Best Michelin-Starred Tempura Restaurants in Tokyo 2025
Tempura, a traditional Japanese cuisine inherited from the Edo period, has now reached the level of art. In Tokyo, there are many Michelin-starred restaurants recognized worldwide.
However, for foreign tourists, making reservations at high-end tempura restaurants may seem challenging due to language barriers and unique customs. Many establishments also cost over 20,000 yen per person, which might feel expensive for casual tourism budgets.
As a Tokyo-born and raised food enthusiast, I want more people to know the charm of supreme tempura, where the chef's skill and dedication to ingredients intertwine.
In this article, I'll introduce famous Tokyo restaurants that foreign visitors can comfortably visit, along with reservation methods and price ranges. Enjoy the essence of Japanese food culture beyond the language barrier!
Table of Contents
・What's the Difference Between High-End and Casual Tempura?
・Reservations Are Necessary for Michelin Tempura Restaurants
・Top 7 Recommended Michelin Guide Tempura Restaurants in Tokyo
・Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between High-End and Casual Tempura?
High-end tempura and casual tempura might seem like the same dish at first glance, but the differences are actually quite stark. From my own experience of tasting both types of tempura many times, let me explain these differences in detail.
1. Ingredients Used
In the world of high-end tempura, there's no compromise when it comes to ingredient selection. At the high-end restaurants I've visited, they use seafood boasting the best freshness of the day and vegetables at the peak of their season. What particularly stands out in my memory is the rare matsutake mushroom tempura served at one restaurant. Its aroma and flavor were truly the epitome of autumn's taste.
On the other hand, casual tempura uses more familiar ingredients. At my local tempura shop, chicken tempura and vegetable tempura with their unchanging deliciousness are always popular. While they may not have the luxurious feel of high-end restaurants, their charm lies in being able to enjoy them casually on a daily basis.
2. Cooking Technique
The cooking technique for high-end tempura has reached the level of art. The craftsmanship I witnessed right before my eyes was breathtaking. The batter is surprisingly thin, like a delicate veil covering the ingredients. The oil temperature control is also exquisite, resulting in shrimp tempura with a perfect texture - crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Even with casual tempura, of course, skill is needed to fry deliciously. However, it doesn't have the same level of delicacy as high-end restaurants. My favorite tendon (tempura rice bowl) shop, for instance, is characterized by a thicker batter that emphasizes a crispy texture. This, in its own way, pairs excellently with the tempura sauce.
3. Serving Style
Dining at a high-end tempura restaurant is like watching a performance. At one restaurant I visited, I sat at the counter, closely observing the chef's skills while each dish was carefully explained as it was served. It was an elaborate course meal that made me feel the changing of seasons.
In contrast, casual tempura allows for a more everyday enjoyment. At the tempura set meal shop I often go to, freshly fried tempura is served all at once. The charm lies in being able to eat casually while chatting with friends.
4. Price Range
The price range for high-end tempura is indeed on the higher side. At a famous restaurant in Ginza I visited before, the dinner course exceeded 30,000 yen per person. However, it's true that I got a special experience worth that price. The rare ingredients, the chef's skills, and dining in a sophisticated space are worth the luxury for special occasions.
On the other hand, the charm of casual tempura lies in its price range that allows for everyday enjoyment. At my favorite tendon shop, you can eat a hearty tempura rice bowl for about 1,000 yen. It's great to be able to casually enjoy the deliciousness of tempura with good cost-performance.
5. Atmosphere and Service
The atmosphere at high-end tempura restaurants is filled with a special, out-of-the-ordinary feeling. At a restaurant I visited in Roppongi, I was able to enjoy my meal in tranquility. The service was extremely attentive, and I was particularly impressed by the detailed explanation given for each tempura piece.
Casual tempura restaurants are characterized by a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The downtown tempura shop I often go to has a lively atmosphere with conversations flying between regular customers and the owner. The friendly service is also part of its charm, and I love being able to casually ask for "seconds."
While there are these differences between the two, both embody the excellence of Japanese food culture. Why not try experiencing a special occasion at a high-end restaurant and enjoy daily pleasures at casual shops?
