Best Places To Eat In Tokyo For Tourists: A Guide To The City’s Top Culinary Destinations

Japan’s bustling capital city, Tokyo, is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors, the city is home to a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls that cater to every taste. For tourists, navigating Tokyo’s food scene can be daunting. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide where to eat and what to try. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a guide to the best places to eat in Tokyo for tourists. Read on to discover the city’s top culinary destinations.

🍜 Ramen: Tsuta

If you’re a ramen lover, then Tsuta is a must-visit restaurant in Tokyo. This Michelin-starred eatery is known for its delicious and innovative ramen dishes. The restaurant’s signature dish is the shoyu ramen, made with a soy sauce-based broth and topped with truffle oil. The noodles at Tsuta are also unique, made with whole wheat flour and aged for three days to enhance their flavor. Be prepared to wait in line, as Tsuta is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

🍣 Sushi: Sushi Saito

Sushi Saito is widely regarded as one of the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo. The restaurant only has eight seats, making it an intimate and exclusive dining experience. The sushi at Sushi Saito is prepared with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, and the chef’s attention to detail is unmatched. The omakase menu is the way to go, allowing the chef to select the best sushi dishes for you.

🍲 Hot Pot: Shabu Shabu Onyasai

Shabu shabu is a popular Japanese hot pot dish, and Shabu Shabu Onyasai is one of the best places to try it in Tokyo. The restaurant offers a variety of hot pot options, including beef, pork, and seafood. The meat and vegetables are cooked in a flavorful broth and dipped in a variety of sauces. The restaurant also offers all-you-can-eat options, making it a great value for your money.

🍜 Udon: Marugame Seimen

Marugame Seimen is a chain of udon restaurants that can be found throughout Tokyo. The restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable udon dishes, which are made fresh in-house. The noodles at Marugame Seimen are cooked to perfection and the broth is flavorful and comforting. The restaurant also offers a variety of tempura options to accompany your udon.

🍛 Curry: Coco Ichibanya

Coco Ichibanya is a popular chain of curry restaurants that can be found throughout Tokyo. The restaurant offers a variety of curry dishes, ranging from mild to spicy. Customers can customize their curry by choosing their level of spiciness and adding toppings such as cheese, vegetables, or meat. Coco Ichibanya is also affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

🍱 Bento: Ekibenya Matsuri

Ekibenya Matsuri is a specialty store that sells bento boxes, or Japanese lunch boxes. The store offers a wide variety of bento boxes, each featuring a different regional specialty. The bento boxes are beautifully presented and make for a great grab-and-go lunch option. The store also sells a variety of snacks and drinks to accompany your bento.

🍩 Dessert: Dominique Ansel Bakery

Dominique Ansel Bakery is a must-visit destination for dessert lovers in Tokyo. The bakery is known for its innovative and delicious pastries, including the famous cronut. The bakery also offers a variety of other sweet treats, including cakes, cookies, and tarts. The desserts at Dominique Ansel Bakery are as beautiful as they are delicious, making it the perfect spot for a sweet treat.

🍺 Beer: Hitachino Brewing Lab

For beer lovers, Hitachino Brewing Lab is a must-visit destination in Tokyo. The brewery offers a variety of unique and flavorful beers, including their famous white ale. Visitors can enjoy a beer flight or order a full pour of their favorite brew. The brewery also offers a variety of small plates to accompany your beer.

🌸 Sakura: Hanami

If you’re visiting Tokyo during cherry blossom season, then Hanami is the perfect restaurant to experience the beauty of sakura. The restaurant is located in Ueno Park and offers a picturesque view of the cherry blossoms. The menu features a variety of Japanese dishes and the restaurant offers a special sakura-themed menu during cherry blossom season.

🍱 Bento: Tokyo Station Bento Street

Tokyo Station Bento Street is a collection of shops that sell bento boxes and other Japanese snacks. The shops are located in the basement of Tokyo Station and offer a wide variety of bento options. Each shop has its own specialty, ranging from seafood to sushi to wagyu beef. The bento boxes are beautifully presented and make for a great souvenir to take home.

🍤 Tempura: Tenkichi

Tenkichi is a popular tempura restaurant that has been around since 1932. The restaurant offers a variety of tempura options, including shrimp, vegetables, and fish. The tempura at Tenkichi is light and crispy, and the dipping sauce is flavorful. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes to accompany your tempura.

🍜 Ramen: Ichiran

Ichiran is a popular ramen chain that can be found throughout Tokyo. The restaurant is known for its tonkotsu ramen, which is made with a creamy pork broth and topped with chashu pork. The restaurant also offers a unique dining experience, with individual booths for customers to enjoy their ramen in privacy.

🍣 Conveyor Belt Sushi: Sushiro

Conveyor belt sushi, also known as kaiten sushi, is a fun and affordable way to try sushi in Tokyo. Sushiro is a popular conveyor belt sushi chain that offers a wide variety of sushi options. Customers can simply grab the plates of sushi they want as they pass by on the conveyor belt. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes and side dishes to accompany your sushi.

🍲 Okonomiyaki: Kiji

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is a must-try dish in Tokyo. Kiji is a popular okonomiyaki restaurant that offers a variety of different toppings and flavors. The okonomiyaki at Kiji is cooked to perfection and the restaurant offers a fun and lively atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Tokyo for food?

The best time to visit Tokyo for food is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. However, Tokyo is a great destination for food year-round.

Is it safe to eat street food in Tokyo?

Yes, it is generally safe to eat street food in Tokyo. However, it’s always a good idea to use your best judgment and choose food stalls that look clean and reputable.

What is the typical cost of a meal in Tokyo?

The cost of a meal in Tokyo can vary greatly depending on where you eat and what you order. On average, a meal in a mid-range restaurant can cost between 1,500 and 3,000 yen per person.

Do I need to tip at restaurants in Tokyo?

No, it is not customary to tip at restaurants in Tokyo. In fact, leaving a tip may be seen as rude or insulting.

What is the dress code at restaurants in Tokyo?

The dress code at restaurants in Tokyo can vary depending on the restaurant. However, it’s always a good idea to dress neatly and avoid wearing casual or athletic clothing.

What is the best way to navigate Tokyo’s food scene?

The best way to navigate Tokyo’s food scene is to do your research and plan ahead. Look up restaurants and food stalls that interest you, and make reservations in advance if possible. It’s also a good idea to ask locals for recommendations.

What is the best way to order food in Tokyo if I don’t speak Japanese?

Many restaurants in Tokyo offer English menus or have pictures of the dishes. It’s also helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases, such as please and thank you.

What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?

Sushi is a dish that consists of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients, including raw fish, cooked fish, or vegetables. Sashimi is a dish that consists of thinly sliced raw fish or meat, served with a dipping sauce.

What is shabu shabu?

Shabu shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish that involves cooking thinly sliced meat and vegetables in a flavorful broth, and dipping