Unforgettable Food You Need To Try in Tokyo (2026)

Tokyo food is so good that it will keep you coming back for more.

In this bustling city that is perfect for foodies, it’s easy to come across a good restaurant wherever you are staying. To maximise the experience, why don’t we try something new for every meal?

Here are some of the incredible foods and top restaurants you need to try on your next trip to Tokyo. I’m sure they will leave a lasting impact on you. Read till the end for tips on how to best enjoy your food exploration in Tokyo.

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1. Kushiyaki and Yakitori – Grilled Skewers

Kushiyaki is a general term for grilled and skewered meat, and Yakitori just means the meat is chicken. They even serve parts like liver and other internal organs. Aside from the usual types of meat, I’ll highlight what the locals love – some of them may shock you.

These are staples in Tokyo’s izakayas, best enjoyed with highball or beer. You can often see the chef preparing your skewers and grilling them in front of you. The seasoning is always so good and makes you want to keep ordering more.

Yakiton Maa Chan

Aside from standard menu items, must-try skewers here are the liver and Kobukuro sashimi (pig uterus). Prices here start from 143 Yen per skewer, and this Izakaya is well-loved for the charcoal-grilled aroma.

• Opening time: 5pm to 11pm (Tue-Fri), 4pm to 10pm (Weekend and holidays), last order 1 hour before closing
• Address: 4 Chome-6-1 Taito, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
• Nearest train station: 200m from Naka Okachimachi
• Price range: 3,000 to 4,000 yen
• Reservations: None

Hyottoko やきとん ひょっとこ

One of the interesting menu items here would be a platter of 3 kinds of sashimi innards and an Omakase set with 5 skewers. They are also have rebateki (liver) and tongue skewers.

• Opening time: 5pm to 10pm (Mon-Fri), 5pm to 9pm (Sat), last order 1 hour before closing
• Address: 3 Chome-4-8 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013, Japan
• Nearest train station: 150m from Ningyocho
• Price range: 4,000 to 5,000 yen
• Reservations: Only until 6pm via +81-3-3664-9875

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2. Soba – Buckwheat Noodles

Usually made with buckwheat flour, soba is a noodle dish enjoyed widely in Japan. There are 2 variations to the way you can eat it.

There’s zarusoba which is soba noodles served on a bamboo mat which you can dip into tsuyu (soba dipping sauce). This can also be prepared as cold soba noodles.

Then you have kakesoba, the hot and soupy version of soba noodles. This might be eaten with Tempura or other toppings.

Mori

• Opening time: 11:30am to 2:30pm, 6pm to 8:30pm (Wed to Sun)
• Address: Japan, 〒169-0075 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Takadanobaba, 1 Chome−3−10 曽根ビル
• Nearest train station: 300m from Nishi Waseda
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Possible via +81-90-1764-1136

Handmade buckwheat Matsunaga

• Opening time: 11:30pm to 2pm (Mon to Sat, closed on holidays)
• Address: 2 Chome-19-12 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
• Nearest train station: 750m from Meiji Jingumae
• Price range: 2,000 to 3,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

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3. Tonkatsu – Deep-Fried Pork Cutlet

These breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets have a crunchy texture that is a unique fusion of western and Japanese style cooking. It often comes with a serving of shredded cabbage and rice to contrast with the rich flavour of the meat and Tonkatsu sauce. The best tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo have mastered the art of making the pork cutlets crunchy on the outside, while maintaining a juicy and tender interior.

Tonta

• Opening time: 5:30pm to 8:30pm (closed on Mon, Thu, Sun, and holidays)
• Address: 3 Chome-17-8 Takada, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0033, Japan
• Nearest train station: 400m from Takadanobaba
• Price range: 2,000 to 3,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

Ponta Honke

Established in 1905, this restaurant has a longstanding family legacy of Tonkatsu specialisation. Ponta Honke has been listed in the 2022 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand.

• Opening time: 11am to 2pm, 4pm (Sun or holidays) or 4:30pm to 8:20pm (closed on Mon), last order at 1:45pm or 7:45pm
• Address: 3 Chome-23-3 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
• Nearest train station: 150 meters from Ueno Hirokoji
• Price range: 4,000 to 5,000 Yen
• Reservations: Possible for >1 pax via +81-3-3831-2351

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4. Ramen – Noodle Soup

Japanese ramen is a must-try for any trip. You really can’t go wrong with most ramen shops in Tokyo, though there are some places that are well-known for their exceptional broths. There are a variety of ramen broths including miso, shoyu, tonkotsu and shio. You will surely hear people slurping loudly at these ramen shops as they express their enjoyment.

Raxamenyashima

• Opening time: 9:30am to 4pm or until sold out (closed on weekend and holidays)
• Address: 3 Chome-41-11 Honmachi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0071, Japan
• Nearest train station: 350 meters from Nishi Shinjuku Gochome
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

Mukan

• Opening time: 11am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 8:30pm or 3:30pm to 6pm (Sat) (closed on Wed, Sun)
• Address: Japan, 〒164-0011 Tokyo, Nakano City, Central, 2 Chome−2−24 大江戸コーポ 106
• Nearest train station: 100m from Nakano Sakaue
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Required via https://airrsv.net/mukan/calendar

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5. Yakiniku – Grilled Beef

One of the great ways to socialise in Japan is over Yakiniku, which essentially means grilling meat (typically beef) together over an open flame or charcoal grill. Each restaurant boasts its own unique selection of seasoning and sauces that helps to enhance the flavour of the meat. The quality of the meat also makes a big difference, and your experience can vary with each restaurant.

Yuji

• Opening time: 4pm to 11pm (closed on Sun and holidays), last order 30 min before closing
• Address: 11-11-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
• Nearest train station: 600m from Shibuya
• Price range: 8,000 to 9,000 Yen
• Reservations: Possible for seatings from 4-6pm and 6pm onwards via +81-3-3464-6448

Zaichi

• Opening time: 5pm to 12am (Sun and holidays) or 1am (Mon-Sat), last order 1 hour before closing
• Address: 2 Chome-14-8 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0052, Japan
• Nearest train station: 300m from Tsukishima
• Price range: 6,000 to 8,000 Yen
• Reservations: Possible via +81-50-5869-3869

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6. Unagi Don – Grilled Eel Rice Bowl

If you have never tried grilled eel before, Tokyo is the best place to try this amazing delicacy. It is normally filleted, grilled, and coated in a special caramelised sauce that makes Japanese Unagi so tasty. There is a wide range of prices for Unagi don in Tokyo due to variations in Unagi quality.

There might be some fine bones left in the Unagi even after the filleting, but they are generally fine to swallow. Speaking about eel bones, some restaurants even serve flavoured “bone crackers” as bar snacks.

Unazen

• Opening time: 11am to 6pm (Tue-Fri), 11am to 4pm (Weekend) or until sold out (closed on Mon and holidays in-lieu-of)
• Address: 3 Chome-6-18 Azumabashi, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0001, Japan
• Nearest train station: 250 meters from Higashi Nagasaki
• Price range: 4,000 to 5,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted on weekends, maybe possible on weekdays via +81-3-3624-0475

Unagi Hashimoto

Opened in 1835, the owners and chefs of this restaurant have been passing down the sauce recipe down for generations. Unagi Hashimoto embraces the Edo period’s tradition of preparing Unagi don, and has won itself a name in the Michelin guides.

• Opening time: 11:30am to 2pm, 4:30pm to 8am (closed on Thu)
• Address: 2 Chome-5-7 Suido, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0005, Japan
• Nearest train station: 300 meters from Edogawabashi
• Price range: 5,000 to 6,000 Yen
• Reservations: Possible via +81-3-3811-4850

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7. Sushi

This is without a doubt the must-try food for anyone visiting Tokyo. There are countless of options for a sushi-lover and you can hardly go wrong with most of the restaurants here. Sushi is also a popular choice for the working lunch crowd. You can also find many places offering takeaway boxes of sushi.

