If you’re wondering where to find the best sushi bars and ramen shops in Tokyo, this Tokyo food guide has you covered. From Michelin-starred counters to hidden ramen alleys, I’ve narrowed it down to the must-try spots every traveller should experience.

While Tokyo offers everything from fluffy soufflé pancakes to wagyu beef hotpots, there are two dishes that every traveller simply has to try, and those are sushi and ramen.

And if you’ve been following me for a while now, it’s no secret that Japan is really one of my favorite countries. That is why I’ve rounded up these five sushi bars and five ramen shops in Tokyo you won’t want to miss. Think of this as your go-to food guide, so you can spend less time searching and more time eating your way through Japan’s capital.

Pro Tip: Check out this Tokyo travel guide for places to go, stay & avoid, too!

Best Sushi Bars in Tokyo

1. Sushi Dai

If there’s one place that captures the essence of Tokyo sushi, it’s Sushi Dai. Tucked inside the outer Tsukiji Market, this tiny restaurant has built a reputation for serving some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste. The sushi here is all about quality, buttery tuna, delicate uni, and perfectly seasoned rice that comes together in every bite.

Sushi Dai is infamous for its early morning lines, with travellers often arriving before sunrise to snag a seat at the counter. There are only a handful of spots, and the chefs prepare each piece right in front of you, which makes the wait worthwhile. Just try to visit before 6 am, bring cash, and be ready to wait, as it’s part of the experience.

2. Sukiyabashi Jiro

Made famous by the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Sukiyabashi Jiro is perhaps the most iconic sushi restaurant in the world. With three Michelin stars under its belt, dining here is less about a casual meal and more about a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. The omakase menu is carefully curated by master chef Jiro Ono and his team, with each piece crafted to perfection.

The atmosphere is also formal and quiet, where sushi is served piece by piece in a precise sequence. Reservations are necessary when visiting here and often need to be made months in advance, with prices reflecting the exclusivity.

3. Uogashi Nihon-Ichi

For a more casual sushi experience, Uogashi Nihon-Ichi is a fantastic choice. These standing sushi bars are scattered across Tokyo and are perfect for travellers who want quick, affordable, and delicious sushi without the long wait times or hefty bills.

The concept of this sushi bar is simple: order directly from the chefs, who prepare each piece in front of you and hand it over the counter. The fish is fresh, the service is quick, and the vibe is lively and approachable, making it ideal for first-time sushi eaters.

Try to visit around lunchtime for the best value, and don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese, many branches have English menus to make things easy.

4. Kura Sushi

Kura Sushi is a playful and budget-friendly way to enjoy sushi in Tokyo. This conveyor belt chain is famous for its wide selection of sushi plates, each starting at just a few hundred yen. What makes Kura stand out is its gamified dining system. After finishing a set number of plates, you get a chance to win little capsule toys, making it especially fun for families and groups.

The food is reliable, the service is fast, and the restaurants are dotted all over Tokyo, making it an easy stop during a busy sightseeing day.

This sushi bar is perfect for budget-conscious travellers or anyone who wants to try conveyor belt sushi for the first time.

5. Sushi no Midori

Sushi no Midori is a well-loved spot that balances excellent quality with reasonable prices, which explains why it’s always packed with both locals and visitors. Located in bustling Shibuya, it’s known for its generous portion sizes and beautifully presented sushi platters.

Queues can be long, but the payoff is worth it, from melt-in-your-mouth tuna to plump prawns, the freshness and flavour are top-notch. Unlike ultra-exclusive sushi counters, Sushi no Midori offers a more approachable dining experience without compromising on quality.

When visiting here, expect a wait, especially during peak meal times. And if possible, try to go outside lunch and dinner rush hours for a quicker seat.

Best Ramen Shops in Tokyo

6. Ichiran Ramen

Ichiran is arguably Tokyo’s most famous ramen chain, beloved for its unique solo dining booths and customisable bowls of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. Each diner gets their own partitioned seat, which allows you to focus entirely on the flavours in front of you. You can adjust everything from the richness of the broth to the level of garlic, spice, and noodle firmness, making it a personalised experience every time.

Open late into the night, Ichiran is especially popular after a long day of exploring or a night out in Shinjuku. The ordering process is also foreigner-friendly, with easy-to-use vending machines and English options available.

Expect queues during peak hours, but service is fast. Ichiran Ramen is perfect if you want to experience ramen in a uniquely Japanese way.

7. Kyushu Jangara

Located in the lively Harajuku district, Kyushu Jangara has built a reputation for serving rich, flavourful bowls of tonkotsu ramen that are hearty and satisfying. Their broth is creamy and pork-based, with the option to pile on extra toppings like chashu pork, marinated eggs, and even spicy cod roe for a unique twist.

The restaurant is cosy and welcoming, often bustling with a mix of locals and tourists looking to refuel between shopping and sightseeing. It’s a little more approachable than some of Tokyo’s famous “hole-in-the-wall” ramen joints, and the variety on the menu means there’s something for everyone.

Kyushu Jangara is great for groups, and they also offer vegetarian-friendly options, which is rare among traditional tonkotsu ramen shops.

8. Afuri

Afuri has carved out a special place in Tokyo’s ramen scene thanks to its signature yuzu shio ramen. The light, citrusy broth infused with Japanese yuzu fruit offers a refreshing alternative to heavier tonkotsu bowls, making it especially popular in the warmer months. The balance of flavours is delicate, with a clean finish that keeps you wanting more.

With elegant interiors and multiple branches across the city, Afuri blends traditional ramen with a modern, stylish dining atmosphere. It’s the kind of spot you’ll remember not just for the food, but also for its vibe.

Try their yuzu ramen as your main pick, but don’t skip the side dishes. And their gyoza and rice bowls are worth adding on.

9. T’s Tantan

T’s Tantan is proof that ramen does not have to rely on pork or meat to be delicious. This fully vegan ramen shop inside the Tokyo Station serves bowls packed with flavour, thanks to sesame-based broths and colourful toppings like soy meat, veggies, and tofu. It’s a hit not only with vegetarians and vegans but also with curious travellers looking for something different.

The bright, casual setting makes it easy to drop in for a quick bite before catching a train, and the menu offers a variety of ramen styles from mild to spicy. It’s hearty, filling, and full of surprising depth, a real standout in Tokyo’s ramen landscape.

Their location, which is inside Tokyo Station, makes it perfect if you are travelling by Shinkansen or just passing through.

10. Nakiryu (Otsuka – Michelin-star ramen)

Nakiryu is one of just a handful of ramen shops in the world to earn a Michelin star, and it lives up to the hype. The restaurant is most famous for its dandan noodles, a spicy sesame-based ramen with just the right balance of heat, savouriness, and depth. Despite the prestige, Nakiryu keeps its prices surprisingly affordable, with bowls costing far less than most fine-dining meals in Tokyo.

The shop itself is small and minimalist, which adds to the charm. The catch is that the wait lines often form well before opening, and seating is limited. But once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s so celebrated.

Try to arrive early to avoid the longest queues. Your visit would definitely be worth it since it’s one of the most accessible Michelin-starred meals you’ll ever enjoy!

Tokyo is a city that never disappoints. Sushi and ramen are two dishes that truly define the capital’s culinary culture, and together they give travellers a taste of both artistry and comfort.

If you’re planning your trip, I recommend mixing things up and trying at least one high-end spot for the wow factor, and balance it with a more casual, local eatery for an authentic everyday taste of Tokyo. That way, you’ll see both sides of the city’s food culture and create memories that go far beyond just a meal.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveller returning to Tokyo (like me!), the sushi bars and ramen shops on this list are a great place to start.