30 Izakaya in Tokyo with Must-try Food Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Oct 18 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

There are too many restaurants in Tokyo to talk about them all, and of course, there are countless izakayas (Japanese pubs) competing for attention as well. Here are some popular spots renowned for their gourmet food.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Tokyo.

1. Yonpachi Gyojou Uchisaiwaicho Branch (Shimbashi)

Customers can enjoy daily specials featuring fish processed with fishermen's skills such as "Shinkei-jime (destroying the fish's spinal cord)" and "Ikekoshi (letting fish rest in the tank)." A wide selection of Japanese sake, including brands suitable for the season and those perfect for fish dishes, is also available. In addition to classic brands like Dassai, Hidashimizu, Shiraku, and Taka, the restaurant provides special offerings such as its original sake collaborated with sake breweries every year, creating unique flavors that cannot be found elsewhere. In the lively interior reminiscent of a fishing town, customers are invited to savor the abundance of fresh seafood to their heart's content.

Yonpachi Gyojou Uchisaiwaicho Branch

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 999 JPY
Access: Directly connected from Exit C4 of Kasumigaseki Station and Exit A6/A7 of Uchisaiwaicho Station on the Toei Mita Line, 215m from Uchisaiwaicho Station
Address: B1F, Hibiya Park Front, 2-1-6, Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Nishi Azabu Bancho (Nogizaka)

Enjoy yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) here, a standard dish at every izakaya. Brand meat called Suigo Aka chicken is used here, which is full of umami (Japanese savory taste) and has a pleasant texture. The chicken is grilled over charcoal, making the outside crisp, while keeping the inside tender. Their famous [Bancho 6-skewer Course] features tender, thigh, liver, wing, meatball, and a vegetable skewer. They are seasoned with sea salt, which brings out the umami of the meat and vegetables. There are many varieties of sake (Japanese alcohol) and shochu (Japanese alcohol) offered here, as well as many light fares that go well with them, so this mellow spot is especially recommended for a few quiet drinks.

Nishi Azabu Bancho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Normal hours: 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: Sundays
Average price: -
Access: Seven-minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Located near the Minato Ward municipal offices.
Address: Hikita Bldg. 1F, 1-14-2 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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3. Minami Aoyama Hifumi (Gaiemmae)

Enjoy reasonably priced, authentic Japanese food and alcohol in the stylish Japanese atmosphere of this restaurant. Vegetables and fish are directly brought in from contracted farmers and fishing ports, so many of the simple dishes offered here focus on the flavors of the ingredients themselves. Another notable feature of the place is the many varieties of sake and shochu that are available. All-you-can-drink courses are offered, perfect for diners who want to sample various drinks along with their meal. The famous item here is the [Bimeiton Pork Tonteki] (pork steak with thick sauce), made with brand pork from Ibaraki Prefecture. This hearty dish is created using pork shoulder exclusively, so you can enjoy the light fatty flavor along with the deep and sweet flavor of the meat. Other popular choices are the [Sashimi Assortment], which features natural fish bought directly from fishing ports, while the [Raw Vegetable Assortment] consists of vegetables procured directly from contracted farmers.

Minami Aoyama Hifumi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (last order 3:00 pm) / 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:30 pm) *Opens at 5:00 pm starting January
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: A three-minute walk from Gaienmae Station. Take Exit 1a, turn left at Francfranc, and you will come across the restaurant while walking down the hill.
Address: B1F Cattleya Building, 3-2-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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4. Hakata Hotaru Azabujuban (Azabu-juban)

3. Hakata Hotaru Azabujuban (Azabu-juban)

Enjoy Fukuoka and Hakata's famous motsunabe (innards hot pot) here, as well as skewers, fresh fish, and other authentic dishes of Hakata. This hideaway-like spot is renowned for its calm atmosphere and Japanese aesthetics and is recommended for a meal with friends as well as dates. The famous item here is the [Hakata Motsunabe]. The soup has special spicy miso melted into it for a refreshing and refined yet rich flavor and features Mataichi Salt, made completely by hand in Fukuoka's Itoshima, as well as Agodashi-joyu, (flying fish broth soy sauce), filled with umami of fish. The main ingredient of the dish is odorless, tender innards, which is stewed to create the rich motsunabe. The fresh innards used here are so delicious that you will want to drink every last drop of your soup! There are many kinds of alcoholic beverages available here, but shochu is by far the best choice for pairing with the motsunabe.