Reservations Are Necessary for Michelin Tempura Restaurants
When visiting Michelin-listed tempura restaurants in Tokyo, it's no exaggeration to say that reservations are essential. I myself have experienced being turned away when I visited without a reservation. Especially at popular restaurants, it's almost impossible to dine without a reservation.
Reservations become even harder to get on weekends and during tourist seasons. From my experience, it's safe to make a reservation one month in advance. Some famous restaurants even start taking reservations two months in advance, and in such cases, they can get fully booked on the day reservations open.
However, the language barrier can be a challenge. Many high-end tempura restaurants only accept reservations in Japanese. I realized how difficult this can be when I saw my foreign friend struggling to make a reservation. While there are restaurants that can handle English, they are still a minority.
Therefore, if making a reservation in Japanese is difficult, I recommend using a food tour service. I've used a food tour service myself when guiding foreign friends, and it was very convenient as they handled everything from reservations to interpretation. Using a hotel concierge service is also a good method.
When making a reservation, it's important to inform them in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. High-end restaurants are usually very accommodating to such requests.
Top 7 Recommended Michelin Guide Tempura Restaurants in Tokyo
While there are many Michelin-listed tempura restaurants in Tokyo, I'd like to introduce seven particularly recommended establishments. These are all places I've visited multiple times and have been impressed by their outstanding skills and flavors. I hope foreign visitors will also experience the essence of Japanese tempura culture at these restaurants.
1. Tempura Kondo
Source: Google Map
Tempura Kondo is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Ginza. When I first visited this restaurant, I was captivated by its delicate techniques and seasonal dishes.
Kondo's tempura is truly a work of art. The tempura, fried in a thin batter, maximizes the original flavor of the ingredients. What particularly impressed me was the bamboo shoot tempura I ate in spring. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, the aroma and sweetness of the bamboo shoot filled my mouth.
The interior has a calm atmosphere, and it's also attractive that you can see the chef's techniques up close from the counter. Every time, I find myself mesmerized by the tempura being fried right in front of me.
The budget is certainly on the higher side, but it's well worth it. Lunch is ¥10,000 to ¥14,999, and dinner is ¥20,000 to ¥29,999, but I feel it's well worth it as a luxury for special occasions.
<Store Information>
Address: Sakaguchi Bld., 9F, 5-5-13 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0355680923
Hours: 12–3 PM, 5–9 PM
Website: https://tempura-kondo.com/en/
2. Tempura Motoyoshi
Source: Google Map
Tempura Motoyoshi is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Ebisu, Shibuya.
The characteristic of Motoyoshi's tempura lies in its surprisingly thin batter. The shrimp tempura I ate had a batter so thin you could see through it, yet it maintained a crispy texture. I felt that this technique is something that can only be achieved through years of experience and refinement.
The seasonal special courses are also attractive. When I visited in spring, I enjoyed a course full of spring flavors including bamboo shoots. The taste of each ingredient was beautifully enhanced, providing a wonderful experience of feeling the season with all five senses.
The interior has a modern decor with a calm atmosphere. At the counter seats, you can observe the chef's delicate techniques up close, which is an entertainment in itself.
What's particularly noteworthy is Motoyoshi's special tendon (tempura rice bowl). This tendon, in contrast to the delicate tempura served earlier, has a bold flavor that captivates many customers. I'm also one of those who look forward to this tendon every time.
The budget is on the higher side at ¥30,000 and up for dinner, but I think it's well worth the value. I would especially recommend this restaurant for special occasions or for those who want to deeply experience Japanese food culture.
<Store Information>
Address: Granbell Ebisu IV, 3F, 2-8-11 Ebisunishi, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0364550200
Hours: 5:30–10:30 PM
Website: https://motoyoshi-1120.com/
3. Tempura Yokota
Source: Google Map
Tempura Yokota is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Azabu-juban. I first visited this restaurant on an autumn night, and I still vividly remember the taste from that time.
The characteristic of Yokota's tempura is, above all, its high freshness. The conger eel tempura I ate was surprisingly soft and had a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I felt that this is only possible with the use of fresh ingredients and the technique of frying at the perfect timing.
