29 Incredible Restaurants in Tokyo, Japan You Need to Try
Looking for some great restaurants in Tokyo, Japan? You’ve come to the right place! We spent months researching unique eateries, and also had a friend living in Tokyo show us around. After spending plenty of time exploring Tokyo, we’ve tried everything from tiny noodle shops and conveyor belt sushi to over-the-top desserts, themed cafes, and some seriously wild dining experiences.
Tokyo is a food-lover’s dream, but with such a massive city and literally thousands of places to eat, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. And while you could easily stumble into a delicious restaurant around almost every corner, there are also plenty of places that are worth seeking out specifically for the experience.
From viral Japanese desserts and fluffy pancakes to fishing for your own dinner, samurai shows, extravagant cocktails, and restaurants with incredible city views, we’re sharing some of our favorite restaurants in Tokyo, Japan to add to your itinerary.
The Scoop
Info for Eating Out in Tokyo
Best Restaurants in Tokyo, Japan
Tips & What’s Next
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An Intro to Finding Great Restaurants in Tokyo, Japan
Before diving into all of the great restaurants in Tokyo, let’s go over a few things about eating in Japan’s capital.
🍣 Where Are the Best Restaurants in Tokyo?
One of the best things about eating in Tokyo is that you don’t have to stick to one particular neighborhood to find good food. From tiny ramen shops tucked into busy streets to trendy cafes and rooftop bars, there are incredible places to eat all over the city.
Unlike some cities where there are tourist areas with all garbage food establishments, Tokyo is a city that does not have a single area with bad food. Some areas are particularly fun for foodies, though. Harajuku and Takeshita Street are packed with trendy cafes and viral desserts, while Shibuya has everything from casual Japanese restaurants to rooftop spots overlooking the famous crossing. Akihabara is the place to go for themed cafes and unique Japanese pop culture experiences, and Ginza has plenty of more upscale options.
In this guide, we’re focusing on the places that stood out to us most. Some are restaurants we went to specifically for the food, while others are places where the food is just one part of a much bigger experience. Whether you’re looking for something quick between sightseeing stops or a fun night out, there are plenty of great restaurants in Tokyo, Japan to add to your map.
💴 Do You Need to Tip at Restaurants in Tokyo?
Tipping is not customary in Japan, and you should never leave extra money on the table after eating at a restaurant. I don’t care if you’re American and love tipping – please DON’T. Instead, simply pay your bill as listed and thank the staff for their service.
One thing you’ll notice throughout Tokyo is that service is typically pretty attentive, even without the expectation of a tip. Just be sure to follow the specific payment instructions at each restaurant, since some places have you pay at the counter, while others bring the bill directly to your table.
It’s also worth noting that A LOT of restaurants only take cash payment, or will charge considerably more to use a credit card. Having cash on you will help prevent any issues, and may even be a cheaper option!
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29 Awesome Restaurants in Tokyo, Japan Worth Visiting
Now that you know a bit about the dining scene in the city, let’s start checking out some of the great restaurants in Tokyo, Japan to add to your itinerary!
🍓 Viral Foods & Desserts in Tokyo
Tokyo is full of foods that have taken over social media, from impossibly fluffy pancakes to adorable cream puffs and desserts that look almost too pretty to eat. Some are definitely worth the hype, while others are simply fun places to stop when you’re exploring the city.
Here are some of our favorite viral foods, desserts, and cafes in Tokyo that are worth adding to your food map.
🐻 Shiro Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, you absolutely need to add Shiro Hige’s Cream Puff Factory to your Tokyo itinerary. This adorable little bakery is famous for its Totoro-shaped cream puffs, with different fillings and seasonal flavors to choose from.
The bakery itself is also ridiculously cute, with a little garden that makes the whole stop feel like a mini escape from the city. Grab a cream puff, wander around the garden, and of course, take about a million photos before eating it!
Something important to note is that this spot is outside the popular tourist areas of the city, and takes a little longer to get to. Cream puffs sell out early, so we recommend going in the morning so you don’t make the long journey for no reason (we definitely learned the hard way 😅).