Hakata Hotaru Azabujuban

Open: Normal hours: 6:00 pm- 4:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,900 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk in the direction of the Embassy of Austria from exit 7 of Azabu-Juban station on the Toei Oedo line
Address: IPSE Azabu Juban Shichimenzaka 1F, 2-7-5 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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5. Akoya (Ebisu)

Shellfish fans won't be able to resist this specialty restaurant! Only a specialized place like this can acquire so many different kinds of shellfish of such high quality. The food here has a shifting, evolving quality that brings out the umami of the shellfish. The sashimi, grilled and steamed items, and steaks here are some of the ways in which you can directly enjoy shellfish, while items such as dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet), chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard), and risotto all put shellfish extract to good use. Watching the shellfish being prepared from scratch and the fragrance of the items as they are being grilled are just some of the thrills you can experience here. The [Innards Sukiyaki] (hot pot stew) is one of the most well-known items here. Shellfish innards and vegetables are stewed together in a sweet and salty soup, which you dip and coat in egg before eating. The egg combines with the texture of the shellfish and sweetness of the sukiyaki sauce for a mild effect. It goes great with a drink too! Add rice to the remaining broth to make ojiya (rice porridge), the perfect end to a meal.

Akoya

Open: 6:00 pm - 0:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk/93m from Exit 1 of Ebisu Station on JR Yamanote Line
Address: 1F, TIMEZONE Komachi Bldg., 1-4-4, Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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6. Ebisu Uokin (Ebisu)

This is the Ebisu branch of the Uokin Group, who has recently been making their mark on the izakaya scene of Tokyo. One thing that sets this place apart from other branches is the stylish atmosphere. All manner of arrangements can be accommodated, as the counter seating is great for dates, while the semi-private rooms are ideal for relaxing with friends and family. Fresh, seasonal fish and top quality sake can be enjoyed here for a reasonable price. The famous item here is the [Sashimi Assortment Special]. It features the most delicious seasonal fish procured directly from the market that morning, ensuring outstanding freshness. Other options on the menu include Japanese spiny lobster, which is priced reasonably, despite its high cost. The [Stuffed Horsehair Crab Shell], with flaked meat and leg meat packed into the shell, always sells out, so be sure to order it quickly!

Ebisu Uokin

Open: [Weekday] Normal Hours 5:00 pm -11:30 pm (last order 11:00 pm) Food last order 10:30 pm
[Saturday] Normal Hours 4:30 pm -11:30 pm (last order 11:00 pm) Food last order 10:30 pm
[Sunday / Public Holiday] Normal Hours 4:30 pm -11:00 pm (last order 10:30 pm) Food last order 10:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: Get off at Ebisu Station on the JR Lines or Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, exit from the East Exit and turn right, then go down the stairs and walk for one minute.
Address: Ebisu Neonart 1F, 4-1-18 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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7. Edomae Bistro Edogin (Shimbashi)

This restaurant, in keeping with the times, offers reasonably priced, accessible French and Japanese cuisine. The veteran chef has over 30 years experience in French cuisine and lovingly prepares the dishes without cutting any corners or making any compromises. There are also many varieties of wine available, chosen by a licensed sommelier for optimal pairings with the food. The signature item here is the [Crab Cream Croquette Sauce Americaine]. The creamy, rich flavors of this crab-filled croquette, topped with the sauce made from crab shell and innards, will spread through your mouth as you take a bite. Besides the French options, Japanese dishes like the [Bekko Oshizushi], featuring fresh fish marinated in soy sauce, are also popular. Guests will also be pleased to know that Edomae Bistro Edogin is open until 2:00 am.

