasaki, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0052, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Sushi
  • WEBSITE
  • Matsunozushi, a long-established sushi restaurant, is celebrated for its traditional Edomae sushi. Using the freshest ingredients from Tsukiji Market, it offers a delightful sushi experience in a cosy setting.

L’amitie

  • Address: 2-9-12 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-0075, Japan
  • Cuisine type: French
  • WEBSITE
  • L’amitie brings a slice of France to Tokyo with its classic French cuisine. This charming bistro offers a range of French dishes made with seasonal ingredients, providing a delightful dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

Yakitori Sanka

  • Address: 2F, 64-4 Yaraicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0805, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Yakitori
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Yakitori Sanka is known for its expertly grilled chicken skewers. Using high-quality chicken and a variety of seasonings, it offers a delicious and authentic yakitori experience in the heart of Roppongi.

Sushidokoro Shigeru

  • Address: 15 Funamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0006, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Sushi
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Sushidokoro Shigeru is a popular sushi spot known for its fresh and creative sushi rolls. The restaurant prides itself on its high standards and friendly service, making it a favourite among sushi lovers.

Yamato

  • Address: 16-3 Nihombashitomizawacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0006, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese BBQ
  • WEBSITE
  • Yamato offers a fantastic Japanese BBQ experience with high-quality meats and a variety of dipping sauces. The restaurant’s comfortable setting and attentive service make it a great spot for enjoying yakiniku.

LANBRoA

  • Address: 3-11-15 Yoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-0097, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Spanish
  • MORE DETAILS
  • LANBRoA serves up delicious Spanish cuisine, including tapas and paella. Known for its lively atmosphere and authentic flavours from every corner of Spain, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a taste of Spain in Tokyo.

Washokuya Taichi

  • Address: 3-36-14 Kitasenzoku, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 145-0062, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese
  • WEBSITE
  • Washokuya Taichi offers a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and meticulous presentation make it a great choice for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Best Restaurants in Tokyo: Luxury tier for that special occasion

 Fine dining in Japan is absolutely exceptional, if you are looking for the best of the best, look no further than these for the best Tokyo restaurants.

Makimura

  • Address: 3 Chome-11-5 Minamioi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0013, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Makimura, a three Michelin-starred restaurant, is known for its exceptional cuisine and focus on traditional Japanese flavours. Chef Akio Makimura emphasises simplicity and the intrinsic flavours of ingredients, with dishes often featuring delicacies like hairy crab, prawn, and scallop. The elegant setting and meticulous attention to detail make it a dining experience worth the splurge  .

RyuGin

  • Address: 7F, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0006, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese
  • WEBSITE
  • Ryugin, with its three Michelin stars, offers a modern take on traditional kaiseki cuisine. Chef Seiji Yamamoto creates innovative dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and Japanese culinary artistry. The restaurant is renowned for its creative presentations and exquisite taste, making it a must-visit for those seeking a high-end Japanese dining experience.

L’Effervescence

  • Address: 2 Chome-26-4 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan
  • Cuisine type: French Contemporary
  • WEBSITE
  • L’Effervescence, awarded two Michelin stars, is celebrated for its contemporary French cuisine with a Japanese twist. Chef Shinobu Namae combines local, seasonal ingredients with French techniques to create beautifully plated dishes. The serene ambiance and impeccable service enhance the overall dining experience.

Quintessence

  • Address: 1F, Garden City Shinagawa Gotenyama, 6-7-29 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0001, Japan
  • Cuisine type: French
  • WEBSITE
  • Quintessence, holding three Michelin stars, is known for its refined French cuisine. Chef Shuzo Kishida focuses on simplicity, seasonality, and the natural flavours of ingredients. The restaurant’s minimalist approach and exceptional quality make it a standout choice for luxury dining in Tokyo.

Harutaka

  • Address: 6F, 8-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Sushi
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Harutaka, a three Michelin-starred sushi restaurant, is famed for its meticulously crafted sushi. Chef Harutaka Takahashi, a former apprentice of the legendary Jiro Ono, offers an omakase experience that highlights the freshest seafood and expert technique.

Tempura Ginya

  • Address: B1F, 5-17-9 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0071, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Tempura
  • WEBSITE
  • Tempura Ginya, awarded two Michelin stars, is known for its exquisite tempura. The restaurant focuses on high-quality ingredients and perfect frying techniques, creating light and crispy tempura that is truly exceptional.

Den

  • Address: 2 Chome-3-18 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese
  • WEBSITE
  • Den, with two Michelin stars, is renowned for its playful and innovative approach to traditional Japanese cuisine. Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa combines creativity with meticulous technique, offering dishes that surprise and delight diners.

Prisma

  • Address: 6-4-6 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Italian
  • WEBSITE
  • Prisma, a two Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, is known for its elegant and refined Italian dishes. The menu showcases seasonal ingredients and traditional Italian flavours, presented with a modern twist in a sophisticated setting from this husband and wife team.

