Sushi, Ramen, Gyoza, Yakitori, Okonomiyaki and Menchi Katsu. If you are wondering what to eat in Tokyo, these 6 food items are a must!
If you are Visiting Tokyo for the first time, be sure to get a taste of these classic cuisines. Even if you’ve been to the city several times, our Tokyo Food Guide has some treats for you!
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Best Tokyo Cuisine
Historically, Japanese cuisine has a base of rice accompanied by miso soup, grilled or raw fish and fresh or pickled vegetables. As Japan modernized, so has the food.
Much of today’s cuisine has been influenced by countries around the world – especially China. That’s how ramen wiggled its way into being a must-eat in Tokyo!
Michelin Star Restaurants Tokyo
The food is so good in Tokyo that Michelin features over 500 restaurants! Of those, 12 received the coveted 3-Star Award, such as the super popular Kanda.
While eating at most Michelin Star award winners comes with a hefty price tag, there are a few that are affordable. You can review the complete list for 2026 before your trip.
Cheap Eats Tokyo
As budget-conscious travelers, we were mindful of the high prices. That being said, one of things we looked forward to was indulging in the food in Tokyo.
What we learned is that not all Tokyo famous food is expensive. In fact, we discovered an abundance of cheap restaurants in Tokyo, and we’ve sprinkled those in throughout this post.
What To Eat in Tokyo, Japan
Our Tokyo, Japan food guide includes everything you need to know. In addition to our 6 favorite foods to eat in Tokyo, we have listed our recommended restaurants along with a handy map.
Pin, Save or Bookmark our Tokyo Food Travel Guide to plan your Japan Itinerary!
#1 Tokyo Sushi
Sushi is one of my favorite things to eat anywhere in the world. I will eat it for any meal (including breakfast) and it’s what I crave when I am not feeling well.
So, it’s not surprising that eating sushi in Tokyo was the #1 thing I was looking forward to on our Japan trip.
What I quickly learned, however, is that sushi in Japan is quite different from what I was used to eating. That said, I still think it is the absolute best food in Tokyo!
Things To Know about Sushi in Tokyo
Sushi is a culinary artform that comes in many different styles. Nigiri sushi – or nigirizushi – is the most popular and often considered the best in Tokyo.
Familiar to many sushi lovers, nigiri is pressed rice topped with a single slice of fish and often a dollop of wasabi. Tuna, salmon and unagi are typical fish used in nigiri.
Gunkanmaki (or gunkan) is also common in Tokyo sushi restaurants. It’s a combination of rice and roe (orange fish eggs) wrapped in seaweed. It doesn’t look very appetizing, but definitely worth trying.
One thing we sampled that was completely new to us was inarizushi, which are delicious pockets of fried tofu stuffed with rice.
Sushi rolls, called makizushi or maki, are not nearly as prevalent in Japan as they are in the United States. When we did spot maki on a Tokyo sushi menu, they weren’t the elaborate creations we’d become accustomed to.
We pushed ourselves to eat Japanese sushi menu items that were unfamiliar, but rank as Tokyo must-try food. Unsurprisingly, not everything we ate was to our liking.
Some of the popular sushi dishes that our palate was not fond of was raw shrimp, tamagoyaki (egg omelet), iwashi (sardine) and uni (sea urchin).
Although oshizushi (or pressed sushi) is touted as a Tokyo traditional food to taste, neither of us could stomach it. We also tried battera – oshizushi with mackerel fish – but were unable to finish it.
Often mistakenly called sushi, sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish served without any rice or other accompaniments. We loved the sashimi in Tokyo!
Best Sushi in Tokyo
Our quest for finding the best Tokyo sushi places was limited only by our budget – and clout, I suppose, as some spots are impossible to get into!
Still, we were able to sample a fair amount of delicious sushi at unique venues around town. Now we’re sharing a few of our favorites!
Tsukiji Fish Market Outer Market
Some of the freshest sushi in Tokyo is found at the Outer Market of the former Tsukiji Fish Market.
The world-famous auction that took place inside for more than 80 years moved to a new location in 2018. However, the numerous sushi restaurants that cluster the lanes are still open for business.
The most popular ones have long lines by mid-morning. We escaped the crowds and delved deep into the alleyways where we could quickly get a seat and suggest you do the same.
