The Best Restaurants In Tokyo To Try In 2025

Whether you're mapping out your dream Tokyo escape or already weaving through its neon-lit streets, get ready to dive into some of Tokyo’s best restaurants—because the city's food scene is nothing short of legendary.

Sure, deciphering menus in Japanese can be a challenge, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back so you can skip the tourist traps and head straight for the unforgettable flavors. Read on for the best restaurants in Tokyo to grab a table at in 2025.

Restaurant Ode

ST Hiroo 2F 5-1-32 Hiroo, Shibuya

Image credit: Ode Restaurants | Instagram

Opened in 2017 by the talented Chef Yusuke Namai, Ode is a dining experience that is as much about the aesthetic as it is about taste. From the grey theme infused in everything from the walls to the kitchen door, to the monochromatic presentation of most dishes, it really is a feast for your eyes and your palate. Slip into a seat at the counter and watch as Chef turns each dish into a work of an edible work of art.

The vast majority of ingredients come from producers Chef Namai personally visited on his travels around Japan prior to Ode’s opening. He invests his time in developing and nurturing relationships with producers to find the best for his guests—so prepare for a feast you won't soon forget.

Sushi Yuu Tsubasa

150-0022 Tokyo, Shibuya, Ebisuminami

If "all you can drink" champagne, beer, sake, and non-alcoholic beverages sound like your idea of heaven, then Sushi Yuu Tsubasa is where you'll want to snag a booking on your Tokyo vacay.

This sushi haven offers an array of delicacies, from melt-in-your-mouth sushi to deliscious small bowls of chawanmushi and tofu. Just a quick one minute stroll from Ebisu station, this cosy spot with just 12 counter seats is a must visit. 

Alchimiste

5-17-10 Shirokanedai,Minato-ku

Image credit: Alchimiste | Instagram

Chef Kenichi Yamamoto, who trained at Le Chateaubriand in Paris, brings his passion for fresh ingredients and innovative cooking to Alchimiste. Their signature Jerusalem artichoke espuma, harvested from their own farm, exemplifies their love for farm-to-table dining. While the menu is everchanging, expect flavour bombs like Japanese jack fish with smoked potato.  

Makiko Yamamoto, Kenichi’s wife and restaurant’s sommelier, completes the intimate dining experience (there's only 34 seats) with expertly paired wines sourced from small producers in Japan and around the world. 

Mendokoro Natsumi

1-18-4 Akabane, Kita 115-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

Mendokoro Natsumi may only have 10 seats, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in bold flavour. They've got a ticket vending machine system and serve noodles that are hand-kneaded by Kokoro-no-Aji Seimen in Matsudo.

Whether you crave your noodles thick, thin, or delightfully curly, Mendokoro Natsumi delivers the goods—but the real headliner is the broth. Simmered from chicken and pork bones, Tsukiji fish heads, seafood, and veggies, it’s a savory symphony you’ll slurp until the last drop. Don’t miss the Tsukemen or Niboshi Tonkotsu—they’re a masterclass in flavour fusion.

Tapas Molecular Bar

2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku

Image credit: Tapas Molecular Bar | Instagram

Tapas Molecular Bar is a gastronomic adventure curated by Chef de Cuisine Kento Ushikubo, who majored in art—and that absolutely shows on the plate. Using the tools and techniques of both an artist and a scientist, Ushikubo creates a playful, interactive, and delicious dining experience.

At this sleek counter-style spot in the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, you're front row for a culinary performance as chefs work their magic right before your eyes. You'll feast on decadent small plates like Kyoto duck raviolo and home-made gochujang with crunchy rice. Want to dial up the indulgence? Arrive 30 minutes early and slip into the exclusive lounge for a luxe prelude to your meal.

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CEDROS

〒150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisunishi

Image credit: CEDROS | Facebook

Nestled in the heart of Daikanyama, prepare for a seafood feast at CEDROS. Established in 2014 by two brothers Lui and Yui Shirako, the eatery was inspired by the brothers’ childhood memories growing up in San Diego, California.

The restaurant aims to offer a unique and intimate dining experience in a warm and relaxed environment. Sourcing fresh fish and produce daily from local markets, the menu changes regularly to adapt to what's available, so multiple visits are encouraged. You'll tuck into incredible small plates of raw oyster with jalapeño ponzu, black cod with green curry, and seared tuna steak with shiso chimichurri. Swoon!

Isana Sushi

1F 1-11-6 Nishi -Azabu Minato-ku 

Serving locals and wanderlust seekers for over a decade, Isana Sushi, is the brainchild of Chef Junichi Onuki, who spent a 10 years honing his skills at London's Zuma. "When you see sushi, you can see the person too," Chef Onuki asserts, reflecting his profoundly personal approach to sushi-making.

Here, sushi rice is prepared with less moisture, ensuring the perfect texture and flavour balance. Trust us, it's a gamechanger. Don't miss their sake pairings—Chef Onuki's selection of limited edition, seasonal, and unique sakes will delight your senses.

Sushi Bullpen

4-6-1 Ebara, Shinagawa

Image credit: Sushi Bullpen | Instagram

Inspired by the world of baseball, Sushi Bullpen is an intriguing mix of sporty vibes and serious sushi artistry. The chefs, wearing custom baseball caps, are slinging delicious sushi in a unique standing-only setting. 

The highlight? All sushi items are perfectly seasoned, eliminating the need for a soy sauce dip. Our tip? Order the Nodoguro sushi, featuring a buttery black throat seaperch it will have you doing a little happy dance on the spot. 

Menya Itto

Image credit: Menya Itto | Instagram

If you're a ramen lover, Menya Itto needs to be on your Tokyo hit list. Slide into a seat and you'll be handed a bowl of handmade noodles—crafted from six types of flour and natural salt—that cling to the rich, velvety broth like they were made for each other (because they were).

Bonus? Free soup refills. But don’t leave without trying the Tokusei Noko Gyokai Tsukemen—the dipping broth is a full-blown umami explosion, brewed from five kinds of seafood and crustaceans swirling in creamy Tsukuba chicken paitan. One dip and you're hooked.

Gensuiton

〒154-0024 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Sangenjaya

The tonkatsu at Gensuiton is prepared with free-range pork and is next level delicious. It stands out thanks to its lightly crumbed coating and meat so tender you can leave your knife aside and savour the melt-in-your-mouth texture with just your chopsticks. 

Pro tip: for just 50 yen more, treat yourself to a bowl of pot-cooked Koshihikari rice. With its glossy sheen, subtle sweetness, and perfectly sticky texture, it makes every bite that much better.

Butagumi Shokudo

Roppongi Hills Metro Hat B2F, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku

Image credit: Butagumi Shokudo | Facebook

At Butagumi Shokudo, one of Tokyo’s best restaurants for tonkatsu lovers, you get to play meat matchmaker—pick your preferred pork cut and weight, then prepare for a golden, crispy, tender, juice-packed revelation.

Worried about eating it "wrong"? Don't worry, they've got handy printed instructions to guide your first bite (tip: go sideways so the juicy meat hits your tongue before the crunch does). Want to make the experience even better? They offer bottomless rice, because dreams do come true.

Tonkatsu Marugo

1 Chome-8-14 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City

Not to be missed on your tonkatsu journey is Tonkatsu Marugo, where owner Takayoshi Takeuchi has refined his craft for 40 years.

This restaurant showcases a rare cooking skill called "low-temperature frying". The result? Thick, succulent cuts of tonkatsu with a perfect fat-to-meat ratio. Remember to bring cash and queue early, as waiting times can reach 30-60 minutes but trust us, it's worth it. Free refills on rice, miso soup, vegetables, and tea are an aded bonus.

Ukiyo

Uehara 1-32-3 Cabo 1F Restaurant Ukiyo, Shibuya

Tucked away in Yoyogi Uehara’s hip backstreets, Ukiyo ranks among the best restaurants in Tokyo, where Chef Toshi Akama turns seasonal Japanese ingredients into smoky, spice-kissed masterpieces over glowing charcoal. Each dish uses ingredients sourced from local farms, ranches, and fishing ports, elevated by spices from around the world—think of it as a culinary world tour on your plate. Pro tip: opt for the natural wine pairing, curated by owner-sommelier Naoto Takeuchi.

Azuki To Kouri

1-46-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya

Image credit: Azuki To Kouri | Instagram

Step into Azuki to Kouri and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with a towering masterpiece of shaved ice—crafted by none other than Miho Horio, whose Michelin-starred finesse from Florilège now fuels her frozen creations. Using French techniques like airy espuma and silky chiboust cream, she transforms humble kakigori into edible art.

The menu shifts with Japan’s seasons, so there’s always a new favorite waiting, but don’t skip the signature Azuki to Meringue: sweet red bean, rich cream, and crunchy meringue come together in one frosty, unforgettable bite.

Parlor Vinefru Ginza

GYB Tomato House 3F, 1-20-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku

Brought to life by Yoshinori Nishigaya, Parlor Vinefru Ginza is buzzing on socials—and for good reason. You can watch the mesmerising preparation of kakigori on their channels and it’s almost as good as actually eating it—almost. But what sets it apart is its housemade vinegar espuma and syrup, lending a unique tang to each icy bite.

Flavours range from the adventurous—think blue cheese and pepper or cheese with lemon vinegar—to the more conventional, but equally delightful, such as strawberry pistachio. And the cherry on top? Their secret menu. Just check out their Instagram for the scoop.

T’s Tan Tan Ramen

 Luz Jiyugaoka B1F, 2-9-6 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku

Image credit: T’s Tan Tan Ramen | Website

Calling all plant-based foodies—T’s Tan Tan Ramen is your noodle nirvana in Tokyo! Nestled inside major stations like Tokyo and Ueno, this vegan gem dishes up bowls of rich, creamy sesame broth so packed with umami, you won’t believe it’s meat-free.

Beyond their legendary ramen, the menu is brimming with must-try eats like the veggie cutlet curry. Craving something new? They roll out fresh creations monthly—think silky parfaits and gluten free cakes. 

Gracia

2F 5-4-16 Hiroo, Shibuya

If you’re seeking a break from sushi, consider Gracia your passport to Barcelona. Tucked inside Hiroo’s buzzing Eat Play Works complex, slip into a seat at the lively counter and feast your way through a selection of tasty tapas. 

Snack on slices of Iberico ham, zingy octopus salad, beef tripe Catalan-style, and scoop saffron-scented paella straight from the pan. Or, if you really want to treat yourself go all-in with Chef Jerome Quilbeuf’s seven-course tasting tour of Spain.

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