Akasaka Kikunoi

  • Address: 6 Chome-13-8 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Kaiseki
  • WEBSITE
  • Akasaka Kikunoi, holding two Michelin stars, offers a traditional kaiseki dining experience. Chef Yoshihiro Murata creates beautifully presented multi-course meals that delight you every step of the way. The menu is identical to it’s sister restaurant in Kyoto.

Maz

  • Address: 3F, Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, 1-3 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0094, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Innovative
  • WEBSITE
  • Maz, a two Michelin-starred restaurant, is celebrated for its contemporary cuisine that blends Japanese and Peruvian influences. The menu is organised into themes for each of Peru’s natural environments; the pacific coast, the Amazon rainforest and the Andes. The innovative dishes, elegant presentation, and luxurious ambiance make it a top choice for fine dining in Tokyo.

TOP TIP: I really recommend downloading the Michelin guide app. It is totally free and has recommendations for good restaurants across the country. We used it throughout Japan and didn’t have a bad meal. 

Are you looking to party whilst you are in Tokyo, have a look at my guide to the best clubs here

Come on i’m in Tokyo give me something different!

A cozy restaurant scene with steam rising from a grill or stove in the background, indicating active cooking. The focus is on the counter area where various dishes and utensils are placed, with customers visible in the blurred background. The warm, inviting atmosphere suggests a busy and popular dining spot.
Yakitori grilling in a small izakaya

 So you are after something more quirky, with an entertainment factor? Unsurprisingly Tokyo very much has this covered. These 5 options will be music to your ears

Zauo

  • Address: Multiple locations across Tokyo
  • Cuisine type: Seafood
  • WEBSITE
  • At Zauo, diners fish for their meal in the restaurant’s large fish pond. Once caught, the fish can be prepared in various styles, such as sushi, sashimi, or grilled. This interactive dining experience is both fun and rewarding, offering the freshest seafood possible.

Uobei Sushi

  • Address: 2-29-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Sushi
  • MORE DETAILS
  • Uobei revolutionizes the conveyor belt sushi restaurant experience with high-speed delivery chutes instead of traditional conveyor belts. Diners order via touch screen, and the dishes are swiftly delivered to their table. Known for its affordability and variety, Uobei offers a fun and efficient dining experience just a short walk from Shibuya crossing. This is a fun restaurant that doesn’t fall short on the quality of the food  

Curry Station Niagara

  • Address: 1-21-2 Yutenji, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0052, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Japanese Curry
  • MORE DETAILS
  • A haven for train enthusiasts, Curry Station Niagara features train-themed decor and seating. Diners order from a train ticket vending machine, and meals are delivered on miniature trains that run along tracks beside the tables. It’s a unique and charming experience for both curry lovers and train fans.

Samurai Restaurant (formerly Robot Restaurant)

  • Address: 1-7-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
  • Cuisine type: Various (Bento boxes, sushi, steak)
  • MORE DETAILS AND TICKETS
  • Recently reopened as Samurai Restaurant, it continues to offer an action-packed entertainment experience with dancers, music, and neon lights, making it a must-visit for a unique dining experience  .

Vampire Cafe

  • Address: 6-7-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
  • Cuisine type: International
  • MORE DETAILS
  • The Vampire Cafe offers a gothic dining experience with decor inspired by vampire lore, including coffins and chandeliers. The menu features creatively themed dishes and cocktails, making it an entertaining and atmospheric venue for a night out .

Conclusion

Dining in Tokyo is a real experience. Picture yourself sitting on tatami mats in a local restaurant, enjoying chicken skewers and rice balls, or watching the best things on the menu glide by on a conveyor belt at a sushi spot. For those willing to spend a bit more, Michelin-starred restaurants across central Tokyo offer culinary masterpieces from all around the globe. Tokyo has the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world, across varying price tiers as well.

Have a look at my in depth itinerary for two weeks in Japan here. Heading to Kyoto? Check our my guide to the best hotels here

Tokyo really is the best advert for delicious food in Japanese culture. The sheer array of options and the absolute quality on offer make this fantastic city a foodies paradise. The list above explores the best Tokyo restaurants for every budget, but really does only scratch the surface of what is available. Pack your bags, be adventurous and try something new whilst you are there!

Related Posts

5 thoughts on “The 35 best restaurants in Tokyo: Budget to High End”

  1. Pingback: Your Guide to the Best Tokyo Hotels for all Budgets - Travel tips and guides - Global Trip Diaries

  2. Pingback: The Best 7 day Japan tour - first timer itinerary - Travel tips and guides - Global Trip Diaries

  3. Pingback: A Thrilling 2 Week Japan Itinerary: How to do it - Travel tips and guides - Global Trip Diaries

  4. Pingback: The Best Clubs in Tokyo: A Complete Nightlife Guide - Travel tips and guides - Global Trip Diaries

  5. Pingback: Data in Japan: eSIM and SIM card in Narita airport - Travel tips and guides - Global Trip Diaries

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *