Michelin guide-acclaimed by local foodies, this restaurant highlights the finest Japanese ingredients. Its owner travels extensively in search of specialty vegetables that feature on their limited-course menu.
Yoshoku-ya offers yoshoku ryori, which consists of dishes originally imported from Western nations that have since been modified into traditional Japanese dishes. Examples include omelet rice and hamburger steak on rice dishes.
Tabelog
Tabelog is the go-to website for foodies looking for the finest restaurants in Japan. As a crowd-sourced resource, reviews from regular people rating restaurants out of five stars are collected here and made publicly accessible.
Though some chefs complain of unfair reviews posted anonymously to platforms like Yelp, their anonymity serves more as a cover than as an avenue for unwarranted criticism. On Tabelog for instance, most negative reviews tend to be short in length (Japanese diners often save lengthy, emotional commentary for websites such as 2chan).
Tabelog offers another useful service with its annual lists of Japan’s 100 Best Restaurants by Cuisine (known as Hyakumeiten ). Devoted diners regularly undertake pilgrimages to every one of them in an attempt to sample every bite!
Shokudo
Shokudo, in Japanese, refers to an informal and family-owned eatery that provides affordable meals — usually an eclectic blend of Western and Japanese fare – for breakfast, lunch and dinner service. Alternatively, this term could refer to cafeterias located within schools or larger companies.
Many shokudo have limited signage or menus and provide little English. However, some restaurants specialize in catering to foreigners; Tonkatsu-ya offers deep fried breaded pork cutlets in batter; tempura-ya specialize in tempura; while unagi-ya offers unajuu (grilled freshwater eel with rice).
Other popular shokudo include kissatens, which provide light fare like sandwiches and salads; teppanyaki restaurants where chefs prepare meat, seafood and vegetables on an iron griddle directly in front of customers; and izakaya, casual drinking establishments similar to pubs that often feature tatami floor seating.
Teishoku-ya
Japan boasts many cafeteria-style restaurants known as teishoku-ya that provide set meal menus featuring miso soup, rice, pickles and meat or fish as main courses. Many office workers make use of these restaurants during lunch breaks for quick and inexpensive bites to eat.
Teishoku-yas provide an authentic experience of Japanese dining culture, from oily patches of nicotine on the walls and never quite cleaned tables to pitchers of diluted mugicha (boiling barley tea) being part of this extraordinary dining experience.
Kappo restaurants provide an exciting way to experience Japanese cuisine directly. By sitting at the counter and watching as chefs craft custom dishes from fresh local produce and specialities, kappo restaurants provide a close encounter with authentic Japanese dining culture. Furthermore, these smaller and less costly establishments tend to make for memorable visits!
Izakaya
An Izakaya, or Japanese gastropub, is a lively dining spot specializing in tasty shareable plates with bar seating and drinks like beer, sake, shochu and cocktails on ice. Some izakayas may offer counter seating while others can seat large groups at rows of tables.
Izakayas offer an ideal setting to sample local cuisine and get acquainted with Japan’s casual culture. Although Japanese people are known for being rather reserved, in an izakaya things tend to loosen up considerably with boisterous greetings and lively banter between courses. An icy cold nama biiru (draft beer) should always be the first stop; don’t forget to toast with “Kanpai!” when starting. Yakitori and sashimi are other delicious choices that should be consumed in rounds so don’t be shy if ordering another round when finished with one dish!
Tachinomiya
Tachinomiya, which literally translates to standing bar, are small and narrow bars where customers can comfortably stand while enjoying drinks and appetizers. Prices typically begin at 300 yen for sake cups or beers – though some tachinomiya may impose an additional drink or service fee, so always ask before placing your order!
These stool-less establishments originated near train stations in working-class neighborhoods, drawing salarymen looking for an inexpensive place to relax after work. Today, however, these modern bars can be found across various locations and are known for their inviting environments, unique decor and wide selections of food and beverages.
Menu items at fast-casual restaurants typically include fast and familiar dishes such as grilled squid, croquettes and fried potatoes. Although not as serene as an izakaya setting, customers can still meet and connect with friends while sipping on drinks in an informal and fast-paced environment.
Street Food
No matter where it originates – from Asian night markets offering delicious bowls of noodles to Latin American food trucks offering spicy tacos – street food is all about culture and providing convenient, cost-effective means of enjoying healthy meals outside the home for many people.
Though street food may be quick and cheap, it offers a unique social experience for members of a community and contributes to fueling global economies. When prepared with quality ingredients and preparation techniques, street food can even offer fine dining experiences!
Harajuku and Akihabara offer visitors to Tokyo an unforgettable street food experience, boasting cosplay shops and the infamous Piss Alley where men would relieve themselves after imbibing at izakaya and yakitori bars. Akihabara serves as nerd central, featuring many restaurants, shopping opportunities and attractions including an Akihabara Anime & Video Game Adventure Tour.