Omakase style sushi meals will offer the best experience in terms of exclusivity and premium ingredients. For more casual dining options, consider eating at standing style sushi bars or conveyor belt sushi restaurants.

If you like sashimi and seafood, you’ll definitely need to add Hokkaido to your bucket list too!

Kaiboku Nihonbashi

• Opening time: 11am to 7pm
• Address: Japan, 〒130-0022 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashimuromachi, 3 Chome−2−1 コレド室町テラス 1F
• Nearest train station: 150 meters from Shin Nihombashi
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

Midori Sushi Echika Ikebukuro

• Opening time: 10:30am to 9pm, last order 30 mins before closing
• Address: Japan, 〒171-0021 Tokyo, Toshima City, Nishiikebukuro, 3 Chome−28−14 Echika池袋内
• Nearest train station: 350 meters from Ikebukuro
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi

• Opening time: 11am to 10pm (weekdays and Sat) or 11pm (Sun and holidays), last order 1 hour before closing
• Address: Japan, 〒100-7005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 2 Chome, 7番2号 5F JPタワ
• Nearest train station: 300m from Tokyo
• Price range: 3,000 to 4,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

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8. Gyudon – Beef Bowl

The main ingredient of gyudon is thinly sliced beef cooked in a savoury sauce. It can be an affordable meal option that doubles up as a comfort food. Though it is a simple meal consisting of just beef and rice, you may be surprised by how much you crave it after you leave Japan.

Kitsuneya

• Opening time: 6:30am to 1:30pm or until sold out (closed on Wed, Sun)
• Address: 4 Chome-9-12 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
• Nearest train station: 300m from Tsukijishijo
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

Beef Bowl specialty shop Sambo

• Opening time: 11:30am to 5pm (Weekend) or 7pm
• Address: Kokusai Buil., 3 Chome-14-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
• Nearest train station: 200m from Suehirocho
• Price range: 1,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

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9. Gyukatsu – Deep-Fried Beef Cutlet

Similar to the concept of tonkatsu, gyukatsu is deep-fried breaded beef cutlet that is well-loved by locals and foreigners.

Asakusa Gyukatsu

If you are looking for a unique gyukatsu experience, Asakusa Gyukatsu is a famous restaurant where you can heat the meat on personal hot stone grills. I recommend trying the set meal as it comes with various side dishes that go well with the gyukatsu. They also provide sauces and wasabi to enjoy with the meat.

• Opening time: 11am to 10pm, last order 1 hour before closing
• Address: Japan, 〒111-0034 Tokyo, Taito City, Kaminarimon, 2 Chome−17−10 上村ビル B1F
• Nearest train station: 150m from Asakusa
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

Okada

• Opening time: 11am to 2pm or until sold out (closed on weekend and holidays)
• Address: Japan, 〒105-0004 Tokyo, Minato City, Shinbashi, 2 Chome−16−1 ニュー新橋ビル 15
• Nearest train station: 100m from Shimbashi
• Price range: 1,000 to 2,000 Yen
• Reservations: Not accepted

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Check out Tokyo Food Tours and Experiences

A fun way to explore Tokyo’s culinary scene would be to join food tours with a local guide. They can help you to navigate the Japanese menus so that you don’t miss out on the must-try dishes.

If you have limited time in Tokyo or prefer to try something different, check out these interesting food tours and experiences. For those who are feeling shy, there is usually an option to go on a private tour as well.

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By the way, do you love Japan? Read more:

• The Ultimate 9-Day Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo
• Nikko 2-Day Itinerary: The Best Way For Nature Lovers
• Amazing Japan Hiking Trips For Mountains, Lakes and Islands
• A First Timer’s Guide To Hokkaido: Daisetsuzan & Furano
• 3 Days In Hokkaido Lake Camping & Onsen Hopping
• Sapporo 1 Day Itinerary (Fun Guide To Bicycle Sightseeing)
• 9 Unique Souvenirs To Buy From Japan That You’ll Actually Want
• How To Explore Asakusa and Ueno For First-Timers
• Beautiful Tokyo Hiking Day Trips You Need To Try In Summer
• The Best Places To Stay in Osaka For Food Streets