Issei

Omotesando

$15

The quality of the food is excellent, featuring a high-quality Omakase that offers a good balance of sashimi, sushi, and cooked dishes at a very reasonable price. In comparison to their dinner options, which easily exceed $100, the fish selections are more basic, like red snapper and squid. You won't find fatty tuna here, but at this price, it's a great deal.

Yoshizawa

Ginza

$15

Yoshizawa is both a restaurant and a butcher. Their Sukiyaki lunch is highly satisfying, featuring Matsusaka beef that melts in the mouth like butter. The restaurant uniquely opts for female cow meat, believed to be tenderer and juicier. Other choices include steak and shabu-shabu, especially during summer. Recently, this place has become somewhat touristy, mainly due to its prime location in the heart of Ginza.

Zwei herzen

Hatsudai

$8

Zwei Herzen is a quaint restaurant located in Hatsudai. Their omurice (egg-covered ketchup rice) is accompanied by a tomato and basil sauce, available only at lunchtime. It's arguably the best omurice in such an authentic local restaurant. It's advisable to call ahead before visiting, because they are sometimes closed for lunch. We can coordinate it as well.

Katsumoto

Suidobashi

$10

Chuka Soba Katsumoto in Tokyo, led by Chef Yasushi Matsumura, offers a unique ramen experience. The restaurant is known for its light, tanrei Niboshi broth, blending traditional and modern tastes. Not overly fishy, the broth appeals to a wide palette, complemented by Shoyu tare for an old-school flavor. Toppings include tender pork chashu, bamboo shoots, seaweed, Ajitama egg, and naruto fish cake, adding layers of savory and sweet nuances. This place epitomizes sophistication in ramen, making it a must-visit for an authentic Tokyo ramen experience

Rin

Tokyo Station

$10

Nippon Ramen Rin Tokyo, located in Tokyo Station, is celebrated for its meticulously clean setting and its innovative approach to traditional ramen. Their Shoyu ramen is a harmonious blend of chicken and pork, enriched with a mix of five soy sauces, offering a depth of flavor. The Shio ramen is particularly noteworthy, often sold out, featuring a unique salt blend that accentuates the soup's taste. This establishment is a result of a collaboration with Sapporo's "Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q", striving to redefine the ramen experience with a focus on quality and authenticity. 

tomiya

Tokyo Statio

$10

Ramen Tomita, often acclaimed as Japan's No. 1 ramen shop, stands out for its tsukemen (dipping noodles). Featured in the documentary "Ramen Heads," Tomita has gained fame for its rich, flavorful tsukemen, which combines a thick, complex broth with perfectly crafted, thick in-house noodles. The broth is a unique blend of bitterness from dried sardines and richness from boiled pork bones, with a hint of spice. While the main shop in Chiba prefecture is a pilgrimage for ramen lovers, the branch near Tokyo station offers a more accessible yet equally satisfying experience. 

Bongo

Otsuka

$10

Onigiri Bongo, a beloved eatery in Tokyo, is renowned for its extensive range of onigiri, offering so many different kinds such as traditional fish flake stuffing to  fish egg with cream cheese and mayo. The onigiri are notably larger than typical convenience store versions, allowing for a wide variety of fillings. Despite often having long queues, many patrons find the wait worthwhile for the freshly made onigiri with unique and flavorful ingredients. Onigiri Bongo remains the most popular spot for those seeking a traditional Japanese snack with a twist.

Yamatarou

Zoshigaya

$10

Onigiri Yamataro in Tokyo, established by a chef trained at the popular Onigiri Bongo, offers an extensive array of onigiri with over two dozen filling choices. These fillings range from traditional options like ume (pickled plum) and tuna mayo, to inventive combinations such as unagi and spicy ahi poke. The onigiri are notably larger than those at convenience stores here as well. The menu's highlights include minced meat with egg yolk and sujiko (salted salmon roe). Accompanying options like pork and vegetable miso soup and pickles make it a complete dining experience.

