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: 2,446
1856
Niku Kappou Murakami: A Saga Beef Omakase Counter
Fukuoka · Fine Dining
In a quiet corner of Fukuoka's Kiyokawa district, this hidden 8-seat counter serves a single, meat-focused omakase. It's a destination for lovers of rare Saga beef, offering exceptional quality and value for money.
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1859
Spring Valley Brewery Kyoto: Craft Beer in a Classic Machiya
Kyoto · Bar
An on-site brewery in a century-old Kyoto townhouse in the Nakagyo ward. Go for the fresh, location-exclusive beers and a menu of dishes designed for beer pairing, from beer-yeast karaage to fish and chips.
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1861
Banana Juice: Made-to-order Banana Smoothies
Tokyo · Juice Bar / Smoothie Bar
A tiny takeout counter in a Ginza alley, Banana Juice (バナナジュース) serves one thing: exceptionally dense, made-to-order banana smoothies. Its pure flavour and outstanding value for the area draw long queues of locals and visitors alike.
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1862
BAY BREWING: Award-Winning Yokohama Craft Beer
Kanagawa · Bar
The brewery taproom for Yokohama Bay Brewing, serving its award-winning Bay Pilsner and a deep, rotating list of original craft beers. Located near Kannai Station, it's a popular spot for high-quality beer and classic bar food.
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1863
Stand Merry Sannoso Bar Ju: Lamb Izakaya and Soba
Osaka · Bar
A lively standing izakaya in Osaka's Juso district, specializing in lamb dishes from skewers to jingisukan, and finishing with house-made 100% buckwheat soba. It's a popular spot for its high-quality lamb, interesting drinks, and excellent value.
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1864
SOT COFFEE ROASTER: Specialty Coffee and Cheesecake
Osaka · Specialty Coffee
A roaster-run specialty coffee bar in Osaka's Otedori district, SOT is known for its meticulous hand-drip coffee, creative dessert lattes, and a famously creamy Basque cheesecake. It's a popular, comfortable stop for coffee aficionados near Osaka…
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1866
Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama: Specialty Coffee by the River
Kyoto · Specialty Coffee
A minimalist coffee stand in Arashiyama, right by the Togetsukyo Bridge. This is the flagship of the % ARABICA brand, famous for expertly made lattes designed for takeaway to enjoy along the banks of the Katsura River.
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1867
JET BAKER: High-Hydration Bread and Craft Beer
Tokyo · Bar
A small bakery-bistro in Shinkawa known for its exceptional high-hydration bread. Visit for the generous lunch sets, which pair the famously chewy, hot-from-the-oven loaves with a large salad and your choice of pasta or soup.
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1868
Nakanishi Peanuts: Factory-Direct Peanut Snacks
Nara · Pâtisserie
A factory-direct peanut specialist in Tenri, Nara, famous for its freshly pressed peanut paste and unique Maple & Nuts ice cream. Visitors come for the huge variety of snacks at factory prices, but should expect long queues.
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1869
Nomokemana: Artisan European Breads
Nara · Bakery
A small craft bakery in Nara's Takabatakecho district, near Nara Park. Nomokemana specializes in dense, chewy European-style breads made with natural yeast, a welcome find for visitors seeking hearty loaves over softer Japanese-style bread.
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1870
% ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama Higashiyama: Specialty Coffee in Higashiyama
Kyoto · Specialty Coffee
A specialty coffee shop in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, famous for its view of the Yasaka Pagoda. Visitors come for its signature 'Kyoto latte' and minimalist design, making it a prime photo spot.
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1872
Barmans Chocolate Nara mochiiden koubou: Alcohol-Infused Nama Chocolates
Nara · Pâtisserie
A specialist chocolatier in Nara pairing fine spirits with silky nama-chocolates. Created by a bartender and chocolatier, these are a sophisticated and remarkably affordable gift for adults.
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1874
Little Nap COFFEE ROASTERS: Specialty In-House Roastery
Tokyo · Specialty Coffee
A compact, music-focused coffee roastery in Tomigaya, near Yoyogi Park. It's a local favourite for its expertly prepared lattes, freshly baked goods, and as a perfect takeaway stop before a park walk.
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1875
passage coffee: World-Class Specialty Coffee
Tokyo · Specialty Coffee
A specialty coffee stand in Shiba from a World AeroPress Champion. Known for its precise single-origin hand-drip and Aeropress brews, it's a destination for serious coffee lovers seeking bright, clean cups.
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