Open Travel Guide
Restaurants in Tokyo

Best Restaurants in Tokyo 2026

How to eat well in Tokyo at every budget, and the local dishes you shouldn't leave without trying.

Tokyo has 40+ restaurants and places to eat covered in this guide, led by Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten, Narisawa and Den. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Tokyo is Japan's capital and one of the world's most dynamic megacities, where ancient temples and shrines coexist alongside gleaming skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. As the cultural, economic, and political heart of Japan, Tokyo offers an unmatched blend of tradition and state-of-the-art modernity across its diverse 23 special wards and surrounding cities.

Tokyo is the world's most Michelin-starred city, home to sushi counters, ramen shops, tempura specialists, and yakitori stalls that range from ¥500 street snacks to ¥60,000 omakase experiences. Edomae sushi, born in Tokyo Bay, remains the benchmark for the style worldwide, while the city's ramen scene spans rich tonkotsu, refined shoyu, and truffle-laced Michelin-starred bowls. Izakaya (Japanese gastropubs) form the backbone of everyday dining, serving small plates of yakitori, sashimi, and fried snacks alongside beer and sake in convivial, smoky settings. Department store basements, known as depachika, hold some of the city's best food shopping — rows of bento, wagashi, and prepared dishes from famous restaurants sold to commuters heading home. Tokyo's food scene rewards exploration at every price point, from a ¥300 conveyor-belt sushi plate to a three-Michelin-star tasting menu.

Top restaurants

Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.

Restaurants by cuisine

Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.

Japanese

Food tours & tastings in Tokyo

Eat your way through Tokyo with a guide.

Browse food experiences in Tokyo

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Street food

Local flavours at affordable prices.

Street food

Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)

Find it at: Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku; Yurakucho yakitori alley

Street food

Takoyaki (octopus balls)

Find it at: Street stalls and food halls citywide, especially Asakusa and Shibuya

Street food

Taiyaki (fish-shaped filled pastry)

Find it at: Naniwaya Sohonten in Azabu-Juban and stalls near Asakusa

Street food

Korokke (croquettes)

Find it at: Ameyoko Market butcher shops in Ueno

Street food

Crepes

Find it at: Harajuku Takeshita Street

Food markets

Where locals shop and graze.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Hours: Most stalls 5:00-14:00, closed some Wednesdays and Sundays

Ameyoko Market

Hours: Daily approximately 10:00-20:00

Depachika (Isetan Shinjuku / Mitsukoshi Ginza basements)

Hours: Daily approximately 10:00-20:00

Dining etiquette & tips

Navigate the local food scene confidently.

Tip

Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can cause confusion if attempted

Tip

Many ramen shops use ticket vending machines at the entrance — select and pay before sitting down

Tip

Cash is still preferred or required at many smaller restaurants, izakayas, and street stalls

Tip

Reservations are essential for popular sushi and kaiseki restaurants, often required months in advance

Tip

Conveyor-belt and chain restaurants are the most reliable option for walk-ins without reservations

Food budget guide

What to expect at different price points.

Level Price Description
Budget ¥1,000-2,000 per meal — ramen shops, gyudon chains, conveyor-belt sushi, street food Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants.
Mid-range $15-40/meal Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus.
Upscale $40+/meal Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences.