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
1377
Sake Dokoro Terayama: Refined Izakaya Cooking
Kyoto · Izakaya
In Kyoto's Shimogyo ward, Sake Dokoro Terayama is an izakaya that elevates pub fare to near-kappo levels of precision. It's sought out for its charcoal-grilled wagyu sandwich and creative dishes at a fair price.
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1378
Itadakimasu.: Premium Hokkaido Lamb Genghis Khan
Hokkaido · Izakaya
In Sapporo's Susukino district, Itadakimasu. serves Genghis Khan barbecue with a focus on rare, locally-raised Suffolk lamb. It’s a destination for diners seeking exceptionally fresh, mild-flavoured meat.
No tables in the next 2 monthsView details
1380
Aje Matsubara honten: Kyoto-style offal yakiniku
Kyoto · Casual Dining
A lively, local-favourite yakiniku spot in Kyoto's Shimogyo ward, famous for its exceptionally fresh offal and signature grilled intestine with a dashi dip. It's a top choice for adventurous eaters seeking great value.
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1381
SOWADO: Modern Izakaya with a Central Charcoal Grill
Tokyo · Izakaya
A contemporary izakaya in Hiroo where chefs grill whole fish over charcoal at a central counter. Go for the spectacle of the 'genshiyaki' grill, seasonal clay-pot rice, and a deep list of sake and natural wine.
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1382
Okonomiyaki Fukutake: Masterfully Charred Okonomiyaki
Tokyo · Casual Dining
A legendary okonomiyaki spot in Higashiyaguchi known for a unique, slow-cooked style. The owner's famously abrasive service is part of the experience, making it a polarising but memorable meal for those who book ahead.
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1386
Shirokuma Shokudo: Creative Hokkaido Seafood and Pasta
Hokkaido · Diner
A tiny, nine-seat counter restaurant in Otaru's Ironai district, run by a single chef. It draws crowds for its unique signature dishes, especially an intensely savoury crab-miso cream pasta and a decadent beef-toro flake rice bowl.
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1387
GATEAU DES BOIS LABORATOIRE Raboratowāru: Classic French Pâtisserie
Nara · Pâtisserie
A celebrated pâtisserie in Nara's Shijo-oji district, known for its World Cup-winning Ambroisie cake. The elegant salon offers exquisite, technically precise French cakes and seasonal parfaits.
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1389
Chinese Momiji: Old-School Sapporo Chinese
Hokkaido · Casual Dining
A retro Chinese eatery in Sapporo's Tanukikoji Market, celebrated for its 'drinkable' mapo tofu and exceptional egg fried rice. Expect generous portions, a lively atmosphere, and a classic town-Chinese experience.
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1390
Kyoto Uji Kintoki Ya: Uji Matcha Desserts & Udon
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
A tea-first shop in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, near Kiyomizu Temple. It's known for intensely pure Uji matcha desserts like kakigori shaved ice and soft-serve, served alongside a simple menu of handmade udon.
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1392
Saiko Gyoza Bo: Handmade Gyoza and Shanghai Plates
Tokyo · Izakaya
A tiny, owner-run counter in Senju famed for its handmade gyoza and Shanghai-style small plates. It's a destination for solo diners seeking exceptional food, but be prepared for a very particular set of house rules.
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1394
Mizutaki Kohaku: Rich Chicken Hot Pot
Hyōgo · Fine Dining
Specialising in a deeply concentrated chicken hot pot (mizutaki), this Ashiya restaurant is the sister establishment of a notable yakitori shop. Go for the signature golden soup, which reviewers say is worth the trip alone.
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1399
Sakana Dokoro Kissui: Hiroshima Seafood and Sake Izakaya
Hiroshima · Izakaya
A serious izakaya for seafood and sake lovers in Hiroshima's Fukuromachi district. The focus is on local fish, especially octopus, paired with a deep list of regional sake and served at the counter by the owner.
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