The omakase course allows you to feel the changing of seasons. When I visited in autumn, it was full of autumn flavors like matsutake mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, and Pacific saury. Especially, the matsutake tempura was fragrant and made me feel the arrival of autumn.
The budget is ¥8,000 to ¥9,999 for lunch and ¥15,000 to ¥19,999 for dinner. I think it's a relatively reasonable price setting among high-end restaurants. The quality of tempura you can taste at this price is very high, and I feel the cost-performance is good.
<Store Information>
Address: Patio Azabujuban II, 3F, 3-11-3 Motoazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0046
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0369105253
Hours: 4 PM–12 AM
Website: https://yokota-g.com/#top
4. Tempura Ginza Onodera
Source: Google Map
Tempura Ginza Onodera is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Ginza.
Onodera's dedication starts from ingredient selection. The summer vegetable tempura I ate had surprisingly intense flavors for each vegetable, and I really felt the high quality of the ingredients.
The tempura made with seasonal seafood is also exquisite. I felt that their technique truly brings out the best in each ingredient.
The course composition is also wonderful, progressing from lighter flavors to gradually more intense ones. The meal that ends with kakiage (mixed tempura) was perfect as a finale. I'm always moved by this flow every time I visit.
The budget is ¥8,800 to ¥24,200 for lunch and ¥20,000 and up for dinner. While it's a high-end restaurant, I think it's well worth the price.
Reservations are essential, and I recommend making them about a month in advance, especially for weekends. As it's a popular restaurant, it's often difficult to get a reservation at the last minute.
<Store Information>
Address: Kanenari Bld., 6F, 8-5-10 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: None
Phone: 05031879470
Hours: 11 AM–1 PM, 6–7:30 PM
Website: https://onodera-group.com/tempura-ginza/
5. Tempura Fukamachi
Source: Google Map
Tempura Fukamachi is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Kyobashi.
The omakase course allows you to feel the changing of seasons. When I visited in winter, it was full of winter delicacies like oysters, shirako (milt), and crab. Especially, the oyster tempura was prepared in a way that maintained the rich flavor of the oyster while making it light and crispy, achieving an exquisite balance.
The interior has a high-class Japanese modern decor with a calm atmosphere. At the counter seats, you can observe the chef's delicate techniques up close, which is like an entertainment in itself.
The characteristic of Fukamachi-san's tempura lies in his careful cooking method. The cooking process I saw right in front of me was truly a display of craftsmanship. I was deeply impressed by Fukamachi-san's sincere attitude towards each piece of tempura.
The budget is ¥10,000 to ¥14,999 for lunch and ¥15,000 to ¥19,999 for dinner. While it's a high-end restaurant, I feel that being able to enjoy special seasonal menus is a unique attraction in this price range.
<Store Information>
Address: A・M Kyobashi Bld., 101, 2-5-2 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0031
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 0352508777
Hours (Sundays): 12–2 PM, 5–10 PM
Hours: 12–2 PM, 5–7 PM, 7:30–10 PM
Website: https://autoreserve.com/ja/restaurants/JBTLB5hhiNWrgExwhgsy
6. Tempura Miyashiro
Source: Google Map
Tempura Miyashiro is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Meguro.
The characteristic of Miyashiro-san's tempura lies in its delicate flavors using seasonal ingredients. The bamboo shoot tempura I ate in spring beautifully brought out the natural sweetness and aroma of the bamboo shoot, making me feel the arrival of spring. The batter was surprisingly thin, and I felt it maximized the flavor of the ingredients.
The interior has a calm Japanese atmosphere, like a hidden retreat. From the counter seats, you can observe the delicate techniques up close. I always find myself captivated by their careful work.
The service is also very attentive, allowing for a comfortable time. When I visited, there were detailed explanations for each tempura, allowing me to enjoy the dishes more deeply.
The budget is ¥8,000 to ¥9,999 for lunch and ¥15,000 to ¥19,999 for dinner. I think it's a relatively reasonable price setting among high-end restaurants. The quality of tempura you can taste at this price is very high, and I feel the cost-performance is good.
