Japan
brunch
Risto rante deli
Jessica Nicolet
The Avocado Toast is the best I've ever had, despite growing up in California! The banana pancakes are also incredible- be sure to reserve so you can sit at the counter and chat with Chef Katy as she prepares your meal.
izakaya, yakitori
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Leonardo Zizzamia
Perfectly grilled skewers over binchotan charcoal. Do yourself a favor—order everything, and probably double up on the shiitake mushrooms and potato. The flow is a dance—keep ordering, keep eating. No reservations, avg 25-min wait, but worth it.
ramen
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Leonardo Zizzamia
Famous for its rich yet delicate tori paitan (creamy chicken broth) with deep, satisfying chicken flavor. Tip: Get there before 11:45 AM to beat the huge line, and don’t forget to wear the apron—trust me, you’ll need it!
bistro
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Jessica Nicolet
Take a break from vintage shopping in the neighborhood for a light and comforting lunch here. Their lunch set menu is a great deal and allows you to try some of everything- my favorite is the Steamed Seasonal Vegetables set.
pizzeria
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Leonardo Zizzamia
A hidden gem for Neapolitan pizza lovers! Light, airy wood-fired crust with top ingredients. Try the Margherita with rucola for a true classic or the Salsiccia Bianca for something richly satisfying. Book the counter for the best experience!
ramen
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Leonardo Zizzamia
Their tantanmen is a masterpiece—silky broth, perfect spice, and handmade noodles with just the right bite. Pro Tip: Arrive two hours before opening—on busy days, the line can stretch for 3–4 hours.
ramen
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Pedro Dias
Amazing udon in Shibuya! No reservations—just walk up, put your name down, and wait. The cacio e pepe udon is a must-try—absolutely mind-blowing!
soba
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Leonardo Zizzamia
The Shoyu Soba is rich and perfectly balanced, blending porcini mushrooms with three types of soup. Homemade noodles feature six kinds of domestic flour for the ideal bite. Pro tip: Arrive at 8:45 AM, grab a number, get coffee, and return 15 minutes before your slot.
izakaya
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Pedro Dias
As the name suggests, this izakaya is all about wine—probably the best selection in Japan. Located in busy Shibuya, so expect a wait, but it’s worth it if you love fine wine!
bistro
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Kirsti Salonen
If you are vegan in Tokyo, this is a must place to visit - no fear of finding fish from your meal! Tasty and protein rich vegan food sourced from Japanese farmers in a cozy environment.
udon
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Beatrice Tomasini
These will be the best Udon (typical Japanese noodles) you eat in Japan! Neat but informal, and not a tourist in sight.
ramen
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Pedro Dias
Tokyo has endless great ramen, but this spot stands out—cozy, husband-and-wife-run, and perfectly executed bowls. Plus, a small fridge stocked with craft beers. A hidden gem!
ramen
Risto rante deli
Leonardo Zizzamia
The quintessential ramen experience, known for its rich yet delicate shoyu broth and perfectly tender chashu. Tip: Reservations are essential and open at 8:00am the day prior via TableCheck. Be prompt; slots fill swiftly.
pizzeria
Risto rante deli
Enrico Matzeu
Tokyo’s best Neapolitan pizza awaits you at the counter, where you can watch a pizzaiolo trained in Caserta perfect his craft. The classic Margherita never disappoints, and the Nutella pizza for dessert is simply divine.
yakitori
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Yihan Chen
Very low-key, simple design with a sense of Japanese art. All seats are by the counter with chef preparing everything in front of you. Yakitori is absolutely delicious; food portion is small. I will choose 16 courses over 11 courses for next visit.
ramen
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Wendy
A rich broth made from chicken, Kagoshima pork, Ise shrimp & Miyajima clams. Deep umami flavor—perfect for black truffle lovers!
izakaya
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MOMOKO OYABU
A unique spot at Jiyugaoka Station, run by an owner-chef. Enjoy 20+ small dishes, perfect with drinks, for a ¥2,000 table charge. But don’t forget—it’s a Yakitori spot, so save room for skewers! Counter seating. Reservations by phone (Japanese only) are highly recommended.
diner
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MOMOKO OYABU
"Machi Chuka" is a term for slightly Japanized Chinese cuisine. Go for their specialization of Gyoza dumplings!
bistro
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Enrico Matzeu
A crispy, delicious pork katsu served with rice, salad, and the indispensable miso soup. The dish is light, and the bistro is super affordable.
izakaya
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Leonardo Zizzamia
Start with the Drunken Grandma’s Apple Pie, then walk to their sister bar for the cocktail it inspired—the perfect nightcap.
izakaya
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MOMOKO OYABU
Try a plate featuring three unique eggplant dishes or opt for grilled zucchini with gorgonzola sauce. Their sashimi plate also sports a creative twist, perfectly complementing the retro Japanese vibe of the menu—ideal with a glass of Japanese sake.
izakaya
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MOMOKO OYABU
Open from 5pm-midnight, making it perfect for before-or-after-drinking casual dining. Fresh sushi for an affordable price. Shrimp miso soup is also highly recommended.
ramen
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Sharon Alper
A plant-based paradise. Pro tip: order the soy based " tonkotsu" ramen for the the most rich, umami flavours! Go for lunch to avoid the evening crowds.
izakaya
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Mo Kudeki
Nicer okonomiyaki spot that you do NOT have to cook yourself. Incorporating multiple regional styles of okonomiyaki (Tokyo vs. Kansai)
izakaya
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MOMOKO OYABU
Serves a wide selection of Japanese sake. The food menu is designed to go well with sake, so ask about the pairing.
soba
Risto rante deli
Yihan Chen
This is a cozy spot for soba noodles, tucked away from the main tourist areas. You can tell it's a favorite among local regulars, as they order without needing the menu. The Tensero, tempura with cold soba noodles, is a must-try!