Japanese Tonkatsu¥¥shinjuku
Katsukura Shinjuku in Tokyo Takashimaya is the Kyoto tonkatsu chain's department-store branch. Tableside sesame-grinding ritual, sauces blended to taste.
Signature: Kurobuta rosu cutlet, Hire-katsu lean cutlet, Sesame-grind sauce service
Order: Kurobuta rosu set with cabbage refills and the grind-your-own sesame sauce.
Tip: Inside Takashimaya Times Square dining floor. Open 11:00-22:00; weekend dinners queue 30 minutes.
Japanese Izakaya¥¥nishi-azabu
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu in Tokyo is the wood-beamed izakaya famous as the Kill Bill restaurant inspiration. Yakitori, soba and a dramatic two-floor room.
Signature: Yakitori skewers, Hand-cut soba, Tempura set
Order: Mixed yakitori platter, soba and an Asahi pilsner.
Tip: Reservations recommended. Open daily 11:30-03:30. Lunch sets are calmer and cheaper than dinner.
Japanese Ramen¥harajuku
Afuri Harajuku in Tokyo is the Yamagata-Kochi yuzu-ramen chain's brightest branch, with a vegan yuzu-shio bowl on the same menu. Open 11:00-23:00 daily.
Signature: Yuzu shio ramen, Yuzu shoyu tsukemen, Vegan yuzu shio ramen
Order: Yuzu shio ramen with chashu and ajitama egg; the vegan version is the equal pick.
Tip: Cashless vending-machine ordering. Tucked behind Tokyu Plaza Omotesando.
Japanese¥¥tsukishima
Kondo Monjayaki Tsukishima in Tokyo is the canonical Monja Street counter, on the alley that built the Tokyo style. Mentai-mochi monja is the local order.
Signature: Mentai-mochi monjayaki, Seafood mix monjayaki, Yakisoba on the same grill
Order: Mentai-mochi (cod-roe and mochi) monjayaki, cooked tableside.
Tip: Closed Mondays. Cash and major cards. Tsukishima station exit 7 lands on Monja Street.
Japanese¥toyosu
Yoshinoya Branch No. 1 followed the fish merchants from Tsukiji to Toyosu Market in 2018: 5am beef bowls under 500 yen, same noren, same counter ritual.
Signature: Gyudon beef bowl, Gyu-sake set, Pickle plate side
Order: Gyudon beef bowl with extra red pickled ginger and a raw egg.
Tip: Open 5am-1pm to match the fish market shifts; counter seating turns fast.
Japanese¥¥asakusa
Sometaro Asakusa in Tokyo has cooked okonomiyaki and monjayaki on tableside teppan since 1937. Wooden house, low tables, the canonical Asakusa griddle.
Signature: Pork and squid okonomiyaki, Monjayaki, Yakisoba on the same grill
Order: Pork and squid okonomiyaki cooked tableside; monjayaki as the second order.
Tip: Closed irregularly; open daily 12:00-22:00 typically. Cash and major cards.