Of the places we ate at, there were both set menus and a la carte (by the piece), so we could graze our way to more than one place!
Toriton Tokyo Solamachi
Kaiten, or conveyor belt sushi, has negative connotations for lackluster and low-quality sushi – but that doesn’t hold true in Tokyo!
Toriton at Solamachi Shopping Center is a prime example of quality sushi that happens to be served kaiten-style. This Tokyo Sky Tree restaurant will certainly have a queue; we waited about 40 minutes.
Once ringside, we were free to grab anything that circled around the chefs like a choo-choo train. Conveniently, the plates are color-coded to indicate the price of each item.
You can also place orders for specific dishes rather than choosing from the belt. Additionally, the tea and sauces are complimentary.
Trendy Restaurants in Tokyo for Sushi
The famous Sukiyabashi Jiro has claimed to be the best sushi restaurant in the world. We will never know, as we didn’t have a chance of scoring a reservation.
The 10-seat space in the Ginza district has a Michelin 3-Star rating and has seen many famous guests over the years. If you make the cut, be sure to let us know if it’s worth the hype!
#2 Ramen in Tokyo
Ramen was first introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. Since then, the dish has evolved into something that Japan can clearly call its own.
It is so popular, in fact, that the nearby city of Yokohama has an entire museum dedicated to ramen.
There are numerous flavor combinations, but most ramen can be sorted into one of four categories: shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), miso or tonkotsu (pork bone).
Toppings include braised pork, spring onions, boiled egg, sprouts, bamboo shoots, garlic and seaweed. Cities throughout Japan have crafted their own signature ramen creations.
In Tokyo, the most common version is curly noodles in chicken broth topped with scallion, bamboo shoots, pork, fish paste, seaweed and egg.
With thousands of Tokyo ramen restaurants to choose from (and something like 30,000 across the country) it’s a bit overwhelming! Somehow, we’ve narrowed it down to two.
Ippudo Ramen
Now a chain of more than 100 restaurants across Japan and in select locations around the world (including New York, London and Paris), Ippudo is raved by fans as the best Tokyo ramen!
Founded in 1985 in Fukuoka, they believe in maintaining the flavor of their staple Shiromaru Classic. They also prepare innovative combinations, such as Akamaru Modern and seasonal specialties.
Using traditional methods to create a broth that is both rich and smooth, it is cooked for 18 hours. The attention to detail and quality are what make Ippudo one of the must-eat spots in Tokyo!
Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran is listed in almost every Foodie Guide to Tokyo. Part of why it ranks so high is the unusual dining experience.
Here you actually eat in a compartment reminiscent of a small library cubical. Secluded from neighbors and closed off from the kitchen by a bamboo curtain, you can completely focus on the experience.
The menu here is simple, which makes ordering easy. Ramen is the only main course on the menu! All other items are side dishes or enhancements – such as extra pork, egg and drinks.
Once seated, you can specify your preferences – such as noodle tenderness, spiciness and accompaniments – by filling out a small slip of paper.
Then, when ready, ring the bell for the waitstaff to collect your order. Within a few minutes, the bamboo curtains are raised and a steaming bowl of custom ramen miraculously appears!
The ramen at Ichiran is good, really good. Even though it wasn’t our favorite, we highly recommend the experience.
#3 Gyoza in Tokyo
This is another classic Japanese dish – some go as far to say a National Food – that was snatched from China in the 1940s. Gyoza dumplings are made from thin dough that is stuffed with a mixture of meat and vegetables.
Gyoza are prepared in four ways: pan fried (our favorite), boiled, steamed or deep fried – and usually come with 4 or 6 pieces per order. Often eaten as a snack, they’re one of the best cheap eats in Tokyo!
Harajuku Gyozaro
As one of the top Tokyo things to eat, gyoza are found on a plethora of restaurant menus in the city – usually listed as appetizers.
However, we recommend eating this must-try food in Tokyo at a shop that specializes in gyoza: Harajuku Gyozaro.
We visited mid-afternoon when there wasn’t a line (but were warned of wait times up to an hour) and were quickly seated at the counter.
With a front-row view of the kitchen, we watched order after order being cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
We indulged in both pan-fried and steamed gyoza and, in hindsight, wish we would have gone for a second round!
