Tokyo is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from street snacks to upscale dining, and something to suit every palate, whether you’re craving rich ramen, premium wagyu beef yakiniku barbecue, or even monjayaki sizzling on the griddle. But it’s a busy city, with millions of locals and waves of foreign visitors always on the hunt for the most delicious meal. While you might just get lucky and find a hidden gem away from the crowds every once in a while, it’s not uncommon to find yourself lining up to try one tempting treat or another, and sometimes it’s hard to know which places will live up to the hype. So let’s look at five of Tokyo’s most popular eateries that are really worth the wait!

① Monjayaki at Tsukishima Monja Kuuya

Located conveniently in the heart of Shibuya, Tsukishima Monja Kuuya offers griddle-cooked food like okonomiyaki, but their specialty is monjayaki – a similar dish made with thinner batter, local to Tokyo. Popular orders include the Mentaiko Mochi Monja, made with spicy pollack roe and rice cakes, or other monjayaki options made with seafood like squid or shrimp.

The illustrations on the menu and stylish options like “Squid Ink Risotto Monja” make the place feel special, but thanks to the laid-back atmosphere and plentiful seats, this restaurant is ideal for group gatherings – if you’re willing to wait, of course. They accept credit cards and are open all the way from 11:00 am to 4:00 am, making it a great spot for classic Japanese dining in Shibuya.

Average Wait Time: 30~45 minutes

Tsukishima Monja Kuuya (月島もんじゃ くうや)
1-25-6 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 4:00
Directions: 30 seconds from the Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit

② Ramen at Mutekiya

Mutekiya Ramen in Ikebukuro is famous for its flavorful, aromatic broth and chewy noodles, pairing a rich tonkotsu base with thick-cut chashu pork and notes of soy sauce. There’s not a lot to say about a good ramen spot – you get in, slurp down the noodles, and leave satisfied. But this ramen spot attracts both locals and tourists alike, all willing to brave the wait!

Average Wait Time: 60~75 minutes

Mutekiya (無敵家)
1-17-1 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30 – 4:00
Directions: 3 minutes on foot from the Ikebukuro Station East Exit

③ Afternoon Tea at Afternoon Tea Love & Table

A chic cafe from the popular tea and home goods brand “Afternoon Tea,” Afternoon Tea Love & Table is known for its stacked mille crepe cakes, a visual and culinary delight that draws pastry lovers from near and far.

The shop has two branches, located in Omotesando and Shinjuku, so it’s easily accessible, and a convenient place to relax after exploring some of Tokyo’s busiest areas. The Omotesando location is particularly spacious, however – ideal for snapping photos! The cafe offers dine-in and takeaway options, and a selection of seasonal menu items, so don’t forget to check what’s new before you order!

Average Wait Time: 25~40 minutes

Afternoon Tea Love & Table Omotesando (アフタヌーンティー・ラブアンドテーブル 表参道)
4-3-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 – 19:00
Directions: 3 minutes on foot from Omotesando Station

Afternoon Tea Love & Table Shinjuku Lumine (アフタヌーンティー・ラブアンドテーブル ルミネ新宿)
Lumine Shinjuku 4F, 1-1-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Directions: directly connected to Shinjuku Station

④ Hamburg Steak at Kiwamiya

Hamburg steak (a thick beef patty without the bun) is a hearty Japanese favorite often associated with home cooking, but Kiwamiya specializes in a higher grade of “rare hamburg steaks.” The highlight of the restaurant is the personalization, allowing diners to cook the meat to their own preferred doneness on a small personal griddle.

The restaurant’s hamburg steaks are seasoned simply with salt, but diners rave about how the sparse additions actually highlight the rough chunks, the natural sweetness, and of course the rich, meaty flavor.

Their set meals also include unlimited salad, rice, soup, and self-serve ice cream, making it a must-visit for meat lovers with an appetite. Head to the Tokyo Station or Shibuya Parco locations when you’re ready to eat but not starving just yet, and be prepared to wait!

Average Wait Time: 45~70 minutes

Kiwamiya Tokyo Station (極味や 東京駅店)
Gransta Yaesu North 1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Directions: directly connected to Tokyo Station

Kiwamiya Shibuya Parco
Shibuya Parco B1F, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: weekdays 11:30 – 23:00 | 11:00 – 22:30
Directions: 5 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station

⑤ Premium Wagyu Lunch at Yakiniku Inoue (Reservations Required)

Renowned for its A4 and A5 grade wagyu beef, Yakiniku Inoue Ginza offers a premium yakiniku barbecue experience that highlights the meat’s tenderness and marbled fat, using expert techniques to show off all the qualities that have made Japanese beef famous worldwide. While dinner costs a lofty 15,000~20,000 yen per person, their lunch menu of barbecue sets and beef bowls is much more affordable for the average diner, typically around 2,000~3,000 yen.

Of course, offering a great deal on mouth-watering, top-quality food in the ritzy neighborhood of Ginza has made the shop extremely popular. Just standing in a long line won’t cut it at this Japanese barbecue spot. Even for lunch, reservations are required, and often need to be booked a month or two in advance. It’s all worth it if you manage to snag a seat!

Average Wait Time: 1~2 months (reservations only!)

Yakiniku Inoue Ginza (焼肉いのうえ 銀座店)
1-6-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: weekdays 11:00 – 15:00 / 17:00 – 23:00 | weekends 11:00 – 23:00
Directions: 1 minute on foot from Ginza-itchome Station, 5 minutes on foot from Ginza Station, Kyobashi Station, or Yurakucho Station

A Tokyo Food Tour Worth Waiting For

Tokyo’s dining scene is vibrant, and while some places require a wait or advance reservations, the superb food is often worth all the work. With a bit of planning and patience, a food tour with a few of these popular eateries will help you make your trip to Tokyo unforgettable!

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Images, Original Article in Chinese by Sen Yang
English Edition by Sophia Appelbaum