5 Must-Try Tokyo Restaurants

Let’s face it—in Japan, even the gas station food is quality. After two stints in Tokyo, I walk (fly) away with these as my favorite Japanese curry, ramen, and teppanyaki spots.

Nasu Oyaji Curry

Shimokitazawa $

Photo by Emily Dean

Down a quiet alleyway in the whimsical Shimokitazawa quarter of Tokyo, cozy up with good music and great Japanese curry. Like the rest of the area in which Nasu sits, there’s an old-Tokyo quality and you can feel like a character in a Haruki Murakami novel.

Tokyo Kenkyo

Shibuya $

Photo by Emily Dean

Order coffee, my favorite Japanese beef curry in Tokyo, and a fresh fruit soda in a unique flavor like kiwi at this aesthetically pleasing multistory house turned restaurant. 

Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo

Chiyoda $

Photo by Emily Dean

In a sea of ramen shops, this is the best ramen I REPEAT the best ramen in Tokyo. Choose on a scale of 1-5 for two different kinds of spice (I order the big pork ramen medium-medium pictured here). Do not be intimidated by a line — it moves fast. If the Chiyoda neighborhood sounds unfamiliar to you, this shop is close to the technology district of Akihabara and even closer to Kanda station.

Ippudo Ramen Ebisu

Ebisu $

Photo by Emily Dean

Do yourself a favor and order the spicy ground pork ramen and delicious mini potstickers (pictured here). Wash it down with Japanese beer. More central than Karashibi Miso Ramen!

Yamato Teppanyaki

Ginza $$$

Photo by Emily Dean

Fine dining leaning in the luxurious neighborhood of Ginza. I’d order the sirloin steak and garlic rice all cooked in front of you, of course.