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
1354
Mura Chaya: Benchmark Matcha Soft-Serve
Kyoto · Ice Cream Parlor
At a roadside station in the village of Minamiyamashiro, Kyoto, Mura Chaya is a popular stand serving what many reviewers call the area's most intensely flavoured matcha soft-serve, made from local spring-picked tea.
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1356
Kuumba du Falafel: Tokyo's Cult Falafel Sandwich
Tokyo · Bakery
A tiny, counter-only spot in Shinsen serving what many call Tokyo's best falafel. Known for its huge, vegetable-packed sandwiches with crispy falafel and house-made sauces, it's a top vegan lunch pick near Shibuya.
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1363
Tanya Mon: Expertly Grilled Aged Beef Tongue
Fukuoka · Fine Dining
A specialist counter restaurant in Fukuoka's Hakata ward, Tanya Mon is dedicated to long-aged beef tongue and sagari, grilled with exacting precision. It's a destination for meat connoisseurs who value culinary craft over formal service.
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1365
Kiharu no Gomasaba ya: Hakata-style Mackerel Izakaya
Fukuoka · Izakaya
A popular izakaya in Fukuoka's Haruyoshi district, specializing in goma-saba (sesame mackerel) and a wide variety of other saba preparations. It's a top choice for those seeking high-quality, creative mackerel dishes.
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1367
Honkaku Teuchi-Udon Taiga: Acclaimed Kyoto-style Udon
Kyoto · Casual Dining
In Kyoto's Fushimi ward, this celebrated shop serves handmade udon known for its soft, springy texture. It's a top choice for udon lovers seeking high-quality noodles and an impressive seasonal tempura selection, but be prepared for long queues.
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1368
Unagi Nishihara: Kanto-Style Grilled Eel
Osaka · Casual Dining
A specialist counter in Osaka's Kitashinmachi district serving rare Kanto-style unagi. The eel is steamed then charcoal-grilled for an exceptionally soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture, but access for international visitors can be challenging.
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1369
Unagiya Hirokawa: Classic Kanto-style Eel
Kyoto · Fine Dining
A renowned unagi specialist in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, serving Kanto-style steamed-and-grilled eel. Known for its exceptionally fluffy texture, it's a popular splurge for a classic unagi meal, but reservations are essential.
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1371
Akagakiya: Classic Kyoto Izakaya
Kyoto · Izakaya
A long-running izakaya in Kyoto's Sakyo ward, loved by locals for its vintage Showa-era atmosphere. Visitors come for the counter theatre around a large oden pot and signature dishes like tender duck roast and marinated mackerel.
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1373
Soup Curry Suage+: Sapporo-style soup curry
Hokkaido · Casual Dining
A popular spot in Sapporo's Susukino district for soup curry, known for its crispy chicken and lightly fried vegetables on skewers. Expect queues for this local specialty, served on the 2nd floor of the Toshimatsu Building.
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1375
Mi Rei: Authentic Vietnamese Bar & Eatery
Tokyo · Casual Dining
A local favourite in Kamata, Mi Rei (ミ・レイ) serves generous, herb-forward Vietnamese food in a lively bar atmosphere. It's known for its excellent spring rolls and is a great choice for groups sharing dishes.
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