Edomae Bistro Edogin

Open: [Weekday] Dinner: 5:30 pm -02:00 am (last order 01:00 am)
[Saturday] Dinner: 5:00 pm -11:00 pm (last order 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: 2 minute-walk from Shinbashi Station of the JR Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, or Toei Asakusa Line.
Address: Mukojima Bldg. 2F, 4-14-4 Shinbashi , Minato-ku, Tokyo

8. Sakanaya Oaji (Shimbashi)

Enjoy fresh seafood and regional dishes from Toyama prefecture at this Japanese cuisine izakaya. Taste the flavors of fish delivered from Toyama on the same day, such as Japanese amberjack in winter, as well as firefly squid, Japanese glass shrimp, and a deep-sea fish called eelpouts. The star attraction here is the [Oke-mori], an assortment of 7 types of seafood, with most of them from Sea of Japan, with a focus on Toyama, as well as tuna that is delivered directly from Chiba prefecture's Misaki Port. This restaurant is perfect for sampling a plethora of seasonal flavors, such as firefly squid in spring and Japanese amberjack in winter. Additionally, there are many izakaya-style dishes such as [Toyama Black Karaage] (deep-fried chicken), prepared with a rich soy sauce and accented with black pepper, as well as the [Stewed Beef Tendon with Tofu], which is stewed for over 6 hours. And of course, you should enjoy Toyama's ji-zake (Japanese local alcohol) along with your meal!

Sakanaya Oaji

Open: [Weekdays/Saturday/holidays/the day before a holiday] Normal hours 4:00 p.m.- 12:00 midnight (last order 11:00 p.m.)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Karasumori exit of Shinbashi station located at under the railway on the left
Address: 3-25-19 Shinbashi Minato Tokyo (Map)
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9. Ginza Mushinabe Ho (Ginza)

This restaurant specializes in healthy seafood mushinabe (steamed hot pot), prepared in a special pot. Japanese spiny lobster, shellfish, and other fresh seafood are some of the items you can find on the menu, along with vegetables carefully selected by a vegetable sommelier, all cooked in a special Chinese-style pot to a healthy finish. The standout item on the menu here is the [Japanese Spiny Lobster]. It is taken from the restaurant's tank and presented at your table before being prepared, and then is steamed to bring out the sweetness of the exceptionally tender meat. Many other ingredients can be sampled here, with their basic flavors and texture retained. The essence of the ingredients that drip down all gather under the pot into a delicious soup. Okayu (rice porridge) is made with the soup as the final course, which contains the umami from the various ingredients, making it truly delicious! Sake and shochu, beer, and wine are among the many types of drinks available.

Ginza Mushinabe Ho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm, Drink L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 4 minutes walk from Ginza Station A2 exit on Tokyo Metro Ginza line
Address: 5F, New Center Bldg., 7-7-19, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

10. Nurukan Sato Ginza Branch (Ginza)

This restaurants boasts authentic Japanese cuisine created by a veteran chef and sake. From seafood dishes made using fish from the restaurant's tank and grilled items to meat sushi and many light fares, the menu features a wide variety of dishes. However, the [Inca Potato Salad with Salmon Roe] is especially popular, and pairs well with sake. The potato salad is made using a variety called Inca no Mezame potatoes, known for its strong sweetness, and topped with a decadent helping of salmon roe marinated in soy sauce. The salmon roe and potato salad go together surprisingly well and is even somewhat addictive! And, of course, you must try some of the over 150 varieties of sake offered here.

Nurukan Sato Ginza Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Saturday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Friday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 4:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 7,000 JPY
Address: 8-2, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

11. Ginza Koshitsu Koya Ginza (Ginza-itchome)

10. Ginza Koshitsu Koya Ginza (Ginza-itchome)

This restaurant offers seasonal Japanese cuisine and drinks in exclusively private rooms with a quiet, refined atmosphere. These private rooms can accommodate parties from 2 all the way up to 62. The diverse menu features sashimi, grilled fish, tempura, karaage, and rice dishes, but the standout choice here is a well-balanced course. Small dishes, grilled and fried items, and sushi are some of the things you will enjoy with this highly satisfying course. There is also an all-you-can-drink course option available that is perfect for the thirstier customers. There is a wide selection of drinks, including beer, wine, sake, whiskey, and cocktails! Try different drinks depending on how you are feeling and what you are eating for an enjoyable experience.

