A Local’s Top Picks for Eating Out in Tokyo

Gonpachi Nishi Azabu
Photo from “The Expat’s Guide to Japan”

Contributed by Yuta and Sugandhi:

Yuta and Sugandhi are transplants from Tokyo, now living in the Chicago area.  Recently they had friends ask them to recommend their favorite restaurants/locations to eat in Tokyo and this is what made their list.

  1. Ebisu station area:  The station is attached to several trendy department stores and restaurants; it also features a standing-only noodle shop (inside the train station).  World famous for its beer: Ebisu
  2. Roppongi area:  Shady (in the evenings) nightclubby-area which has some amazing restaurants.  Also known for “Roppongi Hills”, probably the tallest building in Tokyo.  Many decent sushi restaurants here, such as Sushi Zanmai, Sushi-Kou.  TGI Fridays is here too, in case you want something “American.”
  3. Cerveza (restaurant / pub in Roppongi): Great collection of beer.  Most interestingly has a “bucket” sized beer glass you can enjoy a Hoegarden in.  Fun but comes a bit expensive.
  4. Ichibecho (restaurant in Roppongi):  Features nabe (hot-pot) and yakitori (food on sticks); known for their chicken but fish/veggies are delectable, too.
  5.  Belt Conveyer Sushi: Katsu Midori Sushi:  Belt conveyer style sushi restaurant with top-notch stuff. Located inside the Meguro Station. Great selection, and fairly cheap.
  6. Gonpachi (restaurant near Roppongi):  Cool restaurant where they filmed “Kill Bill.”  Food is decent, and tourist friendly.  A bit overpriced though.
  7. Soba Noodles: Kawakami-An: Really good soba noodles restaurant in Azabu Ju-ban area. If you’re in the area, definitely worth checking it out!
  8. Ramen Noodles: Kuro-Fune:  Always a long line during lunch time on weekdays. The owner supposedly won a competition on a TV show. Good stuff. HAPPY EATING!!!! 

Leave a Reply