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Tokyo<\/a> is one of the best foodie cities in the world. Not only will you find incredible Japanese food but also some world-class international restaurants. <\/p>\n What I love about the restaurant scene in Japan is that most chefs specialize in one thing. Everyone is just like, “I’m gonna sell this one dish and spend my life making it the best version possible.” It’s a master class in becoming a master.<\/p>\n I’ve been to Tokyo seven times and have spent weeks eating my way through the city. But, like every metropolis, there are just too many options. Even if I eat like 4-5 meals a day, I still only scratch the surface. I will not, in any way, claim I am an expert on the Tokyo food scene. <\/p>\n But I’ve been to a lot of restaurants here and, since I’m often asked, I want to share my favorites:<\/p>\n 1. Bebu-Ya <\/strong> \u2013 If you’re searching for all-you-can-eat Wagyu Yakiniku beef, Bebu-Ya is the best destination for an overall experience and affordability. You can get unlimited food and drink for only $60 USD! I recommend making a reservation in advance, though, as it’s popular. It’s a lot of fun, so I recommend going with a group. <\/p>\n 2. Bifteck Kawamura Ginza<\/strong> \u2013 At the suggestion of our hotel\u2019s concierge, we went there in our quest for Wagyu beef. The steak basically melted in my mouth and exploded with flavor. The d\u00e9cor is incredible, the service over the top, and the wine list is world-class. If you want to spend money on delicious steak with out-of-this-world service, you can\u2019t go wrong here.<\/p>\n 3. Ichiran Shibuya<\/strong> \u2013 Recommended by many people, this ramen spot served one of the best meals I had my entire trip. The thick, flavorful broth is to die for. I also like how you eat in your own little private booth. Funky! Expect a wait during peak lunch and dinner times.<\/p>\n 4. Izakaya Juban<\/strong> \u2013 This is a hole-in-the-wall izakaya<\/em> (think Japanese tapas) restaurant, with locals getting drunk on sake and eating tasty small plates. I was a big fan of the salmon and grilled squid. It also has a small English menu, but judging how my friend ordered for me, I think it doesn\u2019t list everything, so if you see something you like, just point at it!<\/p>\n 5. Jomon <\/strong> \u2013 I stumbled across this yakitori restaurant by accident, and I’m glad I did. The food was incredible, the sake pours were really generous, the people were friendly, and the staff were really fun. It was a really, really good meal! Just be aware that the restaurant itself can be quite smoky because of the grill and is often busy, so make sure to make a reservation or arrive early if you want a table!<\/p>\n 6. Kakimaru<\/strong> \u2013 My friend and I found this awesome place. There was an older couple next to us and a wedding party getting drunk across from us. As the night went on, the couple helped us pick food (the speciality crab dish, served in the shell, is to die for), and the wedding party kept asking how we loved Japan, refilling our sake glasses, singing, and talking baseball. It was an amazing experience. The food is also outstanding. Be sure to get the oysters. Note:<\/strong> While Google Maps will list the restaurant as Kakimaru, when you arrive, you\u2019ll see it\u2019s called Uohama.<\/em><\/p>\n 7. Kyubey<\/strong> \u2013 Suggested by my friends, this restaurant (which has a couple of locations) offered the fanciest sushi I had in Tokyo. You sit at the bar and are served whatever the chef decides to bring (this is called omakase<\/em>). It was expensive ($150 USD) but worth every penny. Check out this in which where the shrimp they served me is still moving<\/a>.<\/p>\n 8. Memory Lane<\/strong> \u2013 On this tiny alley of yakitori joints, some require an entrance fee, but they are all worth it. You just wander in and out of these little shops and eat tons of good food. Most places only sit about six people, so they fill up fast. <\/p>\n 9. Nihonbashi Kaisen Donburi Tsujihan <\/strong> \u2013 Seafood rice bowls, known as kaisen donburi, are the specialty of this restaurant, with the fish coming directly from Tsukiji, one of the largest fish markets in the world. Although you’ll likely need to wait in line for a while, it’s all worth it when you get a seat at the counter and can watch the chef prepare your food right in front of your eyes. Remember to bring cash, as cards are not accepted.<\/p>\n 10. Oreryu Shio-Ramen <\/strong> \u2013 This restaurant (with several locations across Tokyo) is renowned for its signature dish, Shio Ramen, a type of Japanese egg noodles with a clear, salty broth. Trust me, the ramen here is to die for. You can customize the spice level, the richness of the broth, and texture of the noodles. Make sure to bring cash! <\/p>\n 11. Ostrea Oyster Bar and Restaurant<\/strong> \u2013 I found this while wandering around Ginza, and being an oyster lover, went in for some giant ones. Japanese oysters are big and meaty, and the ones here were no different. They also lacked that briny, oceany taste (I prefer my oysters to be more sweet than salty). The restaurant doesn\u2019t get too busy, so you won\u2019t have a wait.<\/p>\n 12. Pizza Savoy<\/strong> \u2013 It’s unlikely to happen, but if you get tired of Japanese food at some point, make your way to Pizza Savoy. Think fermented pizza dough that’s crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, topped with mozzarella cheese made fresh the same morning, all baked in a wood-fired oven. It’s seriously the best pizza in Tokyo!<\/p>\n 13. Standing Sushi Bar<\/strong> \u2013 Recommended by my other food guru, Jodi<\/a>, this standing sushi location is one of many in town. It\u2019s great for a quick bite: you stand, eat sushi, and get out. It has a robust menu, so you can get anything you want, and a meal here will only set you back around $25 USD. Go during lunch when the wait isn’t as long compared to dinnertime. It’s some of the best sushi in town. Really.<\/p>\n 14. Sushi Zanmai<\/strong> \u2013 This sushi restaurant has locations across the city; I ended up eating at the one in the fish market. The fish was fresh, the servings were large, and the staff was attentive. I can\u2019t speak for the other locations, but this one gets very crowded around lunchtime (expect a 30-minute wait).<\/p>\n 15. Tenmatsu Tempura<\/strong> \u2013 This small establishment with set menus serves tempura well known for its lightness. The staff doesn\u2019t speak great English (the clientele was mostly Japanese businessmen), but they were super friendly and accommodating, and the food was outstanding.<\/p>\n 16. Toyosu Fish Market<\/strong> \u2013 This world-famous fish market (which replaced Tsukiji in 2018) powers much of the world\u2019s sushi supply. All around, you will be met with fish in colors and shapes you didn\u2019t know existed. I have never seen more seafood I couldn\u2019t identify! Most of the restaurants nearby source their food right from the market.<\/p>\n I haven’t done much eating around this new market; however, here are some suggestions for places to eat near the old Tsukiji Market (which you can still visit):<\/p>\n So there’s my current list of the best eats in the Japanese capital! The next time you find yourself in Tokyo<\/a>, you won\u2019t be short of food options! <\/p>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> For more places to stay, check out my article on my favorite hostels in Tokyo<\/a>. If you prefer hotels instead, this post lists all my favorite hotels in the city<\/a>.<\/p>\n And, for a list of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in, check out this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?<\/strong> Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass<\/a> if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!<\/p>\n\n
\nBook Your Trip to Tokyo: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
\nUse Skyscanner<\/a> to find a cheap flight. It\u2019s my favorite search engine, because it searches websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.<\/p>\n
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a>, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.<\/p>\n
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n\n
\nCheck out my resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money too.<\/p>\n