Eating Tokyo

A food lovers guide to the best places to eat in Tokyo

I recently visited Tokyo, which was a foodie's delight. I've rounded up my favourite culinary highlights, which I'd recommend to anyone visiting Tokyo.

Sushi Zanmai, Tsukiji market, Ginza 
Here you'll find gorgeously fresh sushi on the periphery of the famous Tsukiji market.  Sit at the bar, so you can watch the master chefs at work. And ensure you save some room to spontaneously eat at the food stalls as you wander around!

Yakitori Hachibei, Roppongi 

This place specialises in everything you can imagine expertly barbecued on a stick – from shitake mushrooms, Ginkgo nuts and edamame fritters to pork belly, chicken hearts, crispy skin and bacon-wrapped asparagus.

Pizza Strada, Azabu Juban 

Hands down the best pizza I’ve eaten in a long time, and I did not expect to find it in Japan!

Harajuku Gyoza Lou, Harajuku 

This incredibly popular place has the confidence to serve only two variations of gyoza -  fried or steamed - and quite rightly so, given how tasty it is!

Ippudu, Ginza 

Through the mist of ramen joints, this one is a clear favourite. This heart-warming and revitalising bowl of noodle soup is nothing short of fantastic. 

The Pig Union, Roppongi 

Choosing only between pork tenderloin or chop, this panko-breadcrumbed porcine delight, which was accompanied by shredded cabbage, steamed rice and miso soup, was simple but spot on.

Manrikiya, Azabu Juban 

This casual,  no-fuss restaurant offers an array of Japanese and Chinese dishes – quirky long gyoza, a rich and fiery Tantanmen, washed down with Sake free-poured at the table into shot glasses!

Gonpachi, Nishi Azabu 

Now famous for having hosted an iconic scene from Kill Bill, it’s worth popping in here for a carafe of Sake and some karaage, or fried chicken.

Sarashina Horii, Azabu Juban 

Anthony Bourdain rated this place and I rate Anthony Bourdain, so I thought I'd check it out. This restaurant is excellent for a quick soba lunch – hot or cold noodles, hot or cold broth, just dip and slurp. I also recommend a bit of tempura on the side.

L’Atelier de Joël Rebuchon, Roppongi 

Part of the worldwide chain, but with its own neighbourhood charm, this restaurant is classy yet unpretentious. I will dream about the duck liver on Parmesan truffle risotto for years to come!

Sushi Seizan, Roppongi

Compact, bustling, and clearly a post-work Friday haunt, go for reliable sushi and beers – the grilled eel nigiri is a heavenly cut above the rest.​

Mon Cher Ton Ton, Roppongi 

Perfect for a special occasion, this teppanyaki offers set menus of varying extravagance. The prawns were a highlight,
​(I even enjoyed the head and the crisp legs),  and the wagyu beef was sublime.

Xian Nishi, Shinjuku

This restaurant features Chinese with a Sichuan slant. For our last meal in Tokyo, we went out with a bang and indulged in some of our spicy favourites – an exemplary mapo tofu, wontons in chilli oil, Dan Dan noodles and La Zi Ji chicken with dried chilli peppers!

I hope that my recommendations have inspired you to visit Tokyo for your own amazing foodie adventure!

​Luci Lyne


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