Ranking
The best places to eat in Japan
An editorial ranking of restaurants, cafés and bars: grades from A+ to F, price range, and the Tabelog score where one exists.
Places ranked: 2,446
578
Tsuki to Kame: Japanese-Style Indian Meals
Tokyo · Casual Dining
A tiny, highly-regarded curry shop in Shinohashi serving a unique Japanese interpretation of South Indian 'meals'. Expect to queue for its signature sardine meatball curry and a set of delicate, flavorful side dishes.
No bookingView details
580
Shikataramukana: Artisan Bakery with Ultra-Hydration Breads
Tokyo · Bakery
A celebrated bakery in Shinjuku, Shikataramukana is famous for its unique, ultra-high-hydration breads with an almost liquid crumb. It's a destination for bread enthusiasts seeking distinctive, fruit-packed loaves and rich, inventive flavours.
Book months aheadView details
581
VELROSIER: Creative Sino-Japanese Fusion
Kyoto · Fine Dining
Experience Chef Iwasaki's theatrical, multi-layered Chinese fusion cuisine in Kyoto. Located in Shimogyo-ku's GOOD NATURE STATION building, this intimate 16-seat counter showcases inventive signature dishes in an open-kitchen setting.
Book months aheadView details
586
Tanikawa Beikokuten: Udon in its Purest Form
Kagawa · Casual Dining
A legendary udon specialist in the mountains of Manno, Kagawa, famous for one thing: perfect, freshly made noodles. Visitors season their own bowl (hot or cold) with soy sauce and a signature green-chili paste.
No bookingView details
587
itsuka: Creative, Japanese-influenced Chinese Cuisine
Tokyo · Fine Dining
A high-end Chinese restaurant in Minamiaoyama known for its theatrical presentation and creative use of Japanese ingredients. The signature fukahire over clay-pot rice makes it a destination for a special meal.
Book months aheadView details
588
Kushiage Pyon: Creative Deep-Fried Skewers
Tokyo · Fine Dining
Experience kushiage elevated to an art form at this intimate counter in Roppongi. Kushiage Pyon is celebrated for its incredibly light batter and inventive seasonal skewers, making it a destination for a refined take on the classic dish.
Book months aheadView details
589
Kanazawa Mentumikki: Artisanal Layered Ramen
Ishikawa · Casual Dining
A top-tier ramen shop in Kanazawa's Tenjinmachi district, celebrated for its complex broths built like 'tsumiki' (building blocks) and its theatrical five-meat special topping. Expect queues for a seat at the counter.
No bookingView details
590
Sushi Tomo: High-End Edo-mae Omakase
Kagawa · Fine Dining
An intimate, 7-seat counter in Takamatsu's Kawaramachi district, where a husband-and-wife team serve a masterful Edo-mae omakase. It's a destination for connoisseurs seeking classic technique applied to both local and national seafood.
Book months aheadView details
592
Koryori Yarn: An Intimate Italian-Japanese Counter Omakase
Kagawa · Fine Dining
A tiny four-seat counter restaurant in Takamatsu's Kataharamachi district. Chef-owner Masaya Funakoshi serves a creative Italian-Japanese omakase using ingredients sourced almost entirely from Shikoku.
Book months aheadView details
593
Mugi to Mensuke: Refined Chicken and Sardine Ramen
Osaka · Casual Dining
A top-tier ramen shop in Osaka's Toyosaki district, celebrated for its deeply flavorful chicken and sardine broths. Expect long queues for its signature bowls, or try to book a slot for the exclusive Saturday night tasting menus.
Book days aheadView details
594
Nihonbashi Nagato: Heritage Wagashi Confectioner
Tokyo · Dessert Shop
A historic wagashi shop in Nihonbashi, founded over 300 years ago. It's a top destination for its signature kuzumochi, a silky, melt-in-the-mouth sweet made from pure warabi starch, served with generous kinako.
No bookingView details
596
Acidracines Patisserie: Acclaimed French & Spanish Pastries
Osaka · Pâtisserie
A top-tier patisserie in Osaka's Chuo ward, Acidracines is celebrated for its intricate French and Spanish-style gateaux. Visitors come for the sharp, balanced fruit flavours and the signature 'Lactée' chocolate mousse cake.
No bookingView details
598
Ikkou An: Masterful Traditional Wagashi
Tokyo · Dessert Shop
A celebrated wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) shop in Tokyo's Koishikawa district, famous for its exceptionally soft warabi-mochi and crisp, self-assembled monaka wafers. A destination for connoisseurs of Japanese sweets.
Book days aheadView details
599
Kioicho Mitani: Theatrical Omakase with Drink Pairings
Tokyo · Fine Dining
A high-end sushi bar in Kioicho, known for its theatrical omakase experience. Each inventive small plate and piece of nigiri is individually paired with wine or sake, creating a unique, guided tasting journey.
Book months aheadView details