#4 Tokyo Yakitori and Kushiyaki
The origin of yakitori – or skewered chicken – dates to the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that eating it became popular.
Today, yakitori is one of the top things to eat in Tokyo – whether as a meal-on-the-go, at a sit-down dinner or as a late-night snack.
While one of the simplest food concepts – pieces of seasoned chicken threaded onto a stick and cooked over hot coals – there are numerous options when it comes to Japanese yakitori.
Some of our favorite kinds of yakitori are momo (thighs), tsukune (minced chicken meatballs) and Negima (thighs with leeks).
While yakitori specifies skewers of chicken, kushiyaki is the general term to indicate skewered and grilled meat and vegetables. Some ‘Yakitori Stands’ also serve kushiyaki.
Best Yakitori Tokyo: Omoide Yokocho
We consumed many sticks of yakitori all around Tokyo. The place we liked eating them most was at Omoide Yokocho – better known as Memory Lane (and nicknamed Piss Alley) – located by the Shinjuku Metro Station.
The narrow lanes are crammed with hole-in-the-wall eateries cranking out sizzling yakitori. Most of the ramshackle kiosks can only accommodate 6-10 patrons and smoke billows from the grills.
Don’t be fooled by the appearance: the Memory Lane establishments are some of the best restaurants in Shinjuku!
Strolling through here can be overwhelming at first. With the tantalizing scent hanging heavy in the air, it can be tempting to sit down at the first available seat.
However, we recommend walking the lanes, soaking in the atmosphere (and the scent) and peeking into each shop to see what they are grilling.
Many places grill more than chicken – beef, pork, seafood and vegetable sticks are also available. Most importantly: enjoy the experience!
Tip for Eating in Omoide Yokocho
While it seems fairly straight-forward, there are some important things to know. First, most places don’t open until 5:00pm when workers transit through on their way home.
Second, not all establishments are foreigner-friendly. Don’t fret, just keep walking as there are plenty of places that welcome tourists.
Finally, check prices. Some spots here will automatically apply a service charge and/or require a drink purchase.
Jomon Roppongi
Not all kushiyaki is served from cramped-quarter market stalls. Jomon provides an upscale-yet-casual experience.
The space is filled with smoke from the grill and boisterous chatter and patrons remove their shoes at the entrance and sit on low chairs or mats on the floor.
We sat at a window and indulged in multiple recommended skewers from the chef while sipping sake.
Not a budget option and there is also a seating charge, we thought the experience and the food was well-worth the price!
#5 Okonomiyaki Tokyo
Japan’s version of the savory pancake is called okonomiyaki, which is sometimes eaten as a snack, but often serves as a complete meal.
Although there are variations, the most popular Japanese okonomiyaki is made from a batter (wheat, potato, water, eggs) that is mixed with meat, seafood and vegetables and grilled on a teppan.
When the pancake is crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside, it is topped with a thick, sweet sauce, seaweed flakes and Japanese-style mayonnaise then cut into bite-size pieces.
The hearty-and-filling dish is often served at restaurants that specialize in just okonomiyaki. At some places, patrons sit at the grill and watch the chef prepare the okonomiyaki.
At other spots, diners sit on mats around a small teppan grill table and cook their own. Modern variations of okonomiyaki are served with fried noodles in a dish called modan-yaki.
Sometaro Okonomiyaki
Sometaro Okonomiyaki is a grill-it-yourself set-up that has been in business since 1937.
They have multiple teppan tables where you can opt to dine solo or with others. We chose the latter, as it’s always a great way to meet new people!
The menu, which is in English, offers a variety of concoctions. As one pancake serves as a complete meal, the prices are rather reasonable for Tokyo!
#6 Menchi Katsu Croquettes
A popular Tokyo street food, menchi katsu is a deep-fried meat croquette. In the most popular version, minced meat is mixed with onion, salt and pepper, then breaded and fried.
The result is a crispy outside with a flavorful, gooey inside. They can be eaten plain or jazzed up with Japanese-style Worcestershire, known as tonkatsu sauce.
Being highly portable, they are often considered the best street food in Tokyo. By definition, menchi katsu is a meat croquet, but there are other variations.
