A Guide To Eating Well In Tokyo
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Tokyo is considered one of the best food cities across the globe. In this article, I will introduce you to the best things to eat in Tokyo and where to find them.
1. The Takeaway Items
Tokyo is typically known for ramen, sushi and izakayas. All Japanese specialty and regional cuisine can be found in Tokyo. The majority of the restaurants are located on restaurant floors of stores, near office blocks, and close to several train stations.
2. What Food Should I Try?
1. Sushi
One of the most well-known and enjoyed types of food in Tokyo is sushi. Ueno’s Ameyoko is a fantastic open-air market that offers fantastic sushi at affordable prices.
It is natural that Tokyo would have some of the best sushi restaurants. While the majority of sushi restaurants in Tokyo are quite expensive, it is possible to find delicious sushi at affordable prices.
2. Ramen
Ramen is one of the favorite foods for people living in Tokyo. When living in this city, it is easy to find all types of ramen ranging from traditional to regional.
3. Izakayas
The izakaya, also known as a Japanese-style pub, is a restaurant serving sake and beer alongside a typical Japanese dish, such as grilled fish, sashimi, yakitori or vegetable dishes.
Izakayas are highly popular for after-work events and in central Tokyo. For more information on the more popular izakayas, do read this article on Tokyo’s Best Izakayas and Sake Specialists.
3. Other Things That Are Good In Tokyo
Needless to say, all types of Japanese cuisine can be found in Tokyo ranging from kaiseki, tempura, okonomiyaki, udon, soba, unagi or eel, and vegetarian dishes.
Moreover, you can find various Italian, French, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese restaurants throughout Tokyo. If you are looking for a more specialized cuisine, then you will be more likely to find it in central Tokyo.
4. Where To Eat In Tokyo?
1. The Budget Food
It is possible to enjoy a meal in Tokyo for as little as Y600 per meal at cheaper rice or noodle joints. However, if you are willing to pay for more expensive dishes at approximately Y1,000 per meal, then you can expect some better quality food in Tokyo.
2. The Mid-Range Food
If you are willing to part with between Y2,000 and Y2,500 for a meal, it is possible to enjoy some delicious food in different locations in Tokyo. This is the sweet spot for decent dining in Tokyo.
3. The Luxury Food
It is possible to sample the starred restaurants in Tokyo for a minimum of Y2,500; however, it is more likely that you will need to pay between Y3,000 and Y4,000. Dinners in starred restaurants can cost anywhere between Y10,000 or up to Y100,000 per individual, particularly if you are heading to the major culinary restaurants.
If you are willing to forget about bragging rights and ignore the name of the restaurant, it is recommended that you enjoy food at a highly regarded establishment, despite it being lesser-known.If you’re looking to be close to any of these areas for food, then read this piece on where to stay in Tokyo.
5. Organizing A Reservation At The Fancy Restaurants
It is a known fact that you cannot show up at luxury restaurants in Tokyo and expected to be served. While some of these restaurants will accept reservations from foreign travellers, and even have English speaking staff on hand, this is not always common. In fact, some foreign tourists may experience refusal of direct bookings at high-end restaurants in Tokyo.
Unfortunately, the majority of these places adopt these views because their foreign guests make reservations but do not arrive. As, in many cases, a few bad apples have ruined the entire experience for everyone. The best means of obtaining a reservation at a high-quality restaurant in Tokyo is to make the booking via a hotel’s concierge. Another alternative is to use one of the specialized booking services.
6. The Different Restaurant Booking Services In Tokyo
Several companies provide specialized booking services for foreigners at restaurants in Tokyo.
Below are the top three options:
- Open Table
- Pocket Concierge
- Voyagin
All of these things will ensure that you have a great time and enjoy all the good that Tokyo has to offer.