¥¥¥¥
Japanese RamenRoppongi
Ippudo Roppongi in Tokyo is the Hakata-style tonkotsu chain's late-night branch, open until 03:00 weekends. The standard intro to creamy pork ramen.
OrderAkamaru modern with extra-firm noodles; add a kaedama refill.
TipOpen 11:00-03:00 Fri-Sat, until 24:00 weekdays. Counter and tables, English menu.
¥¥¥¥
Japanese TempuraShinjuku
Tsunahachi Shinjuku Honten in Tokyo has fried tempura over sesame oil since 1923. Counter and tables; the lunch set is the local lunchtime introduction.
OrderThe tempura lunch set with anago and the shrimp opener.
TipOpen daily 11:00-22:30. Lunch queue is fast; dinner counter seating turns quickly.
¥¥¥¥
Japanese IzakayaShibuya
Torikizoku Shibuya in Tokyo is the value yakitori izakaya pouring 350-yen skewers and mega-highball jugs. Counter, tables, English ordering tablet.
OrderTsukune, momo and negima skewers with a mega highball; karaage on the side.
TipAll food and drink 350 yen plus tax. Reservations recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings.
¥¥¥¥
Japanese SushiTsukiji
Sushizanmai Honten in Tokyo's Tsukiji is the 24-hour sushi flagship Kiyoshi Kimura built after winning the auction tuna in 2013. Counter, tables, sashimi.
OrderThe maguro-zukushi tuna selection plate; otoro lunchtime is the value play.
TipOpen 24 hours daily. Late-night counter seating is the easiest. The Tsukiji Outer Market is on the corner.
¥¥¥¥
Japanese TonkatsuShinjuku
Katsukura Shinjuku in Tokyo Takashimaya is the Kyoto tonkatsu chain's department-store branch. Tableside sesame-grinding ritual, sauces blended to taste.
OrderKurobuta rosu set with cabbage refills and the grind-your-own sesame sauce.
TipInside Takashimaya Times Square dining floor. Open 11:00-22:00; weekend dinners queue 30 minutes.
¥¥¥¥
Japanese IzakayaNishi 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.
OrderMixed yakitori platter, soba and an Asahi pilsner.
TipReservations recommended. Open daily 11:30-03:30. Lunch sets are calmer and cheaper than dinner.