Where to eat in Tokyo, Japan

Japan is a dream destination for any foodie or traveler who wants to get out of their comfort zone. Tokyo is the hub of the country – being home to 37 million people and over 160,000 restaurants! So how do you decide where to eat? Don’t worry – I teamed up with travel bloggers to bring you 20+ amazing places to eat in Tokyo! While the food is incredible, don’t forget beverages! Check out these 30+ Japanese drinks to try!

If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

Budget Places to Eat in Tokyo

Ain.Soph

Taste-tested by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

My first introduction to the Ain.Soph chain was their Ain.Soph Journey branch, considered to be one of the best vegan restaurants in Kyoto. As soon as I arrived in Tokyo, I jumped at the chance to taste their delicious food again. Ain.Soph has a few different branches in Tokyo, and, while all of them are vegan, each one has a different menu and a distinct vibe.

If you’re looking for hearty vegan comfort food that won’t blow your budget, head to the Ain.Soph Ripple branch in Kabukicho, near the north exit of Seibu Shinjuku station. This one is more casual than the other Ain.Soph locations and features healthy(ish), plant-based versions of Western classics, including burgers, burritos, and mac ‘n’ cheese. The Ripple Cheeseburger with cheese fries is amazing! At 1,250 yen, it’s slightly more expensive than the other burger options but absolutely worth it.

Location: Ain Soph. Journey Shinjuku, 新宿Ｑビル 1F 3 Chome-8-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan

T’s Tantan

Taste-tested by Manpreet of HelloManpreet

Located in the heart of Tokyo Station, is this absolutely amazing little café with food that tastes like it should be in a luxury restaurant. The price of the food is surprisingly inexpensive, which may be due to it aimed at commuters who are looking for something similar to fast food but with quality. They specialise in a traditional dish called Tantanmen, which is a sesame soup and noodle bowl with meat on top. However, T’s is completely vegan and replaces the meat with lots of different options, including a soy meat for those looking for a similar texture.

You will find T’s hidden behind a wall after you walk through the Keiyo Street Food Market, opposite Uni-Qlo and on your way to the JR line or Bullet Train. Visiting the restaurant on 3 different occasions, at different times of day, it was always pretty much full! It is a must-try in Tokyo and you will not be disappointed!

Location: Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 改札内）KeiyoStreet内 1階 JR Tokyo Station

Taniya

Taste-tested by Lena of Nagoya Foodie

In my opinion, one of the dishes you simply have to try on your visit to Japan is Udon. Thick, white, chewy noodles made just from flour, water, and salt. Incredibly, something so simple could be so delicious, but it is!

The best place to try Udon noodles is at a place where they make the Udon fresh every day. Taniya in Ningyocho is just such a place. You can watch the chef roll out and cut the Udon dough from the big front window before you enter. I highly recommend getting a seat at the counter overlooking the kitchen. It’s just so much fun to watch the people preparing your food.

Udon noodles come in many variations either hot in soup or chilled with a broth or dipping sauce. The best side for Udon noodles are different kind of Tempura. 

And the best thing about Taniya is the low price. No matter if you are a normal eater or have a bigger appetite, you will get full as you can choose the amount of noodles at no extra charge. Add a side of mixed Tempura and you will still usually pay only around 1000 yen. That’s a really good price for a big dinner.

Location: 2 Chome-15-17 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013, Japan

If you’re overwhelmed with the city, be sure to check out this guide to where to stay in Tokyo!

Nakajima

Taste-tested by Lucile of Lucile HR

Nakajima is one of the cheapest and most surprising Michelin-starred restaurants in the world and one of the best spots in Tokyo. It only will set you back $8 for lunch and only sells sardine dishes. You can eat all kinds of delicious sardines there: deep-fried, simmered, sashimi-style or with egg (this was my favorite!). This comes with a set menu of soup, rice, and pickles. The food is incredible and truly deserves a Michelin star!

The place is packed with locals looking for a quick a delicious lunch so make sure you arrive early. Beware, at night the place serves an expensive several course menu, so make sure you go there for lunch if you’re looking for a bargain! It is located in the very lively Shinjuku neighborhood and you’ll enjoy absorbing the local life by sharing a table with one of the many business people coming here for lunch.

Location: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−32−5 地下１階 日原ビル

Uzushio – Conveyor Belt Ramen

Taste tested by Me & Spencer!

A great place to eat in Tokyo on a budget is Uzushio. It’s located right near Tokyo Station and easy to get to. I was a bit skeptical of the concept of conveyor belt sushi, but since I don’t really like sushi in the U.S., I figured this would be a nice cheap way to enjoy sushi in Japan.

The food is put on color-coordinated plates with each color being a price point. The prices are on the menu provided. There are signs with each type of sushi so you know what it is as you come around. When you’ve had your fill – bring your plate to the hostess and she will tally up the total!

