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Japanese TempuraMinami Azabu
Tempura Uchitsu in Tokyo's Minami-Azabu is Daisuke Uchitsu's two-Michelin-star tempura counter, all sesame-oil frying, eight seats and seasonal omakase only.
OrderThe full omakase tempura course; ten to twelve pieces and a tendon rice closer.
TipClosed Sundays. Phone reservation in Japanese only; Pocket Concierge handles English bookings.
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Japanese IzakayaNogizaka
Uoshin Nogizaka in Tokyo is the seafood izakaya where the boat-shaped sashimi platter feeds four. Direct buying from the Toyosu auction floor each morning.
OrderThe big sashimi boat platter; grilled saba and aged tuna are the through-line.
TipWalk-ins only after 17:00; bring cash for the cover charge. Other Uoshin branches in Shinjuku and Shibuya.
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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.