Asakusa Restaurants – The Ultimate Asakusa Food Guide
Tokyo's most traditional of neighbourhoods is a great place to grab a bite. Whether you're after some traditional Japanese grub or something a little different, there's an Asakusa restaurant for you.
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Asakusa has a rich history as one of Tokyo’s most long-established neighbourhoods. In its prime during the Edo-era, buildings from that time still line the narrow roads and alleys to give Asakusa a welcome sense of timelessness.
Buildings such as the Kaminarimon gate, Senso-ji Temple and the nearby Tokyo Sky Tree are prominent Asakusa landmarks, though a lot of the area’s charm and popularity stems from the small traditional shops and eateries that proliferate.
Asakusa Food
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Asakusa’s restaurants are staggeringly numerous. The problem isn’t finding one but choosing one. Quality is pretty much guaranteed anywhere you go, yet, if you’re after something specific – sushi, tempura, international food or anything else – take a look at our guide to some of the best Asakusa restaurants below.
Asakusa Sushi and Tempura
Asakusa is particularly famous for tempura. There are many old restaurants here that were established decades or centuries ago, making grabbing a bite to eat a history lesson at the same time.
Nakasei
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Established in 1870, this restaurant is among the oldest in Asakusa and offers truly delicious tempura dishes. It can be quite pricey if you go for the set meals (up to 8,000 yen/course), but single dishes like tendon (rice dish topped with tempura) start at around 2,000 yen. You don’t, then, have to spend outrageous amounts on lunch or dinner if you don’t want to.
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11:30 – 22:00 (closed every 2nd & 4th Tuesday) 03-3841-4015 ¥ 2,000 – 3,000 |
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Asakusa 1-39-13 Website |
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Daikokuya Tempura
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Daikokuya Tempura is famous for having achieved the perfect tempura crispiness. Try it as part of a tendon dish, which here is dipped in a delicious sauce, making it darker and even more heavenly than normal. This is also one of the oldest shops in the area having opened way back in the late 19th century.
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11:00 – 20:30 03-3844-1212 ¥ 2,000 – 3,000 |
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Asakusa 1-31-10 Website |
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Kaminarimon Sansada
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Sansada is another old restaurant with plenty of history. In fact, it is said to be the first restaurant ever to offer tempura. When you see the old-school Japanese interior, you’ll be unlikely to question this fact. The food is great and the prices are low – a blessing for both stomach and wallet.
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11:30 – 22:00 03-3841-3200 ¥ 1,000 – 2,500 |
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Asakusa 1-2-2 Website |
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Maguro bito
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Maguro bito literally means ‘tuna fish person’ or ‘tuna fish people’, making clear what this place specialises in. Their menu includes a wide variety of sushi and sashimi, freshly made by the chef behind the counter. This, when customers and the chef interact directly, is called itamae-style sushi, and is a great experience.
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11:00 – 21:00 03-3847-7139 ¥ 1,500 – 3,000 |
111-0034 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Kaminarimon 2-18-12 Website |
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Also try the following restaurants:
Masaru まさる – a cute little tempura shop
Asakusa Traditional Meals
When you’re in Tokyo’s most traditional of neighbourhoods, it goes without saying that you should probably try out some equally traditional food. Very Japanese and extremely delicious, try going for a dish you’ve never tried before. The quality of food in these places is great and they’re sure to keep you coming back for more.
Asakusa Imahan
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Imahan is a sukiyaki restaurant, meaning it mainly serves meat dishes. Choose from a variety of options, including favourites like hot-pot and donburi (meat-topped rice bowl). This place is quite famous and ranks among the best restaurants in Asakusa, so if you feel like high-quality food, definitely consider Imahan.
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11:30 – 21:30 03-3841-1114 ¥ 4,000 – 6,000 |
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Waentei Kikko
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Kikko is another great traditional restaurant in Asakusa with delicious set meals. It also offers a great atmosphere and a truly authentic Japanese culinary experience. It’s one of the best places to go with a larger group as a number of private rooms are available for your convenience. Though prices can be high if you order a set meal, single dishes are cheaper, and ultimately the quality and experience is worth the money. If you’re feeling adventurous, this place serves fugu, the poisonous blow fish dish.
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11:30 – 13:30, 17:00 – 21:00 (closed Wed) 03-5828-8833 ¥ 2,500 – 4,000 |
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Asakusa Mugitoro
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Mugi means barley in Japanese and toro is short for tororo (Japanese grated yam) – combining these ingredients creates mugitoro, a highly traditional and much-loved dish. Though it is a simple dish, making it is an art, meaning it isn’t exactly cheap. Ordering single dishes rather than sets is more cost-efficient if you’re just here to try mugitoro.