🍩 I’m donut?
If you’re looking for a quick sweet treat while exploring Tokyo, I’m donut? is a fun one to add to your list. These fluffy donuts have become seriously popular, and there are plenty of different flavors and fillings to choose from.
They also have gluten-free options, which can be a little harder to find at bakeries and dessert shops in Tokyo.
🥞 Micasadeco & Cafe Jingumae
Tokyo is famous for its fluffy Japanese pancakes, and Micasadeco & Cafe Jingumae is one of the places to experience them for yourself.
The pancakes are incredibly thick and fluffy, with that almost soufflé-like texture that makes Japanese pancakes so fun. This is a great spot to work into a morning of exploring Harajuku and the surrounding area, especially if you want to try one of Tokyo’s most fun cafe trends.
🍳 Benizuru
Another spot for seriously fluffy Japanese pancakes is Benizuru, and it’s also our personal favorite when it comes to the best restaurants in Tokyo, Japan. These pancakes are tall, soft, and almost ridiculously photogenic, making them just as fun to photograph as they are to eat. We got the eggs benedict pancakes, and dream about them to this day.
It’s important to know that that it is NOT easy to get a reservation here! They open up for reservations at 7 am for reservations, and you need to bring cash for a deposit. Some people go as early as 6 am to wait in line to get one, so make sure to set your alarm clock early!
You also have to choose beforehand how many pancakes you’re going to have, and there’s a time limit. While it may sound stressful, every bite made this restaurant count.
🍧 Azuki to Kori
Another iconic Japanese dessert is the shaved ice, which comes with a variety of flavors, and is so much better than it even sounds. Kakigori is much more delicate than the typical snow-cone-style shaved ice you may be used to, with finely shaved ice and creative toppings and flavors.
Azuki to Kori takes the dessert to another level with beautifully presented creations that are almost too pretty to dig into. It’s a great stop when you want something refreshing and completely different from the other Tokyo desserts.
🥮 Kanadaya
Kanadaya is another fun stop for people who love or want to try Japanese shaved ices. They have some incredible flavors, and we couldn’t believe just how good they were.
Not only that, but the shopping center features a few other great places to pop into, and it’s a particularly interesting venue since it has mini rotating desserts on display.
🍵 Nakamura Tokichi Ginza Store
If you love matcha, don’t skip Nakamura Tokichi Ginza Store. This traditional Japanese tea shop is known for its matcha desserts and tea-based treats, making it a great place to experience one of Japan’s most iconic flavors in dessert form.
The Ginza location is also great because you can slow down and enjoy a more traditional tea-house-style experience even while being right in the middle of one of Tokyo’s most modern neighborhoods.
🍮 Kotobuki Seian
We love crepes, and couldn’t believe we found this creation and it wasn’t in France. The thin crepes are rolled up and stuffed with cream, then topped off with a blow torch – in a creme-brulee style fashion. It’s honestly the perfect dessert to grab on the go and enjoy while walking around Asakusa.
🍠 Imo Pippi
Sweet potato lovers, this one’s for you! Imo Pippi specializes in Japanese sweet potato desserts, including their incredibly popular sweet potato Mont Blanc – another creme brulee creation to try that’s just nearby our other crepe spot.
Japanese sweet potatoes are already naturally sweet and creamy, and although it wasn’t our favorite dessert we tried on the list, it was definitely a unique one to try!
🍦 Chacha Futatsume
Chacha Futatsume is another spot to add to your list if you want to try something a little outside the usual dessert rotation. Their specialty is ice cream topped with a noodle-like matcha topping.
While the flavor wasn’t exactly what we were expecting, it was one of those Japanese viral foods we just couldn’t skip out on. If you love matcha and getting fun pictures of your food, this is a great stop to make exploring Asakusa.