Omusubi gonbei

It's chain, so everywhere. (It's a good chain)

$10

Omusubi Gonbei primarily offers more traditional and regular fillings compared to the previous two options, including grilled salmon, shrimp tempura, and pickled plums. In contrast to Bongo and Tamatarou, Omusubi Gonbei does not prepare onigiri to order; they are pre-made. The store also features a variety of Japanese foods and snacks, such as karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken). As a chain, it is typically the most affordable option. Despite this, it remains a good choice. I frequently visit there myself. You can also take out their onigiri and enjoy them at your favorite spots in Tokyo.

mikawa

Monzennakacho

$150

Mikawa Zezankyo in Tokyo, often compared to the renowned Jiro Sushi for its culinary excellence, is a premier destination for tempura enthusiasts. This exclusive venue is led by the adept Chef Saotome. Known for his masterful tempura techniques, he ensures each dish, from a variety of seafood to vegetables, is exquisitely light and grease-free. The intimate setting allows diners to witness the chef's artful process. Tempura can be enjoyed with traditional daikon-soy sauce or sea salt to enhance the natural flavors. Seasonal items offer a unique culinary experience. Recently, securing a reservation has become more accessible. 

masaru

Asakusa

$25

Masaru in Asakusa, celebrated for its tempura don (tempura rice bowl), is a quaint, homely restaurant renowned for its excellent tempura. The restaurant, known for its friendly atmosphere, serves high-quality tendon, a dish consisting of crisp tempura on a bed of rice. The tempura, made from ingredients like Japanese tiger prawn, sea eel, and big-eyed flathead fish, is noted for its freshness and perfect frying. Diners particularly enjoy the shrimp head tempura, bursting with flavor. This cozy spot in Tokyo offers a delightful tendon experience, combining quality seafood with traditional cooking techniques.

Takao

Shibuya

$10

Tempura Takao has garnered high praise for its exceptional tempura, making it a must-visit destination for tempura lovers. The restaurant is also appreciated for its great value and efficient, friendly service. A unique aspect of Tempura Takao is its use of a vending machine with English options. Reviewers have described the tempura here as some of the best in Japan, emphasizing the authentic taste, speed of service, and the quality of the dashi and rice. The overall experience at Tempura Takao is described as a benchmark in tempura dining, leaving a lasting impression on visitors who often return for more​.

Hanwarai

Shibuya 

$40

Hanwarai Shibuya Scramble Square, a branch of the Michelin-starred Tamawarai in Shibuya, is notoriously difficult to reserve. However, Hanwarai is not yet very well-known, so there's a good chance of getting in without a reservation. That's why I'm recommending it. The menu at Hanwarai is simple, featuring dishes such as cold soba, shrimp, and vegetable tempura, complemented by an excellent selection of sake. Hanwarai stands as a testament to Japan's rich culinary tradition, offering a memorable soba experience that blends traditional techniques with modern gastronomic excellence.

okawaya

Kagurazaka

$30

Okawaya, located in the historic Kagurazaka area of Tokyo, offers an authentic Japanese soba experience, as reflected in its positive reviews. The ambiance of Okawaya is rooted in traditional Japanese dining, making it a suitable spot for various customers, including families and solo visitors. Set in a culturally rich district, Okawaya not only serves delicious soba but also provides amazing tempura. The restaurant's serene setting and authentic flavors make it a memorable destination for those seeking to experience genuine Japanese soba cuisine.

kaga

Hatsudai

$5

Kaga, a standing soba restaurant in Tokyo's Hatsudai area, is very popular. It stands out for its compact space and quick service, accommodating around 8 people at a time. The hot soba with freshly made kakiage tempura offers an amazingly delicious flavor. Kakiage is a mixed tempura with onions, green onions, and a bit of carrot. Conveniently located near the station, Kaga is the go-to spot for a quick, satisfying meal, especially for those on the move. You get complimentary green onions served on the table. While not the fanciest place, you'll be amazed at what $5 can offer. This is the real Tokyo experience.

Narukiyo

Omotesando

$70

Narukiyo in Tokyo, renowned for its omakase-style dining, offers a distinctive culinary experience. The restaurant's menu focuses on Japanese, featuring specialty dishes from Kyushu Island, known for their unique and flavorful ingredients. The dining atmosphere is vibrant and quirky, attracting a diverse clientele, including celebrities like Dua Lipa. Try their seafood dishes, particularly the sashimi, are often praised for their flavor and expert preparation. The gyu suji nikomi, a traditional beef tendon stew, is another highlight, noted for its rich taste and tender texture. The chef is pretty funny.

