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If there's one thing Tokyo (and Japan in general) is famous for, it's the food. Every street, shopping centre and building is packed with an abundance of options. It's a seemingly never-ending supply of the freshest produce, all cooked, cut and presented in ways that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

But despite all these choices, tourists end up spending their entire trip trying only the TikTok-famous spots (hello, Tsukiji Market and Ichiran), and miss out on the hidden gems locals swear by.

WATCH: Amy Clark shares her must-pack travel essentials you've probably never thought of. Post continues below.

I've been lucky enough to visit Tokyo regularly, as my boyfriend flies there once a month for work. His family members have lived in Tokyo for years, and his local friends know every backstreet eatery, café and izakaya — the ones you'd never physically or virtually stumble across on your own.

From spending time with them, I've learned that Tokyo locals eat very differently from the average tourist. Forget conveyor-belt sushi, Instagram-famous ramen, Shibuya tourist traps or 7-11 sandos (although I very much love convenience store food). The real Tokyo eats elsewhere.

On my most recent trip, I had so many people sliding into my DMs begging for my food recommendations. So, to help you experience the real deal and make the most of your trip, I'm revealing my entire secret list right here.

You're very welcome.

The best local food spots in Tokyo that tourists don't know about.

Sushi and omakase. 

Experiencing a real omakase needs to be on your bucket list. Image: Supplied.

If you're heading to Tokyo, omakase is non-negotiable. The difference when you go with locals, though, is that you end up in spots that don't even bother with English websites, so you know they're the kind of hidden gems you'd never find on your own.

The standout for me was Sushioya (you need to Google search 鮨大矢). It's intimate, the fish is impossibly fresh, and every piece felt like a tiny work of art. I've been lucky enough to try omakases all over the world, but this one tops the list.

For a more traditional experience, I'd also recommend Sushi Arai and Sushi Masuda, which are both unforgettable in their own ways.

Yes, real omakase experiences can be pricey, but remember: you only live once! Holidays are for trying new things, and that includes indulging in incredible food and making memories.

A few tips to enjoy omakase like a local and show the utmost respect to the chef: avoid wearing perfume, don't speak loudly, always ask before taking photos of the chef, never film yourself eating the entire meal (like TikTokers do), and never ask for less rice or more sauce — just savour each dish as it's presented.

Where to eat: 

• 鮨大矢 (Sushioya)

• Sushi Arai

• Sushi Masuda

Unagi and anago.

Real unagi should never be doused in sticky sauce. Image: Supplied.

All I can say is you haven't truly experienced unagi (freshwater eel, which is rich and buttery) or anago (saltwater conger eel, which is milder and leaner) until you've had it in Japan.

Locals rave about Sumiyaki Unafuji Yurakucho Store, which specialises in charcoal-grilled unagi that's cooked to perfection. The eel is delicately crispy on the outside, silky and buttery inside, and jam-packed with flavour (there's absolutely nothing slimy about it, I promise). 

There are several set options, but I recommend coming hungry and opting for the Deluxe Set. It lets you enjoy your eel Hitsumabushi style (over a bed of fluffy rice) with spring onions, wasabi and a light dashi broth for chasuke. On the side, you'll find pickles and clam soup to round out the meal beautifully.

For anago, head to Tamai Nihonbashi Main Branch. Set in a charming 100-year-old house, this restaurant specialises in boiled, baked and kabayaki-finished conger eel. Expect a more subtle taste compared to unagi. 

Where to eat:

• Sumiyaki Unafuji Yurakucho Store

• Tamai Nihonbashi Main Branch

Tempura.

Real tempura will never make you feel weighed down by oil. Image: Supplied.

Forget everything you think you know about tempura. There's no thick, heavy, yellow batter here. Proper tempura is delicate, crisp and almost weightless.

Takiya Tempura was the best I've ever had, while Tempura Fukamachi and Tempura Yamanoue Roppongi are Michelin favourites locals reserve for special occasions.

What's most surprising is that you can enjoy an entire set-course tempura meal — each dish offering a perfect contrast of flavours, temperatures and textures — without ever feeling sluggish or weighed down by oil. It's a testament to the chef's craftsmanship and precision, turning a simple fried dish into an elegant and refined dining experience.

Where to eat:

• Takiya Tempura

• Tempura Fukamachi

• Tempura Yamanoue Roppongi

Donburi.

Get the oyakudon at Miyazaki Chicken Kuruma. Image: Supplied.

For locals, donburi is the ultimate comfort food, because it's simple, satisfying and endlessly versatile. At Nihonbashi Kaisen Donburi Tsujihan Nihonbashii, expect seafood bowls piled high with impeccably fresh ingredients. But a warning: be prepared to wait in line no matter what time you rock up.

Meanwhile, Miyazaki Chicken Kuruma in Shibuya South Gate is a local's secret hot spot for tender, perfectly grilled chicken over rice, topped with a raw egg. Each bite delivers pure umami-packed satisfaction for a wholesome, comforting meal, and a reminder of just how good simple, thoughtful food can taste.

Where to eat:

• Nihonbashi Kaisen Donburi Tsujihan Nihonbashi

• Miyazaki Chicken Kuruma

Udon, soba and ramen.

Soba noodles are rolled, stretched and cooked to perfection. Image: Supplied.

You probably already know Tokyo takes its noodles seriously, and at any good restaurant, you'll always find every strand cooked 'shiko shiko' (the Japanese version of al dente). 

Godaime Hanayama Udon Nihonbashi and Udon Shin serve handmade udon with the perfect chew.

For soba lovers, Namiki Yabusoba and Azabu Kawakamian showcase the nutty, earthy elegance of buckwheat noodles. Served hot or cold, each dish highlights the utmost skill and care of the chef.

For ramen, skip the Ichiran line and head to Afuri, beloved for its yuzu-infused broth, which adds a fragrant citrus brightness to an otherwise rich and savoury bowl.

Where to eat:

• Godaime Hanayama Udon Nihonbashi

• Udon Shin

• Namiki Yabusoba

• Azabu Kawakamian

• Afuri (various locations)

Kushiyaki and yakitori.

I lost count of how many yakitori skewers I devoured. Image: Supplied.

Grilled skewers are a cornerstone of Tokyo street food and izakaya culture. At Torishige and Ginza Torishige, each skewer is cooked over charcoal to achieve smoky, juicy perfection. The seasoning enhances the natural flavours without overwhelming them, and every bite encourages you to slow down and appreciate the chef's craft.

For the adventurous, Torichō offers dishes like chicken sashimi and uncooked meatballs. Okay, I know what you're thinking, BUT… Japanese poultry is farmed under strict standards, so it's safe to enjoy these delicacies without worrying about salmonella. Yes, really! These dishes provide a unique perspective on yakitori that highlights both tradition and the city's dedication to precision in food safety and technique. And that's pretty damn cool.

Where to eat:

• Torishige

• Ginza Torishige

• Torichō

Katsu.

The meat literally melted in my mouth, Image: Supplied.

At Gyokatsu Motomura, the meat is tender and coated in a perfectly thin, crispy crust that packs a delicate crunch with every bite (yes, it's well known amongst tourists, but I think it deserves a spot in this guide).

For a more local experience, Imakatsu Roppongi and Hiratabokujo Tokyomiddotaunten serve thick pork katsu that is flavourful and light, without being greasy or heavy.

Where to eat:

• Gyokatsu Motomura (various locations)

• Imakatsu Roppongi

• Hiratabokujo Tokyomiddotaunten

Pizza.

Tokyo pizza rivals those across Italy. Image: Supplied.

Okay, hear me out: Tokyo pizza is insanely good. I don't mean to offend any Italians, but some of the places I've tried in Tokyo are on par with — or honestly, even better than — the pizzas I've eaten in Italy.

Japanese locals take Neapolitan-style pizza seriously, and it shows in every perfectly charred, puffy crust and paper-thin slice topped with only the best gourmet produce. 

You have to check out PST (they have a few locations, and one of the chefs told me they're opening in Australia in December 2025!), Pizza Strada, Savoy Azabujuban and Pizza Marumo.

Where to eat:

• Pizza Studio Tamaki (two locations)

• Pizza Strada

• Savoy Azabujuban

• Pizza Marumo

Miso silver cod. 

