15 Must-Visit Long-Established Tokyo Restaurants Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 05 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Must-Visit Long-Established Tokyo Restaurants

People have the impression that Tokyo is a modern and advanced city filled with skyscrapers, but there are also many well-established restaurants that have enjoyed love and support from locals for a long time. Check out this list of 15 such places that you should try on your next visit!

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Tokyo.

1. Kurofune-tei (Ueno, French)

This restaurant has been around since the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). It was originally a ryotei (a first-class Japanese restaurant). At one point in the past, it was called "Restaurant Kukiya" and even counted John Lennon and Yoko Ono among its customers. They’re especially proud of their rich demi-glace sauce, which is made by repeatedly simmering and sifting ingredients for over a week. Their [Beef Stew], which comes with a generous serving of tender Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef), is one of their dishes that makes use of this sauce. The [Hayashi Rice] also features this sauce, slathered over delicious hot rice. They also offer many of their dishes in half-sized portions, which are popular with those that have small appetites and the elderly.

Kurofune-tei

Open: 11:30 am - 10:45 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 4F, Kikuya Bldg., 2-13-13, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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2. Akasaka Tsutsui (Akasaka, Western Cuisine)

Located a distance away from the main streets of Akasaka, this restaurant is an old one that’s been in business for close to 70 years. Here, you can enjoy yoshoku - a type of cuisine that came about when American and European dishes were arranged to suit Japanese tastes. The [Beef Steak-don] (rice bowl dish with beef steak), an item that’s been on the menu since the restaurant opened, features A5-ranked Kuroge Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) sirloin that's been grilled with a special sauce, which has been added to continuously for over 50 years. The cooked meat is then served on top of rice. A pat of butter is placed on top, giving the dish additional flavor as it melts and coats the other ingredients in the bowl. The [Beef Fillet Katsu] (fried beef cutlet), made with A5-ranked Kuroge Wagyu fillet, is also popular. Fried to bring out the flavor of the meat, it’s perfect with their homemade demi-glace sauce.

Akasaka Tsutsui

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
[Weekends, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, National Holidays that fall on Monday, Golden Week, Summer holiday, Beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 2-22-24, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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3. Hashimoto (Edogawabashi, Japanese Cuisine)

With a history of around 180 years, this famous eel restaurant places importance on where their ingredients come from. As a result, they use premium ingredients from all over Japan that has been produced in the best environments. Compared to other restaurants, they use larger eels and grill them until they're fluffy and soft. Their special sauce that has been continuously added to over many years has a traditional taste and enhances the umami (Japanese savory taste) of eel. It is a deep flavor that goes perfectly with aromatic eel grilled over binchotan (a type of high-quality charcoal). Do try their [Unaju Special] - a dish of eel dipped in sauce and grilled before being served on top of rice in a lacquer box. There’s also the [Grilled Eel Offal], which is a dish of eel offal grilled with sauce. The mellow aroma and bitterness of this dish go well with alcohol.

Hashimoto

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Address: 2-5-7, Suido, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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4. Tamahide (Ningyocho, Japanese Cuisine)

This restaurant specializes in dishes made with shamo (game fowl). Established in 1760, the restaurant’s most famous dish is their [Tori Suki] - a sukiyaki (hot pot stew) made with shamo. They don’t use any sake (Japanese alcohol) or sugar in their sauce, preferring instead to create a rich and fragrant sauce using shoyu (soy sauce). A variety of chicken parts can be simmered in this special sauce and eaten. They are also known as the birthplace of oyako-don (rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs), which is now a Japanese specialty. Dishes with chicken and egg on top of rice had existed before the birth of oyako-don, but it was this restaurant that created the version in which chicken is cooked in the sauce used for [Tori Suki], with an egg added afterwards. The [White Liver Oyako-don] is a version of this dish that comes with a rare kind of chicken liver. The mellow taste and softness of the liver is a great match with the golden yellow eggs.