Yoshinari

Shibuya

$60

Yoshinari in Shibuya, Tokyo, offers a diverse culinary experience with a focus on seafood. The restaurant has customizable weekday lunch sets, which include a variety of options such as sashimi and grilled fish, along with daily specials. (If you cannot make it to dinner, try their $10 lunch.) In the evening, Yoshinari transforms into an izakaya-style setting, serving a range of sake and shochu to complement the seafood offerings. A notable dish at Yoshinari is the honmaguro noten no sashimi, which is bluefin tuna sashimi cut from the head of the fish. Also try their nodoguro grill.

Hishidaya sakaba

Komaba

$50

Hishidaya in Shibuya, known for its homestyle Japanese dishes, has received numerous positive reviews from locals. If you want to try a variety of such dishes, this place is perfect. The prices at Hishidaya are considered affordable, which adds to the restaurant's appeal. There is also a restaurant called Hishidaya, unsurprisingly a spin-off, which focuses more on teishoku sets and less on drinking. The restaurant's popularity is evident in the frequent long lines of customers waiting to dine, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours. However, you could try that as well; it's only a 3-minute walk away.

Maruka

Jinbocho

$10

Maruka, a renowned udon restaurant in Jinbocho, Tokyo, has garnered high praise from diners for its exceptional udon dishes. Patrons often describe the udon as having a great texture, being chewy and delicious. The restaurant's broth is also frequently highlighted for its rich flavor. Additionally, the tempura offerings, such as shrimp tempura and deep-fried chicken, are well-received for complementing the udon dishes. The restaurant's commitment to serving high-quality, Kagawa-style udon in a quick and efficient manner has earned it a place among the top restaurants in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Mandajiro

Shinjuku Gyoen

$10

Udon Manda Jiro, located near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, is celebrated for its unique Buzen-style udon. The restaurant, originally from Fukuoka, specializes in thin, supple noodles known for their semi-translucent quality, achieved through a special maturation process. The menu features dishes adorned with burdock root tempura and crispy seasonal tempura, complemented by a light broth made from bonito flakes and kelp. The restaurant's popularity is evident from the queues during lunch and early evening hours, and they also offer ever-changing seasonal specials.

Iwashiya

Aoyama

$10

Teuchi Udon Iwashiya, located in Aoyama, Tokyo, provides a traditional Japanese udon experience, blending Kagawa-style noodles with a light Kansai-style soup stock. Nestled in Aoyama, this restaurant could be a hidden gem, offering a distinctive and intimate dining experience among the area's trendy cafes and upscale boutiques. Their unique Bukkake-style udon is a must-try, offering flavors unlikely to be found elsewhere. A friendly tip: avoid wearing a white shirt when you visit, as things might get a little messy!

ponta

Okachimachi

$50

Ponta Honke, a renowned tonkatsu restaurant in Okachimachi, Tokyo, boasts a rich history and a reputation for exceptional culinary offerings. Established in 1905, it is celebrated as the birthplace of tonkatsu. The restaurant's specialty lies in its meticulous preparation of pork cutlets. The process begins with the careful selection of pork loin, from which all fat is removed. This removed fat is then used to fry the pork, ensuring a unique and rich flavor. Ponta also offers a range of other Western-style dishes, such as Tongue Stew, Deep Fried Oyster, Deep Fried Oyster, and Deep Fried Oyster. Amazingly good.

Tonkatsu.jp

Omotesando

$50

Tonkatsu.jp Omotesando in Tokyo is not just a regular tonkatsu restaurant; it allows diners to choose from various pork brands, each offering a unique taste. Open since October 2021, the restaurant boasts a cozy atmosphere and a focus on sustainability. What sets their tonkatsu apart is the option to enhance the flavors with specially chosen salts, tailored to complement your selected pork brand. This adds a unique twist to the traditional tonkatsu experience, typically enjoyed with tonkatsu sauce. 

yamasaki

Akebonobashi

$8

Tonkatsu Yamasaki in Akebonobashi in Shinjuku district, offers a deeply local and authentic dining experience, particularly cherished by locals. Known for its superb value, the restaurant provides delicious tonkatsu dishes at very reasonable prices, around $8. Alongside their famed tonkatsu, they also serve aji fried, a popular choice. Each tonkatsu dish is accompanied by karashi mustard, adding a unique flavor. Patrons can enjoy their meal with an ample serving of cabbage and rice, making it not only a delicious but also a filling option for those seeking a taste of local Japanese loved restraunt.

