A night spent in a Japanese pub (izakaya) is a quintessential Tokyo experience. Part bar, part restaurant, these smoky, usually loud and rowdy places serve up must-try Japanese drinks and small plates.
A common style of izakaya dining is nomi-hodai or tabe-hodai, where patrons pay a set price to order food and drink as they please within a certain time limit.
Otako
The city’s wintertime favorite, Otako serves oden, a comforting hotpot of slow-simmered meat and fish served with rice or noodles. The restaurant has been in business for over a century and draws an eclectic clientele, from salarymen to Ginza hostesses dolled up in kimonos. It also offers a variety of miso, shoyu and chicken broth ramen ($17) and two vegetarian options ($15), including tantanmen with smoked tofu and triple garlic or a spicy vegetable wonton dish.
Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa, who honed his skills at Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Fish Market, combines French haute cuisine with a profound understanding of Japanese ingredients. He has won many awards and accolades, including two Michelin stars and the No. 1 spot on Asia’s 50 Best restaurants list.
Imahan
For those who are craving a real taste of traditional Japan, the original location of Imahan is the place to be. Housed in a nondescript building that looks like a regular home, the restaurant is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its hostesses take the time to explain Japanese culture and food to visitors, and their service is impeccable. This is truly the definition of Japanese hospitality.
Founded in 1895, the restaurant is one of Tokyo’s oldest and best purveyors of beef cuisine, offering shabushabu, sukiyaki and teppanyaki. They use high quality kuroge (black hair) wagyu, which is known for its butteriness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is served with seasonal ingredients and a variety of cooking methods. The Kanzaki chateaubriand steak from Iwate Prefecture is particularly delicious. 多摩センター 居酒屋
The restaurant is also renowned for its sushi and sake. Its okami, or female manager, selects premium sake from around the country. They also serve a selection of fresh seafood, including the local speciality hamachi kama. The sashimi is particularly good, with the chef selecting only the highest quality fish.
The menu at Den has a distinctly modern and playful twist to it, with the chef incorporating audacious ideas into traditional kaiseki dishes. For example, ants in the salad and foie gras on top of the chicken are just a few examples of this innovative cuisine. The restaurant is a popular spot for visitors to Tokyo and reservations are highly recommended. In addition, the restaurant has a private room for guests who want to enjoy a full omakase meal.
Tofuya Ukai
Tofuya Ukai is a traditional tofu restaurant that offers full course Japanese dining. The menu is mainly vegetarian and includes a variety of vegetables, tofu, and other foods made from soybeans. Tofuya Ukai is located in a former sake brewery and has an old, rustic atmosphere. The service is impeccable and the food is delicious.
The Tofuya Ukai experience starts with a stroll through the restaurant’s garden, where you will be greeted by staff dressed in kimono. They will then guide you to your private dining room, which is a traditional tatami-floored room with magical views of the Japanese garden. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to get a view of Tokyo Tower.
Located near Tokyo Tower, Tofuya Ukai is an authentic Japanese dining experience in a traditional setting. The restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, including sashimi, tempura, and teppanyaki. Guests can also enjoy the famous udon noodles and the special tofu soup.
This popular eatery is a must for anyone visiting Japan. It has an incredible atmosphere and great food, but it can be difficult to secure a table during busy times. The best way to avoid disappointment is to book in advance. There are many concierge services and booking apps that can help you find a table at one of the top restaurants in Tokyo.
Another top spot for fine dining in Tokyo is Sougo. Chef Daisuke Nomura specializes in modern shojin ryori, or vegetarian Buddhist cuisine. The restaurant’s signature dish is sesame tofu, which can be served fried or grilled. Its silky texture and unique taste make it an excellent accompaniment to fresh seafood and vegetables.
The otsumami, or appetizer plates, are also very good. The tofu soup is particularly notable, as it is rich and flavorful, unlike the bland tofu sold in Western supermarkets. The restaurant also has a full range of desserts, including Hassaku oranges, which are not like the familiar mandarin orange you might expect. The tofu kaiseki dinner here is one of the most memorable meals in Tokyo.
Bar Benfiddich
In the same vein as the trendy craft beer bars you’ll find across Tokyo, Bar Benfiddich serves up a wide variety of drinks at surprisingly reasonable prices. It also has an impressive selection of whiskey, and the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. The bar is small, with only a few seats and tables in addition to the bar itself, but it’s comfortable and inviting. The staff is also very helpful when it comes to explaining the different types of drinks on the menu.
The owner of this whiskey bar is a movie buff, and it’s no surprise that his place has such an old-world vibe. The interior is decorated in dark wood and leather, and the bartenders are all immaculately dressed. The cocktails are excellent, but the best thing about this bar is the fact that it’s a whiskey lover’s paradise. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable about whisky and gin, and he knows how to pair them with delicious cocktails. He also has a unique way of serving beer, which you’ll have to experience for yourself!
Hisashi Kishi broke into the cocktail scene in 1996, when he won the international bartending competition. Today, he’s one of Ginza’s top bartenders, and his star is rising even higher. His bar is quiet, and every detail – from the handcrafted ice cubes to the exclusive leather stools – exudes perfection. He’s known for his complex and well-balanced cocktails, but be sure to try the signature Mount Fuji.
A regular on the World’s Best Bar List, Bar Benfiddich is a must-visit for anyone who loves drinking and enjoying great company. The bartenders are knowledgeable and incredibly friendly, and they’ll explain the backstory behind each drink and suggest pairings that will complement your taste preferences. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, be sure to make reservations in advance. During peak hours, it can be difficult to get in.
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