There are many restaurants in the Asakusa area that have long been adored by the local population. In this article, we’ll introduce 10 premium establishments where you can enjoy such Asakusa specialties as unagi (eel) or soba (buckwheat noodles)! If you’re ever visiting Asakusa’s Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, why not stop by these places for a meal you’ll never forget?
1. BAR SMOKED Kotobuki Ibushi Kobo
BAR SMOKED Kotobuki Ibushi Kobo offers smoked dishes crafted from premium ingredients. Chef Kamachi, with international culinary experience, creates a blend of Japanese and French cuisine. Recommended are the reservation-only course meals featuring "Iwanaka Pork," "Kuroge Wagyu Beef," or "Iwate Duck," all thoroughly raised and smoked. Fresh seafood from Japan's seas is used in the dishes, delivering a fusion of culinary styles in a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy exceptional smoked and grilled dishes paired with wine.
BAR SMOKED Kotobuki Ibushi Kobo
Open:
[Tuesday-Thursday ] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm), [Friday-Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm), [Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm *Course reservations may be available on non-business days, so please feel free to contact the restaurant for details.Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,750 JPYAccess:
3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza LineAddress:
1F, TOKYO-W-INN, 4-6-1, Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation 2. Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho Tokyo Sky Tree Town Solamachi Location
Located near Asakusa at SKYTREE, Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho offers Nagoya's signature dishes. As you lift the wooden lid, the enticing aroma of eel fills the spacious restaurant. Unlike the Edomae style, the eel is grilled without steaming, achieving a crispy exterior and tender inside. The flavorful eel is enhanced by broth and seasonings like wasabi and leek, which are soaked to reduce their sharpness. Families can appreciate the available kid's menu. In Tokyo, catch their authentic hitsumabushi (chopped grilled eel on rice).
Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho Tokyo Sky Tree Town Solamachi Location
Open:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPYAccess:
1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Oshiage Station / 1-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station on Tobu Skytree LineAddress:
6F, Tokyo Solamachi East Yard, 1-1-2, Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation 3. Kobe Beef Daia Asakusa Rakutenchi Branch
The Kobe beef specialty restaurant "Kobe Beef Dia Asakusa Rakutenchi" is popular among domestic and international tourists. As soon as you step in, you'll find counter seats facing the teppanyaki grill, creating a space filled with a sense of excitement. The star of the dishes, Kobe beef, is only of the highest A5 grade. The restaurant's unique feature is its ability to offer a variety of cuts by purchasing whole cows. Here, the classic style is to enjoy the "steak" as part of a course meal. The interior design, evoking Japanese culture, creates an impressive and elegant atmosphere.
Kobe Beef Daia Asakusa Rakutenchi Branch
Open:
11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 10,000 JPYAccess:
3-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express Line. Located on the 3rd floor of Tokyo Rakutenchi Asakusa Bldg. across from Asakusa Don Quijote.Address:
3F, 2-6-7, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation 4. Wafuu-dokoro Usagi
At Wafuu-dokoro Usagi guests can indulge in an array of unique Japanese delicacies and fine sake in a laid-back setting. The restaurant prides itself on its diverse menu, featuring daily recommendations ranging from simple sashimi with seasonal seafood to meticulously prepared à la carte dishes spanning various culinary genres. The drink selection is equally impressive, boasting a curated collection of Japanese sake, wines, and spirits, including both classic and limited-time offerings. The relaxed atmosphere fosters lively conversations between guests and staff, creating a vibrant dining experience perfect for socializing over the counter.
Wafuu-dokoro Usagi
Open:
[Monday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)Closed:
Tuesday, WednesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 4,000 JPYAccess:
1-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express / 5-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza LineAddress:
1F, Sakata Bldg., 2-26-1, Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation 5. Nihonryori Mochizuki
Mochizuki, a rare high-floor restaurant in Asakusa, offers stunning views of the Sumida River and Sky Tree. From day to night, guests can enjoy an expansive sky during the day and city lights at night. The kaiseki cuisine, crafted from daily selections, reflects the chef's meticulous attention to detail. Complementing the exquisite dishes is a diverse selection of sake, shochu, and other beverages. With five large and five small private rooms, Mochizuki is perfect for business gatherings or intimate meetings. Whether sightseeing, dining with family, or enjoying a date, Mochizuki is an excellent choice for a memorable dining experience in Asakusa.
