Ranking
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
Hiroshima · Casual Dining
A celebrated Hiroshima okonomiyaki counter in the city's Kusunokicho district, run by a chef who adds a signature Latin touch. Expect perfectly executed classics topped with jalapeño, alongside unique sides like tan stew.
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Kyoto · Bakery
An artisan bakery in Kyoto's Shimogamo district, celebrated for breads made with organic wheat milled on-site. Visitors come for the distinctively chewy, moist crumb and pure grain flavour, but should arrive early as popular items sell out fast.
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Yamanashi · Fine Dining
Winery-run dining in Yamanashi's wine country, set in a chapel-like building with vineyard views. Famous for its table-side carved roast beef, paired with the estate's own Katsunuma Jozo wines.
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Kyoto · Diner
A Kyoto breakfast specialist famed for its signature thick-cut silver salmon, slow-cooked then seared over charcoal. Served with clay-pot rice at a lively counter, it requires online booking for a strict 50-minute slot.
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Shizuoka · Casual Dining
A long-standing gyoza specialist in Numazu, famous for its unique local style. Dumplings are first seared then boiled, resulting in large, exceptionally juicy parcels. Expect queues for this regional classic, as dine-in is walk-in only.
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Okinawa · Casual Dining
A specialist yakiniku restaurant in Kumoji, Naha, dedicated to rare cuts of Ishigaki beef and offal. Go for the educational experience where staff explain each part using a diagram, offering a deep dive into Okinawan beef.
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Aichi Prefecture · Casual Dining
Famous for its exceptionally soft takoyaki with large octopus pieces and a rich dashi flavour, Tako Saki is a popular stand in Nagoya's Osu district. Be prepared for a wait, which regulars say is part of the experience.
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Fukuoka · Casual Dining
A tonkatsu specialist in Fukuoka's Daimyo district, celebrated for its premium Kagoshima black pork. Diners often queue for its thick-cut rib roast and a specific tasting ritual: plain, with salt, then sauce.
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Hiroshima · Izakaya
An old-school izakaya in Hiroshima's Fukuromachi district, celebrated for its rare cuts of pork and beef offal. Go for the signature A-course, featuring expertly prepared beef heart sashimi and boiled pork cheek.
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Hiroshima · Casual Dining
A tiny six-seat counter in Hiroshima's Nagarekawacho district, where the chef serves a tasting of tonkatsu from named, single-breed porks. Ideal for diners who want to explore the nuances of high-quality pork.
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Ishikawa · Casual Dining
A popular Kanazawa restaurant known for its refined, no-MSG Chinese cooking. Diners queue for its signature bubbling mapo tofu and oversized prawn shumai, making it a local favourite for high-quality lunch sets.
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Hokkaido · Fine Dining
Chef-driven Spanish cuisine in Sapporo, showcasing Hokkaido's best ingredients. Known for its distinct paellas and charcoal-grilled meats, it offers a thoughtful tasting menu experience in an intimate setting.
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Hokkaido · Fine Dining
A vegetable-forward omakase in Sapporo blending Hokkaido produce with Chinese techniques. Go for the creative small plates, like delicate shumai and spring rolls, paired with a curated selection of natural wines and sake.
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Hokkaido · Fast Casual
A hugely popular conveyor-belt sushi bar on the 6th floor of Stellar Place, connected to JR Sapporo Station. Go for the exceptional value and generous portions of fresh seafood sourced directly from Nemuro and across Hokkaido.
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Osaka · Casual Dining
A celebrated okonomiyaki spot in Osaka's Shin-Umeda Shokudogai food hall, famous for its signature 'Modern-yaki' — a fluffy, egg-bound version of the classic. Expect queues for a seat at the lively teppan counter under the train tracks.
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