A Foodie’s Guide To Tokyo

Plant-based chef Bettina Campolucci Bordi embarks on a food tour around Tokyo, finding off-the-beaten-track spots from Ginza to Omotesando.

Bettina Campolucci Bordi’s Guide To Tokyo

There are few destinations in the world that seem to top nearly everyone’s travel list, and Japan holds that position with quiet confidence. It’s a place that always over-delivers in the best possible way, a destination that balances centuries-old tradition with futuristic charm. At the centre of it all is Tokyo, one of my favourite cities in the world. 

The food is, of course, a highlight. Japan is a country where quality is non-negotiable and even the simplest of meals are elevated with the kind of intention and care that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re dining in a high-end omakase or grabbing a konbini meal from 7-Eleven, there’s a reverence for food that’s impossible not to admire. Recently, I spent a week introducing my family to eating and shopping our way through Tokyo and exploring the pockets of wonder tucked between glowing neon and peaceful shrines. If you’re planning a trip and want to go beyond the obvious, here’s my guide to the weird, the wonderful and the wildly delicious.

Best Tokyo Restaurants And Bars

BAR 8+1 ハチイチ 

A proper local dive bar with karaoke and no cameras allowed. 

bar81.tokyo

Numata Nori

A small shop that specialises in fine harvest seaweed, where many famous chefs get their seaweed from. Think Danni Garcia, Rene Redzepi and more. 

3 Chome-7-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan, numatanori.com

Moheji

This place does unbelievable okonomiyaki. You will see that there are several different types and they are all delicious. 

Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2 Chome−24−12 １２階, moheji.co.jp

(c) Bettina Campolucci Bordi

Spice Cafe 

A super cool multi-course Indian and Japanese fusion restaurant.

1 Chome-6-10 Bunka, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0044, Japan, spicecafe.jp

Zauo 

This place has a very cool concept: it’s a fish restaurant where you can go and catch your own fish (if you do, the meal is cheaper) and the chefs will cook it for you. Super fresh and tasty. 

1F, 3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, zauo.com

Afuri 

The restaurant uses incredibly fresh ingredients to make the perfect ramen. 

Multiple locations, afuri.com

Tsukiji Sushiko Takumi Nakameguro 

Go here for great quality sushi. Although we visited the newer fish market that was much quieter and had more locals in Toyuso.

SunnyHills minamiaoyama 

This will catch your eye because of its striking architecture. It’s more of a shop than a place to eat, but if you do buy something, they’ll invite you upstairs for complimentary tea and cake (choose the pineapple cake which is what they’re famous for). 

3 Chome-10-20 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan

Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu 

I love its vibrant energy and atmosphere. Also Kill Bill was filmed here which is pretty cool.

1 Chome-13-11 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan, gonpachi.jp

Kanmido 

This is a cool, hidden restaurant with a vinyl selection, great bar and live music. Cute date night spot! It’s hard to find as it’s in a suburb and from the outside it looks like an apartment. It’s very Tokyo and a bit of a must visit. 

kanmido.com

(c) Bettina Campolucci Bordi

Neighbourhoods To Visit

• Daikanyama: Tokyo’s answer to Brooklyn meets Copenhagen. Indie bookshops, minimalist cafes, and slow fashion boutiques line its stylish streets.
• Nakameguro: A canal-side dream, especially in cherry blossom season. Vintage shops, matcha soft serve, and serene cafes make it perfect for a slower morning.
• Shibuya & Shinjuku: Iconic, chaotic, and full of energy. Go for the people-watching, stay for the sensory overload.
• Omotesando: High-end stores on the main strip, but don’t miss the backstreets filled with charm.
• Ginza: A mecca for luxe shopping and stationery obsessions, with a surprisingly good number of low-key izakayas tucked into the alleys.
• Tsukiji Outer Market & Toyosu: Visit both for contrast – Toyosu is quieter and more local now, while Tsukiji is vibrant and packed.
• Asakusa: Wake up early to visit Senso-ji Temple before the crowds roll in.
• Kappabashi: Known as ‘Kitchen Street,’ this is a dream for food lovers and chefs alike.

Travel Tips

• Book your stay with a Japanese VPN for serious savings.
• Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy train rides.
• Don’t overpack – you’ll want space for vintage finds and Japanese beauty buys.
• Always have cash, even though Tokyo is mostly card-friendly.
• Convenience stores are gold for food, essentials, and quirky gifts.
• Look on Tabelog for food recs as Google Reviews are made by tourists and not always accurate to Japanese standards.
• Download an E-sim with Airalo (game-changing!).
• Everything opens late in Tokyo – around 11am, and most shops open at 12pm, so plan your day accordingly.
• You can send your luggage to and from the airport so that you don’t have to trek up and down stairs!
• Last but not least we bought yen beforehand (because it’s at its lowest at the moment) If you are planning on travelling to Japan in the next 12 months I highly recommend that you do this.