281 Best Restaurants in Japan

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We've compiled the best of the best in Japan - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Amitie

$$$

Weekend lunch and the prix-fixe dinners are outstanding—and a good value—at this special place serving French- and Italian-inspired bistro-style cuisine. The food and presentation are excellent without being snooty, and the softly worn wooden interior is funky yet not crass or grimy. Try the beef with red wine sauce or grilled sea bream. Sit upstairs and strike up a conversation with your neighbors or the gracious hosts.

6--23 Minami Horibata-cho, Matsuyama, 790-0006, Japan
089-998–2811
Known For
  • Rich meat dishes
  • Funky atmosphere
  • Delicious fish dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch weekdays

Anzu

$$$

Avant-garde performances of live shamisen—an instrument similar to the banjo—by promising young performers and seasoned experts are the main attraction here. Arrive early to sit on cushions on the floor and enjoy the regional fare. Many items on the menu are incomprehensible even to native speakers, as they go by local names; if you are an adventurous diner, point and anticipate.

44--1 Oyakata Machi, Hirosaki, 036-8191, Japan
0172-32–6684
Known For
  • Lively atmosphere
  • Local cuisine from Aomori's Tsugaru Penninsula area
  • Shamisen performances
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Often closed Sun. (call in advance). No lunch

Aoyagi

$$

The extensive menu here includes regional favorites in addition to sushi and tofu dishes. You can relax in a booth or sit at the counter and admire the skilled chefs.

1--2--10 Shimotori, Kumamoto, 860-0807, Japan
096-353–0311
Known For
  • Basashi
  • Tempura-style karashi renkon (lotus root stuffed with fiery chile and mustard powder)
  • Near Kumamoto Castle tram stop

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Arashiyama Yoshimura

$$ | Ukyo-ku

This old-style soba noodle shop two blocks south of Tenryu-ji Temple sits right in the thick of things and has a splendid view of the river. Feel free to relax on a cushion and face the river while you recharge before visiting your next temple. The tempura comes highly recommended. An English menu is available.

3 Susukinobabacho, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
075-863–5700
Known For
  • Tasty soba noodles
  • Delicious tempura
  • River views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner

Baan Rim Naam

$
The two well-trained Thai chefs here prepare several dozen of their country's dishes at very reasonable prices. Spicy green papaya salad, hot-and-sour prawn soup with rice noodles, and green curry with chicken are all on the menu—there's a version in English—and vegetarian dishes are served. The restaurant is on the Kamo River, so the view, especially in good weather on the outdoor terrace, is as splendid as the food and friendly service.

Banya Nagasawa

$$$$

When you slide open the door to what looks like a little house, you may notice the fish tanks and the freezer packed with flounder, sea bream, and sea creatures you might not recognize. But you'll instantly know what you'll be served here: all manner of seasonal grilled shellfish and fish, crisp and brown on the outside but white and tender inside. You'll be eating warabi (fiddle ferns) in spring, and drinking excellent local sake with friendly regulars any time of the year. It's a bit pricey, but if you're a seafood fan this won't disappoint. From JR Morioka, follow Odori to the Iwate Bank and turn right at the statue of Takuboku Ishikawa. The restaurant is 2½ blocks ahead on the right.

2--6--1 Saien, Morioka, 020-0024, Japan
019-622–2646
Known For
  • The freshest seafood
  • An excellent sake selection
  • Dishes to match the season
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and a few days in mid-Aug. No lunch

Barbacoa Churrascaria Aoyama

$$$$ | Shibuya-ku

Carnivores flock here for the all-you-can-eat Brazilian grilled chicken and barbecued beef, which the efficient waiters keep bringing to your table on skewers until you tell them to stop. It comes with a self-serve salad bar and for an extra fee all-you-can-drink beer, wine and other alcohol for two hours. Hardwood floors, lithographs of bull motifs, warm lighting, and salmon-colored tablecloths provide the backdrop. The drink menu provides the chance to try a selection of Brazilian cocktails. Look for the entrance just off Omotesando-dori on the Harajuku 2-chome shopping street (on the north side of Omotesando-dori), about 50 yards down on the left. There's also a Barbacoa near Tokyo Station, as well as others in Roppongi, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. Dinner with drinks can easily run ¥10,000 per person, but the weekday lunch buffet offers largely the same selection at a fraction of the price.

Bear Pond Espresso

$ | Setagaya-ku

This is possibly the best coffee in the neighborhood since that is essentially all they sell (save some branded merchandise). Sit on old wooden benches in this tiny establishment that feels as if it's both in the now, and from long ago. Look for the cute neon bear they have as their sign.

Beard Papa

$ | Shibuya-ku

Many long lines in Shibuya are more about trendiness than quality, but Beard Papa makes some genuinely good cream puffs in all kinds of flavors. Pick up a single or a six-pack of freshly made pastries. Located in the underground shopping arcade known as Shibuchika. The location is roughly under the main crossing. Head down some stairs and follow your nose to the vanilla and butter smells.

