Update-date: Mar 11 2025
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Ueno
Ueno is a beautiful area that's rich in culture and beauty, thanks to its museums and the zoo. You'll definitely need several hours to visit it entirely, so here is a list of delicious restaurants to have lunch or dinner, recommended by the best chefs in Japan.
1. Gyujutsu Kuroobi
Gyujutsu Kuroobi, tucked under Okachimachi Station, is renowned for high-quality Japanese Wagyu beef. Each cut is carefully selected and beautifully presented to showcase its flavor and sweetness, best enjoyed with simple seasonings or their range of champagnes and whiskeys. In addition to a la carte options, individually served courses come highly recommended. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, filled with the aroma of Yakiniku and warm hospitality, accommodates 10-14 guests, making it perfect for intimate gatherings.
Gyujutsu Kuroobi
Open: [Monday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: About 2-minute walk from Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line / About 10-minute walk from Ueno Station on the JR Lines
Address: 5-10-11, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: About 2-minute walk from Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line / About 10-minute walk from Ueno Station on the JR Lines
Address: 5-10-11, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Ayakaritai
Ayakaritai offers delicious food and rare sake while preserving tradition. Its signature dish, “Hegi Soba,” features bite-sized noodles made with seaweed, a specialty from Echigo. Skilled chefs create a la carte dishes with fresh, daily-stocked ingredients. A highlight is the Japanese Sake Shop at the entrance, where you can enjoy or take home carefully selected brews.
Ayakaritai
Open: [Weekdays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (Food L.O. 2:00 am / Drink L.O. 2:30 am), [Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm / Drink L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station North Exit / 2-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station Exit A4 / 2-minute walk from Ueno Okachimachi Station Exit A4
Address: 1F, Ueno Shinkyo Bldg., 3-38-15, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station North Exit / 2-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station Exit A4 / 2-minute walk from Ueno Okachimachi Station Exit A4
Address: 1F, Ueno Shinkyo Bldg., 3-38-15, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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3. Seiryu Unagi Tsukishima Todai Akamon-mae Branch
During Japan’s Edo era (1603–1867), eel was a street food enjoyed by commoners, known as one of Edo’s “4 Specialties” alongside sushi, tempura, and soba. Over time, it became a high-class delicacy reserved for special occasions. This restaurant seeks to revive eel’s casual roots, offering delicious, hearty eel dishes at half the price and 1.5 times the portion of typical eel eateries—a modern, approachable take on a proud Japanese food tradition.
Seiryu Unagi Tsukishima Todai Akamon-mae Branch
Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: From Hongo-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Toei Subway Oedo Line, proceed along Hongo Street toward the University of Tokyo and walk for 4 minutes
Address: 5-25-18, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: From Hongo-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Toei Subway Oedo Line, proceed along Hongo Street toward the University of Tokyo and walk for 4 minutes
Address: 5-25-18, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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4. Yakiniku Motoyama Main Branch
Since its founding in Okachimachi, Tokyo, in 1975, Yakiniku Motoyama has specialized in high-quality Japanese beef, earning acclaim on TV and in magazines. With strict safety management from production to service, the restaurant offers a premium dining experience. Their signature melt-in-your-mouth yakiniku is a must-try.
Yakiniku Motoyama Main Branch
Open: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 95m from Naka-okachimachi Station
Address: B1F, Sasamoto Bldg., 5-22-8, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 95m from Naka-okachimachi Station
Address: B1F, Sasamoto Bldg., 5-22-8, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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5. Ponta Honke
Ponta Honke, founded in 1905, innovated Japan’s first pork cutlet, inspired by Milano-style tempura. Using carefully selected pork loin, excess fat is removed, and frying is done progressively—from low to high temperatures—yielding golden, light batter infused with the rich aroma of lard. Beyond cutlets, signature dishes like Tongue Stew and Deep Fried Oyster have charmed guests for generations. Experience the refined flavors and tradition of this historic four-generation restaurant offering exquisite Western-inspired cuisine.
