Savoring Tokyo: A Guide to the City’s Top Culinary Destinations

Tokyo is a massive city, epitomizing urban sprawl, so discussing the best places to eat could take some time! In this article, Agness from eTramping shares her favorite restaurants in Tokyo, as well as a few others that came highly recommended but she didn’t get to try.

Finding the best restaurants in Tokyo can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially with around 160,000 top-notch options and the highest number of Michelin stars in one city. The language barrier can also be a challenge. For instance, locating a restaurant called Narutomi Soba, which has a sign only in Japanese, can be tricky.

Despite these challenges, navigating Tokyo’s food scene isn’t too hard. The delicious aromas and long queues will guide you in the right direction. After reviewing our tips on finding quality, quantity, or affordability, you’ll be all set.

Sushi is a must-try in Tokyo. The Tsukiji fish market, the most famous in the world, is open to the public from 9 am to 2 pm, with the well-known tuna auction happening from 5 am to 6 pm. For the best sushi, head to Sushi Dai, though be prepared for a long wait. Other notable sushi spots around the market include Daiwa Sushi and Sushi Zanmai, all located in the outer part of the market. Waiting times can exceed two hours, but if you have the time, it’s worth it. However, there are other excellent sushi restaurants in Tokyo without the long lines.

For example, Sushi no Midori, with branches in Shibuya, Ginza, and Akasaka, offers good quality sushi at affordable prices. Reservations are recommended to avoid waiting in line, particularly on weekends and peak hours. Another great option is Nihonbashi Mantenzushi, where you can enjoy an omakase course with two dozen pieces of sushi. It’s advisable to make reservations, especially at the Nihonbashi outlet.

Tokyo is also famous for its ramen. Ramen Street at Tokyo Station features eight renowned ramen shops, each offering different styles. The most famous is Rokurinsha Tokyo, known for its long queues. Alternatively, you can try Oneshiki Jun for creamy tonkotsu ramen. Other notable ramen chains include Ichiran, offering Hakata-style ramen in individual booths, and Nakamoto, known for its spicy ramen with a spiciness scale from 0 to 10.

For a unique experience, try sumo food around the sumo wrestling area. Chanko Tomoegata offers delicious chanko, a meat and vegetable stew. We recommend the Sumoheyafu Higawari Chanko, which includes chanko, rice, sashimi, salads, and a deep-fried croquette.

Another hidden gem is a restaurant on the 32nd floor of a building, initially established for employees. Here, you can choose from a variety of Japanese dishes, including grilled fish, noodles, katsu, and more, while enjoying a fantastic view of the city.

For an affordable Michelin star experience, visit Nakajima, about a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s south exit. Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially before lunch.

Do you know of other great places to eat in Tokyo? Share your recommendations in the comments below!