Hienadz Vardanyan 
One of the most inspiring things about Japan is the cuisine. Ever since I first became aware of it, I have been amazed by the color, the textures, the tastes, and the incredible attention to detail.
Japanese food is all about perfection, from how it looks to how it tastes.
Michelin Stars are the ultimate honor that a restaurant can be given. Getting one or more of these famous stars means that a restaurant serves up some of the best food on the planet.
Going to a Michelin Star restaurant isn’t just about the food – it’s an experience to be savored and remembered for the rest of your life.
So, naturally, I wanted to find Michelin Starred restaurants in Tokyo that are really worth the money. Who better to ask than locals themselves?
Below are the 4 of the best Michelin Star Restaurants in Tokyo that are worth the money according to citizens of Tokyo.
I’ve searched long and hard for the absolute best, based on user reviews and first-hand experience.
I’ve separated these into two different categories – 2 Michelin Star and 1 Michelin Star – so that you can see a range of different restaurants with different styles and chefs.
I’ve also made sure to include a short FAQ section to help answer any additional questions you might have to do with Japan and Michelin Star Restaurants.
2 Star Restaurants
Nihombashi-kakigaracho Sugita (日本橋 蛎殻町 すぎた)
First up, I took a look at Nihombashi-kakigaracho Sugita. This is a restaurant flowing with good reviews and a restaurant owner dedicated to creating the classic tastes of Japan.
As well as a 2 Michelin Star establishment, it is also the proud winner of the Tabelog Award, an award that is given based on customer reviews, rather than critics.
These two awards together should give you an understanding of how well-loved this restaurant is by the average local.
If you’re looking for incredible sushi, this is the place for you. The entire experience of stepping into Nihombashi-Kakigaracho Sugita is something to be remembered.
From the incredible care that the owner and staff give to customers, to the quality of the food, you’re going to be amazed by everything it has to offer.
One of the most impressive things about the atmosphere, which is reminiscent of more serious Michelin star establishments, but also easy-going and calm due to the soft-spoken nature of the owner.
I’d like to draw your attention to the restaurant’s Omakase course, which will cost you 28,000 yen.
It comes with a variety of different gorgeous tastes of sushi, including the finest tuna, dotted gizzard, and red sea bream.
This is a great introduction to the world of artisan Japanese sushi, and each dish is sure to be fresh and delicious.
Store Information
- Tel: +813-3669-3855
- Business hours: [Tuesday-Friday] 17: 30 ～, 20: 30 ～ [Saturday / holiday] 17: 30〜, 20: 30〜[Sunday] Noon: 12: 00 ~ Night: 17: 00-19: 45, 20: 00-
- Regular holiday: Monday
- Access: About a 2-minute walk from Exit 4 of Suitengumae Station
- Address: View Heights Nihonbashi B1F, 1-33-6 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nihonryori Seizan (日本料理 晴山)
Next up, I chose to include a 2 Michelin Star Restaurant that will blow you away with its atmosphere and sophisticated approach to Japanese cuisine.
The first thing you’ll see when stepping inside is the gentle lights, the modern Japanese style of furnishing, with seats where you’ll be able to see the owner work his magic from jet-black counters.
This is Nihonryori Seizan. It is a labor of love from its owner, Haruhiko Yamamoto.
Born in Tochigi Prefecture, he grew up with a deep love of food, with a focus on Japanese Cuisine.
By the age of 31, he was a first-class chef and well on the way to becoming world-renowned for his attention to detail.
Soon after, he opened his own Restaurant and started collecting Michelin Stars.
Mr. Yamamoto’s skill is on full display in his course menu, which will introduce you to hand-selected ingredients, the finest vegetables, and cuts of meat that will give you an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine.
One of the most impressive things about this establishment is the closeness you’ll feel to the food and the chef as your meal is prepared.
You are able to watch almost every step of the process, which adds to the overall experience.
Store Information
Tel: +810334518320
Business hours: lunch [Thursday, Friday, Saturday] 12: 00-14: 00 (start all at once) dinner [Tuesday-Saturday] 17: 30-23: 00
Regular holiday: Monday, Sunday and irregular holiday
Access: 12 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Azabujuban Station 10 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Shirokane Takanawa Station
Address: Grande Mita B1F, 2-17-29 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Nabeno-Ism (ナベノイズム)
Tokyo isn’t just home to traditional Japanese cuisine, but also other incredible tastes from around the world. If you’re looking for something that locals swear by, try the French cuisine of Nabeno-Ism.
憧れのナベノイズムさんで
— ♡すず♡ (@maririiiiiiiin2) August 7, 2020
贅沢ランチ????❤️✨
渡辺シェフの工夫が詰まりに詰まった逸品がどれも最高でした????????????
なんとお店の屋号はフェフの家の家紋なんだとか????♀️❣️
全てがオシャレ????????✨ pic.twitter.com/JwWnBHfEf8
This is a 2 Star Michelin restaurant that is going to introduce you to what happens when French cuisine is made by skilled Japanese hands; a fusion between traditional Japanese tastes and the rich history of French food.
