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Tokyo

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Photo by Xavier Girard Lachaîne

We don’t need to tell you that Tokyo is the destination for people who travel to eat. But with izakayas around every corner, six-seat soba shops down hidden alleys, pizza and gelato that’s better than what you’ll find in Italy (or Brooklyn), and high-quality sushi even at the convenience stores.…well, it can be hard to know where to look first. That’s where we come in. Our list of must-eats, from Tokyo-obsessed chefs around the world and on-the-ground locals, will give you a starting point (and help you overcome the language barrier). Start here, then spend some time wandering the city, stopping for every onigiri and daifukumochi you see.

Where the Chefs Go

tokyo

Kaduya

Your old-school ramen-and-dumpling hookup.
tokyo

Higashiya Ginza

Sweets to stuff in your suitcase.
tokyo

Ginza Kojyu

The less-is-more tasting menu.
tokyo

Innsyoutei

Reconsider what you think you know about tofu.
tokyo

Ohitsuzen Tanbo

With rice this good, you almost forget about the fresh fish that tops it (almost).
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Fuglen

Coffee by day, cocktails by night.

Mikawa Zezankyo

As good as tempura gets.
tokyo

Savoy Azabu-juban

Authentic Neapolitan pizza, 6000 miles from Naples.

Where the Locals Eat

Tenkiyo

Budget-friendly tempura below the buzz of Tokyo Station.

Ifuu

Come to this izayaka for the sake, stay for the seasonal fish.

Nata de Cristiano

As close as you’ll get to Portugal without leaving Tokyo.

Kushiwakamaru

Meat on a stick! And plenty of beer, too.

Anda Gyoza

A vegetable-forward respite from tempura and sushi.

Suzuran

Ramen as a work of art.

Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza

The sushi conveyor belt you‘ve been dreaming of.

Kitsuneya

The real reason to go to Tsukiji fish market is not fish at all.

Bloody Angle

Classic cocktails in a romantic rose-tinged setting.

Japanese Ice Ouca

Luscious Italian-style gelato meets uniquely Japanese flavors.

Tonki

Deep-fried pork cutlets, with no frills or fuss

Butagumi

Pork cutlets taken to a higher playing field.

Fellows

American burgers that are better than burgers in America.

Shin Udon

This udon will ruin you for all other noodles. So long, ramen. See ya, soba.

Shirube

A bustling, all-are-welcome pub where the mackerel’s as good as the fried chicken.

Kikanbo

Hellishly fiery ramen that will put your spice tolerance to the test.

Nunotsunesarashina

By-the-books soba in a fittingly classic environment.

Café de l‘Ambre

What people are talking about when they praise Japanese coffee.

Still Hungry for Tokyo?

Before You Go to Tokyo, Learn These Etiquette Tips

But if you stick your chopsticks straight into your rice, you're on your own.