Tokyo has a diverse culinary scene that extends beyond sushi chefs and advocates of conventional cuisine. You'll be astonished by the range of food available in the city, including dishes like tonkatsu and soba. Even the simplest meals are prepared with great care and attention to detail.

Here are just a few of the must-try foods and drinks in Tokyo:

Sushi.

Sushi is one of Japan's most famous dishes, and Tokyo is home to some of the best sushi restaurants in the world. Whether you're looking for a quick bite at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant or a more leisurely meal at a high-end sushi bar, you're sure to find something to your taste in Tokyo.

• Sukiyabashi Jiro. Sukiyabashi Jiro is a three-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant located in Ginza. It is known for its omakase (chef's choice) sushi, which is made with the freshest ingredients available. Reservations are required months in advance.
• Sushi Yoshitake. Sushi Yoshitake is a two-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant located in Ebisu. It is known for its creative and innovative sushi. Reservations are required months in advance.
• Sushi Zanmai. Sushi Zanmai is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant located in Tsukiji. It is known for its fresh and affordable sushi. Reservations are not required.

Ramen.

Ramen is another popular Japanese dish that's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. There are countless ramen shops in Tokyo, each with its own unique take on the dish. Be sure to try some of the different types of ramen, such as shoyu (soy sauce), miso (fermented soybean paste), and tonkotsu (pork bone broth).

• Ichiran. Ichiran is a popular chain ramen restaurant known for its single-person booths. The ramen is made with a rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and thin, chewy noodles.
• Ippudo. Ippudo is another popular chain ramen restaurant that originated in Fukuoka, Japan. The ramen is made with a flavorful tonkotsu broth and thick, wavy noodles.
• Sakuragi Shokudo. Sakuragi Shokudo is a small, family-run ramen restaurant that has been serving up delicious ramen for over 50 years. The ramen is made with a shoyu (soy sauce) broth and thick, wavy noodles.

Izakaya.

Izakaya are Japanese pubs that serve a variety of small dishes, such as yakitori (grilled skewers), tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Izakaya are a great place to go for a casual meal with friends or to enjoy some drinks after work.

• Tengu. Tengu is a traditional izakaya restaurant that has been serving up delicious food and drinks for over 50 years. The menu features a wide variety of izakaya favorites, such as yakitori (grilled skewers), tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
• Sakagura. Sakagura is a sake bar and izakaya that offers a wide variety of sakes from all over Japan. The menu also features a variety of izakaya-style dishes, such as yakitori, tempura, and okonomiyaki.
• Daimonjiya. Daimonjiya is a traditional izakaya restaurant that is known for its delicious yakitori. The yakitori is grilled over charcoal, and the restaurant offers a wide variety of different types of skewers to choose from.

Dango.

Dango are Japanese rice dumplings that are often served on skewers. They can be sweet or savory, and there are many different types of dango to choose from. Some popular flavors include mitarashi (sweet soy sauce), kinako (roasted soybean flour), and matcha (green tea).

• Umezono Kawaramachi. Umezono Kawaramachi is a traditional dango shop that has been serving up delicious dango for over 100 years. The dango is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the shop offers a wide variety of different flavors to choose from.
• Kamo Mitarashi Chaya. Kamo Mitarashi Chaya is a popular spot for mitarashi dango, which are dango that are coated in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze. The dango is served on a skewer, and it is often eaten with green tea.
• Ikkouan. Ikkouan is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop that is known for its delicious dango. The dango is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the shop offers a wide variety of different flavors to choose from.

Wagashi.

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are often made with seasonal ingredients. Some popular types of wagashi include mochi (pounded rice cake), manju (sweet bean-filled buns), and dorayaki (pancakes filled with red bean paste).

