Best 12 Restaurants in Ueno 2024: Recommended by Locals

Ueno, located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, is a district known for its retro atmosphere called "shitamachi" (downtown). Ameyoko, Tokyo's most popular shopping street, bustles with locals and tourists throughout the year.

The area features natural parks, a zoo, art museums, and shrines, offering a relaxed atmosphere despite being in Tokyo. Its proximity to the popular tourist destination Asakusa and excellent transportation access, including bullet train services, makes it a convenient base for sightseeing.

The Ueno area and Ameyoko are also famous as one of Tokyo's premier dining districts, home to many renowned restaurants and hidden gems known only to locals.

For 2024, we'll introduce you to carefully selected establishments, including Michelin-starred restaurants and Japanese dining spots popular among international visitors.

Ueno's Diverse Dining Scene: From Exquisite Japanese Cuisine to Casual Izakayas

The charm of Ueno's restaurants in 2024 lies in their diversity. Whether you're looking for local izakayas (Japanese pubs), ramen shops, or high-end establishments for special occasions, you'll find something to suit your preferences.

For international visitors, we recommend restaurants serving standard Japanese cuisine such as kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals), sukiyaki, soba, and ramen. In Ameyoko, don't hesitate to exchange greetings with friendly locals and ask for their menu recommendations!

Popular Japanese Restaurants Around Ueno Featured in Michelin Guide

Tokyo ranks second globally after Paris in the number of Michelin-listed establishments. Here, we introduce carefully selected restaurants around Ueno where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. Make sure to visit at least one of these during your trip to Ueno in 2024!

Kaiseki Ikku (Japanese Cuisine)

Kaiseki Ikku specializes in traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese dining style consisting of rice, soup, and various side dishes.

At Kaiseki Ikku, you can enjoy dishes that maximize the potential of seasonal ingredients through traditional and precise Japanese culinary techniques.

Their signature dish is a course featuring premium conger eel from the Sanriku region. The fresh eel is aged for over two days after preparation to bring out its full umami flavor. The rich taste of this perfectly fatty conger eel is unique to this establishment.

This restaurant welcomes families with small children and is perfect for lunch or special occasion dinners!

Address: 2-4-23 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:30 / Dinner 17:00-22:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-5685-0170
Official website: https://www.kaiseki-ikku.com/

Tonpachi-tei (Tonkatsu)

Established in 1947, Tonpachi-tei is a family-run traditional tonkatsu restaurant operated by a husband and wife duo. The current owner, representing the third generation, is renowned for his culinary training across various countries including France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Their signature tonkatsu is deep-fried slowly at low temperature using 100% lard. They are meticulous about draining excess oil, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture.

My recommendation is the limited-quantity "Ton-suji Nikomi" (simmered pork tendon). This dish features tender pork tendons that are carefully simmered - a byproduct from tonkatsu preparation. It's pure bliss to enjoy this as an appetizer with beer while waiting for your main tonkatsu dish.

Address: 4-3-4 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30-14:30
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3831-4209

Ponta Honke (Tonkatsu)

Founded in 1905, Ponta Honke is a historic restaurant notable for its imposing wooden door.

Their famous cutlet uses only the lean center portion of high-quality pork loin. Deep-fried in homemade lard, it offers a moist texture packed with the umami of lean meat.

Another signature dish I always order is their Wagyu Tongue Stew, using only premium black cattle tongue. The sauce, simmered for three weeks, perfectly complements the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the tongue.

They also recommend Japanese-style Western dishes like seafood fry (shrimp, squid, salmon) and pork sauté!

Address: 3-23-3 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Lunch (Tue-Sun) 11:00-14:00 / Dinner (Tue-Sat) 16:30-20:20, (Sun & Holidays) 16:00-20:20
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-5492-8353

Tsuma Koi Zaka Keigo (Soba)

For authentic Japanese cuisine, I recommend Tsuma Koi Zaka Keigo. Behind its elegant entrance, you'll find spacious white wood counter seating.

