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

Komakata Dojo

Asakusa, Tokyo

A restaurant with a 200-year history. It serves the traditional Tokyo dish dojo-nabe — a small freshwater fish (the Japanese pond loach or a swamp eel) cooked in an iron pot with a special sauce and served with lots of fresh green onions. The dish…

Miyakishimen

Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Here you can try one of Nagoya’s signature dishes — kishimen noodles: flat, thin wheat noodles. Prices start at ¥1,000 per serving.

Beard Papa: Freshly Filled Cream Puffs

Beard Papa: Freshly Filled Cream Puffs

Tokyo · Casual Dining

A popular takeout stand in Akihabara's Yodobashi Akiba building, Beard Papa serves its famous cream puffs filled to order. It's a go-to for an affordable, high-quality snack while exploring the area.

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Funayado Amicho: Yakatabune Dinner Cruises

Funayado Amicho: Yakatabune Dinner Cruises

Tokyo · Fine Dining

Experience a traditional yakatabune dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay. From its base in Shiba, Funayado Amicho serves freshly fried tempura and unlimited drinks aboard a boat that offers prime views of the Rainbow Bridge and city skyline.

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AMAZING COFFEE: Specialty Coffee and Waffles

AMAZING COFFEE: Specialty Coffee and Waffles

Tokyo · Specialty Coffee

A popular coffee stand in Nakameguro, known for its made-to-order waffles, creative seasonal drinks, and connection to the LDH/EXILE music agency. It's a go-to for fans and those seeking a unique takeaway treat by the river.

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Yaekatsu

Osaka

This area has an unusually large number of cafés serving kushikatsu — skewered meat and vegetables deep-fried in batter. Some places to try them are Kushikatsu Daruma, Tengu and Yaekatsu.

Kichi Kichi Omurice

Kyoto

Omurice is a delicacy of rice wrapped in a fluffy omelet. Today the dish is very popular, largely thanks to a viral video of the Japanese chef who amazes customers with theatrical flair when preparing the omelet. The restaurant has an eight-seat…

Shinsaibashi-suji

Osaka

Merchants and shopkeepers have been established on Shinsaibashi‑suji since the 17th century, when a local merchant named Shinsai built a bridge connecting the new district with the Dōtonbori theatre area. Under the covered shopping arcade of…

Kogaryu Takoyaki

Osaka

Try the takoyaki at Kogaryu Takoyaki.

Kushikatsu Daruma - Shinsekai Main Shop

Osaka

This area has an unusually large number of cafés serving kushikatsu — skewered meat and vegetables deep-fried in batter. Some places to try them are Kushikatsu Daruma, Tengu and Yaekatsu.

Starbucks Coffee - Shibuya Tsutaya

Shibuya, Tokyo

The easiest way to watch the crossing from above is to go up to the second floor of the Starbucks.

Tengu

Osaka

This area has an unusually large number of cafés serving kushikatsu — skewered meat and vegetables deep-fried in batter. Some places to try them are Kushikatsu Daruma, Tengu and Yaekatsu.

Osaka Ohsho

Osaka

At Osaka Ohsho try gyoza dumplings or fried rice with tofu and eel.

Kushikatsu Daruma - Dobutsuen-mae

Osaka

This area is notable for its large number of cafés serving kushikatsu — skewers of meat and vegetables deep-fried in batter. Some places to try them are Kushikatsu Daruma, Tengu and Yaekatsu.

Cafe Elk - Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes in Osaka

Cafe Elk - Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes in Osaka

Osaka · Café

Elk is a popular pancake cafe in the Shinsaibashi area of Osaka, specializing in Japanese soufflé pancakes. The pancakes generally receive positive reviews — described as fluffy, light and tasty — with various toppings like strawberry…

Hair Of the Dogs

Shinjuku, Tokyo

A punk bar that plays music from the 1980s.

Bar Nayuta: Bespoke Speakeasy Cocktails

Bar Nayuta: Bespoke Speakeasy Cocktails

Osaka · Bar

A hidden speakeasy in Osaka's Nishishinsaibashi district, Bar Nayuta is known for its bespoke, no-menu cocktails. Bartenders create one-off drinks based on your tastes in an intimate, lively setting.

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Kushikatsu Daruma - Tsutenkaku

Osaka

This area has an unusually large number of cafés serving kushikatsu — skewered meat and vegetables deep-fried in batter. Some places to try them are Kushikatsu Daruma, Tengu and Yaekatsu.

Takohachi Dotonbori Main Store

Osaka

At Takohachi Sohonten they make excellent takoyaki — balls of batter filled with octopus.

Kushikatsu Daruma - Janjan

Osaka

This area is notable for its large number of cafés serving kushikatsu — skewers of meat and vegetables deep-fried in batter. Some places to try them are Kushikatsu Daruma, Tengu and Yaekatsu.

Chop Life African Tokyo: Authentic Nigerian Cuisine

Chop Life African Tokyo: Authentic Nigerian Cuisine

Tokyo · Casual Dining

A small, fourth-floor restaurant in Kabukicho serving authentic Nigerian and West African dishes. It's a place for visitors seeking genuine flavours like egusi soup and jollof rice in a casual, no-frills setting.

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Jumbo-Tsuribune Tsurikichi

Osaka

You can catch various fish and seafood and cook them yourself.