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: 1,522
1077
Bona Festa: Refined Russian-Japanese Cuisine
Tokyo · Fine Dining
In Tokyo's historic Asakusa district, Bona Festa offers a unique Japanese interpretation of Russian cuisine. It's celebrated for its meticulously prepared signature dishes, like the silky cabbage roll and a dramatic cream soup baked under a pastry…
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1082
Takara Kasho Sugaya Yamamoto ten: Acclaimed Wagashi & Cakes
Hyōgo · Dessert Shop
A celebrated wagashi shop in Takarazuka, known for its signature *kinpukurin* chestnut confection and a unique range of hybrid Japanese-Western sweets. A destination for its elegant, gift-worthy creations.
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1083
STEAK&HAMBURG HIGE Sapporo minami 5 jou honten: Lamb Hamburg Counter
Hokkaido · Steakhouse
An intimate, eight-seat counter in Sapporo's Susukino district, famous for its signature lamb hamburg steak, often served sizzling on an iron plate and covered in molten cheese.
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1084
Tatsunami Ichiban: Legendary Chanko Nabe Hotpot
Osaka · Casual Dining
A famous single-menu restaurant in Toyonaka, Osaka, serving a theatrical chanko nabe hotpot. Staff cook the entire meal for you at the table, making for a unique dining experience governed by a set of famously strict house rules.
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1086
Todaya: Authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu
Fukuoka · Casual Dining
A specialty shop in Fukuoka's Tanotsu district dedicated to mapo tofu. Todaya serves two distinct styles, from a classic Sichuan version to an intensely numbing 'Chen' style, attracting spice lovers from across the region.
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1087
Bishoku Shubou Nyoi: Superior Seafood and Sake Izakaya
Nara · Casual Dining
An extremely popular izakaya in Kashihara, near Yamato-Yagi Station, celebrated for its exceptionally generous sashimi platters and a deep, expertly curated sake list available in tasting-friendly half-pours.
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1089
Johnny no Biryani Oosaka kitahama ten: Daily Speciality Biryani
Osaka · Casual Dining
A lunch-only pop-up in Osaka's Koraibashi district serving a single, daily-changing biryani. Known for its fragrant basmati rice and bold, complex spices, it's a top spot for a quick, high-quality solo lunch.
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1090
THE LOUNGE: Private University Campus Sushi
Osaka · Casual Dining
A tiny, exclusive sushi counter hidden inside Kinki University in Higashiosaka. It offers a private, one-group-per-service experience focused on premium seafood, much of it farmed by the university itself.
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1094
Fuku Masa: Expert Fugu Cuisine
Hiroshima · Fine Dining
A fugu specialist in Higashihiroshima, near Saijō station, offering a multi-course exploration of wild-caught pufferfish. Known for its masterful preparations, from thick-cut sashimi to rare delicacies like fugu roe aged in sake lees.
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1096
arima gelateria Stagione: Award-Winning Local-Ingredient Gelato
Hyōgo · Gelateria
An award-winning gelateria in the hot spring town of Arima, Kobe. Stagione is famous for creative flavours made with local ingredients, like its champion salt-mascarpone with kumquat and amazake.
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1097
Shirohige no Cream Puff Kobo: Ghibli-Approved Totoro Pastries
Tokyo · Pâtisserie
The only bakery in the world officially licensed to make Totoro-shaped cream puffs. Find it in a quiet residential corner of Setagaya for a one-of-a-kind treat that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
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1099
Menya Ren to Rin to Jin: Sesame-First Tantanmen
Osaka · Casual Dining
A small counter shop in Osaka's Kita ward specializing in rich, sesame-forward tantanmen. Visitors come for the deep, nutty black-sesame broth or the creamy white-sesame version, and the popular option to turn leftover soup into a cheese risotto.
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