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Japanese KaisekiGinza
Ginza Shinohara in Tokyo's Kanda is Tetsuya Shinohara's three-Michelin-star kaiseki room. Counter-only, dramatic platings on lacquered shogi-board stands.
OrderThe full omakase kaiseki; hairy crab and shaved wagyu are the showstoppers when in season.
TipClosed Sundays. Reserve via Tableall 90 days ahead; the menu is presented as a single seasonal arc.
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Neapolitan PizzaAzabu Juban
Savoy Pizza Azabu-Juban in Tokyo is the AVPN-certified Neapolitan pizza counter that built Tokyo's wood-fired pizza scene. Two-item menu, six counter stools.
OrderThe Margherita and the Marinara, side by side.
TipCash only at the counter. Closed Mondays; queue from 11:30 for lunch.
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Japanese YakinikuShibuya
Yakiniku Toraji Shibuya in Tokyo is the polished yakiniku chain's Shibuya flagship: wagyu cuts, tongue platters, large communal-table tabletop grilling.
OrderThe salt-tongue platter, harami skirt steak, and a cold reimen closer.
TipReserve weekend dinners online. Lunch sets cheaper than dinner; English menu and English-speaking servers.
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Japanese TonkatsuMeguro
Tonki in Tokyo's Meguro has fried tonkatsu since 1939, the canonical Tokyo cutlet counter. Cash only, walk-in only, white tile and theatre of frying.
OrderHire-katsu (lean) set with miso soup, rice and unlimited cabbage refills.
TipClosed Tuesdays and third Mondays. Queue from 16:00; cash only.
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JapaneseJingumae
Zaiyu Hasegawa's Den in Tokyo is the modern kaiseki room that put playful home cooking on Asia's 50 Best, ranked No. 1 in 2022 and No. 22 in 2025.
OrderThe DFC fried chicken parcel and whatever donabe rice closes the menu.
TipClosed Sundays.
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JapaneseMinami Aoyama
Yoshihiro Narisawa's Aoyama room runs innovative satoyama cuisine. Two Michelin stars plus a Green Star, Japanese foraging through European technique.
OrderThe bread of the forest course, served with bark-scented butter.
TipClosed Mondays and Sundays. Lunch is the easier seating; reserve six weeks ahead through TableAll.