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Tokyo

This image may contain Bowl Food Dish Meal Egg Cutlery Spoon Ice Cream Cream Dessert Creme Soup Bowl and Pasta
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

Kaduya
tokyo

Kaduya

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

Higashiya Ginza

Sweets to stuff in your suitcase.
Ginza Kojyu
tokyo

Ginza Kojyu

The less-is-more tasting menu.
Innsyoutei
tokyo

Innsyoutei

Reconsider what you think you know about tofu.
Ohitsuzen Tanbo
tokyo

Ohitsuzen Tanbo

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

Fuglen

Coffee by day, cocktails by night.
Mikawa Zezankyo

Mikawa Zezankyo

As good as tempura gets.
Savoy Azabu-juban
tokyo

Savoy Azabu-juban

Authentic Neapolitan pizza, 6000 miles from Naples.

Where the Locals Eat

Tenkiyo

Tenkiyo

Budget-friendly tempura below the buzz of Tokyo Station.
Kushiwakamaru

Kushiwakamaru

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

Nata de Cristiano

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

Japanese Ice Ouca

Luscious Italian-style gelato meets uniquely Japanese flavors.
Anda Gyoza

Anda Gyoza

A vegetable-forward respite from tempura and sushi.
Kitsuneya

Kitsuneya

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

Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza

The sushi conveyor belt you‘ve been dreaming of.
Bloody Angle

Bloody Angle

Classic cocktails in a romantic rose-tinged setting.
Suzuran

Suzuran

Ramen as a work of art.
Ifuu

Ifuu

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

Kikanbo

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

Fellows

American burgers that are better than burgers in America.
Shirube

Shirube

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

Shin Udon

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

Butagumi

Pork cutlets taken to a higher playing field.
Tonki

Tonki

Deep-fried pork cutlets, with no frills or fuss
Nunotsunesarashina

Nunotsunesarashina

By-the-books soba in a fittingly classic environment.
Café de l‘Ambre

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

Before You Go to Tokyo, Learn These Etiquette Tips

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