Bondy

Jimbocho

$15

Curry Restaurant Bondy in Jimbocho, Tokyo, is a delightful spot for curry enthusiasts, known for its Indian-Japanese fusion curry dishes. Featuring a range of options including beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables, the restaurant's curry is described as sweet and spicy. Each dish is served with steamed rice and buttered boiled potatoes, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Conveniently located just a minute's walk from Jimbocho Station. My favarite is oystrer curry.

yogoro

Harajuku

$10

Yogoro in Shibuya, Tokyo, is a curry shop in the Sendagaya section, known for blending Japanese and Indian curry styles. Its signature dish, the spinach curry, stands out for its unique take on traditional saag paneer. The curry here is neither purely Japanese nor Indian, reflecting the new wave of curry experimentation in Tokyo. Yogoro, located in a trendy neighborhood, is a popular spot for its cool ambiance and innovative dishes. If you are in shopping, this neighborhood has many spots as well. 

Kirakutei

Mishuku

$10

Bistro Kirakutei in Ikejiri, Tokyo, is known for its exceptional Japanese-style curry, considered the best by many. The restaurant offers a variety of curries, including a basic beef curry and a unique 'mountain mushroom' curry. Each dish features a roux with a distinct flavor, and customers can choose their preferred level of spiciness. The restaurant is popular during lunch and dinner, so visiting during off-peak times is advisable to avoid waiting. They also sell their curry in packets and as 'curry pan' (deep-fried bread with curry inside) for takeout. 

Atabo sushi

Akebonobashi

$40

Atabo Sushi, nestled in the historic Araki-cho district of Shinjuku, Tokyo, not only offers high-quality, affordable sushi but also sits in an area renowned for its vibrant nightlife. Araki-cho is characterized by its plethora of drinking spots, making it an ideal location for those interested in bar hopping after enjoying sushi at Atabo. This combination of delicious sushi, such as the highly praised tuna nigiri, and the opportunity to explore various bars in a historically rich setting, makes Atabo Sushi a compelling choice for a complete evening experience. Its convenient late-night hours, remaining open until 3 AM, further enhance its appeal to diners and night revelers alike in Shinjuku.

tamai

Nihonbashi

$40

Tamai Nihombashi Honten in Tokyo is a celebrated destination for sea eel delicacies, offering a unique culinary experience. Located in a traditional, atmospheric building near Nihombashi station, the restaurant specializes in an array of sea eel dishes, renowned for their exquisite taste and preparation. Patrons particularly enjoy the sea eel rice bowl, which comes in various styles like steamed and grilled, allowing for a diverse taste experience. The restaurant's ambiance is rustic yet comfortable, complemented by friendly and engaging staff. The combination of flavorful dishes and a welcoming atmosphere makes Tamai Nihombashi Honten a sought-after spot for both locals and tourists.

tsujihan

Nihonbashi/Kagrazaka/Akasaka

$10

Tsujihan, Tokyo, is gaining popularity as a chain, making it more accessible to diners. Known for its affordable yet exceptional Kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), Tsujihan offers a unique dining experience. Halfway through the meal, they add a special soup made from red snapper, enriching the flavor of the dish. This innovative approach, combined with great taste and reasonable prices, makes Tsujihan a sought-after destination for seafood enthusiasts. You should expect some waiting, but in my experience Kagurazaka location is not super crowded.

hiromiya

Yotsuya

$50

Yakiniku Hiromiya, nestled in Yotsuya, Tokyo, is renowned for its exclusive set courses, which encapsulate the essence of a traditional Yakiniku menu. An interesting feature of Hiromiya is the self-service drink option, a strategy believed to enhance overall quality by optimizing labor costs. This approach contributes to the exceptional value-for-money aspect of the dining experience.  Adding to its allure, Hiromiya includes an all-you-can-eat Wagyu curry as part of the course, making for a truly satisfying culinary journey.