Ginza Koshitsu Koya Ginza

Open: [Monday-Saturday] Dinner: 5:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Sunday/Holiday: 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. / Last order for food: 1 hour before closing, Last order for drinks: 30 min. before closing. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (last order 2:30 p.m.)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY
Access: From Ginza or Ginza Ichome Station, head towards Okura Bekkan. Basement level 1. 2 minutes walking from Ginza Ichome station. 3 Minutes walking from Ginza station.
Address: Okura Annex Bldg. B1F , 3-4-1 Ginza , Chuo-ku, Tokyo

12. TJ KACHIDOKI (Kachidoki)

This gastropub is in a renovated senbei (rice cracker) factory with 70 years of history. The highly vintage interior has a unique feel to it, and with many dividing walls, it feels as though you are dining in a private room. Various Western alcohol such as wine, champagne, and whiskey are offered here, as well as a snack menu to go with these drinks. The [Shimomura Wagyu Steak] (from 100g) is a popular option. It uses A5-ranked Wagyu (a type of high-quality cattle) from Aichi prefecture, whose breeding, raising and selling are all overseen by just one company called Shimomura Chikusan. It is cooked over low heat for 12 hours to condense the meat's umami, and pairs exceptionally well with wine. Other dishes that the owner hopes will delight guests include [TJ's Special Tonkotsu Ramen] - very popular dish to end the meal. This spot is ideal for enjoying the authentic flavors of Kyushu while in Tokyo.

TJ KACHIDOKI

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 5:00 am, or until the last guest is done.
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from Exit A3 of Kachidoki Station on subway. Behind Family Mart, a convenience store.
Address: 4-4-9, Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

13. ANNESSO YAMAKA (Kachidoki)

This restaurant features creative Japanese cuisine created using carefully selected ingredients and alcohol mainly from Shinshu (old name for Nagano prefecture). The sake selection is especially impressive, featuring rare ones carefully selected from 81 breweries in Nagano. Dishes also focus on ingredients from Shinshu, and a standout item is the [Walnut Sauce Soba] (buckwheat noodles). They use whole grain buckwheat produced in Kaida Highlands in Kiso, Nagano, known for its delicious aroma and flavor. The buckwheat is ground in-house to make their juwari soba (100% buckwheat soba). Eating with the distinctly rich walnut sauce, you will feel like you can keep eating forever the noodles match perfectly with the creaminess. The rustic, rich flavors of the Shinshu food as well as the selection of alcoholic beverages offered here guarantee that, no matter what you order, you will love it.

ANNESSO YAMAKA

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Wendsday, Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Closed: Monday, The 2nd Tuesday of the every month (Open if it is National Holidays)
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4 minutes walk from Kacchidoki Station on Toei Oedo Line
Address: Kazato Bldg., 3-28-12, Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

14. Uogashi Nakaoroshi Wa no Omise Mizuki (Tokyo)

13. Uogashi Nakaoroshi Wa no Omise Mizuki (Tokyo)

Due to being directly managed by a fishing company, high-grade fish is offered here for very reasonable prices. Naturally, sashimi is available, as are grilled, stewed, and fried items, along with nabe (hot pot) dishes, making for a rich and varied menu. The standout item is the [Fish Marinated in Miso Lees]. The fish is marinated in rich miso lees and then grilled. The lees' unique flavor and sweetness maximize the umami of the fish, and it goes without saying that alcohol pairs well with this dish. There are 50 to 60 types of sake and shochu to choose from, and depending on the season, the recommended choice will change, so pairing a seasonal sake with your seasonal fish is a fun experience. This spot is open until 2:00 am, so is perfect as a second stop after your first party is over.

Uogashi Nakaoroshi Wa no Omise Mizuki

Open: [Monday-Thursday] Dinner: 5:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Last order food 10:00 p.m., drinks 10:50 p.m.
[Friday] Dinner: 5:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Last order food 1:00 a.m., drinks 1:30 a.m.
[Saturday] Dinner: 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Last order food 9:00 p.m., drinks 9:30 p.m.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: 1 minute from all JR lines at Tokyo Station, Yaesu north exit.
Address: Yaesu 1chome Bldg. B1F , 1-6-2 Yaesu , Chuo-ku, Tokyo

15. Unagi Kushiyaki Shinten (Ningyocho)

This somewhat rare kind of restaurant offers various ways to sample eel. The renowned [Grilled Skewers] use eel that is procured fresh every morning, and carefully prepared into different cuts. The method for carefully and cleanly removing the liver from within the eel's innards and skewering it requires a high level of skill. Once it is deftly grilled on binchotan (high-quality charcoal), the distinct flavors will spread through your mouth, and you will inevitably want to a enjoy a drink along with your meal. The sake and shochu offering here will certainly bring out the flavors of the eel even more. And for your final dish, don't forget to try the [Hitsumabushi], featuring kabayaki (eel grilled with a rich sauce) on top of a bowl of rice with dashi (broth) poured on top.