☕️ Cafe Reissue
Looking for the most Instagrammable coffees you’ll ever have? Cafe Reissue is known for their intricate latte foam art. The baristas create detailed designs directly into the foam, with some seriously impressive creations that look almost too good to drink.
They have plenty of inspiration to choose from, but you can actually choose anything you’d like and they’ll recreate it! We chose a sumo wrestler, and were absolutely obsessed with how cute it was.
It’s a fun stop while exploring Harajuku, especially if you want to take a break from sightseeing and grab a coffee that doubles as a little piece of edible art.
☕️ Latte Pocket
Latte Pocket is another option for cute coffee foam art. It’s in the same area as Cafe Reissue so we actually didn’t make it here, but it’s on the list for next time so we can compare the two!
🇯🇵 Iconic Japanese Foods & Dining Experiences You Can’t Miss
Of course, you can’t visit Tokyo without trying some of the foods that Japan is famous for! While there are plenty of incredible restaurants in Tokyo to choose from, we wanted to focus on a few that felt uniquely Japanese, so that you can have some no-frills local dishes to try.
🍜 Baso Omotesando
If you love soba, Baso Omotesando is a great place to add to your Tokyo food map. This soba noodle shop specializes in handmade Japanese noodles and is a great option when you want something simple, traditional, and delicious.
Soba is one of those Japanese foods that can be easy to overlook when there are so many other famous dishes to try, but grabbing a bowl at a local noodle shop is a great way to experience a more everyday side of Japanese cuisine.
There was a line of Japanese people waiting in line here, so we think that that speaks for itself!
🥩 Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno Branch
Gyukatsu is another Japanese specialty that is seriously fun to try, and Gyukatsu Motomura is known for its version of this dish. Instead of receiving a fully cooked piece of beef, you get a lightly breaded, rare piece of beef that you finish cooking yourself on a small hot stone at the table.
It’s interactive, delicious, and gives you a completely different experience from ordering a typical steak. Just be prepared for a little wait, as this is a popular spot!
🍜 Rahmen Eddie
If you want to try ramen with a seriously unexpected twist, check out Rahmen Eddie. Their specialty is cappuccino ramen, which comes topped with a layer of creamy foam that makes the bowl look completely different from your typical ramen, and it is flavored with truffle.
It was honestly my favorite food in Tokyo I had, and I still dream about going back there just for that dish.
🍜 Ichiran
You can’t make a list of places to eat in Tokyo without mentioning Ichiran. Yes, it’s a chain, but we still think it’s worth every bit of hype, especially if you’re a ramen lover.
The individual booths are part of what makes the experience so unique. You can customize your ramen to your preferences and enjoy your bowl without the distractions of a traditional restaurant setup. And if you end up loving it as much as we did, you can even buy boxes of Ichiran ramen to take home with you!
Ichiran actually became so popular that there’s now one in Midtown NYC. Except your bowl won’t be $7-8 in New York like it would be in Japan – it will be closer to $40!
🍣 Kura Sushi
For another iconic Japanese dining experience, head to Kura Sushi for conveyor belt sushi. Instead of ordering everything from a traditional menu, plates of sushi travel around the restaurant on a conveyor belt, allowing you to grab whatever catches your eye.
It’s casual, surprisingly affordable, and honestly just a lot of fun. Even if you’re already familiar with conveyor belt sushi, experiencing it here is one of the things for your Japan bucket list.
🍱 Sushi Dai
If you’re serious about sushi, Sushi Dai is one to know about. This restaurant became especially famous for the incredible lengths people will go to get a spot, including a couple we met in Terceira who told us they went there at 4 AM just to get a spot!
That alone should give you an idea of how popular it is. If you’re willing to wake up extremely early and wait it out, Sushi Dai is one of the places that was highly recommended to us (even though it’s one of the only spots we didn’t make it to).
🥪 Chermside Sandwich
If you’re looking for a great sandwich in Tokyo, don’t overlook Chermside Sandwich. We had what was honestly the best meat sandwich we’ve ever had, so naturally it had to make our list. I don’t know what they did to that steak, but truly we have never had a better steak sandwich. Fede talks about planning a trip to Japan just to get another one.
