Restaurants in Tokyo
With more Michelin stars to its credit than any other city, Tokyo just might be the cuisine capital of the world. Not only are there the finest of international eateries, but the wonderfully diverse and exciting world of Japanese cuisine reaches its highest peaks here.
Don’t miss Kaiseki, the elaborate and expensive Japanese cuisine themed around the four seasons, to mid-range eating like sukiyaki noodle dishes, deep-fried tempura, mouth-watering tonkatsu pork, and yakitori chicken grilled on skewers. Of course the sushi is fantastic, too. You’ll find it served in myriad combinations, with rare fish you may never have encountered before. At lunchtime, grab a Japanese bento box and find a quiet spot to watch the city rush by.
Don’t miss Kaiseki, the elaborate and expensive Japanese cuisine themed around the four seasons, to mid-range eating like sukiyaki noodle dishes, deep-fried tempura, mouth-watering tonkatsu pork, and yakitori chicken grilled on skewers. Of course the sushi is fantastic, too. You’ll find it served in myriad combinations, with rare fish you may never have encountered before. At lunchtime, grab a Japanese bento box and find a quiet spot to watch the city rush by.
And please, watch those table manners! Eat your sushi Tokyo style - with your fingers. When eating noodles pick up the bowl and drink from it, using the chopsticks to get at the chunky bits. It’s ok to slurp too – in fact it will enhance the taste of the food.
In most restaurants you are given a moist cloth called an oshibori before eating – use it to wipe down your hands and face. As for tipping, don’t do it. Your kind gesture will be met with confusion in all likelihood.
With several thousand restaurants to choose from, what follows is a subjective list, although all are guaranteed to be worth writing home about!
Nanbantei
A landmark establishment in Roppongi, famed for great yakitori and good prices. Dinner only.
A landmark establishment in Roppongi, famed for great yakitori and good prices. Dinner only.
Telephone: (0)3 402 0606
La Tour D’Argent
Lavish and extravagant French fine dining. The house speciality is the duck, flown in daily from Brittany.
Telephone: (0)3 239 3111
Lavish and extravagant French fine dining. The house speciality is the duck, flown in daily from Brittany.
Telephone: (0)3 239 3111
What the Dickens?
Steak and kidney pie in Tokyo? A true British pub serving true ales and pies with wooden beams and hand-painted pub signs to reinforce the odd authenticity of the experience.
Telephone: (0)3 3780 2099
Steak and kidney pie in Tokyo? A true British pub serving true ales and pies with wooden beams and hand-painted pub signs to reinforce the odd authenticity of the experience.
Telephone: (0)3 3780 2099
La Granata
Located in the basement of the Tokyo Broadcasting Systems building but serving top-level Italian cuisine.
Telephone: (0)3 582 5891
Located in the basement of the Tokyo Broadcasting Systems building but serving top-level Italian cuisine.
Telephone: (0)3 582 5891
Maisen
A Japanese bathhouse converted into an expansive eatery serving Japanese delights. Try the tonkatsu, tender and crisp deep-fried pork cutlets.
Telephone: (0)3 3470 0071
A Japanese bathhouse converted into an expansive eatery serving Japanese delights. Try the tonkatsu, tender and crisp deep-fried pork cutlets.
Telephone: (0)3 3470 0071
The Taj
Simple decor but complex flavours and flawless cooking. One of Tokyo’s favourite eating houses, and good enough for the loyal staff of the Indian Embassy.
Telephone: (0)3 3586 6606
Simple decor but complex flavours and flawless cooking. One of Tokyo’s favourite eating houses, and good enough for the loyal staff of the Indian Embassy.
Telephone: (0)3 3586 6606
Tonki
Possibly Tokyo’s best tonkatsu (deep-fried pork) joints, making the longish queues entirely worth it.
Telephone: (0)3 3491 9928
Possibly Tokyo’s best tonkatsu (deep-fried pork) joints, making the longish queues entirely worth it.
Telephone: (0)3 3491 9928
Chotoku
Over 50 types of noodle dishes served with a background of classical music.
Telephone: (0)3 3407 8891
Over 50 types of noodle dishes served with a background of classical music.
Telephone: (0)3 3407 8891
Roti
Authentic American grill and rotisserie cuisine in a relaxed and causal environment. Very popular with expats looking for exceptional home comfort food.
Telephone: (0)3 5785 3671
Authentic American grill and rotisserie cuisine in a relaxed and causal environment. Very popular with expats looking for exceptional home comfort food.
Telephone: (0)3 5785 3671
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