Best Restaurants in Asakusa: A Local’s Guide to Traditional Tokyo Food (2025)
While Ginza may be known for luxury dining and Shibuya for its trendy food scene, Asakusa perfectly balances preserving centuries-old culinary traditions while offering modern takes on classic Japanese dishes. Whether you’re craving the perfect bowl of soba noodles, want to try the best sushi in Tokyo, or experience an authentic kaiseki dinner with geisha performances, I’ll show you exactly where to go.

Top Traditional Restaurants in Asakusa
If you’re searching for authentic Japanese cuisine, these Asakusa restaurants should be at the top of your list. After exploring Tokyo’s diverse dining scene, I’ve personally tested dozens of restaurants in the area to bring you only the most exceptional dining experiences.
Best Sukiyaki and Tempura Spots
When it comes to sukiyaki in Asakusa, you absolutely cannot miss Imahan Bekkan. This century-old restaurant has perfected the art of sukiyaki, serving premium wagyu beef in a stunning traditional setting. Located at 3-1-12 Nishi-Asakusa, dinner here will set you back Β₯10,000-14,999, but trust me – it’s worth every yen for a truly memorable Japanese dining experience.

Best Sushi Asakusa: Top Spots for Fresh Fish
After exploring Tokyo’s incredible sushi scene, I’ve found some incredible spots in Asakusa that will make your taste buds dance. While Ginza’s high-end sushi establishments might get more attention, Asakusa offers exceptional sushi experiences that blend tradition with value.
Bentenyama Miyako Sushi
Want to experience sushi the way it was meant to be eaten? Bentenyama Miyako Sushi has been serving up incredible Edomae-style sushi since 1866! Located at 2-1-16 Asakusa, this historic restaurant is my top pick for traditional sushi in Asakusa.
What makes it special? The septuagenarian owner still maintains traditions passed down for over 200 years. I recommend going for their omakase course – let the chef surprise you with the freshest seasonal seafood. While it’s not cheap, the quality and experience are unmatched.

Asakusa Sushiken
Looking for a more modern take on sushi? Asakusa Sushiken offers an exciting contemporary spin while respecting traditional techniques. What I love about this place is that it’s Muslim-friendly, with halal options prepared in a separate kitchen.
Found at 2-11-4 Asakusa, they serve everything from classic nigiri to innovative special rolls. Don’t miss their chef’s special sushi platter – it’s a beautiful presentation of their best offerings.

Best Food Asakusa: Soba and Unagi Favorites
Namiki Yabusoba
If you’re craving authentic soba noodles, Namiki Yabusoba is the place to go. Founded in 1913, it’s one of the three famous restaurants specializing in yabu-style soba. Their rich soba soup is known as the strongest and most flavorful in Tokyo. For more noodle options, you might also enjoy exploring Tokyo’s best ramen shops.
Pro tip: Try their Zaru Soba with dipping sauce for just Β₯810 – it’s their signature dish and absolutely delicious!

Koyanagi
While not exclusively an unagi restaurant, Koyanagi serves some of the best grilled eel dishes I’ve had in Asakusa. Featured in numerous Japanese TV shows, this popular spot offers perfectly grilled unagi with their special sauce for Β₯2,000-2,999.

