10 Best Dinner Restaurants in Ueno 2024
Ueno, with its convenient shinkansen access and easy connections to central Tokyo, serves as an ideal base for tourists. The area is close to popular spots like Asakusa, making it perfect for combined sightseeing. Ueno attracts visitors with its cultural landmarks such as Ueno Zoo, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and Ueno Onshi Park, which kindle the curiosity of travelers from all over.
Among Ueno’s most vibrant attractions is *Ameyoko*, a bustling market street known for its deep shopping scene and plethora of restaurants. It is also regarded as one of Tokyo’s top bar-hopping districts. From casual izakaya (Japanese pubs) to Michelin-starred dining, the area caters to all tastes.
Below, we introduce some of the best places to enjoy dinner at Ueno in 2024, categorized by cuisine.
Top 3 Restaurants to Enjoy Japanese Cuisine in Ueno 2024
1. Kaiseki Ikkū (Japanese Cuisine)
Source: Official website
Kaiseki Ikkū is a Michelin-starred restaurant where guests can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients. The chef’s mastery of knife skills and grilling techniques ensures every dish is a culinary work of art.
Menu highlights:
- Hana Course: ¥8,000
- Aoi Course: ¥12,000
- Tsuki Course (lunch only): ¥4,500
For dinner at Ueno in 2024, I recommend trying the exquisite dish featuring *Sanriku* conger eel, renowned for its seafood richness. The eel is served three ways—sashimi, grilled, and as part of the rice dish—each unlocking new layers of flavor. To maximize its taste, the eel is aged for over two days, creating a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Restaurant Details:
- Address: 2-4-23 Ikenohata, Taito City, Tokyo
- Hours: 12:00-15:30, 17:00-22:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-5685-0170
- Website: https://www.kaiseki-ikku.com/
2. Izuei (Unagi Cuisine)
Source: Rakuten Gnavi
With roots tracing back to the Edo period, Izuei is a well-established unagi restaurant. The unagi (eel) comes from Mikawa Isshiki, particularly the premium “Mikawa Mansaku,” raised in a near-natural environment.
Their secret sauce, a blend of soy sauce and mirin aged for several weeks, brings out the full depth of flavor without being heavy. The unagi dishes—served as unajuu (in a box), unadon (in a bowl), or kabayaki (grilled eel without rice)—offer an unforgettable dining experience.
Restaurant Details:
- Address: 2-12-22 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00-21:00
- Phone: 03-3831-0954
- Website: https://izuei.co.jp/
Recommended Restaurants for a Memorable Dinner at Ueno 2024
Izuei Unagi Cuisine: Enjoy Traditional Flavors in Ueno Park
Source: Official Website
Izuei, a historic unagi (eel) restaurant, not only operates its main branch but also has two additional locations within Ueno Park. The two branches, Shinobazu-tei and Umekawa-tei, offer distinct atmospheres. Shinobazu-tei provides a serene, refined dining space, while Umekawa-tei allows you to enjoy seasonal views of Ueno Park, making it popular among locals and tourists alike.
Dining at Izuei offers a unique experience as the ambiance changes throughout the year, letting you appreciate the charm of Japan's four seasons. For those planning dinner at Ueno 2024, this is a perfect venue to savor the flavors of unagi while immersed in Ueno Park’s picturesque scenery. Choose the location that best suits your mood and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
Umekawa-tei
Shinobazu-tei
Kazu Taste: A Creative Take on Japanese Cuisine
Kazu Taste is renowned for using seasonal ingredients to create beautifully presented dishes with a touch of originality. The menu includes à la carte items and three course options: Akane, Kaede, and Takumi. A standout dish is the assortment of seasonal appetizers, offering about nine bite-sized creations on a single plate. The combination of vibrant colors and artistic plating makes it almost too beautiful to eat!
