Top 30 Izakaya Restaurants in Tokyo — Ultimate Guide | Meiten Gourmet
Izakaya is the soul of Japanese dining culture. Part bar, part restaurant, part social institution — the izakaya is where Tokyo locals unwind after work, celebrate with friends, and eat some of the most honest, satisfying food the city has to offer. While Tokyo's Michelin-starred omakase counters get the international headlines, the izakaya is where the city truly comes alive after dark.
But not all izakayas are equal. Tokyo's finest izakayas are serious culinary destinations — curated sake and shochu selections, seasonal menus driven by the finest Japanese ingredients, and cooking that rivals any restaurant in the city. This guide presents the top 30 izakaya restaurants in Tokyo, selected from Tabelog's prestigious 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) list — Japan's most trusted restaurant awards based on over 100 million reviews — alongside Michelin Guide selections.
What is an Izakaya?
An izakaya (居酒屋) is a type of Japanese gastropub — a casual, convivial dining establishment where food and drink are inseparable. The word combines i (to stay) and sakaya (sake shop) — literally a place where you stay and drink.
What to expect:
Small sharing dishes — izakaya food is designed to be shared, ordered gradually throughout the evening
Drinks first — you'll typically order drinks immediately; the food follows
Seasonal menus — the best izakayas change their menus with the seasons, showcasing the finest Japanese ingredients
Sake, shochu, and beer — the traditional izakaya drinks, though craft cocktails are increasingly common at upscale spots
Warm, casual atmosphere — izakayas are deliberately unpretentious, even at the highest level
Top 30 Izakaya Restaurants in Tokyo — Ranked
🥇 1. Shokudou Todaka (食堂 とだか) — Rating: 3.92 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
The highest-rated izakaya in Tokyo. Shokudou Todaka in Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, holds a Michelin star — a remarkable distinction for an izakaya and a testament to the extraordinary quality of its seasonal cooking. The name means simply "Todaka Dining Hall" — a deliberately humble title for one of Tokyo's finest dining experiences. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Address: 1-9-3 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
Closed: Monday, Sunday
🥈 2. Kishida Ya (きしだ屋) — Rating: 3.73
An exceptional izakaya in Tsukishima — one of Tokyo's most characterful old-town neighbourhoods, famous for its monjayaki culture. Kishida Ya has built a devoted following for its exceptional seasonal dishes and outstanding sake selection. Closed Monday, Sunday, and Holidays.
Address: 3-15-12 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo
Closed: Monday, Sunday, Holidays
🥈 2. Sanchoku Ya Taka (産直屋 たか) — Rating: 3.73 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred izakaya in Maruyamacho, Shibuya — one of Tokyo's most vibrant entertainment districts. Sanchoku Ya Taka is celebrated for its exceptional direct-sourced (sanchoku) ingredients — fish, vegetables, and meat procured directly from producers across Japan, ensuring outstanding freshness and quality.
Address: 12-2 Maruyamacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Website: ameblo.jp/nata92513
4. Shiki No Aji Fuji Hou (四季の味 富士芳) — Rating: 3.72
A deeply respected izakaya in Midori, Sumida City — a neighbourhood rarely visited by tourists but beloved by Tokyo food insiders. Shiki No Aji Fuji Hou is known for its exceptional seasonal cooking and the warmth of its hospitality. Closed Sunday and Holidays.
Address: 1-15-9 Midori, Sumida City, Tokyo
Website: shikinoaji-fujiyoshi.jp
4. Washoku Ya Futoi Chi (和食や ふとい地) — Rating: 3.72 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred izakaya in Kitasenzoku, Ota City — a quiet residential neighbourhood in southern Tokyo. Washoku Ya Futoi Chi has earned Michelin recognition for its exceptional Japanese home-style cooking and extraordinary sake selection. Closed Sundays.
