I've been living in Tokyo for over 30 years, but I'm still amazed by the diversity of food in this city.
It's very sad that restaurants have been greatly damaged by the recent depreciation of the yen, but Tokyo is originally a wonderful food city where you can enjoy delicious meals and drinks anywhere at affordable prices.
Not only are there casual restaurants, but Tokyo also has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Because people gather from all over the world, you can not only enjoy cuisine from various countries, but there are also many cases where foreign cuisine has been Japanized and formed its own category.
In short, Tokyo has extremely high food diversity on various axes.
I have visited various countries, but I'm convinced that Tokyo is undoubtedly a city boasting top-level quality and quantity when it comes to food. This is not just local favoritism (probably).
For example, sushi using fresh ingredients from Toyosu Market, popular ramen shops with long queues, tempura proud of its crispy batter, Western cuisine, Chinese cuisine - each has its own unique charm.
Tokyo's sweets scene is also not to be missed. Fluffy pancakes, bubble tea originating from Taiwan, colorful desserts that look great on Instagram - these are popular especially among women and young people. I find myself taking photos every time I get my hands on these sweets that are both visually appealing and delicious.
In this article, I'll thoroughly convey the charm of Tokyo gourmet food that I've carefully selected after living in Tokyo for many years.
Besides Tokyo's gourmet spots, I'll also introduce what kind of food and sweets you can enjoy here, what kind of drinks you can enjoy, and my favorite shops.
I hope you'll use this article as a reference to fully savor Tokyo's food!
Since there's a lot of information in this article, please use the table of contents below if you want to check only the necessary sections.
Table of Contents
・Characteristics of Tokyo Gourmet Food
・Tokyo's Gourmet Areas
・Representative Dishes You Can Eat in Tokyo
・About Drinks in Tokyo
・Enjoying Tokyo's Attractive Sweets Scene
Characteristics of Tokyo Gourmet Food
The biggest characteristic of Tokyo's gourmet food is its rich diversity. In Tokyo, you can taste cuisines from all genres, from Japanese, Western, and Chinese to ethnic cuisines.
This diversity is deeply related to Tokyo's history. Since the Edo period, Tokyo has developed as the center of commerce and logistics in Japan. Especially seafood dishes represented by Edomae sushi developed using fresh seafood caught in Tokyo Bay. Also, simple and quick dishes like soba, which settled as food that impatient Edokko (Tokyo natives) could eat quickly, were characteristic of Edo's food culture.
On the other hand, today's Tokyo is not only rich in traditional cuisine but also in creative dishes incorporating new elements. Japanese restaurants offer many seasonal limited menus using seasonal ingredients, and Western and Chinese cuisines also have Tokyo-specific arrangements.
Also, Tokyo is an international city where people gather from all over the world. Therefore, there are many shops where you can enjoy authentic ethnic cuisines. Tokyo can truly be called a melting pot of food.
And above all, Tokyo is a city of gourmets. The number of Michelin-starred restaurants is the highest in the world. The charm of Tokyo is that it has a wide range of delicious food, from luxurious dishes using high-class ingredients to popular B-grade gourmet food.
By the way, it's also characteristic that many restaurants in Tokyo are concentrated near stations and in busy areas. It's nice that there are many easily accessible gourmet spots that you can casually drop by between sightseeing.
Tokyo's food culture is truly a crystallization of diversity, fusing tradition cultivated over a long history with innovation incorporating new elements.
Tokyo's Gourmet Areas
Tokyo has many gourmet spots where you can taste delicious food. Here, I'll introduce some particularly recommended areas.
Ginza
Ginza is a high-class gourmet town representing Tokyo. It's characterized by high-end restaurants serving sushi, French, Italian, and more lined up. During lunchtime, some shops offer reasonably priced set menus, so you can enjoy a luxurious moment at a good price.
Also, Ginza is rich in long-established Western confectionery shops and cafes. If you want to enjoy an elegant tea time, please drop by Ginza.
By the way, there are many Michelin-starred restaurants in Ginza. If you want to taste authentic Japanese food, it's worth checking out. I also sometimes enjoy luxurious meals at Michelin restaurants in Ginza on special days. The high-quality food and service are always impressive.
Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi is a traditional downtown area that has been loved by Tokyo people for hundreds of years. It's characterized by many long-established shops with over 100 years of history, serving sushi, soba, eel, and more.
I recommend Nihonbashi as a place where particularly traditional cuisine shops gather in Tokyo. Being able to taste reliable flavors passed down for many years in an atmosphere that makes you feel the history is truly a unique experience in Nihonbashi.
What left an impression on me in Nihonbashi was a meal at a long-established eel restaurant. Eating fragrant eel rich in fat in an old-fashioned shop interior - I couldn't help but feel the depth of Japanese food culture in that classic taste.
Shinjuku and Shibuya
Shinjuku and Shibuya are the streets leading "modern Tokyo gourmet."
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's representative gourmet towns. Various restaurants such as ramen, yakiniku, and izakaya are concentrated here. There are also areas like Kabukicho and Golden Gai that have their own unique food cultures. It's also famous as a drinking district, so it's recommended for those who like alcohol.
On the other hand, Shibuya is known as a fashion town popular among young people. It's characterized by abundant shops catering to young people, such as cafes, fast food, and ethnic cuisine. Besides Center Street and Dogenzaka, there are unique restaurants scattered in the back alleys, so it's fun to explore.
Shibuya also includes Harajuku. The charm of Harajuku is that there are many shops with Instagram-worthy menus. You can enjoy sweets that are "photogenic" in both appearance and taste. When I go to Harajuku, one of my pleasures is encountering colorful sweets that make me want to take photos.
Tsukiji and Toyosu
Tsukiji and Toyosu are areas of world-famous fish markets called the kitchen of Tokyo. Originally, Tsukiji was the center, but now the market functions have been transferred to Toyosu. However, there are still many attractive shops in Tsukiji.
In particular, I recommend this Tsukiji-Toyosu area for travelers who want to eat delicious sushi. The sushi using fresh ingredients from the market is indescribably delicious.
When I went to Toyosu Market, I was overwhelmed by its size. Although it felt more touristy than Tsukiji, the energy of the world's largest fish market and the smell of fresh seafood were incredibly exciting. You can also tour the market, so please visit.
Representative Dishes You Can Eat in Tokyo
Now, let me introduce some representative dishes you can taste in Tokyo, along with my recommendations.
Sushi
Sushi is one of Tokyo's representative dishes. Especially Edomae sushi, which uses fresh seafood caught in Tokyo Bay, allows you to enjoy a taste unique to Tokyo.
At conveyor belt sushi restaurants, you can casually enjoy sushi at reasonable prices, which is attractive. On the other hand, at high-end sushi restaurants, you can savor top-class sushi carefully made by sushi chefs one by one. Tokyo's sushi is characterized by using fresh seafood and simple seasoning to bring out the taste of the ingredients.
Also, at high-end restaurants, being able to see the chef's techniques up close at the counter seats is one of the pleasures of enjoying sushi. I sometimes go to high-end sushi restaurants and enjoy watching the chef's work while tasting exquisite sushi. It's always impressive to experience the high-quality food and service.
Recommended Sushi Shop in Tokyo #1: Sushichou
Sushichou is a popular standing sushi shop in the "Tsukiji" fish market area of Tokyo. It's located just a 1-minute walk from Tsukiji Station. The attraction is that they offer delicious and fresh fish at reasonable prices, starting from 90 yen per piece.
No reservation is needed, so please feel free to drop by when exploring Tsukiji.
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-10-9 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6226-5422
Hours: 11:15 AM–8 PM
Website: https://x.gd/wnYoe
Recommended Sushi Shop in Tokyo #2: Katsumidori
Katsumidori is a conveyor belt style sushi shop in Shibuya, the center of Tokyo. It's characterized by offering high-quality conveyor belt sushi at low prices and has multiple stores in Tokyo.
It's popular among both Tokyo locals and foreign tourists, with stores in Ikebukuro and Meguro as well.