The relaxed, nostalgic ambiance of the restaurant captures the charm of Tokyo's old neighborhoods, making it a welcoming spot for a casual dinner at Ueno 2024. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
Restaurant Information
- Address: 1-11-9 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
- Closed: Sundays and every third Saturday
- Phone: 03-5812-1027
- Hours: 17:00–23:00
Kagayaki: Indulge in All-You-Can-Eat BBQ and Shabu-shabu
Source: Tabelog
Kagayaki offers a unique two-hour all-you-can-eat and drink experience featuring both BBQ and shabu-shabu. The restaurant’s signature is a special pot with a grill on top, allowing guests to enjoy grilled meats and shabu-shabu simultaneously. The juices from the BBQ flow into the broth, creating a rich, flavorful shabu-shabu experience.
Guests can feast on premium domestic pork, beef, seasonal vegetables, and mushrooms. Multiple sauces and condiments, including a refreshing ponzu sauce, enhance the flavors throughout the meal. Drinks are self-service, so refills are quick and convenient, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
Why not treat yourself to a fulfilling evening of food and drinks at Kagayaki while exploring Ueno?
Restaurant Information
- Address: 1-16-6 Ryuto, Taito City, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-6658-4242
- Hours: 17:00–22:00
Dinner at Ueno 2024: Exploring Culinary Delights
USHIHACHI Kiwami: Premium Wagyu Yakiniku Experience
Source: Rakuten gnavi
USHIHACHI Kiwami offers a chic dining environment where you can savor carefully selected Kuroge Wagyu (black-haired Japanese beef) at reasonable prices, making it one of the top-value yakiniku restaurants in Japan. The restaurant purchases entire heads of wagyu cows, ensuring not only affordability but also access to rare cuts you don’t typically find elsewhere.
Their unique licensing allows them to serve raw meat dishes like Kobe Yukhoe (thinly sliced raw beef mixed with seasonings) and Gyuu Nikusashi (sliced raw beef served sashimi-style). Adventurous diners should definitely give these delicacies a try!
One standout recommendation is the *USHIHACHI Whole Beef Platter*, which features both popular and rare cuts that rotate daily. Pair your meal with one of over 70 drink options, and indulge in an unforgettable yakiniku feast.
Store Information
- Address: 7-2-4 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
- Holidays: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-5830-8829
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00
- Weekends & Holidays: 16:00–23:00
- Website:https://www.ushi8.net/
Top Izakaya Picks in Ueno’s Lively Ameya-Yokocho ("Ameyoko")
Daitoryo: Traditional Izakaya with a Retro Vibe
Source: Tabelog
Established in 1950, Daitoryo is an iconic izakaya in Ameyoko, offering classic flavors that have stood the test of time. Their signature dish is Daitoryo’s Special Niku-Motsu Stew, a slow-cooked delicacy made with horse offal, daikon radish, and konnyaku. Perfectly simmered, the dish pairs excellently with drinks, keeping the spirits high throughout the night.
The menu also features skewered dishes, *shiokara* (salted seafood innards), *kimchi*, and chilled tofu (*hiyayakko*), ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you want to immerse yourself in Japan’s nostalgic izakaya culture, Daitoryo is a must-visit.
Store Information
- Address: 6-10-14 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
- Holidays: Open every day
- Phone: 03-3832-5622
- Hours: 10:00–23:30
Hamachan Ueno: Fresh Seafood at Ameyoko
Source: Tabelog
Located right at the entrance of Ameyoko, Hamachan Ueno specializes in fresh seafood delivered daily from the market. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and affordable prices make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Their popular menu items include sashimi, sushi, and seafood tempura. For an authentic experience, try the tempura with a side of *daikon oroshi* (grated radish), which adds a refreshing contrast to the fried dishes. What’s more, you can enjoy unlimited refills of the grated radish, perfect for balancing the richness of the tempura.
Tempura prices start at just 100 yen, so it’s easy to indulge without worrying about the bill. Many visitors, captivated by the flavors, find themselves ordering extra tempura and refills of *daikon oroshi*!
Store Information
- Address: 6-9-13 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
- Holidays: Closed during the New Year period
- Phone: 03-5807-8413
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 12:00–23:30
- Weekends: 10:00–23:30
Enjoy Premium Tonkatsu at These 3 Restaurants in Ueno for Dinner in 2024
Tonkatsu is a deep-fried dish made by coating thick slices of pork loin or fillet in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying. Known for its crispy exterior, it has become a favorite dish among tourists visiting Japan. For those seeking a calm and upscale dining experience, here are three must-visit tonkatsu restaurants in Ueno, including one that has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand listing.