• Toraya: Toraya is a traditional wagashi shop that has been around since 1596. They are famous for their yokan, a jelly-like dessert made from red bean paste and agar-agar.
• Higashiya: Higashiya is a modern wagashi shop that focuses on using seasonal ingredients to create unique and flavorful confections. They offer a wide variety of wagashi, including mochi, dorayaki, and yokan.
• Fukujudo: Fukujudo is a traditional wagashi shop that has been around since 1912. They are famous for their dorayaki, a sweet pancake-like dessert filled with red bean paste.
• Kameya Yoshinaga: Kameya Yoshinaga is a traditional wagashi shop that has been around since 1803. They are famous for their manju, a sweet bun filled with red bean paste.

Tempura.

Tempura is a Japanese dish consisting of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. Some of the popular tempura restaurants in Tokyo include Tenkuni, Daikokuya Tempura, and Mikawa Zezankyo.

• Tempura Kondo (Ginza) - This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its delicate and perfectly cooked tempura.
• Mikawa Zezankyo (Shibuya) - This restaurant has been serving tempura for over 100 years. The chef uses only the freshest ingredients and takes great care in preparing each dish.
• Tenichi Ginza Honten (Ginza) - This restaurant is a favorite among celebrities and politicians. The tempura is light and airy, and the service is impeccable.
• Tendon Imahan (Asakusa) - This restaurant is known for its large and affordable tendon bowls. The tempura is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Yakitori.

Yakitori is a Japanese dish consisting of skewered and grilled chicken. Some of the popular yakitori restaurants in Tokyo include Toritama, Isehiro, and Bird Land.

• Toritama (Shirokane) - This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its high-quality chicken and its attentive service.
• Bird Land (Ginza) - This restaurant has been serving yakitori for over 50 years. The chicken is grilled over binchotan charcoal, and the flavors are simply delicious.
• Inomata (Ebisu) - This restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The yakitori is grilled to perfection, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.
• Miyashin (Shibuya) - This restaurant is known for its large selection of yakitori skewers. There are over 100 different types to choose from, so you're sure to find something you'll love.

Matcha.

Matcha is a type of green tea that is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. You can enjoy matcha in various forms such as matcha latte, matcha ice cream, and matcha desserts at cafes and restaurants throughout Tokyo.

• Cafe Kitsune - This popular chain has several locations throughout the city, and it's known for its delicious matcha lattes, matcha soft serve, and matcha desserts.
• Nana's Green Tea - This another popular chain with several locations throughout the city, and it's known for its matcha ice cream, matcha parfaits, and matcha lattes.
• Saryo Tsujiri - This traditional teahouse has been serving matcha for over 300 years, and it's a great place to experience the real deal.
• Tengu Saryo - This small, family-run teahouse is located in the Asakusa district, and it's a great place to enjoy a traditional matcha ceremony.

Sake.

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It's often served at room temperature, but it can also be enjoyed chilled or hot. Sake is a versatile drink that can be paired with a variety of foods.

• Sasagin - This izakaya has a wide selection of sake from all over Japan, and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful in making recommendations.
• Sake Bar Futago - This small bar specializes in junmai sake, which is made with only rice, water, and koji.
• Kura Bar - This bar has a large selection of sake from all over Japan, as well as a knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the perfect sake for your meal.
• Asakusa Sake Market - This market has a wide selection of sake from all over Japan, as well as sake-making equipment and accessories.

Japanese Whisky.

• The Whisky Library - This bar has a huge selection of Japanese whisky, as well as a knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the perfect bottle.
• Bar Benfiddich - This bar is known for its extensive collection of Japanese whisky, and it's a great place to try something new.
• The Sign - This bar has a wide selection of Japanese whisky, as well as a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy your drink.
• Tsurugi - This restaurant has a great selection of Japanese whisky, and it's a great place to pair your drink with some delicious food.

Japanese whisky has gained international recognition for its quality and unique flavors. You can enjoy Japanese whisky at bars and restaurants throughout Tokyo. Some popular whisky bars include Zoetrope, Bar High Five, and Mash Tun.

These are just a few of the many delicious foods and drinks that you can enjoy in Tokyo. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find something to your taste.

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