Tokyo & Japan has already been long on my travel bucket list, as it’s simply a paradise for food lovers, coffee enthusiasts and matcha fans! Let me share our favorite spots from an incredible omakase experience, to a Michelin rewarded ramen spot, the best onigiri to go, snacks on the traditional fish market, our recommendation for the best ramen chain, to perfectly marbled Japanese Wagyu, amazing matcha spots and speciality coffee shops - this city has something special to offer around every corner. Whether you're looking for the best sushi spots, unforgettable Wagyu dinners, cozy specialty coffee shops or authentic Japanese matcha cafés, I've gathered my favorite places to eat, drink and explore in Tokyo. Consider this your guide to discovering some of the best food, coffee and matcha spots in Tokyo, Japan & a little inspiration for your next trip! 🇯🇵
Lots of love,
Magda
MY FAV Food SPOTS IN TOKIO
Ginza Kokuu
For our first Omakase experience in Japan, we chose a special dinner experience at the beautiful Ginza Kokuu in the heart of Tokyo & what can I say, everything was simply perfect! The traditional Edomae-style sushi and seasonal appetizers were crafted with so much care, using daily-selected ingredients of the best quality. In total we enjoyed 3 assorted appetizers, one soup, 13 Nigiri one with egg and tea. We especially loved the tuna and sea urchin (for the first time for me!) nigiri. You can book the dinner beforehand online (reservation recommended!) & the lovely team translates everything to you in English on their phone, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Make sure to also try their sake recommendations!
GOKU Wagyu Sukiyaki Higashi-Ginza Tsukiji
If you want to try delicious wagyu sukiyaki in Japan, this is your must-go spot! The tender beef is served with rice, miso soup and egg & the friendly team is explaining everything so you know how to enjoy! We also tried the wagyu steak, which was so tender, soft and perfectly prepared. We also loved the combination as a katsu sando! Can highly recommend to visit GOKU for an exceptional dinner experience. Make sure to reserve upfront as the few spots are filled up quickly!
Ginza Haruchan Ramen
We found this ramen place when researching Michelin rewarded spots in Ginza and thought “it must be super expensive & there will be a massive line”. Well neither was true, the line was super short (maybe we were lucky?) and the price extremely fair! The ramen is made right in front of you (we had the special one with egg) and was super tasty. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner!
Togoshiya Onigiri
As we wanted to try traditional onigiri for lunch, we found this cute little shop selling only these and were quickly sold. We choose to take them to go as it was a nice day, but you can also enjoy them in their restaurant too. Our favorite was the spicy tuna, so yummy!
Kura Sushi
We already got this famous running sushi chain recommended by friends before our Japan trip and so of course had to try it. You can choose between the running sushi or order via tablet what you like for really fair prices (we had around 30 pieces and paid 19€). It’s great to try a wide variety of different kind of sushi, maki, nigiri and even ramen bowls. Make sure to reserve before as it gets busy.
Afuri
As we had a bad experience with another Ramen chain on our first night, we were very sceptical about trying another chain, but Afuri was soooo worth it! We had the chicken yuzu and spicy yuzu ramen and loved them both. Can highly recommend for lunch or dinner.
Echigoya Hachikichi
Benni found this place for our last dinner in Tokyo & we loved it! The restaurant is focused on grilled fish and veggies & we were the only non local people, which is always a good sign! We especially liked the miso fish & also their house salad was really delicious!
Fish Market Tsukiji
Can highly recommend to stroll around the Tsukiji fish market and explore the various seafood stands. We only tried one baby octopus skewer, as we heard prices are a bit higher (touristy), but it was still very good and worth the experience!