It’s a great option when you want something quick and casual between exploring neighborhoods, especially if you’ve been eating Japanese food nonstop and want to switch things up for a meal.
🐡 Unique Dining Experiences in Tokyo
Some restaurants in Tokyo are worth visiting not just for what’s on the menu, but because the meal itself becomes part of the experience. These are the places where dinner feels more like an activity you’ll be talking about long after your trip to Japan.
🎣 Zauo Fishing Restaurant
Want to catch your own dinner? At Zauo Fishing Restaurant, you can actually fish for your meal right inside the restaurant. You’ll grab a fishing rod, try your luck in the indoor tank, and then have your catch prepared for you.
It was honestly the most fun restaurants in Tokyo, Japan we experienced, and was absolutely worth the wait! You’ll definitely need reservations beforehand, so make sure to do so as soon as you arrive to Tokyo.
🗡️ Samurai Restaurant Time
For a dinner that feels more like a full-on show, check out Samurai Restaurant Time. The experience combines dinner with a live samurai performance, making it a fun way to experience Japanese culture while also having a traditional meal.
The elaborate costumes, music, choreography, and action make this much more than your typical dinner. If you’re looking for something entertaining to add to your Tokyo itinerary, this is definitely a unique experience in the city to consider.
🐶 Themed & Animal Cafes in Tokyo
Tokyo takes themed cafes to a completely different level. From adorable animals to anime characters and over-the-top Japanese service experiences, these cafes are less about grabbing a quick coffee and more about doing something you probably won’t find anywhere else.
🐕 Samoyed Cafe Moffu Takeshita Street
If you love dogs, you’re going to have a hard time resisting Samoyed Cafe. Samoyed are our favorite dogs, and we actually went to one while visiting Seoul as well. This cafe lets you spend time hanging out with fluffy Samoyeds while enjoying a drink, making it a seriously cute break from exploring Harajuku.
The dogs are obviously the main attraction, so don’t expect a traditional cafe experience. Come for the fluffy faces, stay for the cuddles, and prepare to take way too many photos.
⭐️ Pokemon Cafe
For Pokémon fans, the Pokémon Cafe is an obvious addition to the list of restaurants in Tokyo to try. Everything from the food and drinks to the decor is designed around the Pokémon universe, with adorable character-themed dishes. This is one you’ll want to plan ahead for, though, since reservations are required and it can be very popular.
🧹 Maidcafe Maidreamin Akihabara Idol-Dori Store
A trip to Akihabara isn’t complete without experiencing a maid cafe, and Maidreamin is one of the most recognizable options. The servers dress in colorful maid costumes and the entire experience is built around playful interactions, themed food and drinks, and plenty of entertainment.
It’s definitely different from a normal cafe, so it may not be for everyone. We did find it a bit uncomfortable with some older men there – but if you’re curious about one of the most famous parts of Akihabara’s pop-culture scene, this is a unique way to experience it.
🙅🏻♀️ Themed Cafes to SKIP
Okay we love a themed cafe, and one thing that Japan has plenty of is animal-themed cafes. While we loved the Samoyed one, and can get on board with the cat ones, there are some that truly don’t sit right with us.
We love capybaras, and went to the capybara cafe. While they’re definitely adorable, we were not happy with the layout. We started to see more and more animal cafes – everything from different breeds of dogs and cats to owls, otters, and other animals that have absolutely no business being cooped up in a tiny indoor space.
The animal cafe scene in Tokyo is extremely predatory, and we can’t believe the lack of ethicalness has not been spoken out about more. Please don’t get dragged into these like we did with the capybaras – they’re cruel and need to be stopped!
🌃 Restaurants & Bars With Incredible Views in Tokyo
Tokyo’s skyline is reason enough to go looking for a rooftop or high-rise restaurant. Whether you want to see Shibuya Crossing buzzing below you or have Tokyo Tower lighting up the night, these spots let you pair dinner or drinks with some seriously impressive views.
