KEY2 Pick
Best restaurants in Tokyo
Counters, dining rooms and neighbourhood favourites, chosen for the way they actually eat — not for how loudly they market.
KEY2 Pick
Sushi • $$$$
Sukiyabashi Jiro
Jiro Ono's ten-seat basement counter in Ginza, the sushi bar every other one is measured against.
Best for: Special Occasion
KEY2 Pick
Sushi • $$$$
Sushi Saito
A nine-seat Roppongi sushi bar so sought-after it no longer takes public reservations.
Best for: Special Occasion
KEY2 Pick
Sushi • $$$$
Sushi Yoshitake
A three-Michelin-star sushi counter in Ginza run by chef Masahiro Yoshitake, known for its varied seasonal courses.
Best for: Special Occasion
Kaiseki • $$$$
Ginza Kojyu
A three-Michelin-star kaiseki counter behind an unmarked Ginza door, seasonal and reservation-only.
Best for: Special Occasion
Izakaya • $$
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
The lantern-lit izakaya that inspired the Kill Bill duel scene, still serving robata skewers late.
Best for: Group Dinner
Ramen • $
Ichiran Shibuya
A solo-booth tonkotsu ramen chain outlet steps from Shibuya Crossing, ordering done by vending machine.
Best for: Solo Dining
Ramen • $
Ramen Nagi
A cult niboshi-broth ramen chain with a tiny original outpost tucked in Shinjuku's Golden Gai alleys.
Best for: Casual Dinner
Tempura • $$$$
Tempura Kondo
A two-Michelin-star tempura counter in Ginza known for its featherlight sweet potato and vegetable frying.
Best for: Special Occasion
Teppanyaki • $$$$
Ukai-tei Ginza
A dimly lit teppanyaki counter grilling Wagyu and lobster tableside on Ginza's main strip.
Best for: Business Dinner
Questions, answered
What are the best restaurants in Tokyo?+
The KEY2 editors' top picks for restaurants in Tokyo are Narisawa, Sukiyabashi Jiro, Sushi Saito, Sushi Yoshitake. Every listing in this guide is individually vetted, with hours, prices and booking links.
Where can I find good-value restaurants in Tokyo?+
For $$-level restaurants in Tokyo, consider Afuri, Butagumi, Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, Ichiran Shibuya.
What are the best restaurants in Tokyo for a special occasion?+
For a splurge, the KEY2 guide recommends Narisawa, Sukiyabashi Jiro, Sushi Saito, Sushi Yoshitake. Reserve ahead — the booking link is on each listing.
Do I need to book restaurants in Tokyo in advance?+
The most popular restaurants in Tokyo fill up days or weeks ahead. Every KEY2 listing includes a direct reservation or booking link where one is available.
More Tokyo guides