<Store Information>
Address: Seibu Shibuya, A Building, Floor 8, 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5728-4282
Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Website: https://katumidori.co.jp/
Ramen
Source: Wikipedia
Tokyo is truly a fierce battleground for ramen. The charm is that you can enjoy various styles of ramen, such as soy sauce ramen and tonkotsu ramen.
A characteristic of Tokyo's ramen shops is that each has its own unique commitment. To provide a bowl that satisfies the shop owner, they are thoroughly committed to every detail, from the soup and noodles to the ingredients. That's why many shops have enthusiastic fans.
Also, Tokyo's ramen shops are famous for having long queues. Lining up at popular shops might be considered part of Tokyo's ramen culture. But Tokyo's ramen is so attractive that it's worth waiting in those lines.
I also go around eating various ramen in Tokyo, and I'm happy to encounter a bowl that reflects the shop owner's commitment in every shop. I think there's an excitement that can only be tasted in Tokyo, a fierce battleground for ramen.
Recommended Ramen Shop in Tokyo #1: Ichiran
Ichiran is a famous chain shop for tonkotsu ramen, characterized by eating ramen in "booths where you can concentrate on the taste." It has shops in places like Shibuya and has expanded not only within Japan but also to various countries around the world.
Website: https://ichiran.com/
Recommended Ramen Shop in Tokyo #2: Japanese Ramen Gokan
"Gokan" is a ramen shop loved by locals in Ikebukuro. The charm is that you can taste a committed bowl of ramen, competing only with salt and soy sauce ramen.
<Store Information>
Address: Cosmo Higashi-Ikebukuro 101, 2 Chome-57-2 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays
Phone: Unavailable
Hours: 11:30 AM–3 PM
Website: https://x.gd/vZjHt
Tempura
Tempura is a dish where seasonal vegetables and fish are wrapped in batter and fried crispy. Tendon, where tempura is placed on top of rice, is also popular.
The charm of tempura is, above all, the crispy batter and fresh ingredients. Freshly fried tempura is exquisite, with a crispy exterior and the taste of seasonal ingredients inside that you can enjoy.
When I eat tempura, I always make sure to add salt. Because of the simple seasoning, you can fully enjoy the original taste of the ingredients.
Recommended Tempura Shop in Tokyo #1: Tachigui Tempura KIKU
Tachigui Tempura KIKU is a popular tempura shop that you can casually drop by in Shibuya. Although it says "standing eating," don't worry, you can actually sit down.
<Store Information>
Address: Shibuya Parco, B1F, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Closed: None
Phone:03-5422-3119
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM
Website: https://kikuyakiku.wixsite.com/10pura
Recommended Tempura Shop in Tokyo #2: Nihombashi Sonoji
Nihombashi Sonoji is a high-end tempura shop in Nihonbashi. The attraction is the "omakase course" where seasonal tempura is fried right in front of you.
Reservation is required and the hurdle is a bit high, but if you want to taste authentic tempura, please visit. You should be able to enjoy delicate tempura that showcases the chef's skills.
<Store Information>
Address: 2 Chome-22-11 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-5643-1566
Hours: 12 PM–2 PM, 6:30 PM–9 PM
Website: http://www.sonoji.info/
Yakitori
Yakitori is a dish where various parts of chicken are grilled on skewers. The attractive lineup is diverse, including chicken thigh, negima (chicken and green onion), and tsukune (chicken meatballs).
Grilling over charcoal brings out a fragrant flavor, and it's typically seasoned with sauce or salt. It pairs excellently with sake or beer and is also popular as a standard menu item in izakayas.
Also, Tokyo's yakitori shops range from small shops in back alleys to stylish establishments, which is another characteristic. I think enjoying the atmosphere of each shop is one of the pleasures of savoring yakitori.
When I eat yakitori, I always order beer with it. The aroma of charcoal, the umami of juicy meat, and the bitterness of beer combine to create a blissful taste.
Recommended Yakitori Shop in Tokyo #1: Torikizoku
Torikizoku is a famous yakitori chain specializing in yakitori with locations across Japan. The attraction is the low price of 370 yen for all items, and it's nice that you can easily enter alone if you sit at the counter.
In fact, not only yakitori but also other menu items are abundant, so it's a recommended place to experience various izakaya menus.