Meat and potato, crab meat and curry are options. A pork cutlet that is fried is called tonkatsu and is another Japanese specialty.
Niku no Oyama
The best menchi katsu we ate were at Niku no Oyama, or Meat and Beer. Located on a side street of the famous Ameya Yokocho Market, it’s actually a sit-down restaurant with a take away stand in front.
We stopped by during a special event, so the queue was hours long. Fortunately, croquettes-to-go only took 15 minutes. Fried to perfection and full of flavor, we liked them so much we circled back for a second round!
More Tokyo Local Food
Still hungry? Consider adding a few of these classic dishes and iconic places to your Tokyo food trip itinerary!
Soba
Japanese soba noodles are made from buckwheat. They are served both hot (often in soup) and cold (plain, with toppings or as a salad).
Kobe Beef
Considered a delicacy for its marbling, flavor and tenderness, Kobe beef comes from a special wagyu breed of cattle, Tajima. The expensive meat is served in the best steakhouses in Tokyo.
Sardines
Sardines are used in a variety of Tokyo dishes, but they are also served as a specialty. At Nakajima – a Michelin star restaurant in Shinjuku that specializes in sardines – you can order them fried, raw, grilled or simmered.
Onigiri
Great as mid-day snack, onigiri are triangular-shaped rice balls wrapped in seaweed and usually filled with a salty ingredient. Sold from street vendors and convenient stores, they’re good when you’re on-the-go.
Japanese Crepes
Especially popular in youth-filled Harajuku, sweet crepes are found on the district’s landmark street, Takeshita Dori.
The displays at these three – Angel’s Heart, Marion Crepes and Santa Monica Crepes – are especially tempting. We decided on a brownie ice cream crepe from Marion…and devoured it!
Japanese Kit-Kats
Since the early 2000s, Kit-Kats in Japan have become a craze because of the unique, seasonal flavors.
During our visit, we ate strawberry flavored ones topped with cranberry bits. We also tried the Hokkaido melon with mascarpone cheese flavor.
Some of the most outrageous flavors include soy sauce, edamame, sake and cough drop. Green Tea Kit-Kats have become somewhat of a standard and are found in stores around Asia.
Kaiseki
Kaiseki is a set meal where the presentation is as important as the ingredients. The dish will be color-coordinated and will likely be in-season and local.
The traditional haute cuisine is often served at banquets, special events and tea ceremonies.
Tokyo Izakaya
An izakaya is a Japanese pub that serves tapa-style dishes alongside beers. Want to experience eating at a classic izakaya in Tokyo? Consider booking this popular tour!
Depachika: Mall Basement Food Courts
I often cringe at the thought of eating at mall food halls, but the department store food courts in Tokyo, called Depachika, are an exception.
Although there are numerous Roppongi restaurants, the Depachika at Tokyo Midtown should not be overlooked. It’s especially good for groups that can’t agree on one thing to eat!
There are numerous food outlets here selling an array of cuisine to-go – including convenient bento boxes.
What we really liked about grabbing food from Tokyo Midtown is that we could take it to the tables in the courtyard or into the adjacent Hinokicho Park.
Tokyo Station Restaurants
Transit centers are not often thought of for offering world-class cuisine, but Tokyo Station is an exception. Food options here range from fine dining to grab-and-go fare.
Convenience Store Food
Convenience stores are well-known cheap places to eat in Tokyo. The three most popular are 7-Eleven, Lawsons and Family Mart.
While out sightseeing in Tokyo, we often popped into Family Mart (our favorite of the three) for a quick lunch. In addition to pre-packaged goods like rice balls, sushi and sandwiches, they offer a selection of hot items.
Tokyo Food Tour
Instead of wondering what to eat in Tokyo, you can join a food tour. Led by expert local guides, guests are treated to some outstanding food!
There are numerous food tours in Tokyo to choose from, but this one comes highly recommended by fellow travelers!
Tokyo Foodie Map
Find your way to the best places to eat with our useful map! All of our suggested eateries mentioned above are marked for easy navigation.
Going out drinking in Tokyo? Here’s all you need to know!
Start planning your trip to Japan! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Also Visiting Kyoto, Japan? Super! Be sure check out our detailed guides to the Best Things To Do in Kyoto, and our complete Kyoto Temple Guide.
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