Planning a trip to Tokyo? Here are some must-try lunch spots so you can eat like a local.
Sections
4
Japanese Food
Ramen
Cafes
Other Cuisines
Japanese Food
Be prepared to wait to secure the best tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) your tastebuds have every experienced. Plus, the atmosphere of this place is like no other. I liken it to a “tonkatsu temple”
Tonki Tonkatsu
Cheap, delicious, yet CLASSY! The only place to eat lunch in Aoyama that's worth it in my opinion. Come here after a morning of shopping.
Miyota Aoyama Store
Try the Chicken Nanban, a Miyazaki specialty of fried chicken with a sweet sauce and tartar sauce topping. This restaurant is conveniently located next to Shinjuku's JR Station.
Miyazaki Food Quwanne
Tokyo's oldest onigiri (rice ball) restaurant in Asakusa
Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
Old school Japanese-style curry. Be prepared to line up!
Curry Bondy
Ramen
Fast, filling, and delicious. Do as the locals do—eat quickly, slurping is totally fine!
Award winning miso ramen in Ogikubo- one of Tokyo's most competitive ramen battle grounds
Hook Miso Ramen
Personal favorite shop. Mix ramen seasoned with soy sauce. Shop is run by a lovely couple and its warm and friendly vibe are a welcome addition to any packed itinerary.
Ramen Kōkaibō
Soup-less ramen loved by college students. Don't skip the free soup and remember to mix!
Musashino Abura Gakkai Waseda Head Shop
Cafes
Cute cafes are plentiful in Tokyo. Here are my favorite hidden gems.
Showa retro-style interior and delicious coffee, ice cream, and sandwiches/hot dogs
Sd Coffee
Beautiful Swedish-inspired coffee shop with plenty of room to sit back and relax. Try the owner's homemade kombucha and other fermented products!
tallskogen
Pick up a coffee at this Koto-ku staple shop before heading to the Museum of Contemporary Art!
Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe
Tea and fluffy shaved ice served in a tranquil courtyard
TSUJI －お茶とかき氷－
Other Cuisines
Tokyo isn't just known for Japanese food. If you are looking for a palette refresh-try these options!
Lowkey thai spot with delicious lunch sets. Be careful- this spot is actually spicy!
MAKIN
Hands down best pho in Tokyo. If you are shopping in Shinjuku, go here for lunch!
Pho Thin Tokyo
Award Winning Curry in Akihabara! Go here after hitting arcades/stocking up on manga. Go up the stairs- it's located on the 2nd floor.
Spice Palette
Tasty Belgian style fries in Asakusa. Eat in with some beer or takeaway to explore the area. So many different dipping sauces!
Frites Bruges
Small bistro in the Kita Senju neighborhood serving French staples. This shop is run by one chef only who studied cooking for many years in France. The most warming, delicious, down to earth French food I've had in Japan.
