A trip to Tokyo isn’t certainly complete without having the best gastronomic experience. As Japan’s busy capital and economic center, it has progressively grown into one of the world’s most exciting dining destinations. It features a wide spectrum of budget ranges covering several various kinds of local and regional Japanese cuisine on top of international influences – thanks to its welcoming attitude toward the thriving blend between the ultramodern and the traditional.
From the classic specialties like sushi and ramen to cheap street eats like takoyaki and yakitori, food in Tokyo generally (or, literally, in the best expression) means GOOD FOOD. With this additional factor to consider, and for so little time, where should you eat? Nothing to worry about because NeedThat simplifies your Japan food search with the five following must-try Tokyo restaurants on this page. Best of all, they’re either low- or mid-priced options to help cushion your travel expenses.
1. Wako Mark City Shibuya
- District: Shibuya
- Price: $$
- Best in: Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet) is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet best remembered for its amazingly crispy but not oily on the outside but also juicy, melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. This winning combination is achieved by using breeds prized for their flavor and tenderness like kurobuta (black or Berkshire pig). And one of the best Tokyo restaurants that can deliver this quality is Wako Mark City Shibuya.
Wako is a pork cutlet specialty store where the majority of its pork is imported from the United States and Canada. All menu options are served with free refills of body-friendly shijimi miso soup, high-quality cabbage from Tsumagoi Village, and sweet and sticky white rice from Fukushima prefecture.
Too far from Shibuya? It’s a good thing to know that Wako is a food chain with currently three branches in Shinjuku. Check out its website for additional changes to its locations.
2. Sushi Zanmai
- District: Tsukiji
- Price: $
- Best in: Sushi
Sushi’s number of varieties and wide spectrum of dining is a testament to its sheer domestic and overseas popularity. From exclusive Michelin-starred establishments to cozy standing bars, the biggest question nowadays is where could you get the best price to get a taste of its authenticity. At NeedThat, we believe in the supremacy of Sushi Zanmai.
Sushi Zanmai checks all of the boxes for both budget-conscious and local-experience-driven tourists. While it’s also a sushi (food) chain with over 40 branches across Tokyo and Kanagawa, its head location is in Tsukiji Fish Market known as one of the biggest fish markets in Japan. And because of this edge, you can certainly never go wrong experiencing remarkably fresh fish, particularly tuna, crab tomalley, okra, and jou-anago, among other notable must-haves. But if you want to complete a set meal, the restaurant also offers appetizers, salads, fried and grilled selections – all of which can be enjoyed 24/7. Perhaps, the best time to visit is either early in the morning or late at night if you want to avoid a super packed crowd, especially during lunch hour.
3. Ichiran Ramen
- District: Shinjuku
- Price: $
- Best in: Tonkotsu Ramen
Like sushi, the options for ramen restaurants are endless, each proudly offers exclusive ingredients and specialized flavors adopted from different regional styles. From condiment-based to meat-based, arguably the most popular and widely known type of Japanese noodle dish is tonkotsu ramen. It’s a thick and hearty broth with a meaty flavor from pig bone, and you couldn’t have it any other way than here at Ichiran Ramen.
Ichiran Ramen prides itself as the “World Leading Expert of Tonkotsu Ramen,” as evidently shown as one of the highest-rated ramen chains in Japan and the world. This is thanks to its prized natural process of serving soup broth from hours of skimmed pork bones. Another feature that makes it stand out is its original spicy red sauce which is concocted from 30 different spices and ingredients and aged for several days and nights. These cozy meals are served through a small window at a solo booth, which helps lessen the long line because people just eat and leave.
4. Neko Cafe MoCHA Shibuya
- District: Shibuya
- Price: $
- Best in: Concept Cafe/Entertainment
When it comes to themed cafes and restaurants, the Japanese sure do know how to devise creative concepts, and animal cafes are just a few examples that have instantly gained popularity among local and foreign visitors.
For cat lovers out there, you can find your safe haven at Neko Cafe MoCHA Shibuya. While it offers a great selection of food and drinks, you’re not actually required to order from the menu to stay because you will need to pay an entry fee to start petting and playing with them. Available cat breeds that await you include Norwegian Forest, Kinkalow, Ragdoll, Bengal cat, and many more.
Even when you don’t pet or play with these cats, you’d know that these little cuties are well-stimulated because the decor is designed with tons of perches, hideouts, and small alcoves that allow them to run to the staff room whenever they get too overwhelmed from having many people. So, be gentle and always keep in mind to give them their space. They are generally willing to be petted until they purr even without food coercion or carrying them around.
5. Nabezo
- District: Shinjuku
- Price: $$
- Best in: AYCE Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki
Japan has a big tabehodai (all-you-can-eat or AYCE) culture that is suitably the best dining suggestion for those with a big appetite. At Nabezo, you can explore the rich world of authentic nabemono hotpot style with its AYCE shabu-shabu and sukiyaki specialties. Although both are based on thinly-sliced beef, they differ in their cooking methods. Shabu-shabu uses fatty meat with a light flavor, whereas sukiyaki offers a rich flavor that is seasoned with soy sauce and sugar. We recommend lean beef shoulder loin for the former and beef rib meat for the latter.
But that’s not all, Nabezo extends its offerings with different types of meat to choose from. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend you get the US meat as it’s cheaper than the Japanese meat, or vice versa if you prioritize top quality and experience. Either way, there’s an available veggie and dessert bar that could help elevate your palate from all the sipping of soup and eating of meat.
The line at Nabezo is typically long so we either recommend getting in there early or moving to one of its branches in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. It also has locations in Kanagawa and Saitama if traveling outside Tokyo.