Website: https://torikizoku.co.jp/
Recommended Yakitori Shop in Tokyo #2: Torimasu
Torimasu is a yakitori shop loved by locals in Shibuya. The good point is its hidden, back-alley atmosphere.
<Store Information>
Address: Shibuya Hyakkendana Building, 2-28-6 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3461-6922
Hours: 6 PM–10 PM
Hours (Saturdays): 6 PM–9 PM
Website: Unavailable
Soba
Soba is one of Tokyo's traditional noodle dishes. There are various styles of shops, from authentic soba restaurants to standing soba shops where you can eat casually.
The charm of soba is undoubtedly its smooth texture and the aroma of buckwheat flour. The smooth throat feel and the fragrant aroma of soba are the pleasures of eating soba.
Also, soba has a history of being loved by common people since the Edo period. It developed as something that impatient Edokko (Tokyo natives) could eat quickly and easily. Even now, I think soba is an indispensable part of busy Tokyo people's lives.
Eating soba according to the season, such as cold soba in summer and hot soba in winter, is also exceptionally delicious.
Recommended Soba Shop in Tokyo #1: Yude-Taro
Yude-Taro is a soba chain that has expanded to various parts of Tokyo and nationwide. The attraction is that you can casually eat various soba menus within 500 to 1,000 yen.
Website: https://yudetaro.jp/
Recommended Soba Shop in Tokyo #2: Maruyamacho Wadatsumi
Maruyamacho Wadatsumi is a soba shop in Shibuya. It's characterized by an attractive interior that looks like an old Japanese house.
You can taste soba using seasonal ingredients for 1,000-2,000 yen. During lunchtime, there's also a good value soba set that includes rice.
<Store Information>
Address: 6-1 Maruyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0044
Closed: Sundays
Phone:03-6455-0267
Hours: 11:30 AM–3 PM, 6–10 PM
Website: https://wadatsumigroup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maruyamacho_wadatsumi/
Udon
Udon is a representative Japanese noodle dish along with soba. Compared to soba, the noodles are thicker. The chewy texture is the secret to udon's deliciousness.
It's also attractive that many udon shops in Tokyo are self-service style that you can easily enter. You can enjoy volume-packed udon at reasonable prices.
When I eat udon, kake udon is my standard. I like to enjoy it simply, with hot udon covered in broth with a strong dashi flavor. If you add toppings like tempura according to your mood, it becomes an even more satisfying bowl.
Recommended Udon Shop in Tokyo #1: Marugame Seimen
Marugame Seimen is a famous udon chain proud of its menu based on Sanuki udon. The secret to its deliciousness is their commitment to boiling the noodles after receiving the order.
Website: https://jp.marugame.com/
Recommended Udon Shop in Tokyo #2: Maruka
Maruka is an udon shop loved by locals near Jinbocho Station. It's a popular shop that often has lines from the morning.
<Store Information>
Address: New Surugadai Building, 1F, 3 Chome-16-1 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0052
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 03-3294-1320
Hours: 11 AM–4 PM, 5 PM–7:30 PM
Hours(Saturdays): 11 AM–2:30 PM
Website: Unavailable
Yakiniku
Yakiniku is one of the meat dishes that could be called Japanese-style BBQ. The charm is that you can enjoy various grades of meat, from high-grade wagyu to reasonably priced meat.
Many of Tokyo's yakiniku shops also offer all-you-can-eat style. Being able to eat as much of your favorite meat as you want is irresistible for meat lovers.
"Horumon-yaki," which uses rare parts, is also one of the popular menu items in Tokyo's yakiniku shops. Horumon has a unique texture, so it might be difficult for foreigners to eat, but please try it if you have the chance.
When I eat yakiniku, I always order beer. The fragrant smell of grilled meat, the umami of juicy meat, and the bitterness of beer combine to create the perfect combination.
Recommended Yakiniku Shop in Tokyo #1: Gyukaku
Gyukaku is a yakiniku chain shop that has also expanded overseas. The attraction is that you can fully enjoy yakiniku with all-you-can-eat courses.