<Store Information>
Address: 2 Chome-18-11 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 0364522808
Hours: 12–2 PM, 5:30–11 PM
Website: https://www.miyashiro.tokyo/
7. Tempura Motoyoshi
Source: Google Map
Tempura Motoyoshi is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Ebisu, Shibuya. The interior is luxurious, creating an atmosphere suitable for a special dining experience.
Located in Ginza, this restaurant has excellent accessibility. It's bustling with various customers, from couples enjoying special date nights to others. I often use it myself for celebrating anniversaries with loved ones or entertaining friends from overseas.
The budget is ¥30,000 and up for dinner. While it's certainly in the high-end restaurant price range, I feel it's well worth the value. Motoyoshi's creative cuisine provides an experience that goes beyond just a meal.
<Store Information>
Address: Granbell Ebisu IV, 3F, 2-8-11 Ebisunishi, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0364550200
Hours: 5:30–10:30 PM
Website: https://motoyoshi-1120.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Tempura is one of Japan's representative dishes, but when it comes to dining at high-end restaurants, various questions and concerns may arise. Here, I'll introduce questions and answers that I've actually experienced and heard from many of my foreign friends.
Can I Visit with Children?
Visiting high-end tempura restaurants with children varies depending on the establishment. From my experience, some places welcome children without any issues, while others may refuse.
For example, when I once visited with my 5-year-old nephew, one restaurant warmly welcomed us and even prepared a small chair for the child. On the other hand, another restaurant politely refused us, citing the reason of "maintaining a quiet environment."
The important thing is to check with the restaurant you're considering visiting in advance. When making a reservation, inform them that you'll be bringing children and confirm if it's acceptable. Also, consider the age of the children and whether they can eat quietly.
My personal advice would be to choose a restaurant with a relatively relaxed atmosphere. Also, lunchtime tends to be more accepting of children.
Are There Any Tips for Enjoying Tempura?
There are several tips for maximizing your enjoyment of tempura. I'll share what I've learned through my many tempura-eating experiences.
First and most importantly, "eat it freshly fried." At high-end tempura restaurants, the chef will serve freshly fried tempura right in front of you. By eating this quickly, you can enjoy the crispy texture and hot flavor. I particularly think that shrimp tempura doesn't reveal its true deliciousness unless it's freshly fried.
Next is how to use condiments. Generally, tempura is eaten with salt or tempura sauce, but by changing this, you can enjoy different flavors of the same tempura. For example, I always eat the first bite with salt and the second bite with tempura sauce. This allows me to enjoy both the original flavor of the ingredient and the flavor harmonized with the condiment.
Also, many high-end restaurants prepare special salts or condiments paired with each tempura. For instance, at one restaurant I visited, various flavored salts like yuzu salt and matcha salt were prepared. Using these can allow you to enjoy deeper flavors.
Is There a Dress Code for Tempura Restaurants?
At high-end tempura restaurants, smart casual attire is recommended. For men, a collared shirt and slacks, and for women, a dress or blouse with a skirt would be appropriate. I often wear a jacket when visiting high-end restaurants.
However, overly formal attire (like a tuxedo or evening gown) might give an out-of-place impression. I remember when a friend of mine once visited in a suit and tie, it felt a bit out of place.
Attire to avoid includes T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. It's also recommended to go easy on strong perfumes or aftershave lotions. Strong scents might interfere with enjoying the delicate aroma of tempura.
The important thing is to directly confirm with the restaurant when making a reservation. I always make sure to ask about "appropriate attire" when booking. Many restaurants will explain politely, and some will even tell you specific dress codes.
The Michelin-listed tempura restaurants in Tokyo are wonderful places where you can experience the essence of Japanese food culture. Every time I visit these establishments, I'm impressed by the depth of Japanese food culture and the skills of the chefs.
Indeed, there are several points to be mindful of, such as how to make reservations, price ranges, and etiquette. However, if you prepare for these, I'm sure an unforgettable wonderful experience awaits you.
The seven restaurants introduced in this article all provide excellent experiences. Each has its own character, and there are always new discoveries to be made no matter how many times you visit. When you visit Tokyo, please try experiencing the essence of Japanese food culture at these tempura restaurants!