🍸 Mag’s Park Rooftop
If you want one of the best views of Shibuya Crossing, head up to Mag’s Park Rooftop. From above, you can watch the famous intersection fill with people while taking in the surrounding city from a completely different perspective.
It’s a particularly fun spot if you want photos of Shibuya Crossing without actually being down in the middle of the crowd. Grab a drink, take in the view, and watch the organized chaos below.
🗼 Sky Bar & Dining Stellar Garden
For an elevated night out with a view of Tokyo Tower, Sky Bar & Dining Stellar Garden is a great option. The restaurant and bar offer a completely different perspective of the city, with Tokyo Tower standing out against the skyline.
This is a great place to plan for drinks or a meal when you want ta night to feel a little more special. Going after dark also means you get to see Tokyo lit up below you, which makes the whole experience even more impressive.
🍸 Awesome Bars & Unique Nightlife in Tokyo
Tokyo’s nightlife goes far beyond the typical cocktail bar. There are tiny neighborhood spots, completely unexpected drinks, old-school music venues, and bars where getting through the door can feel like part of the experience. These are a few that really stood out to us.
🏳️🌈 New Sazae
New Sazae is a particularly fun stop if you want to experience a different side of Tokyo nightlife. Located in the city’s LGBT district, this old-school bar is known for its retro music, colorful atmosphere, and drag performances.
It also has some serious history behind it, making it a cool place to visit if you’re interested in Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ nightlife and want something that feels very different from the city’s sleek cocktail bars.
🍿 Jun&Co
Jun&Co is a tiny bar that we absolutely loved. The drinks are creative, including some seriously unexpected combinations like wasabi vodka and tequila, and they even bring out free soy sauce and butter popcorn to snack on.
We had so much fun there chatting with the owner and a few of the locals. If you’re into unusual cocktails and quirky bars, add this one to your Tokyo list.
🤩 Bar Centifolia
For something on the more extravagant side, Bar Centifolia is known for its elaborate cocktails and viral bartender. The drinks are incredibly detailed, making the entire process of ordering one feel like a little performance.
It’s also not the easiest place to get into, and the cocktails can be pricey, so this is more of a splurge experience than a casual stop for a quick drink. If you’re looking for a truly unique Tokyo nightlife experience, though, it’s definitely one to put on your bucket list!
Tips for Enjoying the Best Restaurants in Tokyo, Japan & What’s Next
Tokyo has an almost endless number of places to eat, and honestly, this list could have been three times as long. From tiny noodle shops and viral desserts to themed cafes, unforgettable dining experiences, and rooftop spots overlooking the city, there are so many ways to make food a major part of your Tokyo itinerary.
A few of the restaurants in Tokyo, Japan we mentioned may require reservations, early arrival, or a little patience, especially the more popular cafes and restaurants. We recommend checking each spot’s current hours, reservation system, and wait times before heading over so you can plan your day around the experiences you really want to try.
And don’t be afraid to leave some room for spontaneity! Some of our favorite meals in Tokyo have come from simply walking around, finding something that looked good, and giving it a try.
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know our favorite restaurants in Tokyo, you might want to know more about visiting the city, and other Japanese destinations!
Check out our other Japan guides:
🛬 Arriving in Tokyo
🤩 19 fun things to do in Tokyo
🚌 How to get around Tokyo
🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
🚊 How to get to Kyoto
🗼 30 things to do in Osaka, Japan
✈️ How to get to Osaka, Japan
🤔 Is Osaka worth visiting?
🍴 Osaka food guide
🚇 How to get around Osaka
📖 Osaka travel guide
🚌 How to get to Nara, Japan
🏮 Nara Lantern Festival
🦌 What to do in Nara in one day
📖 Nara travel guide
📆 The best time to visit Japan
🇯🇵 The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Japan
Now you have so many great restaurants in Tokyo, Japan to experience! Have any other questions though? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!
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