Tokyo Food Guide: 10 Must-Try Restaurants & Cafés

If Tokyo had a resume, it would list “culinary powerhouse” as its top skill. This city takes food seriously—whether it’s a steaming bowl of udon, a stack of soufflé pancakes that defy gravity, or a cocktail that feels more like a science experiment. After eating my way through Tokyo for a week, these are the ten places that made me consider extending my trip indefinitely.

From hidden dumpling spots to viral donut shops, this list isn’t just about good food—it’s about the kind of meals you think about weeks (or years) later. Let’s dig in.

🍜 1. Shin Udon – Noodles to Dream About

📍 Shinjuku | 2 Chome-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
🔗 Website

The wait is long. The shop is tiny. The udon? Completely worth it. Shin Udon serves thick, hand-pulled noodles with a perfect chew, plus cheese tempura that shatters in the best way possible. Order the warm udon if you want your mind blown.

🥞 2. Micasadeco & Cafe – Pancakes That Defy Gravity

📍 Shibuya | 1 Chome-20-11 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
🔗 Website

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve watched a soufflé pancake wiggle on its way to your plate. Micasadeco & Cafe makes pancakes so fluffy, they barely exist. They’re thick and somehow light. Prepare to be converted and never look at a pancake the same again.

🥟 3. Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku – Hidden Dumpling Heaven

📍 Shinjuku | 1 Chome-1-19 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
🔗 Website

Tucked away upstairs, this gyoza joint feels like a Tokyo secret. The soup dumplings burst with flavor, the gyoza are crispy perfection, and their Taiwanese Ginger Sour cocktails are so good we had 3 and still took a picture of the recipe so we could make them on our own. Small, cozy, and ridiculously good.

🐻 4. Anakuma Cafe – The Café With a Mystery Barista

📍 Shibuya | 3 Chome-13-9 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
🔗 Website

At Anakuma Cafe, you don’t see who’s making your drink. Instead, a bear paw (yes, really) hands it to you through a hole in the wall. It’s weird, it’s quirky, and the tea is actually great. Tokyo at its finest.

🍕 5. Pizzeria Trattoria Vomero – An Italian Escape in Ginza

📍 Ginza | 6 Chome-3-17 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
🔗 Website

Because sometimes, even in Tokyo, you need pasta. This place nails the cozy Italian trattoria vibe with wood-fired pizzas, truffle pasta, and an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city’s fast pace. Good date night spot with your friends or partner.

☕ 6. Little Nap Coffee Roasters – Hipster Coffee Done Right

📍 Shibuya | 5 Chome-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
🔗 Website

This tiny, no-frills coffee shop sits near Yoyogi Park and serves some of the best espresso in Tokyo. The vibe is laid-back, the coffee is strong, and if you need a mid-day recharge, this is a good place to be. I also might be swayed by the outdoor vibe.

🍩 7. I’m donut? – Viral for a Reason

📍 Harajuku | 1 Chome-14-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
🔗 Website

It’s not just a pretty Instagram shot—these donuts live up to the hype. Light, airy, and dangerously addictive, these donuts come in flavors that range from classic to experimental. Expect a line, but also expect one of the best donuts of your life. They have three locations across Tokyo, making it easier to track down these famous treats.

🍸 8. The SG Club – Cocktails That Look Like Edible Art

📍 Shibuya | 1 Chome-7-8 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
🔗 Instagram

The SG Club feels like a world of its own. Every cocktail here is a masterpiece—visually stunning, meticulously crafted, and packed with unexpected flavors. Think of it as a mixology experience rather than just a bar. Whether you’re sipping on a drink served in an ornate glass or one that looks almost too beautiful to drink, you’ll quickly see why this spot made the list.

🍧 9. Kooriya Peace – The Ultimate Shaved Ice Spot

📍 Kichijoji | 1-9-9 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino City, Tokyo 180-0003, Japan
🔗 Instagram

If you’ve never had kakigōri—Japanese shaved ice—you’re in for a treat. Kooriya Peace serves up incredibly fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth shaved ice in a variety of flavors, from traditional matcha to seasonal fruit specials. Worth every bite.

🍜 10. Ichiran Ramen – Tokyo’s Iconic Ramen Spot

📍 Shibuya | 1 Chome-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
🔗 Website

One of Tokyo’s most popular ramen chains—Ichiran isn’t just about ramen, it’s an experience. You start by ordering from a vending machine, picking up a ticket, and then sitting in a private booth where your ramen is served through a small window. The broth is rich and satisfying, and you can customize everything from noodle firmness to spice level. It’s a unique way to enjoy ramen in Tokyo.

🗼Still hungry? Tokyo Has More.

The city is a foodtopia, and narrowing this list down to just ten spots was painful since there are so many incredible places to eat. Tokyo doesn’t just feed you—it spoils you. These spots made my foodie heart very, very happy, and if you’re visiting Tokyo, they deserve a place on your list.

Been to Tokyo? What’s the best thing you ate? Drop a comment—I’m always looking for more spots to add to my list on my next visit.