Address: 3-36-14 Kitasenzoku, Ota City, Tokyo
Closed: Sunday
6. Shukou Shinyashiki (酒肴 新屋敷) — Rating: 3.71
A beloved izakaya in Takadanobaba, Shinjuku City — one of Tokyo's most lively and youthful neighbourhoods. Shukou Shinyashiki has earned a devoted following for its excellent sake pairings and beautifully executed seasonal dishes. Closed Sundays.
Address: 2-2-15 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Website: shuko-alayashiki.com
7. Koutarou (高太郎) — Rating: 3.70
A popular izakaya in Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya — a quieter, more residential corner of one of Tokyo's most famous neighbourhoods. Koutarou is beloved for its outstanding natural wine and sake selection paired with creative Japanese small plates. Closed Mondays.
Address: 28-2 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
8. Sakai Shoukai (酒菜 商会) — Rating: 3.69
A neighbourhood izakaya gem in Shibuya with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere and exceptional seasonal dishes. Sakai Shoukai has built a loyal local following for its outstanding value and the quality of its cooking. Open daily.
Address: 3-6-18 Shibuya, Tokyo
8. Souwa Dou (創和堂) — Rating: 3.69
A relaxed and beautifully crafted izakaya in Hiroo, Shibuya — one of Tokyo's most international and upscale neighbourhoods. Souwa Dou has earned a devoted following for its refined approach to izakaya cooking and its outstanding sake list. Open daily.
Address: 1-12 Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo
8. Kaneda (かねだ) — Rating: 3.69
A neighbourhood izakaya institution in Jiyugaoka — one of Tokyo's most charming and stylish residential neighbourhoods, known for its European-influenced cafes and patisseries. Kaneda offers a warm, traditional izakaya experience that perfectly complements the neighbourhood's character. Closed Wednesday, Sunday, and Holidays.
Address: 1-11-4 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo
8. Ooke No (大けの) — Rating: 3.69
A beloved izakaya in Tsukiji — the neighbourhood surrounding Tokyo's legendary fish market — that takes full advantage of its extraordinary location with exceptional fresh seafood dishes. Closed Sunday and Holidays.
Address: 6-21-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo
12. Eureka! — Rating: 3.68
A creative and stylish izakaya in Nishiazabu — Tokyo's most fashionable and internationally minded neighbourhood. Eureka! has built a strong reputation for its inventive Japanese small plates and exceptional drinks list. Closed Mondays.
Address: 4-11-28 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo
12. Maihama (舞浜) — Rating: 3.68
A well-loved izakaya in Shinbashi — Tokyo's most old-school salarymen's district and one of the city's best neighbourhoods for traditional izakaya culture. Maihama is a favourite among Shinbashi's loyal after-work crowd. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 3-10-6 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
14. Shoutou Ran Kan (松濤 蘭館) — Rating: 3.67
An elegant izakaya in the exclusive Shoto neighbourhood of Shibuya — one of Tokyo's most prestigious residential areas. Shoutou Ran Kan brings a refined sensibility to izakaya dining, with exceptional sake and beautifully presented seasonal dishes. Closed Mondays.
Address: 2-14-5 Shoto, Shibuya, Tokyo
14. Kanda Kouju (神田 光壽) — Rating: 3.67 | ⭐⭐⭐ Michelin 3 Stars
The most Michelin-decorated izakaya in Japan — and one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in Tokyo. Kanda Kouju in Kajicho, Chiyoda City, holds 3 Michelin Stars — an almost unimaginable distinction for an izakaya. This is Japanese izakaya cooking elevated to the absolute pinnacle of the culinary world. Reservations are extremely difficult to obtain. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays.
Address: 2-9-7 Kajicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
14. Ginza Don Kouji Yama Kishi (銀座 富小路 やまきし) — Rating: 3.67 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred izakaya in the heart of Ginza — Tokyo's most prestigious dining district. Ginza Don Kouji Yama Kishi brings the warm, convivial spirit of Kyoto's famous Tominokoji dining alley to Ginza, with exceptional seasonal Japanese cooking. Closed Sunday and Holidays.