Tonkatsu Tonpachitei
Source: Tabelog
Founded in 1947, Tonpachitei is a well-known tonkatsu restaurant that has been listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand for nine consecutive years.
The secret lies in the cooking technique: pork is deep-fried in 100% lard oil, with the temperature kept low at 130°C (266°F) for about 10 minutes. The meat is then transferred to a rack to rest for 2 minutes. This method ensures a crunchy coating and juicy, flavorful pork.
Diners can explore various flavors by using condiments such as tonkatsu sauce, salt, soy sauce, or mustard. The restaurant’s mild sauce enhances the dish's complexity, while a pinch of salt highlights the meat's natural taste. If you prefer a lighter meal, I recommend enjoying your tonkatsu with just a touch of salt.
Restaurant Information
- Address: 4-3-4 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday)
- Phone: 03-3831-4209
- Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Website: https://gbb4200.gorp.jp/
Ponta Honke
Source: Tabelog
Established in 1905, Ponta Honke is one of Tokyo’s oldest Western-style restaurants. The founder, who was once a chef for the Imperial Household Agency, created a unique version of cutlet, which is now regarded as the origin of modern tonkatsu.
Ponta Honke's specialty lies in its cooking technique, which involves gradually raising the oil temperature while frying the pork. This ensures that the flavors are locked in, while the light and crispy coating makes it easy to eat.
In addition to tonkatsu, they offer seasonal dishes like oyster fry and Edo-style whiting tempura. Their tongue stew, featuring premium wagyu beef simmered in a rich sauce over three weeks, is also highly recommended.
Restaurant Information
- Address: 3-23-3 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 050-5492-8353
- Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 4:30 PM – 8:20 PM
- Sundays & Holidays: 4:00 PM – 8:20 PM
- Website: https://g608200.gorp.jp/
Dinner at Ueno 2024: Discover Hidden Culinary Gems
Tonkatsu Yamabe Okachimachi Branch
Source: Tabelog
Tonkatsu Yamabe in Okachimachi is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a delicious pork cutlet set meal for under 1,000 yen. Known among locals, this spot is loved for its generous servings and fantastic value.
The plate comes loaded with fresh cabbage and a large, thick-cut pork loin cutlet that barely fits on the dish. Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, the crispy exterior is both visually striking and incredibly appetizing.
When you take a bite, you’ll be greeted by juicy, tender pork with a delicate sweetness, wrapped in a crunchy coating—an irresistible combination. The set meal includes rice, miso soup with clams , and pickled vegetables, all for less than 1,000 yen, making this a must-visit for value seekers.
Due to its popularity, expect long lines on weekends, so it’s recommended to arrive early. If you’re looking for a filling dinner in Ueno in 2024 that’s budget-friendly, Tonkatsu Yamabe is highly recommended.
Store Information:
- Address: Taito-ku, Ueno 6-2-6
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-5812-8076
- Hours: 11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:30
For Those Seeking a Local Adventure: All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
Looking to explore hidden culinary spots known only to locals? The All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno is the perfect way to experience authentic Japanese nightlife. Guided by experts familiar with Ueno’s vibrant dining scene, this tour will lead you through secret eateries and introduce you to some of the best dishes and drinks the area has to offer.
The tour kicks off at Ueno's popular street food stalls, where you’ll get to sample classic Japanese dishes such as yakitori, kushikatsu, and oden. At each of the first two stops, you'll pick your favorites from the menu, enjoying 45 minutes of unlimited drinks to complement your meal.
For the final stop, you can choose between unwinding with another drink at a cozy bar or indulging in a bowl of Japanese ramen. I highly recommend ending the night with ramen—its complex flavors are sure to leave you with a sense of joy and satisfaction.
Why not join this tour and enjoy Ueno’s lively streets and dazzling neon lights while savoring delicious food and drinks? It’s the perfect way to discover new aspects of Japanese culture and take home unforgettable memories.