Tamahide

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) *Only Oyako-don is served, Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm), Course Meals 11:45 pm - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm)
Closed: Beginning and end of the year, Obon
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 1-17-10, Ningyo-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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5. Imayoshi (Otemachi, Sushi)

This famous traditional sushi restaurant was opened in 1957 and is now run by the 3rd generation owner. Fresh seafood, purchased daily from the morning market, is used to make the sushi. The chef relies on his many years of experience to carefully determine the freshness and quality of the seafood that is then displayed in a showcase. If you want to have some nigiri-zushi (hand-formed sushi) and like rich flavors, go for the [Ni-anago] (simmered conger eel). Simmered over a long time, the eel is plump and has great texture. It’s seared right before it is made into sushi, concentrating its delicious flavor. You can also try the [Eight Assorted Sashimi], which is a platter of assorted sashimi made with fresh fish that's in season.

Imayoshi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 9:30 pm, Drinks L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: B2F, Tokyo Sankei Bldg., 1-7-2, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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6. Dojo Iidaya (Asakusa, Japanese)

Located in Asakusa, which is a shitamachi (old downtown area) filled with atmosphere, this well-established restaurant has been in operation since the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). It specializes in dishes made with pond loach, which is a type of freshwater fish that was considered food for the common people. The [Dojo Nabe] (pond loach hot pot) is a dish that highlights the charms of pond loach, serving it with various vegetables like burdock and spring onions. The pond loach has a light taste, with a hint of bitterness, making it pair well with alcohol like sake (Japanese alcohol). There’s also a wide variety of other pond loach dishes to try.

Dojo Iidaya

Open: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday, Beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 3-3-2, Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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7. Ishibashi (Suehirocho, Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki)

This well-established sukiyaki restaurant started in 1872 as a eatery run directly by a butcher shop. Their [Sukiyaki] course comes with your choice of sirloin or marbled meat. Either way, the Kuroge Wagyu simply melts in your mouth and packs a punch in terms of flavor. The soup in the sukiyaki is a recipe that is close to 140 years old. Passed down over several generations, the pleasant flavor of the sauce works well with the egg, bringing out the flavor of the beef. The staff will cook everything for you - from the very first slice of meat, right down to the [Ojiya] (porridge made with the leftover broth) - so you can rest assured that the food will be perfect.

Ishibashi

Open: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 15,000 JPY
Address: 3-6-8, Soto Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)

8. Torishige (Shinjuku, Japanese Cuisine)

Established in 1949, this popular restaurant is known for its [Motsu-yaki] (grilled offal), in which pig, chicken, and cow offal are skewered and grilled with salt or sauce. Torishige offers a wide variety of parts, from the ever-popular liver and heart to rare parts. Among these, the luxurious [Jotan] is a must-try. Each indulgent serving consists of 2 pig tongues, grilled over charcoal until they're fragrant. The crunchy texture and sweet meat juices add to the flavor. There are also healthy vegetable skewers, Wagyu sirloin skewers, and more!

Torishige

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am) *Last entry at 12:00 am
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 7,000 JPY
Address: 2-6-5, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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9. Edo Soba Teuchidokoro Asada (Asakusabashi, Udon, Soba)

This soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurant has been operating in Asakusabashi since 1854. They use their homemade flour to produce the soba they sell. Each stage of production - turning the flour into dough, rolling it into noodles, and then cutting it - is done by hand. They make their juwari soba (soba made with pure buckwheat flour) without adding any binders. The [Anago Tenseiro] set is a perfect combination of juwari soba and anago (conger eel) tempura. The batter on the eel is crispy and the eel is tender, drawing out the deliciousness of the smooth soba. They also have a wide variety of Japanese dishes that go well with alcohol. The [Specialty Duck Hot Pot], made with duck from Miyagi Prefecture and generous servings of vegetables simmered in dashi (broth), is the star dish. It’s a flavorful dish that will satisfy any gourmet.

Edo Soba Teuchidokoro Asada

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
[Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY
Address: 2-29-11, Asakusa-bashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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10. Momonjiya (Ryogoku, Kaiseki)

This restaurant has a history spanning over 10 generations and is located near the equally historically significant Ryogoku Kokugikan - the home of sumo wrestling, which is the national sport of Japan. This is a place where you can enjoy dishies made out of gibier (game), such as boar, deer, and bear. They’re especially well-known for their [Wild Boar Hot Pot], which is slow-cooked so that the flavors soak into the fat, resulting in a deep, flavorful dish. The [Deer Sashimi] is also highly recommended. The lean meat goes really well with red wine. Take your pick from a la carte dishes to course meals!