Address: 7-3-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Website: tominokoji-yamagishi.com
17. Nodoguro Senmon Ginza Nakamata (のどぐろ専門 銀座 中俣) — Rating: 3.66 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred izakaya in Ginza specializing in nodoguro — the prized blackthroat seaperch that is one of Japan's most luxurious fish. Nodoguro Senmon Ginza Nakamata is a destination for lovers of Japan's finest seafood. Open daily.
Address: 8-4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Website: nakamata-nodoguro.com
17. Sake Shuuji Rou (酒 秀治郎) — Rating: 3.66
A sophisticated sake-focused izakaya in Ebisunishi, Shibuya. Sake Shuuji Rou is beloved among Tokyo's sake enthusiasts for its extraordinary selection of natural and craft sake paired with exceptional seasonal Japanese dishes. Open daily.
Address: 2-10-8 Ebisunishi, Shibuya, Tokyo
Website: sake-hidejiro.com
17. Asakusa Asa Tora (浅草 朝虎) — Rating: 3.66
A traditional izakaya in Hanakawado, Taito City — in the heart of Asakusa, Tokyo's most historic and atmospheric neighbourhood. Asakusa Asa Tora perfectly captures the spirit of old Tokyo — honest, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying. Open daily.
Address: 1-8-11 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo
20. Na Kaori Gyouza Bou (な香 餃子坊) — Rating: 3.65
A unique izakaya in Senju, Adachi City — a northeastern Tokyo neighbourhood known for its traditional character. Na Kaori Gyouza Bou combines izakaya dining with exceptional gyoza — a creative combination that has earned it a devoted local following. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays.
Address: 1-39-9 Senju, Adachi City, Tokyo
20. Aji Nonakamura (味の中村) — Rating: 3.65
A highly regarded izakaya in Nishiazabu — Tokyo's most fashionable neighbourhood — with a warm, personal atmosphere and outstanding seasonal Japanese cooking. Closed Wednesdays.
Address: 4-7-10 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: fair-ground.jp
20. Ootsuka Miya Ho (大塚 みやほ) — Rating: 3.65
A beloved neighbourhood izakaya in Minamiotsuka, Toshima City. Ootsuka Miya Ho has built a loyal local following for its warm atmosphere and consistently excellent Japanese home cooking. Closed Sundays.
Address: 3-48-5 Minamiotsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo
Website: otsukamiyaho.com
20. Kokonimotodaka (ここにもとだか) — Rating: 3.65
A neighbourhood izakaya in Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City — the same area as the top-rated Shokudou Todaka. Kokonimotodaka has earned a devoted following for its excellent seasonal dishes and warm, unpretentious atmosphere. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Address: 8-4-13 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
20. Makino (まきの) — Rating: 3.65
A neighbourhood izakaya in Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City — a quietly charming area of southern Tokyo near the old Tokaido highway. Makino is beloved for its traditional izakaya cooking and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Closed Sundays.
Address: 2-19-2 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
20. Ritsu Nomi Todaka (律 呑 とだか) — Rating: 3.65
A companion restaurant to the Michelin-starred Shokudou Todaka — sharing the same address in Nishigotanda. Ritsu Nomi Todaka offers a more relaxed, drinking-focused izakaya experience from the same exceptional team. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Address: 1-9-3 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
26. Akagi (あかぎ) — Rating: 3.64
A neighbourhood izakaya in Kitaueno, Taito City — near the charming Ueno area with its parks and museums. Akagi is a warm, traditional izakaya beloved by local regulars for its honest cooking and well-curated sake list. Closed Sundays.
Address: 2-29-3 Kitaueno, Taito City, Tokyo
26. Sushi To Shukou Tomi Kawa (鮨と酒肴 富川) — Rating: 3.64
A unique concept combining sushi and izakaya in Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino — one of Tokyo's most beloved and liveable neighbourhoods. Sushi To Shukou Tomi Kawa is a creative and satisfying dining destination. Closed Wednesdays.