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11:00 – 16:00, 17:00 – 22:30 03-3842-1066 ¥ 4,500 – 10,000 (lunch from ¥ 1,000) |
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Asakusa 2-2-13 Website |
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Also try the following restaurants:
Onigiri Yadoroku おにぎり宿六 – hand made rice balls with all sorts of fillings
Sometaro Okonomiyaki 染太郎 お好み焼き – the famous Japanese mixed omelett dish
Komagata Dozeu 駒形どぜう – a dojo and a nabe (hotpot) restaurant
Asakusa Izakaya and Yakitori Restaurants
Out looking for something to have with a glass of cold beer? Try out one of the many izakaya (Japanese-style bars) in Asakusa. The locals have perfected dishes that will complement your drink and leave you completely satisfied. Be it chicken skewers (yakitori 焼き鳥), vegetables (yasai 野菜) or fried food (agemono 揚げ物) you’re craving – they have it all.
Kaminarimon Kisuke
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Kaminarimon Kisuke’s excellent selection of food and drink make it a great place to go for a fancy night out or just a casual evening of dinner and drinks. Wonderful meat dishes, hot pot, desserts and more await in a great venue you’re sure to enjoy.
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12:00 – 14:00, 17:00 – 22:30 03-5246-8221 ¥ 2,500 – 4,000 |
111-0034 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Asakusa 2-3-12 Website |
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Asakusa Toriyoshi
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Tori means ‘bird’ or ‘chicken’ in Japanese, leaving little mystery over what this izakaya specialises in. The chicken dishes complement a few drinks perfectly and you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere inside the dimly lit restaurant. No matter if you’re alone, a couple or a group of friends, this is a great place and conveniently close to JR Asakusa Station, Metro Asakusa and Tawaramachi stations as well (meaning you won’t miss the last train).
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05:00 – 22:00 03-3844-6262 ¥ 1,000 – 2,000 |
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Also try the following restaurants:
Torihei 鳥平 – more chicken goodness
Tsushima つしま – a popular ramen shop
Asakusa Budget
If you’re hungry, but running low on yen, try out one of the budget Asakusa restaurant choices below. Low in price but high in quality, the following shops might be exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s your Asakusa restaurant guide for the best restaurants in the budget category.
Ramentei
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Some ramen anyone? The famous noodle dish is available at Ramentei as a set with sides for a great price. Fried rice and plenty of other sides are also available for a snack in-between meals. This great little place is easy on your budget but doesn’t compromise on taste.
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11:00 – 20:00 03-3845-0514 ¥ 1,000 – 2,000 |
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Asakusa 1-39-9 Website |
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Asakusa Mizuguchi Shokudo
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This old Japanese bistro-style place is decorated in classic Japanese style with tatami (bamboo mats) and low tables. Not dirt-cheap but great value for money, this place is loved by the locals, so you know it’s good. Lunch time is busy, so make sure you come early to get seats. Conveniently located very close to Asakusa Metro Station.
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10:00 – 21:30 03-3844-2725 ¥ 1,000 – 1,500 |
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Ramen Menmaru
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This old little shop might be the cheapest you’ll find in Asakusa. The cheapest ramen dish is just 320 yen! Stop by this fabulous little place for a simple but delicious meal.
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11:00 ~ ¥ 800 – 1,000 |
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Asakusa 2-15-1 Website |
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Asakusa Restaurants – International Food
To mix it up, you can always go for some international cuisine. Pick any one of these mouthwatering Asakusa restaurants and you won’t be disappointed. We even found a ramen shop that sells halal noodles, in case that was standing in the way of your ramen delight.
Naritaya – Halal Ramen
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Though not exactly foreign food, this ramen place is very foreigner friendly. Naritaya restaurant got plenty of attention a while back for switching to halal, especially among Tokyo’s Muslim community, who now make up over 80% of the restaurant’s customer base. Dietary restrictions aside, the ramen here is top-drawer.
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10:00 – 22:00 (Sat/Sun -21:00) 03-4285-9806 ¥ 1,000 – 1,500 |
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Pizzeria San Gusto
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Craving Italian? We understand. This one is a great place to visit for fantastic stone-baked pizza, delicious pasta, side dishes and dolce (sweet dishes). Enjoy some great food, a nice glass of wine and soak in the atmosphere of this authentic Italian restaurant.
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11:30 – 22:00 03-3843-8787 ¥ 1,500 – 2,500 |
111-0035 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito, Nishiasakusa 2-26-10 Website |
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Salvatore Cuomo & Bar
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Another Asakusa Italian option, this time the restaurant also doubling as a classy bar and cafe. During the day, drop by for a coffee and a slice of cake, or for dinner and a few drinks in the evening. Enjoy the large glass window front, great interior, delicious food and mouthwatering desserts here at Salvatore Cuomo & Bar.
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11:00 – 22:30 03-5806-3965 ¥ 1,500 – 2,500 |
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Capanna Carbone
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This place is a ‘charcoal grill and Italian’ restaurant in Asakusabashi with a fabulous interior, scrumptious food and a great wine selection. It is quite pricey, so coming here for a special occasion makes sense. They also have lunch and a weekend brunch set on offer. In the afternoon the restaurant is a café.
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11:00 – 23:00 (closed Mon) 03-5829-9363 ¥ 2,000 – 4,000 |
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