10 Incredible Restaurants in Tokyo

Wednesday, October 21, 2009|

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The city of Tokyo, Japan is constantly bustling with activity. Fashion and cultural trends come and go quickly here - in a city that represents both ancient history and modern advances. The citizens of Tokyo honor and respect some of Japan’s most ancient traditions while at the same time embracing the fast paced nature of change.

10. Aronia de Takazawa

Aronia de Takazawa is one of the finest restaurants in Tokyo. So fine, in fact, there isn’t even a sign above the door for the two-table restaurant. Inside chef Yoshiaki Takazawa serves 10-course meals that are part decadent culinary creation and part artistic venture. Plan well in advance if you want to eat here. It’s difficult to get a reservation and the wait, once you have one, is approximately six months.

9. Bird Land

Bird Land has taken Yakitori-style dining to the next level. Instead of crawling through a traditional smoky dive for your food you’ll instead find yourself sitting in the Ginza district - amongst some of the finest name-brand stores in the world - enjoying your meal at a beautiful bar. Make sure you try the crispy kawa dish and, if you’re so inclined, choose something form the a la carte menu that doesn’t include chicken. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

8. Ginza Harutaka

Ginza Harutaka is another “must visit” restaurant in Tokyo. The chef, Harutaka Takashini, is a Michelin star winner but hasn’t let success go to his head. He serves fresh, decadent seafood dishes prepared as either sushi or sashimi. Critics have called his dishes “exceptional” but you’ll have to taste his seafood, artisanal vinegars, and rice for yourself in order to find out.

7. Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo

Gordon Ramsay, another Michelin star winning culinary master, makes his presence known in Tokyo. His restaurant features Western inspired cuisine while at the same time incorporating several dishes that highlight the intensity of Japanese culture. Try to the sea-urchin risotto and Hokkaido sea scallops, for example, and you’ll experience a real treat.

6. Matsugen

Both locals and tourists flock to Matsugen regularly to enjoy their famous soba (or al dente noodles). The menu here features sea urchins, yellowtail, and a number of other decadent creations but it’s safe to say that the home made soba, made from freshly ground buckwheat flour daily, is the main attraction. Make sure you ask the concierge at your Tokyo hotel how to find Matsugen.

5. Sapporo-ya

Believe it or not, Ramen noodles are not necessarily supposed to come out of a $.25 cent bag from your grocery store. If you want to find out what a real ramen dish is supposed to taste like head on over to Sapporo-ya and ask for their signature cold ramen with sesame sauce. We guarantee it’ll be an experience like no other.

4. Signature

Signature is a high-class restaurant located on the 37th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Inside, Chef Oliver Rodriguez prepares a menu of dishes designed to tantalize your taste buds. Want to taste something incredibly different? Try the toasted scallops with lemon and vanilla glazed turnips. The fillet of beef, harvested from the Iwate Prefecture, is amazing as well.

3. Tenfusa

Tenfusa is located within Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world. It only makes sense that the restaurant would specialize in serving the freshest seafood dishes available. You haven’t had seafood until you’ve visted Tenfusa.

2. Tofu-ya Ukai

There’s something for everyone in Tokyo, so the fact that Tofu-ya Ukai specializes in soy-based tofu dishes is no surprise. Every handmade dish on the restaurant’s complex menu is incredible - ensuring that the 550 seats inside are booked almost every single night.

1. Yoshikawa Inn

Maybe some of the menus above are a little too rich for your taste-buds (or wallets). If that’s the case, make sure you head on over to the Yoshikawa Inn and take a seat at the small counter. Featuring only 10 seats, the inn serves delicious shiitake, shrimp, whitefish, and sweet potato - all cooked in oil before served fresh before you.

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