Beer Mountain

$$$

This beer hall is Mt. Takao's only full-fledged restaurant and serves a prix-fixe two-hour, all-you-can eat, all-you-can drink buffet meal that is a hodgepodge of sausages, pasta, Japanese dishes, and desserts, and there are a number of Japanese beers on tap. Beer Mountain is connected to Takaosan Station, the top station of the Takao Tozan Cable Line.

2205 Takao-machi, Tokyo, 193-0844, Japan
042-665–9943
Known For
  • Lively outdoor atmosphere
  • Views over the mountains and Western Tokyo
  • Filling post-hike meal
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–June

Beko Masamune

$$ | Aoba-ku

Fearless, meat-loving gourmets should stop at this slightly hidden gem. The use of wood in the decor create a relaxed atmosphere where you can focus on the chef's presentations.

1-8-32 Chuo, Sendai, 980-0021, Japan
022-217–1151
Known For
  • Locally sourced meats
  • Creative dishes
  • Local fusion cuisine

Bergfeld

$

This German bakery serves cakes and cookies that are surprisingly authentic—the baker trained in Germany. There are a few small tables outside, and cozy tables inside where you can enjoy coffee and cakes before resuming your tour. Many Japanese who visit from other parts of the country bring back the bakery's butter cookies as souvenirs.

3–9–24 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, 248-0005, Japan
0467-24–2706
Known For
  • Authentic German pastries and desserts
  • A good break between seeing sights
  • Tasty sandwiches
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues., 1st and 3rd Mon.

Binh Minh

$$ | Suginami-ku

Yakitori, Vietnamese-style, is on the menu at the bustling restaurant that feels it could have been transported from the streets of Hanoi. The skewers here include chicken thigh on or off the bone, chicken feet, and gizzards, but also vegetables such as okra and sweet treats like banana. The owners also run another no-frills Vietnamese restaurant called Chopsticks, serving excellent pho noodles, on the same block in Koenji’s north side.

3-22-8 Koenji Kita, Tokyo, 166-0002, Japan
03-3330--3992
Known For
  • Vietnamese grilled chicken
  • Vietnamese beer
  • Lively vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch weekdays

Blue Seal

$

While strolling down Naha's Kokusai-dori, stop by one of the island's iconic Blue Seal ice cream shops. "Born in America, Raised in Okinawa," Blue Seal combines American soft serve with Okinawan flavors such as beni imo (purple sweet potato), ube (mountain yam), or sugar cane. If you're desperate for a midnight snack you can also find Blue Seal ice creams at any 24-hour convenience store.

Brown Rice by Neal's Yard Remedies

$$ | Shibuya-ku

Run by Neal's Yard Remedies, this laid-back café has all-natural wooden interiors and natural produce on the menu. If shopping in Harajuku, it's a great place to stop for a healthy Japanese teishoku set, vegetable curry, tofu lemon cake, or other vegan fare.

BudouYa

$$$$

Part of the Yufuin Tamanoyu hotel, which until 1975 was a lodging for Zen Buddhist monks, this restaurant retains an air of solemnity. Multicourse menus include dishes such as salt-grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, and homemade kabosu (lime) sherbet, while vegetarian or vegan options can be prepared if given advanced notice.

Bunnosuke Chaya

$ | Higashiyama-ku

On the road to Kiyomizu-dera, a wooden archway plastered with senja-fuda (name cards pilgrims affix on the entryways to shrines and temples) is the entry to this charming courtyard teahouse that opened in 1910. The specialties here are amazake, a sweet, nonalcoholic sake often served hot with a touch of ginger, and warabimochi rice cakes. The interior is adorned with an eclectic collection of kites and folk dolls.

373 Yasaka Uemachi Shimogawara-dori, Kyoto, 605-0827, Japan
075-561–1972
Known For
  • Relaxing atmosphere
  • Traditional sweets and desserts
  • Authentic and historic setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekdays

Ca' Del Viale

$$ | Nakagyo-ku

The signature dish at this well-regarded trattoria is handmade pasta topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. Carefully selected organic vegetables and fine Italian ham are among the antipasti stars. Entrées that might include tender pork steaks or grilled fish in orange-infused balsamic vinegar are uniformly excellent, and the decadent desserts are a great way to finish a meal: the lychee mousse alone is worth the visit. Savoring your multicourse meal on the terrace is a delight in this trendy, bustling area of town.

Kitagawa Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8415, Japan
075-812–2366
Known For
  • Skilled and knowledgeable chefs
  • Outdoor terrace
  • Authentic Italian food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential

Café Bibliotic HELLO!

$$ | Nakagyo-ku

Leafy banana trees visible from several blocks away mark this airy two-story town-house café that's especially popular at night with young people. Lunch options that include sandwiches, rice dishes, and curries change regularly. All go well with Moroccan chai or imaginative seasonal smoothies like one with strawberry, mint, and ginger. Among the desserts are mango and coconut cream and French toast with candied almonds. While waiting for your meal, you can browse the wall of books. Attached is an art gallery. The cafe is a 10- to 15-minute walk from either the Oike or Marutamachi subway station.