Ponta Honke
Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:45 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:45 pm) [Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:45 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:45 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the south exit of Okachimachi Station on JR Yamanote Line / Keihin Tohoku Line
Address: 3-23-3, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the south exit of Okachimachi Station on JR Yamanote Line / Keihin Tohoku Line
Address: 3-23-3, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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6. Dohtonbori FELLOWS Okachimachi Branch
Dohtonbori FELLOWS Okachimachi Branch delights guests with its “delicious and healthy” menu, featuring okonomiyaki, Hiroshimayaki, monjayaki, and teppanyaki. Showcasing Japan’s diverse food culture, their dishes prioritize balanced ingredients and health. Fresh domestic vegetables are carefully selected, and grilling your own food adds to the fun. With all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink options, it’s the perfect spot for cheerful interactions around the iron plate.
Dohtonbori FELLOWS Okachimachi Branch
Open: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Okachimachi Station South Exit. 8-minutes walk from Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit.
Address: 5-20-3, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Okachimachi Station South Exit. 8-minutes walk from Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit.
Address: 5-20-3, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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7. Craft Burger & Grill Jiro
Craft Burger & Grill Jiro, located in Matsugaya, Tokyo, specializes in 100% lean beef craft burgers and original Japanese-inspired options. They offer fresh sides like steamed-and-fried French fries and craft beers for perfect pairings. Families can enjoy kids’ menus, while pets are welcome during dinner time, making it ideal for family outings. Combining quality ingredients with a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great spot to relax, savor unique flavors, and spend time with loved ones—including your furry friends.
Craft Burger & Grill Jiro
Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:45 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station and 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Address: 1F, Yuheim Kume, 2-31-7, Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station and 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Address: 1F, Yuheim Kume, 2-31-7, Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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8. Ueno Wagyu Yakiniku USHIHACHI Kiwami
Ueno Wagyu Yakiniku USHIHACHI Kiwami, this restaurant offers A4-grade Black Wagyu female beef at reasonable prices by purchasing whole cows. You can enjoy high-quality, flavorful Japanese BBQ with various cuts prepared in unique ways, making it an excellent destination for premium yet affordable Yakiniku.
Ueno Wagyu Yakiniku USHIHACHI Kiwami
Open: [Weekdays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: 1-minute walk from Asakusa Exit (to the left as you exit the JR Central ticket gate) of Ueno Station of JR Lines, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line / 5-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Address: FUNDES Ueno 10F, 7-2-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: 1-minute walk from Asakusa Exit (to the left as you exit the JR Central ticket gate) of Ueno Station of JR Lines, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line / 5-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Address: FUNDES Ueno 10F, 7-2-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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9. 76Vin
This restaurant specializes in expertly prepared yakitori, using two types of Guerande salt—fine-grain to infuse flavor and coarse to enhance it. Each skewer is freshly cut, skewered, and charcoal-grilled to order. The welcoming atmosphere features a counter perfect for solo diners, including women, and tables ideal for date nights. Friendly staff ensure a relaxed, casual dining experience, making it the go-to spot for delicious, expertly crafted grilled chicken skewers.
76Vin
Open: 18:00 - 24:00, no yakitori (grilled chicken) on Wednesday
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go out of exit 1 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Head through the traffic signal along Genmon Street for about 30 seconds, next to Akafudado.
Address: 1F, 2-13-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go out of exit 1 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Head through the traffic signal along Genmon Street for about 30 seconds, next to Akafudado.
Address: 1F, 2-13-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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10. Sushi Iho
In 2020, a cherished sushi restaurant opened in Hongo’s Kikusaka neighborhood, where many food-loving writers once lived. The owner, Mr. Iho, trained at renowned Tokyo establishments before creating his own space. Guided by his motto, “Once in a lifetime,” he crafts exceptional nigiri unique to each day. Offering an omakase course and a premium upgrade, the restaurant features just five counter seats. Ideal for private parties of four or more, it ensures an intimate, exclusive sushi experience for personal or business occasions.
Sushi Iho
Open: Dinner 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm (last order 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 11,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Kiku Bldg., 5-4-5 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 11,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Kiku Bldg., 5-4-5 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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There are still a ton of restaurants with various tastes in Ueno, which has been prosperous since long ago as the gateway to northern Tokyo. Go around the area while eating and discover your favorite!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