Unagi Kushiyaki Shinten

Open: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: Three minute walk from A2 Exit, Ningyocho Station, Hibiya Line; also three minutes from Exit 8, Suitengumae Station, Hanzomon Line
Address: 1-14-7 Nihonbashi Kakigara-cho , Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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16. Takenawa (Jimbocho)

Takenawa is a popular izakaya in Jinbo-cho. The columns and door are made from materials that are over 100 years old, evoking the feeling of a traditional Japanese house. There are over 30 varieties of sake cups that have been collected from across Japan available here, as well as over 4 ji-zake options that change daily and over 60 shochu options! The center attraction on the menu is the [Grilled Offal]. It is made using rare, high-quality, domestic beef offal procured through their own channels, which is grilled with vegetables on a teppan (iron griddle). The tender offal and sweet vegetables cry out for a drink, so you will be drinking before you know it! There are many options like karaage, potato salad, and oden (ingredients simmered in broth) that are reminiscent of Japanese home cooking, so take some time and relax with these beloved flavors.

Takenawa

Open: [Weekdays, including days before holidays] Hours: 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (last order 10:30 pm ; last drink 11:00 pm. Extended hours on Fridays.) Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last order 2:00 pm) No smoking before 12:30 pm.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Access: A very quick 3 minute walk from Jimbocho Station exit A5, or a short 9 minutes from Suidobashi Station east exit. Next to Shinden Kitajinbocho post office.
Address: BF Bldg. 1F , 1-38 Kanda Jinbo-cho , Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

17. Akasaka Marushige (Akasaka)

Akasaka Marushige has a large selection of food and drinks, and is full of life as soon as it opens. There are always 40 kinds of sake available here, 80 kinds of shochu, as well as secret drinks that aren't even on the menu! They use ingredients from various parts of the country to create regional flavors, but the highlight is the [Beef Tendon Curry Rice]. The curry is stewed for 2 days, and is full of umami from the beef and the sweet flavors of the vegetables. There are quite a few regular customers who come here just to eat this dish. You should also try some of the rarer choices available here, such as the [Seared Pork Cheek], cooked over charcoal.

Akasaka Marushige

Open: [Friday and Before National Holidays] 5:00pm-4:00am (last order: 3:00am)
[Monday-Thursday] 5:00pm-2:00am (last order: 1:00am)
[Saturday] from 7:00pm-11:00pm (last order 10:00pm)
Closed: Tuesdays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: 2 minutes from Akasaka station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line, 5 minutes from Tameike-Sanno station on the Ginza and Namboku lines, and 8 minutes from Akasaka-mitsuke station on the Ginza line
Address: Yamaguchi Bldg. 2F , 2-14-8 Akasaka , Minato-ku, Tokyo

18. Izakaya Kushiroya (Shibuya)

Enjoy delicious Hokkaido cuisine made with fresh ingredients procured directly to Izakaya Kushiroya. The interior has a retro, homey atmosphere that will make you will feel like you're having a relaxing drink in your very own home. The popular choice here is the [Fried Spring Chicken], a half chicken that is seasoned and deep-fried to perfection. The skin is crispy while the inside is bursting with juice. Other essential Hokkaido food options include the [Buttered Potato with Shiokara] (fermented salt-marinated fish innards) and [Home-made Ikura-don] (rice bowl dish with salmon roe). Beer, sake, and shochu are all available, as well as the many shochu cocktails typical of an izakaya.

Izakaya Kushiroya

Open: [Weekdays/Saturday/holidays] Dinner 6：00 pm - 10：00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: Five minute walk from JR Shibuya station. Take Hachiko exit and turn right at the intersection down Dogenzaka road. Take a left at Dogenzaka 2-Chome interection, and it is located 50m futher on the left hand side.
Address: Koike Bldg. B1, 2-23-1 Dogenzaka , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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19. Tenku no Tsuki (Shibuya)

The interior of this izakaya evokes the townscape of Kyoto, and consists of exclusively private rooms for parties anywhere between 2 and 44. The sashimi and ni-zakana (stewed fish) are made with fresh fish procured every day, while there are many other creative Japanese cuisine dishes on the menu. One of their most famous items is the [Seared Wagyu Nigiri]. The lightly seared Wagyu is thinly sliced to make the nigirizushi (hand-formed sushi). The perfect balance of meat and shari (vinegared rice for sushi) will melt-in-your-mouth! The regularly occurring Sake Fair is also popular and offers carefully selected sake from across Japan that perfectly pair with their dishes. You have to try the excellent combination of choice ji-zake and creative Japanese cuisine.

Tenku no Tsuki

Open: 5:00 pm- 12:30 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) *Operating hours end at 2:00 am on Fridays (L.O. 1:00 am), and 12:30 am on Saturdays and Day before national holidays / Lunch: 11:30 am -2:00 pm [Monday - Friday]
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A 7-minute walk from the JR Shibuya station or 2-minute walk from Shinsen station on the Inokashira line. The restaurant is on the 3rd floor of the Dougenzaka square building, near the Dougenzaka-jo police box.
Address: Dogenzaka SQUARE 3F , 5-18 Maruyama-cho , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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20. Shibuya Udagawacho no Himono-ya (Shibuya)

19. Shibuya Udagawacho no Himono-ya (Shibuya)

This restaurant specializes in himono (cured fish) and offers cured fish from not just Japan but from all around the world, too. The dishes are cooked over binchotan (high-grade charcoal) to create a juicy flavor. Hokke (Okhotsk atka mackerel), kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), ika (squid), and many other himono are offered here, but by far the standout dish is the [Ikura-meshi] (rice bowl dish with salmon roe). The rice is topped with so much salmon roe that some of it spills over the rim in this luxurious dish, available only at dinner time! Many kinds of sake and shochu are available, and the fruit wines and liqueurs and shochu cocktails featuring fresh lemon and grapefruit that customers squeeze themselves are popular.

Shibuya Udagawacho no Himono-ya

Open: 4:00 pm - 5:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Shibuya Station
Address: Emerald Bldg. B1F, 12-7 Udagawa-cho , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

21. Robatayaki Zekkocho Teppen Shinjuku (Shinjuku)

20. Robatayaki Zekkocho Teppen Shinjuku (Shinjuku)

This robatayaki (specialty restaurant of Japanese style grilled cuisine) restaurant offers seasonal vegetables and fish as well as meat seared over binchotan. Everything here is cooked to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and alcohol goes well with any and every dish. The [Chicken Thigh with Smoked Spices] is the star attraction here. The meat is dried overnight then smoked, sealing in the umami, and is seasoned with a blend of over 10 spices that have also been smoked. And of course, alcohol goes very well with smoked foods! This restaurant boasts over 30 types of sake that have been selected from across Japan by the 4 sake sommeliers of the izakaya. There are secret sake choices not on the menu, too, so be sure to ask to try them as well.

Robatayaki Zekkocho Teppen Shinjuku

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A five minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station's Central East Exit, the building before you come to Golden Gai on Kuyakusho Street
Address: 9F Sankei 55 Bldg., 1-2-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

22. Jijii (Shimo-takaido)

Jijii boasts seasonal creative cuisine to match any season. The owner has personally visited fishing ports across Japan to select the many types of fish offered here. From Sashimi and sushi to fried dishes, the chef chooses a preparation method that best suits each fish, and every dish here is sure to give a warm, comforting feeling. The popular and well-known [Tuna Menchi] (minced tuna breaded and deep-fried) is completely hand-made at the restaurant from fresh tuna. The crisply fried tuna has a meaty, juicy quality - perfect with beer! The large alcohol selection includes sake and rare shochu, awamori (Okinawan alcohol), and Californian wines among other things, so you can choose a recommended drink depending on the season, your food, and how you are feeling.