I was concerned about sushi just going around and around, but you can see the chefs in the background making the sushi as they go. There was about 10-15 people in the restaurant at any given point, so food was always being taken off/put on the belt. It was definitely an experience and we had fun trying about 15 different types of sushi!

Location:Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1 Chome−17−6 ＪＲ秋葉原駅電気街口改札外 高架下 Uzushio

Ramen Yoroiya

Taste-tested by Em of That Travelista

Ramen Yoroiya is a low-to-medium-priced restaurant located just two tiny blocks south of popular Sensō-ji Temple, in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood. The restaurant’s exterior with nothing but Japanese characters might seem a little intimidating for the typical tourist, but not to worry; bilingual menus await visitors inside. As its name would suggest, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy a classic bowl of ramen, but the chicken gyoza here is absolutely worth an honorable mention as well.

If you’re traveling solo or in a pair, pull up a chair to the counter, where you can watch the busy chefs at work while you await your own delicious meal. If you’re in a group, there are proper tables to the side of the counter, plus plenty of extra seating upstairs. Between its fair prices, vegetarian options, convenient location, and buzzing ambiance, Ramen Yoroiya is an easy addition to any Tokyo sightseeing itinerary.

Location:1 Chome-36-7 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Fuji Soba

Taste-tested by Debbi of My Debstinations

Fuji Soba is a 24-hour budget-friendly, efficient restaurant that tends to be scattered amongst various train stations.

The menu ranges from ¥270 to ¥500; nothing is over ¥500. A plain bowl of soba (buckwheat noodles) and soup is ¥270, while tempura and mini donburi (rice bowl with eggs and/or meat) sets are ¥500. They even have ikaten (squid) soba in tempura batter for just ¥390! You can also order udon (thicker, wheat noodles), which is about the same price as a bowl of soba.

You order via vending machine and cash, but the majority of buttons are all in Japanese. Definitely ask for assistance (to which they’ll endearingly help) or use the camera in Google Translate when ordering.

Location: There are a lot of Fuji Soba’s throughout Tokyo

Naritaya Halal Ramen

Taste-tested by Amanda of MarocMana

Before we went to Japan we were very worried about the language barrier and our religious requirements when eating. We try to eat halal, the Islamic diet, which means no pork or alcohol in our food, and animals are sacrificed a specific way. This isn’t always easy to do so we tried to be prepared in Japan. Luckily we quickly found out there were quite a few halal options in Tokyo! One of our favorite places was Naritaya Halal Ramen. It is a stones’ throw away from Senso-ji Temple.

The staff also all spoke English making everything easier for us. Their entire menu is halal including gyoza. We searched everywhere for gyoza without pork and this was the only one we found! They have ramen of course but they also have several other items so if you have a group of eaters looking for a mixture of dishes you’re in luck. The prices here are moderate, with the average main menu item being 800-1000yen. 

Location: 2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Rokuinsha

Taste-tested by Sydney of A World in Reach

In the depths of Tokyo Station is Tokyo Ramen Street, a lineup of some of Tokyo’s best ramen restaurants. Here, you’ll find Rokurinsha, one of the most popular restaurants on Ramen Street. At Rokurinsha, you can find several different ramen dishes, but the spot is known for its tsukemen, or “dipping ramen.” When eating tsukemen, you’re served a bowl of cold noodles along with a separate bowl of hot broth. The noodles are eaten by dipping them into the broth.

Rokurinsha is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and there is often a line wrapped around the corner before the restaurant opens at 10:00 AM. The line moves rather quickly though and before you know it, you’ll be ordering your meal from the vending machine (to get the regular tsukemen meal, hit the button on the top left) before being seated at a table in the small shop. You’ll be in close quarters with other diners, but this is part of the charm of dining in Tokyo! Rokurinsha will likely be one of your favorite spots to eat in Tokyo, and it’s very affordable. Make sure to add Rokurinsha (and the rest of Tokyo Ramen Street) to your Tokyo bucket list!

Location: Japan, 〒131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida City, Oshiage, 1 Chome−1−2 東京スカイツリータウン・ソラマチ6F

Dongara Gassyan

Taste-tested by Me & Spencer

Izakaya is similar to tapas in Spain – small dishes that you can be shared at the table. They sometimes also serve alcohol including beer and sake. This one is located in Golden Gai, which was probably my favorite part of Tokyo. It’s composed of six narrow alleys (which have even smaller alleys connecting them) and are filled with places to eat, bars, and nightlife. All of the izakayas are small and intimate. Many of them also have English menus available. However, some had signs on the outside that say “No Tourists Allowed” – so please be respectful.