The menu consists solely of chef's omakase courses featuring their famous hand-made soba, sushi, and tempura in perfect portions. With omakase, the chef selects the day's best offerings, making it worry-free even for first-time Japanese counter-dining visitors.

The seasonal dishes showcase Japanese cuisine's charm through refined flavors and elegant presentation. Watching the chef's skillful preparation right before you is truly artistry - enjoy it alongside your meal!

Address: Yoshizawa Building 1F, 3-10-10 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 18:00-22:00
Closed: Sundays and Holidays
Phone: 03-6803-0817

Ishibashi (Sukiyaki)

Ishibashi, established in 1872 as a butcher shop, is a long-standing sukiyaki restaurant. Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese dish where beef and vegetables are simmered in a sweet soy sauce-based broth, and it has become a staple of Japanese home cooking.

While many restaurants require customers to cook their own meals, at this establishment, dedicated staff prepare everything right in front of you and serve it at the perfect timing, making it comfortable even for first-time visitors.

The secret recipe "warishita" (soy sauce-based sauce) passed down since the restaurant's founding perfectly complements the high-quality meat and seasonal vegetables. Following Japanese tradition, ending your meal by adding rice to the sauce, which has absorbed all the umami from the ingredients, is highly recommended.

Enjoy your sukiyaki experience in the restaurant's traditional Japanese house-like atmosphere.

Address: 3-6-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 17:00-21:30
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
Phone: 03-3251-3580

4 Recommended Restaurants for Tourists to Enjoy Popular Japanese Cuisine

Ramen Kamo to Negi (Ramen)

For ramen in Ueno, "Ramen Kamo to Negi" is highly recommended. Their broth, made only with duck, green onions, and water, offers a clear, simple taste that concentrates the unique richness and umami of duck. They source several types of green onions from across Japan to find the perfect match for the duck meat.

Besides their signature "Duck Ramen," their "Oyakodon" (chicken and egg bowl), nicknamed "drinkable oyakodon," is also popular. The eggs are cooked for just 10 seconds, resulting in a wonderfully creamy texture.

My personal favorite is the "Wonton Noodles" made with minced duck. Don't miss the smooth texture of the wontons.

Address: 6-4-15 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00-4:00 (next day)
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-6803-2334
Official Website: https://www.kamotonegi.com/ja/

Ueno Sakae (Sushi)

"Ueno Sakae" is a restaurant where you can enjoy sushi at a leisurely pace while listening to jazz. The head chef personally selects ingredients from the market, focusing on seasonal items to "provide the best taste available at that time."

The menu consists solely of chef's choice courses, featuring high-quality sushi prepared right before your eyes and seasonal side dishes. The sea urchin sushi made with premium nori seaweed is particularly delicious, filling your mouth with ocean flavors.

Home-style dishes like simmered yellowtail with daikon radish and tamago (egg omelet) offer the gentle flavors unique to Japanese cuisine. Enjoy these with their extensive selection of sake!

Address: 12F, 4-4-5 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Lunch 12:00-14:30 / Dinner 17:00-23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 050-5488-0846
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ueno_sakae/

Yakiniku Ueno Taishoen (Grilled Meat Restaurant)

Taishoen is a long-established yakiniku restaurant that's synonymous with "the place for yakiniku in Ueno." One of its attractive features is the variety of rare cuts of premium Japanese Black Beef available.

My first orders are always "Gyusashi" (beef sashimi) and "Silk Yukhoe." These dishes take a little time to prepare as they're made fresh upon ordering. If you want to enjoy raw beef, I recommend ordering these first. The lean meat sashimi with its clean taste and the melt-in-your-mouth yukhoe are absolutely exquisite.

Their signature dish "Negi-maki Tan-shio" (green onions wrapped in salted beef tongue) perfectly matches the sweetness of seasoned green onions with the umami of salted beef tongue. If you want to thoroughly enjoy excellent yakiniku, this is a must-visit restaurant!