I could eat this set every day. Image: Supplied.

If there's one meal I could genuinely eat every day, it would be the miso silver cod set from Suzunami Tokyo Midtown.

The fish is marinated and cooked to perfection, resulting in a buttery, flaky texture that practically melts in your mouth. The miso glaze adds a subtle sweetness and depth that enhances the natural richness of the cod without overpowering it. It's accompanied by a warming bowl of rice, along with a variety of pickles, soup and sweetened black beans. 

Where to eat:

• Suzunami Tokyo Midtown

Curry. 

A hearty bowl of nostalgia. Image: Supplied.

I grew up eating a lot of homemade Japanese curry, but a bowl at Curry Bondy took that nostalgia and elevated it to another level. The curry here is thick, deeply flavoured and perfectly balanced, with tender meat and vegetables that soak up every bit of the sauce. You can choose your protein, and there are also excellent vegetarian options. My tip is to arrive early or visit during off-peak hours to avoid the long wait time. 

Where to eat:

• Curry Bondy

Coffee.

Every glass contains a different fruit-infused coffee. Image: Supplied.

While Japan may be synonymous with tea, Tokyo's coffee culture has quietly reached world-class levels (watch out, Australia). For a truly local experience, Torahebi Coffee is non-negotiable. This tiny, impeccably curated café serves coffee infused with seasonal fruit — think strawberry, melon, pineapple, banana and apple — and the result is an aromatic complexity that lingers on the palate. Each cup is as much a sensory experience as it is a caffeine fix, and the balance of brightness and depth will completely recalibrate your coffee standards.

Another essential stop is Glitch Coffee and Roasters Ginza, where you'll find precision brewing and single-origin beans.

For those craving a hint of home, Tokyo also hosts Single O and Bill's, which offers familiar Australian-style drip coffee alongside solid brunch fare. 

Where to try:

• Torahebi Coffee

• Glitch Coffee and Roasters Ginza

Sweets.

Your matcha fix is sorted in Tokyo. Image: Supplied.

If you want to taste the artistry of Japanese sweets, make a beeline for Kuuya, Toraya Ginza, Higashiya Ginza and Nakamura Tokichi (the latter is a must for your matcha fix). Each of these establishments elevate Japanese confections to an art form, with delicate textures, seasonal flavours and absolutely flawless presentation.

From matcha-infused mochi to silky bean pastes and subtly sweet jellies, every bite is a meticulous balance of taste and visual perfection.

Then, you must round out your dessert experience by picking up a pack of Tokyo Banana at the airport on your way back home. 

Where to eat:

• Kuuya

• Toraya Ginza

• Higashiya Ginza

• Nakamura Tokichi

Spanish.

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For those craving something different and willing to spend a little extra, La Cocina de Acá 1° offers Spanish-inspired cuisine with a Japanese twist. However, the bookings here are seriously hard to land, so it's essential to plan well in advance.

Where to eat:

• La Cocina de Acá 1°

Chinese.

Shanghainese food is legit in Tokyo. Image: Supplied.

I know, I know. You're in Japan to eat Japanese food. But Tokyo is a melting pot of incredible cuisines from around the world, including Chinese. More specifically, Shanghainese.

Shin A Hanten Shibadaimonten is a legendary spot amongst locals, and it's easy to see why, since the restaurant has been serving up authentic Shanghai dishes since 1969. Expect high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that could rival some of the best meals in Shanghai itself. Hot tip: the xiaolongbao is a must-try.

Where to eat:

• Shin A Hanten Shibadaimonten

When you're not eating…

Of course, Tokyo isn't just about food. When you need a break between meals, there are plenty of cultural gems worth exploring. If you've already ticked off the biggest tourist hotspots like Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, Tsukiji Outer Market and Sensō-ji Temple, I've got you sorted. 

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum offers a serene escape, where centuries-old bonsai trees resemble living sculptures. Koi Seido is another hidden treasure, where you can admire one of the most impeccably designed buildings in the city. Also, head to 21_21 Design Sight in Roppongi, an exhibition space created by renowned architect Tadao Ando that regularly hosts innovative shows. 

Feature image: Supplied.

Have you visited Tokyo recently? Share your must-visit places below!