Momonjiya

Open: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:45 pm)
Closed: Sunday
*Open if there is a sumo tournament happening at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Average price: 8,000 JPY
Address: 1-10-2, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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11. Sukiyaki Kappo Hiyama (Ningyocho, Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki)

This restaurant started off as a butcher shop in 1912, but eventually started carving its way into history as a famous sukiyaki restaurant from 1927. The [Hiyama Sukiyaki] is their signature dish, made with premium Wagyu. The special sukiyaki sauce is slightly sweet and smells great, whetting your appetite and bringing out the flavors of the meat. Try the [Sukiyaki Course Matsu]! The staff will assist you throughout the meal and ensure that everything is perfectly cooked and tastes excellent. Do also try their [Shabu-shabu] (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) that is made with delicious broth. The traditional Japanese-style architecture helps to add to the atmosphere and make your meal enjoyable.

Sukiyaki Kappo Hiyama

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays, Beginning and end of the year, Golden Week, Obon
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 12,000 JPY
Address: 2-5-1, Ningyo-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)

12. Kappo Tonbo (Honjo-azumabashi, Kaiseki)

This ryotei is located near the Sumida River (Sumida-gawa) in Shitamachi, which is an area packed with sightseeing spots. With a history of over 85 years, this restaurant offers a menu of mainly traditional Japanese course meals, with some creative dishes as well. Try their [Branded Japanese Beef Steak or Shabu-Shabu Course]. You’ll get your pick of A5-ranked Wagyu - procured from famous production areas like Matsusaka, Miyazaki, and Saga - served as a delicious sirloin steak or in slices to cook in your umami-rich shabu-shabu. The [Chef's Recommended Meat Kaiseki Course] (Japanese banquet cuisine with alcohol) is also popular. It includes a variety of dishes as the main, such as meat and steamed seafood dishes.

Kappo Tonbo

Open: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 3-7-17, Azuma-bashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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13. Iroha Nishinaka Branch (Tsukishima, Okonomiyaki, Monjayaki)

This restaurant has enjoyed great support from locals and tourists alike since it opened in the Showa 30's (1955 - 1964). The atmosphere is cozy, so you can relax and enjoy your meal leisurely. Their most famous dish is the [Monjayaki] (Japanese savory pancake), which is a famous Tsukishima food. The thin batter is made with flour and water, with a variety of ingredients added to it before it is grilled. The version here is known for being generously portioned. The [Super Kinoko Monja] is a good pick since it’s packed with ingredients like mushrooms and sakura shrimp. Not only is it addictive, but it’s relatively low in calories, making it a healthier choice.

Iroha Nishinaka Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 3-8-10, Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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14. Yanagi-zushi (Ikebukuro, Sushi)

Conveniently located just a minute's walk from Ikebukuro Station, which is at one of the best shopping districts in Tokyo, this sushi restaurant has been operating for over 60 years. Sushi restaurants have the image of being upmarket, but the atmosphere here is friendly, so you’ll feel right at home. Their seasonal ingredients are procured fresh from the market every morning and made into nigiri-zushi, sashimi, snacks that go well with alcohol, and a variety of other dishes. Order the [Yuki Nigiri] and you’ll get a variety of different sushi. There’s also the [Assortment of Sashimi]. They also have a good a la carte menu, so do enjoy their food with some good sake!

Yanagi-zushi

Open: [Sunday, National Holidays] 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Monday - Thursday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Friday] 5:00 pm - 12:30 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: Inside Goko Bldg., 1-18-1, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)

15. Toriyasu (Takara-cho, Japanese Cuisine)

This restaurant that specializes in chicken dishes has a history that spans more than 45 years. The owner’s family runs a chicken meat store that’s been around for close to 100 years. From there, they procure only the young of a brand of chicken from Saga Prefecture. Try their [Kiji-yaki Bento]! Over 100 sets are sold each day! This dish consists of rice that's been topped with delicious grilled chicken and flavored chicken mince with sweet and spicy sauce. Do also order their various types of yakitori (grilled chicken skewer), which are all grilled with their special sauce that's been added to and used for the last 45 years. Each skewer is carefully grilled until fragrant and packed full of flavor.

Toriyasu

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Food L.O. 9:30 pm, Drinks L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 1F, Hitachi No. 6 Bldg., 2-6-14, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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All of the restaurants listed above are fabulous restaurants that have stood the test of time. Make sure to try their delicious dishes!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.