650 Haremeicho, Kyoto, 604-0951, Japan
075-231–8625
Known For
  • Stylish and cozy
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Reasonably priced menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Cafe de l'ambre

$ | Chuo-ku

In business since 1948, Cafe de l'ambre is a legendary haunt for Tokyo's coffee aficionados. The retro decor provides a snapshot of an older Tokyo, while the caffeine fix options include a dozen or so single-origin beans, including some that have been aged for years.

Café Kitsuné Aoyama

$ | Minato-ku

Associated with the funky clothing shop that is just around the corner, this cafe is bright and open, and serves quality coffee, cakes, snacks, and gelato. They also have some Kitsuné-branded goods on hand.

Cafe Kokuu

$

Perched on the Hope Hills area of Nakijin, Cafe Kokuu serves delicious Japanese and Okinawan cuisine in an elegant wooden building with stunning views of the countryside and ocean. All dishes are created with organic wild and farm-grown vegetables from the Yambaru region. Food is served only between 11:30 am and 4 pm.

Cafe Omnibus

$ | Naka-ku
Omnibus serves up an impressive selection of gourmet sandwiches and deli plates in the airy lobby of Yokohama's Historic former Dai-Ichi Bank Building. The building also houses the Yokohama Creative Center, making it a hub for local designers and artists.
6–50–1 Honcho, Yokohama, 231-8315, Japan
045-306–9114
Known For
  • Tasty sandwiches and deli plates
  • Casual, hip atmosphere

Café Salon Nakaoku

$$

Sandwiches, rice omelets, and Italian dishes are among the eclectic fare served at this café inside a traditional house. This is a good spot for a meal, or just coffee and cake. One of the few restaurants in town open for dinner, Café Salon Nakaoku is about 150 meters south of the Art House Project's Minamidera installation, after going through the crossing and then taking the right-hand fork in the road.

1167 Honmura, Kagawa-gun, 761-3110, Japan
087-892–3887
Known For
  • Pasta
  • Authentic setting
  • Great homemade cakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

Canteen

$ | Odaiba

Shopping and entertainment are two attractive points for Odaiba, but the chance for a short escape from Tokyo's madness is another. To enhance that, stop in at Canteen, a café operated by Transit General Office. The terrace seating is a fine choice for enjoying a cup of coffee and an ice-cream cake.

2–7–4 Aomi, Tokyo, 135-0064, Japan
03-5530–0261
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Cantina

$$ | Kitahama Alley

In an old warehouse facing the waterfront, Cantina serves Mediterranean food with a Japanese twist. The tuna and cod roe pasta in cream sauce is good, as are the seafood paella and the prosciutto and mozzarella salad. Stop by for lunch, or grab a seat on the outdoor patio and watch the sun go down. Credit cards are accepted after 6 pm.

Captain's Donut

$ | Setagaya-ku

Stop by and watch some specialty donuts being fried before your eyes. The giant cone outside reminds you that you can also get ice cream (soft-serve only), and there's coffee, too. Sit outside and watch the world go by as you get your sugar fix.

Kitazawa 2-7-5, Tokyo, Japan
03-6407--9691
Known For
  • Fresh donuts
  • Donuts made with soybean fiber leftover from tofu-making
  • Great soft-serve ice cream

Citabria Baypark Grill and Bar

$$ | Odaiba

Stop off near the end of the Yurikamome Line and have dinner along the river bank before heading back to your hotel. The live DJ, order-at-bar service, and strong cocktails create a lively ambience, and classic western dishes can be ordered at your table via cellphone. There are often festivals here, so make sure to check the event schedule. 

6–4–26 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0061, Japan
080-9179--5151
Known For
  • Outdoor-only dining
  • Pizza and fish-and-chips
  • Fairy lights with river and city views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. to Wed.; No lunch Fri. and Thu.

Craftbeer Keg Nagoya

$$$ | Higashi-ku

The focus of this laid-back eatery near Hisaya Odori Station is craft beer, with 13 taps pouring a frequently changing lineup of well-handled microbrews, mostly from Japan, such as excellent Ise Kadoya brews from Ise. To go with the beer, there's a menu that includes wild boar sausages, lamb and garlic dumplings, and pizza. The only drawback, as with all of Japan's craft pubs, is price: not-quite-pints are typically ¥880.

Dachibin

$$ | Suginami-ku

Koenji has many culinary bases covered, and with this izakaya it delivers Okinawan food and drink as authentically as you’ll find in Japan’s southern islands: thank the Okinawan owner for that. The menu features regional classics such as goya champuru (a stir fry of bitter gourd, spam, and tofu) and soki soba (noodles with pork sparerib meat), which you can chase down with Orion Beer and a firebrand of an island rice spirit called awamori. Like many Koenji venues, it runs late, opening daily from 5 pm to 5 am.

3-2-13 Koenji Kita, Tokyo, 166-0002, Japan
03-3337--1352
Known For
  • Okinawan dishes
  • Awamori spirits
  • Opens till 5 am
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch