Savor Japan:
A Food Lover’s Guide to Dining

Benizuru Pancake

2 Chome-1-11 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan

$19- $25 (¥3,000– 4,000) per person

Tucked away in Asakusa, Benizuru offers one of Tokyo’s most sought-after pancake experiences, known for its delicate, soufflé-style pancakes made fresh to order right at the counter.

Light, airy, and gently sweet, each pancake is crafted with precision to achieve its signature fluffy texture. The menu features both sweet and savory options, from classic honey and butter to seasonal fruit creations, along with a popular bacon and egg pairing for a more savory bite.

With limited seating and a relaxed, minimalist setting, the experience feels intimate and thoughtfully paced. It’s a simple yet memorable way to enjoy Tokyo’s modern café culture.

Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Reservations  begin the morning of your visit at 7:00 AM. I highly recommend one of you get there at 5:45 am since this a viral pancake shop. They serve a limited number of 120 pancakes each day. A deposit of $6 (JPY 1,000) is required per person, per dish. Please note that even if you wait in line, they may not be able to accommodate your reservation due to the daily limit. 

The Front Room

Japan, 〒100-6301 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 2 Chome−4−1 Marunouchi Building, 1F

$15–$30 (¥2,000–¥3,500) per person

Enjoy a standout breakfast at The Front Room, a modern café just steps from Tokyo Station that has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about morning spots. It’s best known for its signature “drinkable” French toast: a thick-cut, custard-soaked brioche that’s crisp on the outside and incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.

The smoked salmon sandwich is also a great choice, offering a lighter, savory option that still feels elevated and satisfying. The space is bright, lively, and polished, making it an ideal place to start your day before exploring the city.

Hours: Mon–Thu: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sat–Sun & Holidays: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Reservations:
Reservations are available 60 days, so for your September dates, we’ll be looking to book your reservation on July 1st.

Tosa Ryori Neboke Akasaka Ten

東京都港区赤坂3-11-17 use in google maps : 3 Chome-11-17 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan 

$25- $75 (¥4,000-12,000) per person 

Step into a refined yet welcoming dining experience in Tokyo, where the flavors of regional Japanese cuisine come to life through seasonal ingredients and thoughtful presentation. Akasaka Tosaryori Nebokeshowcases Tosa cuisine from Kochi, known for its vibrant seafood and beautifully arranged dishes.

Highlights include the signature sawachi platter, a colorful assortment of sashimi and regional specialties designed for sharing, along with interactive shabu-shabu prepared right at your table. Set in a warm, elegant space with private rooms available, it’s a comfortable and memorable way to experience authentic Japanese dining.

Hours:  Thursday/Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (last order at 2:00 PM)

                                           5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (last order at 9:00 PM)

Reservations open 60 days in advance, so for your September dates, we’ll be looking to book in July. There is also a set menu option that can be viewed here: Set Menu Options – We can reserve it, but the payment is due at the time of confirmation. Also, their cancelation policy is until 6:00 2 day(s) before Reservation date.

Seafood Buffet Dining GinzaHappo

B1 8 Chome-10 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

$75- $112 (¥12,000-18,000) per person    

Enter into a lively, upscale dining experience in the heart of Ginza, where the abundance and energy of Japan’s food culture come to life. This all-you-can-enjoy seafood buffet blends premium ingredients with an interactive, self-guided format, allowing you to explore a wide range of dishes at your own pace.

Throughout your dining experience, you will discover an impressive spread of fresh seafood, including crab, oysters, sashimi, and sushi, alongside expertly prepared Japanese and international dishes. At your table, built-in grills invite you to cook select seafood and meats yourself, adding a hands-on element that makes the meal both engaging and memorable.

Set within a modern, elegant space, the experience is designed to feel indulgent yet relaxed, encouraging you to sample, savor, and revisit your favorites. It is a vibrant and satisfying way to experience the variety and richness of Japan’s culinary scene in one setting.

Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm

Reservations open 30 to 60 days in advance, so for your September dates, we’ll be looking to book sometime between early July and late August.

 Kitchen Nankai JinbochoTen

Japan,〒101-0051 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, KandaJinbocho, 1 Chome−３９−8

$4 - $6.23 (¥650 – 1,000) per person   

Experience a classic Tokyo curry shop where traditional Japanese comfort food has been perfected over decades. Kitchen Nankai is known for its rich, slow-simmered curry and retro, no-frills atmosphere that reflects everyday local dining culture.

Their signature dish is the katsu curry, featuring a crispy pork cutlet served over rice and topped with a deep, jet-black curry sauce that is savory, slightly sweet, and gently spiced. The sauce is developed over hours using a blend of ingredients and spices, creating a bold, nostalgic flavor that has remained unchanged for years. 

For the full experience, consider adding a fried shrimp or extra cutlet, or keep it simple with a raw egg or cheese mixed into the curry to enhance its richness and balance the spice. 

It’s a straightforward, satisfying way to experience one of Japan’s most beloved everyday dishes.

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:15 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm or till sold out.

No reservations. First come first serve. If there is a line it moves quickly since they take your order while in line and have it ready when you are seated.

 Naruse Unagi Roppongi 

Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 5 Chome−16−52 インペリアル六本木1号館 2号

$13-$19 (¥2,000–¥3,000) per person

Enjoy a classic Japanese comfort dish at this approachable Roppongi spot, where expertly grilled eel is served over warm rice with a rich, sweet soy-based glaze. The eel is tender and flavorful, offering a satisfying balance of smokiness and sweetness in every bite.

It’s a relaxed and welcoming setting, making it an easy and authentic way to experience one of Japan’s most traditional specialties.

Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Reservations open 30 in advance, so for your September dates, we’ll be looking to book in July.

Onigiri Manma

Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−14−23 マヤビル 1F

$8–$15 (¥1,000–¥2,200) per person

Enjoy freshly made onigiri at Onigiri Mamma, a cozy Tokyo spot dedicated to Japan’s beloved rice ball. Each onigiri is handcrafted with perfectly seasoned rice and filled with a variety of classic and creative ingredients, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying taste of everyday Japanese comfort food.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it an easy stop for a quick bite or a light meal while exploring the city. It’s a great way to experience a staple that locals enjoy daily.

Hours: Mon–Sun: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm

Reservations are not required or typically offered, as this is a quick-service style shop.

Ordering:
Mobile order pick-up is available through their website from 9:30 am – 8:00 pm. You can select your pick-up time in 30-minute increments. Orders must be placed at least 30 minutes before your selected time.

Zauo Shibuya

Japan, 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jinnan, 1 Chome−19−3 ハイマンテン神南ビル B1F

$30–$60 (¥4,000–¥8,000+) per person

Enjoy a playful, interactive dining experience at Zauo Shibuya, where you can catch your own fish from large indoor tanks before having it prepared to your liking. Set around a central boat with water surrounding the dining area, the space feels energetic and immersive from the moment you walk in.

Once caught, your fish can be served as sashimi, grilled, or fried, offering a fun way to enjoy fresh seafood in the middle of the city. It’s a lively, memorable stop that’s especially great for groups or anyone looking for something completely different.

Hours: Mon–Fri: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sat–Sun: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
      4:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Reservations:
Reservations are recommended, especially for evenings and weekends. We will book your reservation on June 1st when the booking window opens.

Tokyo Markets & Food Halls

Tokyo Notable Bites & Sweet Stops

Hikiniku to Come (Kyoto) 挽肉と米 京都

363 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0084, Japan

$13–$30 (¥1,980–¥4,120) per person

Set around an intimate counter in Kyoto, Hikiniku to Come offers a refined yet approachable dining experience centered on a single, thoughtfully crafted dish. The focus is on freshly ground beef, grilled to perfection and served in multiple rounds, each bite timed to be enjoyed at its peak.

As you dine, each hamburger steak is prepared and cooked directly in front of you, creating a subtle, interactive rhythm to the meal. You are guided to explore different flavor combinations using house-made condiments, from bright ponzu to grated daikon, allowing each course to feel slightly new.

Warm rice is continuously replenished throughout the experience, inviting you to build your own pairings, including the traditional tamago kake gohan for a rich and comforting finish. The overall experience is simple, intentional, and deeply satisfying—highlighting the beauty of quality ingredients and precise preparation.

Hours: 8:00 am -10:00 am (Saturdays and Sundays only)

            11:00 am -3:00 pm

             5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Reservations are released on the first of each month via TableCheck and require advance payment to secure your time slot. The set menu is prepaid at $19 (¥2,980) per person. Due to limited seating and high demand, availability is extremely competitive. For your dates, we will secure your reservation on August 1st as soon as the booking window opens to ensure the best chance of availability.

Note about children from restaurant:

Children welcome (Preschoolers welcome)

・Strollers are allowed in the store. However, due to limited space, it may take some time before you are shown into the store.

・As our restaurant only has counter seating and the seats are close together, we do not allow you to eat while holding a child as this may cause inconvenience to other customers.

・Seats are not available for children who cannot sit alone. The chairs do not have backrests and we do not provide child chairs.

Kiyama 

〒604-0804 Verdor Palace 1F, 136 Kinuya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Lunch $120-$250 (¥18,150 or 30,250~36,300) (market price) per person
Dinner $189-$250 (¥30,250~36,300) (market price)per person

Tucked into a quiet Kyoto neighborhood, Kiyama offers a refined Michelin-starred kaiseki experience rooted in tradition and precision. Guests may be seated at the minimalist counter, where each dish is prepared in view of the chef, or in a private room for a more relaxed and intimate setting.

Each course highlights the purity of seasonal ingredients and the delicate balance of flavor, with a particular emphasis on water drawn from a well beneath the restaurant—bringing a subtle softness and clarity to everything from dashi to tea. The result is a thoughtful, quietly elegant meal that reflects the essence of Kyoto’s culinary philosophy.

Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (LO 7:30 p.m.)

Reservations at Kiyama are request-based therefore I will have to call to check for availability.

Note: They recommend smart casual so that everyone can spend time in a comfortable space. Also, in order to enjoy the aroma of food and soup stock, they ask that you please refrain from wearing perfume.

Takayasu

10 Ichijoji Takatsukicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8185, Japan

$6–$12 (¥800–¥1,500) per person

Located in Kyoto’s famed ramen district of Ichijoji, Takayasu offers a lively and satisfying take on traditional tonkotsu ramen. The experience centers around its signature creamy white broth, made by slowly simmering pork and chicken bones for over 20 hours, creating a rich yet surprisingly balanced flavor.  

The atmosphere is casual and energetic, with generous portions and comforting sides like crispy fried chicken and rice, making it both indulgent and approachable. Known for drawing locals and visitors alike, it’s a perfect stop for a flavorful, no-frills ramen experience that captures Kyoto’s modern ramen culture.

Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 am – 2:00 am

No Reservations: Walk-ins only.  Lunch rush: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Dinner rush: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Monk

147 Jodoji Shimominamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8404, Japan

$100 (¥15,900) 7 Courses per person

Tucked along Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, Monk offers a deeply personal and seasonal dining experience centered around a wood-fired oven. The menu evolves daily, shaped by locally sourced ingredients and the chef’s intuitive approach, blending elements of Japanese cuisine with thoughtfully crafted dishes, including its renowned pizzas.

With only a handful of seats and just two seatings each evening, the experience feels intimate and immersive, allowing guests to watch each dish come to life. This limited capacity, combined with its global reputation, makes securing a reservation exceptionally competitive—tables are released about two months in advance and often book out within moments.  

The result is a dining experience that feels both rare and intentional, where the connection between ingredients, fire, and craftsmanship creates something truly unique—and well worth the effort to secure a seat.

Hours:

Early seatings: 5:00 PM (table seating, until 7:45 PM)
5:30 PM (bar counter, until 8:15 PM)

Late seatings: 8:00 PM (table seating)
8:30 PM (bar counter)

Reservations: Reservations for Monk are released two months in advance on the first of the month. For your October dates, we will plan to secure a table as soon as reservations open on August 1, as they tend to book out very quickly. Please note that a credit card is required at the time of booking for a temporary hold, and we will need all guest details in advance, as reservations must be made directly and are not handled through concierge services.

Note: People coming by Taxi:
The road in front of Monk is very narrow and we ask that you refrain from riding up to the front of our restaurant. We suggest that you come from Shishigatani-Dori on the way to Honen-in, then head towards senshin bashi and walk along the philosophers path to our restaurant. Basically, we cannot catch the phone and give guided directions during service time. Taxi drivers in Kyoto are very old fashion and cannot always navigate with just the name or address of our restaurant. So, please use your phones maps service to assist them, as well as the directions on this page.

Ginjo Ramen Kubota (吟醸らーめん 久保田) Gojo Sta./Tsukemen (Dipping noodles)Ramen

563-2 Nishimatsuyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8326, Japan

$7–$15 (¥1,000–¥1,999) per person

Located near Kyoto Station, Ginjo Ramen Kubota is a small, highly regarded ramen shop known for its rich and deeply layered broths. The standout dish is its signature miso tsukemen, where thick, chewy noodles are served separately and dipped into a concentrated, umami-packed broth made with pork, seafood, and miso.

The experience is casual and efficient, with ordering done through a ticket machine before being seated at the counter. Be sure to bring cash, as the restaurant is cash only, and expect a short wait during peak times for this local favorite.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM)
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (last order 9:30 PM)

No Reservations; Walk -in only

kyoto Markets & Food Halls