One of the greatest joys of traveling in Tokyo is exploring its food scene. Beyond the dazzling main streets, countless restaurants capture the hearts of locals, whether through unique concepts or by being simply tucked away, waiting to be discovered. Here are five Tokyo restaurants I personally visited and loved, each with its own distinct charm. I hope this guide helps you experience the authentic flavors of the city, from ramen and tsukemen to tonkatsu and kaisendon.
Ramen Kai in Kuramae
Located in the Kuramae district, often called the “Brooklyn of Tokyo,” this is a specialty ramen shop. Its defining feature is a potent, sardine-based fish broth. I tried their signature tsukemen and shoyu ramen. The shoyu ramen featured a remarkably rich clam broth, while the tsukemen came with a bold, flavorful sardine dipping sauce. The thick, chewy noodles are made in-house and might remind you of Kalguksu (Korean knife-cut noodles). The harmony between the intense broth and the substantial noodles is exceptional, making this a must-try for anyone looking to experience a different style of ramen. It’s common to see a line forming even before the doors open, so arriving a bit early is recommended.
Location Info
- Name: Ramen Kai
- Type: Restaurant
- Known for: Sardine-broth tsukemen and clam-broth shoyu ramen.
- Address: 4 Chome-20-10 Kuramae, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0051, Japan
Tonkatsu Genta in Daikanyama
This small tonkatsu restaurant is tucked away in the basement of a building in the fashionable Daikanyama area. It’s a modest space run by an elderly couple that recently gained attention after a member of the K-pop group NewJeans paid a visit. The menu focuses on perfecting the basics rather than flashy techniques. The crispy rosukatsu (pork loin cutlet) and the katsudon, topped with a soft-cooked egg, are standout dishes. The glossy, perfectly cooked rice, in particular, elevates the flavor of the tonkatsu. You can order the pork cutlet by weight, with options for 120g, 150g, and 200g. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiet, welcoming atmosphere away from the crowded tourist spots.
Location Info
- Name: Tonkatsu Genta
- Type: Restaurant
- Known for: Traditional rosukatsu and katsudon.
- Address: Daikanyama Plaza B1F, 24-7 Sarugakucho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
Ginza Oborozuki
In the upscale district of Ginza, this tsukemen shop is a consistently popular spot. Despite its tiny space of only seven counter seats, there is always a line of people waiting to get in. The signature dish is the “Noukou Tsukemen,” which, as the name suggests, features an incredibly rich and thick dipping broth. You can choose between a regular (nami) and large (naka) portion of noodles for the same price. The noodles are firm and substantial, with a satisfying chewiness perfect for dipping into the dense sauce. After you’ve finished the noodles, ask for “soup-wari”—they’ll add a lighter broth to the remaining sauce, creating a savory soup to finish your meal.
Location Info
- Name: Ginza Oborozuki
- Type: Restaurant
- Known for: Noukou Tsukemen (rich dipping noodles).
- Address: 6 Chome-3-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0011, Japan
Nihonbashi Tsujihan
Tsujihan is a kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) restaurant tucked away in a back alley near Tokyo Station. Though it’s a small place with only about ten counter seats, it has earned widespread fame for its inventive take on kaisendon. The menu features just one item, kaisendon, offered in different grades—Ume, Take, Matsu, and Tokujo—which determine the variety of seafood included. Each bowl arrives with a mountain of chopped raw fish and other seafood. The dining experience is unique: first, you enjoy the bowl as is. Then, after eating about half of it, you can ask the staff to pour hot sea bream broth over the remaining rice and toppings. It’s recommended to save a few slices of sashimi for this second stage, as you can lightly poach them in the hot broth. This transforms your meal into a deeply flavorful ochazuke, offering a completely different experience from the initial kaisendon. Thanks to this unique two-part meal, you should expect a line regardless of when you visit.
Location Info
- Name: Nihonbashi Tsujihan
- Type: Restaurant
- Known for: Zeitaku-don (luxurious seafood bowl) served in two stages.
- Address: 3 Chome-1-15 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
Sampota Cafe Nombiriya in Yanaka
This izakaya is located in Yanaka, a district that still retains the atmosphere of old Tokyo. As its name “Nombiriya” (meaning “leisurely shop”) suggests, it has a relaxed and comfortable ambiance, much like a neighborhood hangout. Here, I enjoyed well-crafted dishes paired with a variety of drinks, including wine. Every item I ordered was a delight, from a tender squid dish to fried mushrooms in a special sauce. The space, which includes both tatami and table seating, is filled with charming trinkets. It’s the perfect spot to escape the bustling city center, enjoy a quiet drink, and soak in the local atmosphere.
Location Info
- Name: Sampota Cafe Nombiriya
- Type: Izakaya / Cafe & Bar
- Known for: Cozy atmosphere, pairing creative dishes with wine and other drinks.
- Address: 5 Chome-2-29 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan