Where to Eat in Japan: Favorite Restaurants & Hidden Gems

Japan is a dream destination for food lovers that is more than sushi and ramen (though those are amazing too). From cozy udon shops to specialty eel dishes and underrated Japanese curry, I’d like to share some of my absolute favorite restaurants across Japan. 

When selecting restaurants in Japan, I usually try to stick to authentic Japanese cuisine instead of American or Italian cuisine done in a Japanese way. While these tend to be really good, I enjoy those cuisines at home or in other countries. I also have a gluten sensitivity that has gotten better, so I try to find places that are accommodating to that and enjoy wheat sparingly.

These are the spots I personally recommend are the ones I go back to, the ones I'd (maybe) wait in line for, and the ones that remind me why Japan's food scene is unbeatable. Most importantly, these restaurant recommendations are reasonably priced where you would spend 1000-2000 yen ($7-14 US) per person, with the exception of the robata style restaurant.

Tokyo

Esoragoto Udon

Udon, when compared to more popular noodles such as ramen, is so underrated, and this little noodle shop completely won me over. Tucked away in Tokyo’s trendy Omotesando neighborhood, Esoragoto Udon is my favorite spot to eat in the city.

When I first discovered it in 2024, it felt like a hidden gem. I spotted it as my husband and I were just exploring the random side streets in the neighborhood. I saw the flag outside of the shop with “Gluten Free Udon” text. There were no lines, hardly anyone waiting back then. Fast forward a year, word is getting out—so expect a bit of a wait, but it’s so worth it.

I especially love that they offer gluten-free udon without compromising the soft chewiness of the noodles. It’s almost indistinguishable by texture compared to the traditional wheat noodle. Since the noodles are made from brown rice, it gives them a bit more flavor. 

In addition to the noodles, they have gluten free tempura and it is excellent!

You’ll notice it’s a tiny, standing-only shop where you order at the ticket machine, hand your order to the kitchen, wait a few minutes, and slurp down your noodles at the bar. Since it is very small, arrive when they open to avoid a long wait.

Nagoya

Atsuta Houraiken (Matsuzakaya Branch)

If you love grilled eel (unagi) like I do, you have to try this place. Nagoya is famous for a dish called hitsumabushi, and Atsuta Houraiken is one of the most well-known spots to try it.

I visited their Matsuzakaya department store location, on one of the top floors, which makes it super convenient. When you arrive, the floor where the restaurant is, it’s a bit unassuming, aside from a long line begging to form at least 20 mins before opening. Don’t be discouraged, this place is worth the hype. It's one of the few places in Japan I think is actually worth the wait, and the line moved quickly since the restaurant is pretty spacious and serves the food quickly. Arrive early to be first on the waiting list and be seated. 

The crispy grilled unagi with its soft, juicy center is absolute perfection. Plus, there’s a traditional step-by-step method to enjoy the dish, which makes it feel like more than just a meal. 

Here’s how to enjoy it:

• Step 1: Divide the rice and eel into four equal portions.
• Step 2: Eat the first portion as-is to savor the unagi and rice.
• Step 3: Add condiments like wasabi, green onions, or nori to the second portion.
• Step 4: Pour dashi broth or green tea over the third portion for an ochazuke-style experience.
• Step 5: Enjoy the final portion however you like—or repeat your favorite method!

It’s an unforgettable and delicious experience that I dream about often.

Kyoto

Ashioto

If you’re looking for a special dining experience in Kyoto, Ashioto is an absolute favorite of mine. This isn’t your typical Japanese restaurant—it’s a beautiful farm-to-table experience with a modern Japanese twist.

We discovered Ashioto thanks to a local friend’s recommendation, and we loved it so much we brought our parents back here during their first trip to Japan. It ended up being their favorite meal in Kyoto and I think, one of mine too. Every dish feels like a culinary work of art, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Most of the dishes are small plates or tapas style, so it’s best to order a few to share. 

The most memorable dish was a whole cooked onion with a creamy white sauce, topped with prosciutto and served with eggs. It was bursting with umami flavor! Not very Japanese, but as always, the Japanese perfect almost any cuisine. It’s intimate and small restaurant, so make reservations ahead of time.

Osaka

Onigiri GoriChan (Kita Ward)

Osaka is famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki, but if I’m being honest, I think those dishes are easy to find almost anywhere in Japan. What I do recommend seeking out is Onigiri GoriChan, a hidden gem of a rice ball shop located in the Kita Ward, near Nakazakicho, one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore.

The shop is small, and there’s usually a little wait—but it’s totally worth it for these freshly made, flavorful rice balls. What stands out about the onigiri are the various flavors and the golden egg yolks at the top of the special ones. They are super fresh, plus you can go grab a bowl of dashi broth to pour over your onigiri. It’s so yummy!

They open early at 7:00 AM, so you can stop by for breakfast or sneak in before the lunch crowd arrives.

Ozu

Ozurobata Aburaya

This charming izakaya-style restaurant in Ozu is one of my favorite memories from visiting this hidden castle town. At Ozurobata Aburaya, you can sit at the bar grill and watch the grill master prepare your food right in front of you, once it is finished, he hands it over to you on a paddle. This makes the meal very interactive and entertaining. 

Ozu is a amazing walkable castle-town with preserved historic buildings turned into cozy shops and hidden restaurants to eat. The castle town was given new life by the Nipponia Ozu Castle Town hotel, where hotel rooms are sprinkled through out the town. You’re truly transported back in time as you walk the streets. 

Ozurobata Aburaya restaurant is housed in a historic building that was renovated to balance modern with traditional style. Combined with the delicious food, great service and beautiful atmosphere, it’s a place that is worth adding to your list. 

Hiroshima

Steak AOKIGE

While I didn’t personally get to try this place, my parents went to Steak AOKIGE on my recommendation—and came back raving about it. With a glowing 4.7-star review, I knew it was worth adding to my must-try list for next time.

The best part? It’s a short walk from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, making it a perfect spot to refuel after a day of sightseeing.

Bonus Tip: If you’re in Hiroshima and love seafood, oysters are a local specialty. I personally dined at Oyster Ship Kanawa, located nearby, and loved the experience of fresh, delicious oysters right on the water.

Fukuoka

Curry Honpo

Fukuoka is known for its amazing food scene, especially tonkotsu ramen, but Curry Honpo came recommended by a local and is one place that really surprised me. Japanese curry often gets overlooked because of its simple, brown appearance, but don’t judge a bowl by its color.

This spot serves “Yaki curry” which originated in the 1950s in Mojiko Port, Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefectures. It began with taking leftover curry and baking it with an egg on top. The western-style dish instantly became a hit among the locals and visitors. 

The Honpo’s spot rich, flavorful curry that’s hearty, comforting, and honestly one of the best meals I had in Fukuoka. If you’re craving something besides ramen, this hidden gem is totally worth a visit.

Curry Honpo has more than one location. I visited the one inside the Kawabata Shopping Arcade, which is a nice perk to walk around and shop before and after grabbing a bite.

Yakushima

お食事処 樹 (Yakushima)

Yakushima is one of Japan’s most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path islands—and getting there feels like an adventure in itself. Once you arrive, don’t miss the opportunity to try the island’s specialty: flying fish. 

We enjoyed this local dish at お食事処 樹 (It’s called “Itsuki” in English), a welcoming spot with delicious food and a cozy atmosphere with tatami mat seating.

We ordered the fried fish set, and the fins were like crispy "fish & chips." The set includes rice and small sides, along with the Chawanmushi (ちゃわんむし), the savory egg custard. It was my first time trying and it became my favorite new egg dish in Japan! I can’t get enough of this!!

Yakushima is very spread out, so having a car or taxi is a must to get to this location, but trust me, this meal makes the journey worthwhile.

Final Thought

Japan’s food scene is truly endless—and whether you’re craving crispy unagi, comforting curry, delicate udon, or the freshest seafood, these hidden gems across Japan are sure to satisfy. I’ll be sharing more city-specific food guides soon, so keep exploring with me!

Next up? My guide to hidden stays across Japan. If you missed it, check out Where to Stay in Japan for my favorite boutique hotels and Ryokans.