Address: 1-11-3 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, Tokyo
26. Yorozuya Okagesan (万屋おかげさん) — Rating: 3.64
A respected izakaya in Yotsuya, Shinjuku City — one of Tokyo's most atmospheric and historic neighbourhoods. Yorozuya Okagesan has built a strong reputation for its warm hospitality and excellent seasonal Japanese cooking. Open daily.
Address: 2-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Website: okagesan.net
26. Maru Chiba (丸千葉) — Rating: 3.64
A traditional izakaya in Nihonzutsumi, Taito City — a neighbourhood with deep roots in Tokyo's working-class history. Maru Chiba is one of those rare Tokyo institutions that feels completely unchanged by time — honest, atmospheric, and deeply satisfying. Closed Wednesdays.
Address: 1-1-3 Nihonzutsumi, Taito City, Tokyo
26. Bimi E Tsu (美味えつ) — Rating: 3.64
A sophisticated izakaya in Shinbashi, Minato City — perfectly located for Tokyo's after-work dining culture. Bimi E Tsu has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional Japanese cooking and outstanding sake selection. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays.
Address: 4-21-7 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
Quick Reference — Top 30 Izakaya in Tokyo
RankIzakayaAreaRatingMichelin1Shokudou TodakaNishigotanda3.92⭐ 1 Star2Kishida YaTsukishima3.73—2Sanchoku Ya TakaShibuya3.73⭐ 1 Star4Shiki No Aji Fuji HouSumida3.72—4Washoku Ya Futoi ChiOta City3.72⭐ 1 Star6Shukou ShinyashikiTakadanobaba3.71—7KoutarouShibuya3.70—8Sakai ShoukaiShibuya3.69—8Souwa DouHiroo3.69—8KanedaJiyugaoka3.69—8Ooke NoTsukiji3.69—12Eureka!Nishiazabu3.68—12MaihamaShinbashi3.68—14Shoutou Ran KanShoto, Shibuya3.67—14Kanda KoujuKajicho3.67⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars14Ginza Don Kouji Yama KishiGinza3.67⭐ 1 Star17Nodoguro Senmon Ginza NakamataGinza3.66⭐ 1 Star17Sake Shuuji RouEbisu3.66—17Asakusa Asa ToraAsakusa3.66—20Na Kaori Gyouza BouSenju3.65—20Aji NonakamuraNishiazabu3.65—20Ootsuka Miya HoOtsuka3.65—20KokonimotodakaNishigotanda3.65—20MakinoKitashinagawa3.65—20Ritsu Nomi TodakaNishigotanda3.65—26AkagiKitaueno3.64—26Sushi To Shukou Tomi KawaKichijoji3.64—26Yorozuya OkagesanYotsuya3.64—26Maru ChibaNihonzutsumi3.64—26Bimi E TsuShinbashi3.64—
Tips for Eating at an Izakaya in Tokyo
Order drinks immediately. At most izakayas, ordering a drink when you sit down is expected — it's part of the culture. Beer, sake, shochu, or a highball are all classic choices.
Order gradually. Unlike a set course meal, izakaya dishes are ordered throughout the evening as you go. Start with a few dishes, see how you feel, and keep ordering. There's no rush.
Try the seasonal specials. The best izakayas have a higawari (daily special) board or seasonal menu. These dishes showcase the freshest ingredients and often represent the best value on the menu.
Explore sake. Japan's finest izakayas have extraordinary sake lists — often featuring small-batch, regional sake that you won't find anywhere else. Ask the staff for recommendations based on your taste preferences.
Go with a group. Izakaya dining is at its best with 3–6 people — more dishes to share, more opportunity to try everything on the menu, and a livelier atmosphere.
Check closing days. Many of Tokyo's finest izakayas close on Sundays — a reflection of their focus on the after-work weeknight crowd. Tuesday through Friday evenings are generally the best times to visit.
Explore More Tokyo Restaurants on Meiten Gourmet
Browse all top-rated restaurants and izakayas across Tokyo — filtered by neighbourhood, cuisine, and Michelin recognition:
All restaurant data sourced from Tabelog's 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) awards and Michelin Guide Tokyo — Japan's most trusted restaurant recognitions.