Jijii

Open: [Tuesday, Friday - Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last order 2:00 pm) No lunch on Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch menu only.
[Sunday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:45 pm (last order 11:00 pm)
[Tuesday - Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:45 pm (last order 11:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: From Shimotakaido station on the Keio and Setagaya lines, follow the Setagaya line tracks (Tamaden-dori) for 3 minutes. Just after Yoshikawa Pediatric Clinic.
Address: 3-13-9 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

23. Kushiemon (Asakusabashi)

Kushiemon evokes the image of entertainment districts of the Edo period (1603 - 1867) with its Edo-style deep-fried skewers. This restaurant is thoroughly committed to creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Edo (former name of Tokyo) and will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The popular skewers are coated with the thinnest layer of batter possible to keep them healthy. There are 10 house-made sauces here, and diners will enjoy finding the perfect sauce for their meal. Sake and shochu, as well as wine, are available, and the many kinds of highballs offered here are recommended as they pair very well with the skewers.

Kushiemon

Open: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,800 JPY
Access: 1 minute on foot from exit A5 of Asakusabashi station on the Toei Asakusa line.
Address: B1F, Tanaka Bldg., 1-23-3 Yanagibashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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24. Izakaya Umaimon Shinjuku Kabuki-cho (Shinjuku)

23. Izakaya Umaimon Shinjuku Kabuki-cho (Shinjuku)

This restaurant offers delicious food at reasonable prices. The fish used here is directly delivered from production areas across Japan, and there are 30 options to choose from every day. You won't know what fish is featured in the [Sashimi Assortment], [Assortment of 3 Kinds of Himono], and grilled fish dishes until the day. Some non-fish options are the [Wagyu Steak], [Yakitori], and even ramen, so you certainly won't get tired of this diverse menu quickly. One of their most popular dishes is [Sake Taster Set]. There are 10 different sets available, so diners interested in comparing sake flavors should absolutely visit this restaurant.

Izakaya Umaimon Shinjuku Kabuki-cho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 6:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from the east exit of the JR Shinjuku station. A 6-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome station on the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines.
Address: Kabukicho Bldg. 1F, 1-12-6 Kabukicho , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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25. TORAEMON Shinjyuku-Higashiguchi branch (Shinjuku)

24. TORAEMON Shinjyuku-Higashiguchi branch (Shinjuku)

This restaurant's concept is the pairing of bluefin tuna and sake. The fish is bought whole, so you can sample rare cuts that feature in their creative tuna cuisine. In order to further accent the delicious flavor of the tuna, 33 types of sake have been procured from across Japan so that no matter what you order, there will be a perfect sake to go with it. The featured dish here is the [Toraemon Mountain]. Dashimaki (rolled omelet) is used as a base and is then topped with sushi rice coated in flying fish roe, tuna, salmon, sea bream, salmon roe, crab, radish sprouts, and Japanese ginger for a visually impressive and delicious dish. This extravagant combination of various seafood has an unbeatable flavor!

TORAEMON Shinjyuku-Higashiguchi branch

Open: [Weekdays] 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm, [Weekends, National Holidays] 4:00 pm -11:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: JR Shinjuku Station, 1 minute walk from the central east exit.
Address: 5F K3 Building, 3-27-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

26. Kushikoma Main Store (Otsuka)

This long-established izakaya has been in business for over 30 years. It is known these days as the izakaya that first introduced Juyondai to Tokyo, a sake that now represents the rarest sake. The chef has personally sampled and approved all the sake offered here, another contributing factor to this spot's popularity. Various local fish specialities are meticulously crafted to pair well with sake, and a particularly famous dish here is the [Ishiri Mizore Nabe] (hot pot), which must be ordered in advance. Squid and vegetables are added to a soup that utilizes a fish sauce made from squid innards. Coarsely grated daikon (white radish) is also blended in for sweetness, and this dish is sure to warm you from the inside. Furthermore, the [Marbled Horse Sashimi], directly delivered from Kumamoto, which is where the chef if from, has a phenomenal balance of red meat and fat. You will be surprised by the sashimi's freshness and lack of odor.