Address: 2-8-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 17:00-22:00
Closed: December 31st only
Phone: 03-3831-6365
Official website: https://taishoen.co.jp/

Torie

Torie is a comfortable yakitori restaurant that's perfect even for solo diners. Inside, you'll find a wooden counter surrounding the grilling station, creating a warm atmosphere.

The yakitori is made with premium Ehime brand chicken known for its sweet skin and is grilled over high-grade Kishu Bincho-tan charcoal, resulting in juicy and aromatic flavors.

While waiting for your yakitori, enjoy the "o-toshi" (appetizer) with cold beer. I always look forward to these seasonal appetizers.

If you're unsure what to order, I recommend trying a course meal. The course ends with a soup rich in chicken umami that will satisfy both your stomach and soul.

Address: 3-18-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon-Fri 17:30-22:30 / Sat & Holidays 17:00-22:30
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 03-6803-0623
Official website: https://www.torie-yakitori.com/

3 Recommended Izakayas to Enjoy Drinks and Japanese Cuisine at Ueno's Symbol "Ameyoko"

Daitoryo

If you want to enjoy day drinking in Ameyoko's bustling restaurant district, visit Daitoryo. In this lively space popular with locals, you can enjoy typical izakaya fare like yakitori and grilled skewers.

Their signature "motsu-yaki" (grilled offal) at 90 yen per skewer is a deal you shouldn't miss. They also offer a great selection of vegetable skewers like grilled taro and shiitake mushrooms, making it enjoyable even for non-meat eaters. Another appealing point is the authentic Japanese home-style cooking. Don't miss the chance to experience comforting Japanese flavors like motsu-nikomi (simmered offal) and potato salad.

Enjoy your meal at the outdoor seats facing the street, sharing the atmosphere with locals!

Address: 6-10-14 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-23:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3832-5622
Official website: https://www.ameyoko.net/shop/280

Jisakana Yatai Hama-chan Ueno Branch

"Jisakana Yatai Hama-chan Ueno Branch" is a food-stall style izakaya where you can enjoy seafood dishes. This casual establishment is always bustling with locals and office workers.

The highlight of this restaurant is the fresh sashimi, including tuna, yellowtail, and salmon, available at any time. Foreign visitors particularly enjoy the reasonably priced traditional Japanese dishes like tempura and sushi, as well as izakaya favorites like ham cutlet.

My recommended appetizer is the grilled stingray fin, which pairs perfectly with their extensive shochu selection. You can experience the unique lively and homey atmosphere characteristic of Ameyoko.

Address: 1F FIT'S Building, 6-9-13 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30~23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5807-8413

Standing Bar Kadokura

"Standing Bar Kadokura" is perfect for a casual stop during sightseeing. Opening from 11:00 am, it's ideal for enjoying drinks with lunch.

They offer many izakaya staples popular with foreign visitors, including karaage (fried chicken), french fries, and yakitori. My must-try recommendation is the "Millefeuille Ham Cutlet," featuring crispy layers of thinly sliced ham. Try it with their limited-edition "Super Lemon Sour" cocktail, made with a whole lemon – you'll be amazed by how well they complement each other.

This establishment offers the lively downtown atmosphere unique to Ueno restaurants 2024, making it perfect for short visits between sightseeing spots.

Address: 6-13-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun, Holidays 11:00~22:00 / Fri, Sat, Holiday eves 11:00~23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3832-5335
Official website: https://taishoen.co.jp/kadokura/

Recommended: "All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno" - Explore Local Izakayas with Residents

For those unsure about choosing restaurants or menu items, this tour is perfect. An English-speaking guide will take you to three carefully selected izakayas around Ueno. Enjoy each establishment's specialty dishes and drinks.

With various cuisine options available, they can accommodate allergies and special preferences. Feel free to ask the guide any questions.

The tour fee includes all food and drinks, so you can join empty-handed. Whether you're solo, with friends, or a couple, this tour is recommended for everyone. Experience Tokyo's nightlife at authentic izakayas that only local guides can introduce you to!

Click here for more details