Tokyo’s Best Bites: My Favorite Restaurants, Cafés, Bars & More
Tokyo is an endless playground of amazing food, drinks, and shopping, and after countless visits, I’ve rounded up my absolute favorites! Whether you’re craving top-tier wagyu, matcha-infused treats, or an all-you-can-drink sake experience, this list has something for everyone. Check out the map below for all the locations!
Notes Before You Go
• Expect some lines. Many of these spots are popular, so be prepared to queue—especially for sit-down meals. But don’t worry, the wait is worth it!
• Check out the bonuses! I’ve included insider tips, like secret seating areas and must-try menu items.
My Top Picks in Each Category
🥩 Best Sit-Down Restaurant: Harenochi Katsu
Premium Pork Cutlets | Light & Crispy Batter | Homemade Sauces
Harenochi Katsu takes tonkatsu to the next level with high-quality pork, expertly fried to achieve the perfect crispy-yet-light texture. Each set meal comes with fluffy rice, miso soup, and house-made sauces that enhance the flavor of the cutlet. Whether you go for the rich rosu (loin) or the tender hire (fillet), every bite is juicy and satisfying. This hidden gem is a must-visit for tonkatsu lovers—just be sure to arrive early to beat the crowd!
🐙 Best Take-Out Food: Tsukiji Gindaco
Crispy Takoyaki | Huge Octopus Pieces | Limited Standing Tables
If you love takoyaki (octopus-filled savory dough balls), Gindaco is a must-try. Their takoyaki is perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with huge pieces of octopus inside. You’ll find these stands all over Tokyo, and while seating is usually limited, you can stand nearby to eat.
🍦 Best Dessert: Suzukien Asakusa
7 Levels of Matcha | Must-Try Black Matcha & Black Sesame| Close to Sensoji
Matcha lovers, this one’s for you! Suzukien Asakusa offers seven levels of matcha ice cream, similar to Nanaya in Kyoto. If you love intense matcha flavor, go for No. 7 matcha—it’s the strongest. Bonus: Their black sesame ice cream is just as incredible, so get a mix of both!
🍵 Best Matcha Café: Atelier Matcha
Cozy Atmosphere | 🍵 Matcha Shot Tasting Set | 🍵 Tea Gear for Sale
If you’re a matcha enthusiast, Atelier Matcha is a must-visit. This charming café offers a wide selection of matcha drinks and desserts, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring Tokyo. One of the highlights here is the Matcha Shot Tasting Set, which lets you sample three different types of matcha—a great way to appreciate the subtle differences in flavor and intensity.
Bonus: They also sell high-quality tea gear, so you can bring a little matcha magic home with you!
🍺 Best Brewery: Tap & Growler
Cozy & Friendly | Amazing Hazy IPAs | Rotating Special Beers
I’ve been to Tap & Growler so many times—both solo and with friends—and it never disappoints. It’s a small but cozy spot where the beer-tender (always the same guy) is super friendly. They specialize in unique, high-quality craft beers, and honestly, their hazy IPAs are the best I’ve had in Japan. Bonus: Sometimes they offer special slushie beers, so don’t skip those!
🍶 Best All-You-Can-Drink Spot: Sake Market Akihabaraten
Nomihoudai (All-You-Can-Drink) Sake | DIY Cocktails | Chill Vibes
My husband and I love this place! For just 2500 yen (1.5 hours) or 3600 yen (unlimited time), you can drink as much sake as you want. There are also some hard liquors available to mix your own cocktails. Despite the language barrier, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere is laid-back and fun.
Bonus: You can choose from many different unique cups to pour your sake into, adding a fun personal touch. They also serve snacks if you need a little something to munch on.
🎁 Best Shopping Spot: Ginza Itoya
Multi-Floor Stationery Wonderland | Postcards & International Stamps | Mail a Letter from the Store
If you love stationery, Ginza Itoya is a dream come true. This multi-floor shop is packed with everything from high-quality notebooks to the cutest postcards. They even sell international stamps for sending mail home. Bonus: There’s a dedicated writing station and a conveniently placed mailbox, so you can write and send a postcard right there!
✨ Final Thoughts
Tokyo has endless hidden gems, and this list is just the beginning! Whether you’re a foodie, a matcha lover, or a craft beer enthusiast, there’s always something new to discover. Have you visited any of these spots, or do you have your own favorites? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