Kushikoma Main Store

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] Normal hours: 18:00-00:00, last order for food at 23:00 / last order for drinks at 23:30[Sunday] Normal hours: 17:00-00:00, last order for food at 23:00 / last order for drinks at 23:30
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk after alighting from Otsuka station on the JR Yamanote line/A 5-minute walk after alighting from Otsuka-ekimae station on the Toden Arakawa line
Address: 1-33-25 Kitaotsuka , Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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27. HARUYO

The menu here is decided every day based on the fish procured, making for diverse offerings. The seasonal or unusual fish are carefully selected by the discerning chef. The restaurant's interior is warm and cozy, thanks to the plain wood used here, and the wide tables and counter seating make for a pleasant, relaxed meal. While the menu changes daily, the [Seared Boso Splendid Alfonsino Sashimi] is a star feature. The skind side of a fatty splendid alfonsino is seared to bring out the flavors of the fat and umami, creating a luxurious dish. Sake is the main drink offered here, with a large selection of ji-zake carefully selected by the owner. The [Sake Taster Set] features 3 types of sake so you can compare the different flavors.

HARUYO

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the Electric Town Exit on JR [Akihabara Station]. On the 4th floor of the AKIBA 426 Bldg. on the opposite side of Akihabara UDX
Address: 4F, AKIBA426 Bldg., 4-2-6, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

28. Torigen Kamata (Kamata)

Torigen specializes in chicken cuisine and uses Miyazaki prefecture's Kirishima chicken. There are a lot of options featuring various chicken parts offered here, but their famous item is undeniably the [Assortment of 5 Skewers]. The chef exactingly selects the very best skewers of the day so that diners may sample all of the various flavors in just one dish. You can enjoy chicken in other ways, here too, such as in the [Torigen Salad], accented with crispy fried chicken skin, or the [Deep-fried Bone-in Thigh Meat], a perfect choice if you're starving. There are many varieties of shochu available here, as well as the Okinawan liquor awamori, exceptionally good with chicken, so be sure to sample the selection!

Torigen Kamata

Open: [Weekdays/Saturday] Normal hours 5:00 p.m.- 3:00 a.m. (last order 2:00 a.m.) [Sunday/holidays] Normal hours 5:00 p.m.- 12:00 midnight (last order 11:00 p.m.)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: Three minute walk from the east exit of JR Kamata Station. Take the street to the left of Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank, cross Route 11 and head 30m for the bridge, left side.
Address: 5-3-3 Kamata , Ota-ku, Tokyo (Map)
More Details Reservation

29. Uohide (Kichijoji)

The chef here loves fish so much that he goes to catch them himself, so naturally this restaurant's menu features only the freshest of fish. The main attraction here is the [Salt-grilled Yamaguchi Blackthroat Seaperch], which features a whole top-grade blackthroat seaperch, caught in the Sea of Japan, grilled over charcoal. This fish, while rich and fatty, also has a sweetness to it, and the texture is soft, with a delicate flavor. You will also definitely want to try the [Deluxe Sashimi Assortment], which features 9 to 10 seasonal fish for an unbeatable deal. The drink choices consist mainly of ji-zake, so sample the selection and find a favorite.

Uohide

Open: Normal hours: 5:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: A three minute walk from JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line's "Kichijoji Station".
Address: 1-23-6 Kichijoji-Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo

30. Seafood Izakaya Maru (Kinshicho)

This izakaya boasts seasonal fish dishes and over 200 kinds of alcoholic beverages. The [Raw Oysters], brought in throughout the year, are exceptionally fresh, and are one of this restaurant's most popular items. At Seafood Izakaya Maru, diners can taste superb oysters with a rich, creamy flavor and a soft texture that are predominantly brought in from Iwate prefecture's Sanriku area, as well as Pacific oysters from Hyogo and Mie. Additionally, the "Shochu Meister" here is an expert with 4 alcohol-related certifications. Not sure what drink to order? Just ask, and you are sure to get the perfect pairing for your meal!

Seafood Izakaya Maru

Open: [Weekday] Normal hours 17:00-00:00 (last order at 23:00), last order for drinks at 23:30[Sunday, national holiday] Normal hours 15:00-23:00 (last order at 22:00), last order for drinks at 22:30[Saturday] Normal hours 15:00-00:00 (last order at 23:00), last order for drinks at 23:30
Closed: Thursdays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Access: Two minute walk from JR Kinshicho Station, before the Kotobashi 4-chome traffic light
Address: 4-29-15 Koto Bashi , Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Make sure to try the remarkable dishes and drinks that each place has to offer, and enjoy izakaya of Tokyo fully!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.