Asakusa Best Food: Street Food and Casual Eats
Some of the best food experiences in Asakusa don’t come from fancy restaurants at all! While Ginza may be known for fine dining and Roppongi for its upscale establishments, Asakusa’s street food scene is incredible. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the small shops and food stalls to find the absolute gems.
Must-Try Street Food Spots
Asakusa Menchi
If you only try one street food in Asakusa, make it the menchi katsu at Asakusa Menchi! Located near the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, this tiny shop serves the most amazing deep-fried minced meat patties I’ve ever tasted. For those interested in exploring more of the area, check out my guide to the best things to do in Asakusa.
What makes them special? They use a unique blend of “Koza Pork” and beef, mixed with sweet onions and secret spices. At just Β₯350 per piece, it’s an absolute steal. The crispy exterior gives way to an incredibly juicy filling that will have you coming back for seconds!
Kurikoan
Got a sweet tooth? You need to try the taiyaki at Kurikoan! Located near Senso-ji Temple, they make these fish-shaped cakes fresh throughout the day. I love watching them fill each one with warm anko (sweet red bean paste).
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their special Pokemon-themed Magikarp taiyaki – it’s not just cute, but delicious too! If you’re interested in more unique Japanese experiences, consider visiting Harajuku’s creative food scene.
Best Casual Dining Spots
Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
Did you know you can find Tokyo’s oldest onigiri shop right here in Asakusa? Operating since 1954, Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2019, and trust me – these aren’t your average rice balls!
Located at 3-9-10 Asakusa, this cozy 16-seat restaurant makes each onigiri fresh to order. The owner personally tastes and selects rice from different regions of Japan each year. At just Β₯200-300 per onigiri, it’s one of the best budget-friendly meals in the area.
Suzukien Asakusa
Ready for dessert? While Harajuku might be famous for its sweet treats, Suzukien Asakusa serves what many consider to be the world’s most intense matcha gelato. They offer seven different levels of matcha intensity – I usually stick to level 4 or 5, but if you’re brave, try their famous level 7!
Found at 3-4-3 Asakusa, this shop is cash-only and opens from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Fair warning: lines can get long, especially on weekends, but the wait is absolutely worth it for matcha lovers!
Unique Cultural Dining Experiences in Asakusa
Want to combine amazing food with unforgettable cultural experiences? While Roppongi offers modern dining entertainment and Shinjuku boasts exciting themed restaurants, Asakusa’s cultural dining experiences are rooted in centuries of tradition.
Kaiseki Dining with Geisha Performances
Asakusa Saryo Ichimatsu
Looking for a truly special night out? Asakusa Saryo Ichimatsu offers an incredible kaiseki dining experience complete with geisha performances. This 70-year-old establishment isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a cultural treasure recognized as a tangible cultural property!
What makes it unique:
- Seasonal kaiseki cuisine using the freshest ingredients
- Traditional geisha entertainment with shamisen music and dance
- Basic Japanese dining etiquette lessons from the third-generation proprietress
- A historic building that tells stories of old Tokyo
Traditional Izakaya Experiences
Asakusa Rokku Broadway
For a more casual but equally authentic experience, head to Asakusa Rokku Broadway. This area combines the laid-back vibe of a traditional izakaya with regular cultural performances. For those interested in exploring more of Tokyo’s nightlife, check out guides to Roppongi’s evening entertainment.
Pro tip: Visit on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evenings when they have their regular shows. The atmosphere in the Roku-gu Broadway Shopping Street is electric!
Final Thoughts on Asakusa’s Best Restaurants
From high-end sushi to street-side snacks, Asakusa truly offers some of Tokyo’s most authentic dining experiences. While Shibuya dazzles with modern cuisine and Ginza showcases luxury dining, Asakusa’s charm lies in its perfect blend of traditional flavors and local authenticity.
Where to Stay for Food Lovers
To make the most of your culinary adventure in Asakusa, consider staying nearby. Check out our guides to traditional ryokans in Tokyo or budget-friendly hotels for the perfect base to explore the area’s food scene.
Exploring Beyond Asakusa
While Asakusa’s dining scene is incredible, Tokyo offers endless culinary discoveries. Consider exploring:
Planning Your Visit
Best Times to Visit Restaurants:
- Lunch (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM): Better value, shorter waits
- Early dinner (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Avoid peak dinner crowds
- Weekdays: Generally less crowded than weekends
Day Trip Options
If you’re a serious food enthusiast, consider combining your Asakusa dining experience with a day tour from Tokyo or a Mount Fuji excursion for a complete Japanese cultural experience.
Remember:
- Don’t be afraid to venture beyond tourist spots – some of my favorite meals have been in tiny, family-run establishments
- Always carry cash for traditional restaurants
- Be respectful of local dining customs
- Make reservations for high-end restaurants