Nihonryori Mochizuki
Open:
[Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm)Closed:
Average price:
[Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPYAccess:
3-minute walk from Asakusa station Exit 4 on Ginza Line / 5-minute walk from Honjo-azumabashi Station. It's on the 21st floor of the Asahi Group Headquarters Building along the Sumida River.Address:
21F, Asahi Group Headquarters Bldg., 1-23-1, Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation 6. Ryuen
In their sweet and sour pork, guests enjoy a fusion of flavors from lemons, sherry vinegar, black vinegar, white vinegar, and two types of tomatoes, meticulously selected for optimal taste. The commitment to quality extends to their spring asparagus, sourced from Tochigi, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Despite a closed kitchen, the chef actively engages with guests, accommodating requests and providing detailed dish explanations. The elegant interior, adorned in black, white, and gold, reflects the establishment's dedication to perfection.
Ryuen
Open:
[Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm[Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm [Tuesday - Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pmClosed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPYAccess:
Next to the fifth building from Exit A5 of "Asakusa Station" (Tsukuba Express line)/5-minute walk from "Tawaramachi Station" (Tokyo Metro Ginza line)Address:
3-1-9, Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation 7. Bona Festa
In the competitive dining scene of Asakusa, Bona Festa, a long-standing Russian restaurant, stands out with its commitment to serving delicious dishes. Their signature cabbage roll, slow-cooked for 4-5 hours and simmered in tomato sauce, melts in your mouth. The Borsch is similarly stewed all day, while their bread is baked after a long resting period for the dough. Sometimes, they incorporate unconventional ingredients like Japanese shore fish and matsutake mushrooms. Their philosophy is simple: prioritize taste and customer satisfaction above all else. This dedication to quality is what has kept them popular among diners.
Bona Festa
Open:
[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm / Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (From 5:00 pm on Sunday) Closed:
WednesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPYAccess:
2 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on Toei Asakusa Line / Go south from Asakusa Station. Turn right at Asakusa Street, then it's on your rightAddress:
1F, Garden Bldg., 2-6-9, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation 8. OSushiawase Sushi Horikawa
OSushiawase Sushi Horikawa offers an intimate dining experience ideal for special occasions. With just six counter seats, guests can closely observe the chef's techniques as they enjoy omakase courses featuring seasonal delicacies sourced from across Japan. The menu, available for both lunch and dinner, showcases fresh fish directly sourced from Toyosu and Fukuoka markets. The owner personally curates a selection of sake to complement the seasonal offerings. Located a short walk from Asakusa Station, it's the perfect spot to experience the essence of Japanese cuisine with expertly prepared sushi.
OSushiawase Sushi Horikawa
Open:
[Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:00 pm) *Closed for lunch every Tuesday, [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPYAccess:
9-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, Tobu Railway, Tobu Skytree LineAddress:
3-24-3, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation 9. Dozeu Iidaya
In the boneless hotpot of Dozeu Iidaya, raw Japanese loach is added directly to the pot, ensuring a superior texture and taste compared to pre-cooked loach. Carefully sourced from regions like Chiba, Akita, and Ibaraki, each imparts a unique flavor due to their distinct environments. Similarly, the meticulous selection of burdock and green onion, essential ingredients for the hotpot, adds to the dish's depth of flavor. Their first-floor seating provides a view of the kitchen, allowing the chef to interact with guests and tailor their dining experience accordingly. It's heartening to see generations of families enjoying meals together at the restaurant, a testament to its longstanding history and commitment to satisfying guests.
Dozeu Iidaya
Open:
[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:30 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm )Closed:
WednesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPYAccess:
Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station A2 Exit / Ginza Line Tabaracho Station 3rd Exit. From Kokusai Street, go into Kappabashi Street and you'll see it.Address:
3-3-2, Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation 10. Sugita
Known for its cozy atmosphere, the family-run Sugita specializes in tonkatsu, a staple Japanese dish prepared by coating pork cutlets in breadcrumbs and frying them. Every step of the process is performed by veteran hands to produce a crisp outer coating and bring out the meat’s savory flavors as well as an appetizing fragrance, resulting in an extraordinarily delicious dish! The [Pork Loin Cutlet] (2,100 JPY) is made from a cut of pork with just the right amount of succulent fat while the [Pork Fillet Cutlet] (2,400 JPY) is made from a leaner, tender cut. Both come highly recommended!
Sugita
Open:
[Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:45 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:15 pm)Closed:
ThursdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPYAccess:
2 minutes walk from Exit A5 of Kuramae Station on Toei Subway Oedo Line / Asakusa LineAddress:
3-8-3, Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo MapMore Details Reservation This has been a presentation of the best restaurants in Asakusa, with a focus on establishments that have been held in high regard by the locals for a long time now. Every one of these locations has made their mark on the city with their timeless flavors, so please be sure to visit them if you’re ever in the area for sightseeing.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.