I’d like to start by explaining a little about the owner – who has more than 10 years of experience as a chef at the ‘Joel Robuchon’ restaurant in Ebisu, which is world-renowned for its incredible standards and artistic flair.
Since then, he’s opened his own restaurant to offer the best French courses you’ll find in Tokyo.
If you’re looking for an atmosphere that will feel a bit grander than some of the more intimate restaurants on this list, when walking into Nabeno-Ism, you’ll find a large dining area with terrace seats and a gorgeous view of the Sumida River.
The general design of the dining room is very comfortable, and you’ll be able to dine in luxury.
Nabeno-Ism offers two different dinner courses which offer you the difference between 10 item menus or 7 menu items. It’s open Tuesday-Saturday for both lunch and dinner service.
Store Information
Tel: +81352464056
Business hours: [Tuesday-Saturday] 12: 00-15: 00, 18: 00-23: 00 [Sunday] 12: 00-15: 00 ,18: 00-21: 30
Regular holiday: Monday and irregular holiday
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit A2-b of Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
Address: 2-1-17 Komagata, Taito-ku, Tokyo
1 Star Restaurant
Oniku Karyu(おにく 花柳)
I wanted to make sure to include a 1 Star Restaurant as well as the 2 Stars you’ve already read about above.
1 Michelin Star Restaurants might not be quite as incredible as the 2 Stars, but our chosen ‘Oniku Karyu’ is an essential visit if you’re looking for the finest food that Tokyo has to offer.
Oniku Karyu is the creation of Mr. Katayanagi, who has carved a path through the world of Japanese cuisine with his love of Japanese black Beef.
Opening to acclaim in 2006, this restaurant is an important location for meat-lovers across the world.
One thing I need to draw your attention to is the grades of meat you’re going to be served here, as they use only the finest A4 and A5 black beef.
The ingredients are hand-selected to create 10 dishes that you can choose from and be amazed by. They have a specialty item named the ‘Hokkaido-produced Sea Urchin Roll,’ which is vital for you to try.
This is a real location for food lovers to gather, and take in all of the delicious tastes Tokyo has to offer, as well as a friendly atmosphere that will make you sure to want to come back time and time again. If you’re also interested in exploring more beef options in a buffet setting, you might want to check out the best Wagyu beef buffets in Tokyo.
Store Information
Tel: +813-3249-7776
Business hours:17：00-23：00
Regular holiday: Sunday and public holiday
Access: 371m from Ningyocho Station
Address: K Building 1F, 11-11 Nihonbashi Kobunacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes A Michelin Star Restaurant Worth It?
If you’re planning on visiting any of these restaurants, then you may be wondering why they are all considered Michelin Star Restaurants. Well, Michelin Stars are awarded based on how good each restaurant is.
They are given stars based on two main factors: the quality of the food and the level of service provided by the staff.
So, when you visit a Michelin Star restaurant, you know that you’ll be eating high-quality food and getting outstanding service.
What Are Some Of The Most Traditional Dishes In Japan?
The most popular dishes in Japan include sushi, tempura, sashimi, udon noodles, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and donburi.
Sushi is probably the most common type of Japanese food, and it’s eaten almost everywhere. Tempura is another favorite, especially among vegetarians.
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with cabbage, egg, flour, and other ingredients.
Yakisoba is a stir-fried dish that uses noodles instead of rice. Donburi is a meal consisting of several small plates that are often served together.
There are dozens of different types of donburi, but some of the most popular ones include takoyaki, gyoza, Japanese curry, karaage, chawanmushi (egg custard), and oden (pork soup).
How Much Does It Cost At A Michelin Star Restaurant?
In general, prices at Michelin Star restaurants tend to be higher than those found at non-starred restaurants.
However, the price depends on what you choose to eat. If you want to go for a full-tasting menu, expect to spend around $100-$200 per person.
If you just want to try one item off the menu, expect to spend between $30-$50 per person.
Where Can I Find A Michelin Star Restaurant Near Me?
You won’t have much trouble finding a Michelin Star restaurant near you, especially if you live within a city. All you need to do is look up your city on Google Maps and search for “top rated restaurants”.
This will give you a list of the best restaurants in your area. Once you’ve found a few places that interest you, check out their menus online and see if there are any options that appeal to you.
Then, call them up and ask if they’d be willing to let you sample their food before making a reservation.
Other Interesting Articles
Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo with Michelin Stars – After indulging in the exquisite offerings of Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, why not explore another culinary marvel? Dive into the world of Tonkatsu, a beloved Japanese dish, meticulously crafted in restaurants that have earned Michelin stars for their exceptional preparation and flavors. By visiting this page, you’ll discover places where Tonkatsu is not just a meal, but a masterpiece, allowing you to further explore and appreciate the diversity and artistry of Japanese cuisine.