It's a shop that even travelers can easily enter, so I recommend it for those who want to enjoy yakiniku in Tokyo for the first time.
Website: https://www.gyukaku.ne.jp/
Recommended Yakiniku Shop in Tokyo #2: Ushigoro
Ushigoro is a horumon yakiniku shop with multiple stores in Tokyo. Although the appearance gives a high-class impression, you can taste delicious horumon for 6,000-7,000 yen per person.
Horumon has a unique texture, so people's preferences are divided. But Ushigoro's horumon is exquisite, so if you want to try horumon, please visit here.
Website: https://ushigoro.com/
Set Meals (Teishoku)
Teishoku is a well-balanced Japanese meal style that includes rice, a main dish, side dishes, and miso soup. Nutritious and healthy teishoku is also a popular lunch menu in Tokyo.
A typical teishoku consists of rice, vegetables, a main dish, and miso soup. The main dish is often meat or fish.
The charm of teishoku shops in Tokyo is their varied menus. Eat delicious and nutritionally balanced teishoku to energetically enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo.
Recommended Teishoku Shop in Tokyo #1: Ootoya
Ootoya is a famous chain shop that mainly offers teishoku. You can casually enjoy teishoku as there are many menu items under 1,000 yen.
Website: https://www.ootoya.com/
Recommended Teishoku Shop in Tokyo #2: Tokiwa Shokudo
Tokiwa Shokudo is a popular diner loved by locals in Sugamo, Tokyo. Old-fashioned teishoku menus like pork ginger yaki teishoku and mixed fry teishoku are popular.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-14-20 Sugamo, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0003
Closed: None
Phone:03-3917-7617
Hours: 10 AM–10 PM
Website: https://kosinzuka.com/
Western-style Food (Japanese-style Arranged Western Cuisine)
Western-style food refers to dishes based on Western cuisine but arranged in a Japanese style. It's characterized by many menu items that Japanese people have been familiar with since childhood, such as curry rice, omurice, and Napolitan.
For example, omurice is a dish where chicken rice is wrapped in an egg and topped with demi-glace sauce. It's truly a fusion dish of Western and Japanese cuisine.
Also, Napolitan is a dish where thick spaghetti is seasoned with a ketchup-based sauce. It's a dish born in Japan, inspired by Italian cuisine.
Such Western-style food is also familiar as Japanese home cooking. I think it has many gentle seasonings compared to completely Western cuisine, which suits Japanese people.
The charm of Western-style food shops in Tokyo is that they have a wide variety, from standard menu items to original creative menus.
Recommended Western-style Food Shop in Tokyo #1: Shibuya Shokudo Ventuno Tokyo
Shibuya Shokudo Ventuno Tokyo is a casual Western-style restaurant in Shibuya. It has many standard Western-style dishes and is a restaurant that both adults and children can enjoy.
<Store Information>
Address: B1F Takagi Building (IKEA Shibuya), 24-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Closed: Sundays
Phone:03-3477-1199
Hours: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Hours (Sundays): 11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5–9 PM
Website: https://ventuno-tokyo.owst.jp/
Recommended Western-style Food Shop in Tokyo #2: Pom no Ki
Pom no Ki is a chain specializing in omurice, a Western-style dish where rice is wrapped in an omelet. The attraction is that various types of omurice are offered.
Website: https://www.pomunoki.com/pomunoki/
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine is one of the most popular genres in Tokyo as well. Not only can you eat authentic Chinese cuisine, but there are also many menu items arranged to suit Japanese tastes, which is characteristic.
For example, happosai (eight treasure stir-fry) and sweet and sour pork are representative menu items of Japanese Chinese cuisine. They have evolved uniquely in Japan, slightly different from the authentic versions. The seasoning is also milder in spices and spiciness compared to the authentic version. It's arranged to suit Japanese tastes.
Chinese cuisine in Tokyo ranges from authentic tastes to Japanese-style arrangements, so it's fun to find a shop that suits your preferences.
Recommended Chinese Cuisine Shop in Tokyo #1: Gyoza no Ohsho
Gyoza no Ohsho is a representative Chinese cuisine chain shop. They pride themselves on Japanese-style Chinese menu items such as sweet and sour pork and happosai.