Location: 1 Chome-1-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan

Tsukiji Outer Market

Taste-tested by Me & Spencer

Tsukiji is on the list twice (you’ll see it again below) because it has SUCH a variety of food it can’t be missed. The Outer Market opens at 5:00 am and closes around noon or early afternoon. There are restaurants with indoor seating, restaurants with seating outside that have curtains, and then there are street vendors who cook on the street – so you have variety! The reason why Tsukiji is a must-visit is because most of the fish served here is delivered directly from Toyosu Market – making it one of the best places in Tokyo for fresh seafood.

Location: 4 Chome-16-16番2号 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Travel Tip: If you buy from a street vendor, do NOT walk and eat. It’s considered rude to eat in front of someone else’s food stall. You are supposed to eat where you buy it.

Mid-Level Places to Eat in Tokyo

Nagi Shokudo

Taste-tested by Cassie of Cassie the Hag

Nagi Shokudo was a great place to try vegan food in Japan. The menu includes a variety of freshly prepared dishes, which seemed to be inspired by a fusion of various delicious Asian flavors. As I entered the restaurant, an unassuming little place just a short walk from Shibuya crossing, I was invited to take my shoes off and sit on a cushion under one of the low tables. The staff was welcoming and the 100% vegan menu made it easy for me to order.

I understand this isn’t for everyone but I found it very easy to find vegan food in Japan, especially in big cities. You can use the HappyCow app to find more vegan restaurants while travelling in Tokyo. I recommend trying a meal inspired by Japanese Buddhist cuisine of shojin ryori. The tasting plate I ordered at Nagi Shokudo may have been inspired by the cuisine itself, as it typically which includes a few small dishes such as include soymeats, tofu and vegetables, plus side dishes of pickles and misu soup.   

Location: 15-10 Uguisudanicho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0032, Japan

Yaktabune Cruise

Taste-tested by Amanda of The Boutique Adventurer

If you’re looking for a slightly different eating experience in Tokyo why not take a Yaktabune Cruise? These boats were traditionally referred to as Japanese pleasure boats. Today they are owned by private companies and covered with beautiful lanterns.

A Yaktabune cruise is more like attending a slightly larger than normal dinner party than a restaurant. All the guests arrive at the same time and are of course served at the same time. The jovial atmosphere is quite infectious and many tables end up getting to know their neighbours.

These Tokyo cruises are well known for the quality of their seafood. Huge legs of crab, prawns served raw, grilled, and battered and the very photogenic sashimi boats.

All of this is washed down with a considerable amount of alcohol – from classic western wine and beer to plum wine and sake. All of this and the boat visits some of the Tokyo’s most impressive night views and stops for photos.

Location: There are a few companies that do these. Tokyo Bay is one of the most well-known ones!

Sushizanmai at Tsukiji Fish Market

Taste-tested by Greta at Greta’s Travels

If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Tokyo you have to add Sushizanmai in Tsukiji Fish Market to your bucket list. As the name suggests, this is an awesome place to try real Japanese sushi!
Tsukiji is a famous fish market, where you can find the freshest fish in Tokyo. From sushi to sea urchins and oysters, there is something for everyone. There are many places where you can eat sushi, but Sushizanmai is one of the most popular.

They have a variety of set menus with different pieces of sushi, or you can choose specific sushi pieces and make your own sushi platter, composed of smaller plates. You can get the sushi set pictured below for 3,100 yen. The restaurant itself is pretty huge, spread out over multiple floors. It has a fairly relaxed atmosphere, with casual interior decor. At Sushizanmai you will find both tourists and locals alike dining there.

Fun Fact: In 2019, the owner of Sushizanmai paid $3.1 million for the most expensive Blue Fin Tuna in the world at the first auction of the year.

Location: Sushizanmai, 4 Chome-11-9 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Milan Nataraj

Taste-tested by Manpreet of Your Vegan Adventure

Famous for its stunning pedestrian crossing, Shibuya has been a famous tourist spot for years, as well as being featured in countless Hollywood movies. Located just a few minutes walk, opposite the famous first floor Starbucks is Milan Nataraj. A restaurant which has increased in popularity recently due to its vast offering of authentic vegetarian Indian food. The head chef has immigrated from India and brings along his experience of taste and spices to every dish.

It is recommended to book early so you can request one of the two tables by the window, so you can enjoy a view of the famous crossing, whilst indulging in amazing food. All staff are fluent in English, with menus available in a number of different languages. They are fairly well versed on allergies as they get a lot of tourists with certain requests. You must try the spinach naan, along with the tofu spinach dish. You will be surprised at how flavoursome they dish is, and forget that you’re dining in Tokyo!

Location: Milan Nataraj, 1 Chome-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan

Chanko lunch with Sumo Wrestlers

Taste-tested and experienced by Me & Spencer!

This was an awesome experience that I had to include even though it was more than just a place to eat. There were two restaurants that you could go to based on group size and availability. Both restaurants are owned by retired sumo wrestlers. First, you learn about the sumo culture including training, eating habits, tournaments, and retirement. Then, you get to eat a traditional chanko lunch like sumo wrestlers do before a match. While eating, we had two retired sumo wrestlers teach us about the rules of sumo and put on a demonstration.

Then the fun really began! We got a chance to demonstrate our skills. You could either get wrapped in the bottom or put on a sumo suit and show off your sumo skills! You can check my skills out below.

The tour that we did was through Viator and I couldn’t recommend it enough:

Higher-End Places to Eat in Tokyo

Kawaii Monster Cafe

Taste-tested by Beth of Frugal Female Abroad

If you’ve got time in your itinerary, a fun place to grab a meal is at the Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku. The café is an explosion of Japanese pop culture. The décor is crazy and cute and over the top entertaining.

The restaurant has fun mushroom booths where you can eat your food in. There are also other mind-blowing spaces, such as the Milk Stand, Bar Experiment and the Mel-Tea Room. If you’re up for it, you should try and catch one of the nightly shows. Some of the shows are adults-only, so make sure you check the details before booking.

While the restaurant might seem expensive, the dinner and show option comes with a bizarre meal and an all you can drink package. Alternatively, you can just pay a smaller entrance fee and choose your own meals from the menu.

The Tokyo Pop Culture Night is an amazing experience. It’s a night of fun dancing and outrageous food. If you love Japanese Pop Culture, you won’t be disappointed..

Location:Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−31−10 YMスクエア 4F

Dior Cafe

Taste-tested by Chloe of Chloe’s Travelogue

Ginza is an upscale district in Tokyo, best known for its glitzy shopping and entertainment. But did you know it is also home to many best Tokyo restaurants and cafes?

Take Dior Café by Pierre Hermé as one example. Tokyo is one of three Asian cities with the presence of the luxury French dessert cafe.

Dior Café is housed in Dior’s flagship store in Ginza. After drooling over precious Dior babies, catch the elevator up to the top floor. Voila! Behind You will see the elaborated decorated space with the mirrored ceiling and pastel accent chairs over the bookshelves displaying fashion magazines and books.

The renowned French patisserie presents artfully decorated desserts and drinks. You may also appreciate the sophisticated black and white Dior tableware. Rubbing shoulders with the high-class Japanese ladies, you will suddenly feel rich and fabulous.

Be ready to pay some pretty pennies for your dining experience at the fancy Dior Café. But can you think of any better way to experience the high-class Ginza life than an afternoon tea at Dior Cafe? 

Location: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−10−1ギンザシックス 1F 3F

New York Grill

Taste-tested by Paul of The Two That Do

Even in a city boasting as many Michelin starred restaurants as Tokyo the New York Grill stands out as an undeniable must-visit location.

Its breathtaking location on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel in the city’s famous business and entertainment district of Shinjuku offers stunning views of sprawling Tokyo. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji.

The adjacent New York Bar also with floor to ceiling glass windows and 360˚ views famous for its many scenes in the critically acclaimed film ‘Lost in Translation’.

Heavily influenced by the bold flavours and cuisine of New York the menu revolves around the finest Japanese and imported beef, seafood and poultry as well of course as the largest selection of US wines anywhere in Japan.

Unsurprisingly though this luxurious and inspirational setting is not one of Tokyo’s cheapest restaurant options. A set menu of 4 courses not including wine will cost Y18,000 or roughly $170. For an unforgettable Tokyo dining experience though it is worth every penny.

Location: Japan, 〒163-1052 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 3 Chome−7−1-2 パークハイアット 東京 52階

Fish Bank Tokyo

Taste-tested by ME (& Spencer)

On every trip we take, Spencer and I try to have a really nice meal out – to celebrate the trip and to spoil ourselves on vacation. For Japan, Fish Bank Tokyo was that restaurant. I knew I wanted to try sea urchin while in Japan, but it had to be the right restaurant since urchin can be poisonous and deadly.

Their tasting menu was five courses of delicious food including salad, seafood, and of course – dessert! The best part about Fish Bank was the view. Located on the 41st floor, the restaurant has amazing views of Tokyo and the Tokyo Tower. Definitely make reservations before visiting as the line can be very long. When you make the reservations you can request a table near the windows like we did. They will take your picture with your camera AND they’re own camera and print it for you. The service, view, and food make this one of the best places to eat in Tokyo.

Location: 1-5-2 Higashishimbashi Shiodome City Center 41F, Minato 105-7141 Tokyo Prefecture

Final thoughts on “Where to Eat in Tokyo”

There are so many places to eat in Tokyo that it’s a bit overwhelming. I truly hope these 20 restaurants help you plan your trip to this amazing city! Luckily there are menus outside most restaurants so you can tell if it’s within your budget or dietary restrictions.