Kurogo

Ikebukuro

$70

Yakiniku restaurant Kurogo in Ikebukuro offers a delightful dining experience. Patrons have praised the high quality of beef served, a characteristic that is emphasized in the restaurant's name "Kurogo", with "kuro go" or black five degrees symbolizing the premium quality of the meat .It is also known for its signature dish, Kurogo Meshi. This dish is a unique take on the traditional Japanese beef bowl. Must try!

sansei

Yotsuya

$50

Sansei Yotsuyahonten, located in Yotsuya, Tokyo, offers a variety of meats, differentiated by grade. For instance, their highest-quality kalbi is exceptional. However, what stands out for me is their non-meat menu. Their seaweed salad is one-of-a-kind, and their reimen is a must-try after enjoying the meat. 

You may have noticed, but Yotsuya is a mecca for yakiniku, with many outstanding restaurants. I also recommend Rashoumon and Meimon.

Mimoza

Aoyama

$150

Mimosa offers a range of authentic Chinese but very modern dishes with Japanese ingredient. The daikon spring rolls, the stir-fried prawns, wet yakisoba, and vinegar fried pork with dried plum are all unique that you can only have them there. Mimosa has earned a michelin.

Yuen

Arakicho

$60

Yuen Arakicho as a restaurant where the owner-chef takes a freewheeling approach to interpreting Chinese cuisine. Specialties include the Uni Yuba appetizer, Mao Zedong spareribs, and black fried rice. If you like spicy, this place would be great. Dishes are so unique that you won't find anywhere  else.

choraku

Shibuya

$5

Choraku is a casual Chinese restaurant located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Some highlight of the menu is the Tan-Tan-Mein, a spicy noodle dish with meat broth, and meat over fried rice, one you see on the picture.  Choraku is located in a very crowded and dynamic neighborhood of Shibuya. 

Good munchies

Shinjuku

$15

They have a wide variety of burgers to choose from, including classics like the cheeseburger and bacon cheeseburger, as well as more unique options like the chili cheese burger and the avocado burger. Amazing original burger sauce!

cruz bugers & craft beers

Yotsuya

$10

 They offer a variety of burgers, as well as a wide selection of craft beers. The burgers are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and they are cooked to order. A variety of burgers. The craft beers are from all over the world, and there is sure to be something to please everyone.

the 3rd burger

Shinjuku, and more

$7

The 3rd Burger offers a delightful twist on burgers, combining Japanese refinement with fresh ingredients. Pretty in a healthy side. For instance, their buns are preservative-free and utterly addictive. It's a new chain so you can find them in few locations in Tokyo.

Pizza 4p's

Azabudai

$20

Pizza 4P's is intriguing because it was founded by a Japanese husband and wife, but initially established in Vietnam. For a long time, Japanese travelers would visit the restaurant whenever they were in Vietnam. Now, they have opened in new Azabudai Hills. The restaurant places emphasis on the quality and origin of its ingredients, with the menu providing precise details about each item, including their sources. Reflecting its Japanese origins, Pizza 4P's offers unique and inventive pizzas, incorporating unusual Japanese ingredients, such as the Okahijiki pizza. you can do half and half, so you can experience some variety. 

Napule

Aoyama

$20

The restaurant emphasizes the use of organic ingredients as much as possible, aligning with its dedication to authentic and high-quality Italian cuisine. This approach complements its aim to recreate the atmosphere of a small trattoria from a southern Italian port city, highlighting the joy of Italian communal dining. With a focus on both pizzas and pastas, Napule offers a diverse and health-conscious menu that caters to a variety of tastes, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Seirinkan

Nakameguro

$15

Seirinkan, a renowned pizzeria in Nakameguro, Tokyo, is celebrated for its authentic Neapolitan pizza and gained fame from its feature on Netflix's "Ugly Delicious." It offers a specialized menu with just two types of pizzas: Margherita and Marinara. These pizzas are acclaimed for their wood-fired crust and authentic flavors. The pizzeria is housed in an old, three-story building, contributing to its unique charm, albeit with a somewhat dilapidated exterior. The restaurant is known for a Beatles vibe, and its logo resembles that of the iconic band.