Website: https://www.ohsho.co.jp/english/
Recommended Chinese Cuisine Shop in Tokyo #2: Reikyo
Reikyo is a Chinese restaurant loved by locals in Shibuya. It's characterized by incorporating Taiwanese cuisine flavors while arranging the seasoning to be easy for Japanese people to eat.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-25-18 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3461-4220
Hours: 12 PM –2:40 PM, 5 PM–10:40 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 12–10:40 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikyo_dougenzaka/
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a dish where pork is wrapped in batter and fried. It's characterized by crispy batter and juicy meat texture. When eating at a restaurant, it's typically served in a "set meal" style with shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup.
The secret to the deliciousness of tonkatsu is the contrast in texture, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Also, it's interesting that the taste changes depending on the part of the meat. It's fun to compare different types of tonkatsu like loin and fillet.
Tokyo's tonkatsu shops range from long-established famous shops to casual chain shops. I recommend choosing a shop according to your preferences and budget.
Recommended Tonkatsu Shop in Tokyo #1: Tonkatsu Wako
Tonkatsu Wako is a chain shop specializing in tonkatsu. It has expanded nationwide, mainly in Tokyo and the Kanto area.
Website: https://wako-group.co.jp/
Recommended Tonkatsu Shop in Tokyo #2: Matsunoya
Matsunoya is a budget-friendly chain shop that mainly offers tonkatsu. The attraction is the conscientious price setting with most menu items under 1,000 yen.
Website: https://www.matsuyafoods.co.jp/matsunoya/
Shabu-shabu and Sukiyaki
Shabu-shabu is a dish where thinly sliced meat is briefly cooked in boiling water or dashi broth. On the other hand, sukiyaki is a Japanese hot pot dish where meat and vegetables are cooked in a special sweet and savory sauce called warishita.
While pork is often used for shabu-shabu, beef is standard for sukiyaki.
Tokyo's shabu-shabu and sukiyaki shops range from long-established famous restaurants to casual chain shops. They're especially popular as standard hot pot dishes in winter. Gathering around a warm pot on a cold day is a blissful moment.
When I eat shabu-shabu, I start with the meat. I briefly dip it in the hot water and enjoy it with ponzu or sesame sauce.
For sukiyaki, I like to eat the meat and vegetables slowly cooked in the warishita sauce dipped in raw egg, but foreign visitors might find raw egg challenging. But it's delicious even without the egg, so please feel free to enjoy sukiyaki as well.
Recommended Shabu-shabu and Sukiyaki Shop in Tokyo #1: Tsukada
Tsukada is a shabu-shabu and sukiyaki specialty restaurant located in Shibuya Scramble Square. From the 12th-floor restaurant, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Shibuya.
The budget is 6,000-7,000 yen per person at night. But you can enjoy it for 2,000-3,000 yen during the day, which is a good deal. I recommend using it during lunchtime.
<Store Information>
Address: Scramble Square, 12F, 2 Chome-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6427-3613
Hours: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13240513/
Recommended Shabu-shabu and Sukiyaki Shop in Tokyo #2: Onyasai
While the taste is superior at Tsukada, which I introduced earlier, Onyasai is recommended when you want to casually enjoy shabu-shabu nearby. You can enjoy satisfying all-you-can-eat at reasonable prices.
Website: https://map.reins.co.jp/onyasai/tokyo
Eel
Tokyo's eel dishes are characterized by a soft and fluffy texture. While grilled eel with sweet and savory sauce is standard, there are various cooking methods such as "hitsumabushi" where dashi is poured over the eel, which is also attractive.
Also, many eel shops use their own "secret sauce," which is an important element that determines the taste of the eel. It's not uncommon for this sauce to be used continuously for many years.
In fact, eel is characterized by having fewer chain shops compared to other dishes. Instead, there are many long-established famous shops.
Originally, eel was a common people's food, but due to price increases from overfishing, it has now become a luxury dish. Although the price is high, its deliciousness is sure to be addictive.
