Best Asakusa Restaurants! Where to eat in Asakusa - Recommended by Locals

Established in 1951, Yoshikumi Asakusa is a beloved institution in Asakusa, a district renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Located just a 5-minute walk from Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple with a history spanning over 1,400 years, Yoshikumi Asakusa has been delighting patrons with its delectable Western cuisine for decades. Nestled within the bustling Rokku Broadway shopping street, in the heart of Asakusa, the restaurant exudes a charming ambiance that harmonizes perfectly with the lively spirit of Asakusa.

Yoshikumi Asakusa invites you to embark on a culinary adventure that unveils the rich flavors and traditions of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant, steeped in the vibrant spirit of Asakusa, offers an authentic dining experience that harmonizes delectable dishes with the warm ambiance of a traditional Japanese inn.

Founded in 1870, this venerable soba restaurant has walked hand-in-hand with the prosperity of not only Asakusa but also the prosperity of Japan. Renowned rakugo performers were also known to visit almost daily.

Their reputation is not solely built upon their delectable hand-crafted soba noodles prepared with the finest domestic buckwheat flour; it is also the tempura, a culinary masterpiece that has captivated the hearts of the patrons, that truly sets them apart. Furthermore, the tempura served at Owariya Shiten is primarily made with shrimp. This exclusive focus on shrimp allows their essence to infuse the oil, intensifying the umami flavor with each bite. The tempura is expertly fried to achieve a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, rivaling even the finest tempura specialty restaurants.

Since 1929, for nearly a century, when it first opened its doors near Komigabashi Bridge on the Sumida River, Asakusa Mugitoro Honten has been a beloved establishment cherished by generations of diners. True to its name, this venerable kaiseki restaurant specializes in "mugitoro," a dish of grated mountain yam and sticky rice.

The signature dish “mugitoro gohan,” is a rice cooked with barley grains and topped with a grated yam sauce called “tororo.” Despite its high nutritional value, including benefits for overall health and skin beauty, "tororo" is surprisingly low in calories. When paired with "mugitoro", which is rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins compared to white rice, this combination becomes a nutritional powerhouse!

Opened in 1880, this venerable establishment holds the distinction of being Japan's first and oldest Western-style bar. Kamiya Bar is a great spot to experience a real “shitamachi” or downtown social atmosphere. The restaurant is a three-story building, and the 2nd and 3rd floors are restaurant floors. The bar on the first floor is the main attraction where the atmosphere is lively, and the tables are clustered close together just like the western pubs, and serve cheap drinks, plenty of snacks, and light meals. The 2nd floor food menu serves mostly more extensive Western-style food than the first floor. The 3rd floor is a Japanese style restaurant serving set meals and full kaiseki courses featuring tempura, sashimi, and shabu-shabu, and a serene ambiance envelops the space.

Asakusa Ichimon Honten's menu is a delightful exploration of Japanese culinary traditions. The restaurant specializes in "Negima nabe," the restaurant's signature dish, popular dish enjoyed by commoners since the Edo period. Negima nabe is a hot pot dish that harmoniously blends the flavors of "negi" (leeks) and "maguro no toro" (fatty tuna).

Beyond the signature dishes, Asakusa Ichimon Honten's menu boasts an extensive array of culinary delights. Indulge in a medley of flavors with the "くじらの刺身盛り合せ" (whale sashimi platter), featuring a variety of fresh whale cuts, "合鴨のつくね" (grilled duck meatballs), expertly crafted with tender duck meat and a symphony of seasonings and "すっぽん鍋" (soft-shelled turtle hot pot), a traditional Japanese delicacy known for its rich and flavorful broth.

Asakusa Ichimon Honten's dining experience extends beyond the delectable cuisine. Their attentive staff ensures every guest feels welcomed and valued, providing personalized recommendations and ensuring a seamless dining experience.

Imahan Bekkan was established in 1921 as an offshoot of the renowned Imahan Honten, a master of Kanto-style sukiyaki. Since its inception, this longstanding establishment has continued to captivate connoisseurs with the traditional and distinctive flavors of Kanto-style sukiyaki. The ingredients prepared here include only the finest Japanese beef, carefully selected from across the country, starting from the A4 to A5 grades of "Omi beef," one of Japan's top three brand beef varieties. Served by kimono-clad waitresses, the luxurious sukiyaki, meticulously crafted, offers a comforting, nostalgic taste with its slightly sweet sauce. Additionally, their "shabu-shabu," quickly dipped in a secret broth and enjoyed with ponzu or sesame sauce, is also a proud specialty of the restaurant.

Asakusa Oden Otafuku stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of oden, a comforting Japanese dish of simmered. It is one of the most popular and famous oden restaurant in Asakusa. Since its establishment in 1915, the restaurant has captivated the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of authentic Japanese home-cooked cuisine.

Asakusa Oden Otafuku's culinary journey begins with its signature oden, a medley of carefully selected ingredients simmered to perfection in a savory dashi broth, offering an ever-changing selection of approximately 30 to 40 oden ingredients, including many uncommon finds. The top recommendation is the most popular dish, 'Daikon' (radish). On the first day, it is simmered thoroughly to cook through, and then over the next two days, it is slowly soaked in broth to create our proud masterpiece. Additionally, don't miss out on the 'Iwashi no Tsumire,' where the rich flavor of sardines and fluffy texture become addictive.

Established in Meiji 36 (1903), Kibun-zushi is known as one of the oldest sushi restaurants in Asakusa. It is also popular as an "Edomae sushi" restaurant where you can experience the essence of old Edo's elegance.

"Edomae sushi," named for originally using fish caught in the Tokyo Bay area, has evolved over time. Nowadays, it has become customary to add a "personal touch" to the ingredients; for example, marinating "kohada" and "saba" in vinegar, and lightly cooking "anago" and shrimps. This style has become synonymous with "Edomae sushi." At Kibun-zushi, they uphold both aspects: a dedication to Tokyo Bay and local catches, and meticulous preparation of the ingredients. This ensures that not only the flavor but also the techniques and traditions of "Edomae sushi" are preserved.

A buffet restaurant opened on the 26th floor of the "Asakusa View Hotel," coinciding with the opening of Tokyo Skytree®. Known for offering a wide variety of dishes all at once, it's a popular spot among tourists visiting Asakusa, often enjoyed as part of their sightseeing experience.

The reason for its popularity is undoubtedly its superb location. Situated on the upper floors of the "Asakusa View Hotel," it stands out in the Asakusa area where tall buildings are scarce. From the dining area with large windows as its distinctive feature, guests can enjoy impressive views that symbolize Asakusa, such as the "Tokyo Skytree®" and the "Asakusa Temple." With a total of 184 seats arranged spaciously in a high-quality space, this establishment offers charming views day and night, making it a place where one can truly savor Asakusa.

"Marutagoushi," established in the 15th year of the Taisho era, that has been captivating the taste buds of locals and visitors alike for years. Renowned as a long-standing establishment of oden, representing not just Asakusa but Tokyo as well.

The star of the show at Marutagoushi is undoubtedly their oden, a Japanese comfort food that consists of a variety of ingredients simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Each bite is an explosion of taste, with the delicate flavors of the vegetables, meat, and seafood harmonizing perfectly.