Recommended Eel Shop in Tokyo #1: Nodaiwa Nihombashi Takashimaya
Nodaiwa Nihombashi Takashimaya is a shop where you can eat eel dishes from the famous eel restaurant "Nodaiwa" at Takashimaya in Nihonbashi. While many eel shops have a local feel and might be difficult to enter, this one is inside a department store, making it easy for foreigners to enter, which is a nice point.
<Store Information>
Address: Floors B1 and 8, Takashimaya Nihonbashi, 2-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-8265
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3211-4111
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Website: http://www.nodaiwa.co.jp/
Recommended Eel Shop in Tokyo #2: Manmaru
Manmaru is an eel shop that you can casually enter near Ikebukuro Station. The attraction is that you can enjoy delicious eel at reasonable prices with a budget of 1,000-2,000 yen.
<Store Information>
Address: Koyo Building, 2-13-8 Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0014
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 050-5485-2823
Hours: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–10:30 PM
Website: https://manmaru-ikebukuro.gorp.jp/
About Drinks in Tokyo
In fact, Tokyo doesn't have many local drinks. On the flip side, you can drink anything in Tokyo, which is a good point. For example, you can easily find famous sake made in Yoichi, Hokkaido in the north at bars in Tokyo.
But if we talk about drinks unique to Tokyo, it might be Hoppy and Vaice. Both were cheap drinks that were consumed instead of beer after the war.
Hoppy is a carbonated drink with a flavor similar to beer. It has a low alcohol content of about 0.8% and is typically mixed with shochu. Some izakayas even offer a "Hoppy Set" that's cheaper than beer.
On the other hand, Vaice is a low-alcohol drink that, like Hoppy, is used as a mixer for shochu. It's characterized by its pink color. It's also typically enjoyed by adjusting the ratio of shochu.
Both Hoppy and Vaice are now rare drinks that can only be found in Tokyo. If you find them at an izakaya in downtown Tokyo, please give them a try.
Enjoying Tokyo's Attractive Sweets Scene
Tokyo is filled with delicious sweets. The attraction is a varied lineup including crepes, pancakes, parfaits, and more.
Especially characteristic of Tokyo's sweets is that many are conscious of being Instagram-worthy. There are many photogenic sweets that combine visual cuteness and delicious taste.
Among them, the sweets shops in Harajuku are exceptionally abundant. Colorful and pop-looking sweets are popular, especially among young people. If you're going on a sweets tour, please visit Harajuku.
Tokyo's sweets are characterized by being fun to look at, fun to photograph, and delicious to eat. I also can't help but take photos when I find cute sweets. Please make sure to capture nice photos of sweets as a memory of your Tokyo trip.
Crepes
Crepes are a standard Tokyo sweet loved both now and in the past. The charm is that you can enjoy both sweet and savory crepes.
Sweet crepes often use chocolate, custard cream, fruits, and ice cream. Making them look as cute as possible is the Tokyo style.
On the other hand, savory crepes are not to be underestimated. There are also crepes filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for meals. They're ideal for light meals or lunch.
Tokyo's crepe shops range from specialty shops to cafes. It's fun to find a shop that suits your preferences. You're sure to find your favorite crepe.
My recommendation is a sweet crepe filled with cream. The cream wrapped in the hot crepe melts in your mouth. I think it's a magical sweet that makes you feel happy.
Recommended Crepe Shop in Tokyo #1: Crepe House CIRCUS
Crepe House CIRCUS is a crepe specialty shop in Kichijoji that has been loved by locals for many years. The attraction is its deliciousness and reasonable prices, which can only be achieved because it's not a chain store.
<Store Information>
Address: Ryu Apartment 2F, 1-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: Unavailable
Hours: 1 PM–7:30 PM, 3 PM –7:30 PM (Mondays)
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1320/A132001/13019143/
Recommended Crepe Shop in Tokyo #2: Marion Crêpes Takeshitadori
Marion Crêpes Takeshitadori is a crepe specialty shop on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, popular among Tokyo's young people.
<Store Information>
Address: Juness Building 1F, 1-6-15 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3401-7297
Hours: 10:30 AM–9 PM
Hours(Saturdays, Sundays): 10 AM–9 PM
Website: https://x.gd/837wy
Pancakes
Pancakes are Tokyo sweets with the charm of fluffy texture and volume. It's also nice that there are abundant toppings such as fruits and cream. The Instagram-worthy visuals are also one of the big attractions of pancakes.
Tokyo has many famous pancake shops like Eggs 'n Things. There are quite a few popular shops that have queues, so it's recommended to have plenty of time when visiting. But Tokyo's pancakes are so attractive that you'll want to eat them even if you have to wait in line.
Recommended Pancake Shop in Tokyo #1: crisscross
crisscross is a popular cafe located in the Omotesando area, right between Shibuya and Harajuku. The simple "Classic Buttermilk Pancake" is 1,600 yen, and the "Macadamia Nut Buttermilk Pancake" with macadamia nuts is 1,900 yen. Although the prices are a bit high, the taste and quality are guaranteed.
<Store Information>
Address: 5 Chome-7-28 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6434-1266
Hours: 8 AM–9 PM
Website: https://www.tysons.jp/crisscross/
Recommended Pancake Shop in Tokyo #2: Rainbow Pancakes
Rainbow Pancakes is a specialty shop in Harajuku popular for its colorful interior and Instagram-worthy pancakes. The voluminous pancakes topped with fresh fruits, ice cream, and whipped cream make you feel happy just by looking at them.
<Store Information>
Address: 4-28-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Phone: 03-6434-0466
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowpancake/
Parfaits
Source: Tabelog by Shuntaro
Parfaits are luxurious desserts where various sweets are layered. The gorgeous visuals using seasonal fruits are also one of the big attractions of parfaits. Tokyo has many shops where you can enjoy parfaits, from long-established famous shops to unique ones.
While you might want to take photos because of their gorgeous appearance, many have ice cream on top, so eat them before they melt!
Recommended Parfait Shop in Tokyo #1: Sembikiya Sohonten
Sembikiya Sohonten is a shop famous for its fruit-packed parfaits offered by a fruit shop with a long history in Tokyo. The taste of the "Special Parfait" for about 2,300 yen is quite authentic and recommended.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2 Chome-1-2 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3241-1630
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Website: https://www.sembikiya.co.jp/shops/shop_honten.php
Recommended Parfait Shop in Tokyo #2: INITIAL Omotesando
INITIAL is a sweets specialty cafe in the Omotesando area. With the concept of "sweets to enjoy after a meal," their specialty is luxurious parfaits topped with plenty of fruits and cream.
<Store Information>
Address: 6 Chome-12-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6427-4577
Hours: 12 PM–9 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 11 AM–9 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/initial_omotesando/
Photogenic Sweets
Tokyo also has many photogenic sweets with visuals that are perfect for Instagram. These are sweets that make you feel happy just by looking at them.
Tokyo's photogenic sweets are not just cute. They're also committed to taste. The amazing thing about Tokyo's photogenic sweets is that they don't compromise on either appearance or taste.
Recommended Photogenic Sweets Shop in Tokyo #1: Totti Candy Factory
Totti Candy Factory is a specialty shop for colorful and pop sweets on Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Especially popular is their impactful colorful cotton candy.
<Store Information>
Address: Ryu Apartment 2F, 1-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3403-7007
Hours: 10 AM–7 PM
Hours(Saturdays, Sundays): 9:30 AM–8 PM
Website: http://www.totticandy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totticandyfactory/
Recommended Photogenic Sweets Shop in Tokyo #2: Pikachu Sweets Cafe
Pikachu Sweets Cafe is a takeout-only Pokemon cafe in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro. It has an array of sweets that are irresistible to fans, featuring various Pokemon characters, especially Pikachu.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F Specialty Store Area Alpa, Sunshine City, 3 Chome-1-2 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6709-0707
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/pikachu_sweets/
As introduced in this article, Tokyo is a city where you can enjoy diverse cuisines including Japanese, Western, and Chinese food.
To enjoy gourmet food, I also recommend exploring areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza. Each area has a collection of chain restaurants and unique shops.
Tokyo is truly a paradise for those who love to eat. Please use this article as a reference to fully enjoy Tokyo's gourmet scene!