Tokyo
The Most Romantic Restaurants in Tokyo
Get the inside scoop on the best restaurants for a great date night in Tokyo.
If you're searching for the best romantic restaurants in Tokyo, look no further. From affordable places to intimate settings, our curated list highlights the best restaurants for date nights. You'll find options that are nothing short of spectacular, such as Jambo Hanare, Butagumi, and Sushi Mizugami. The guide is based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts including the likes of Tristin Farmer, Justin Hurst, and Naoyuki Honda, so you can trust that your next date night will be memorable.
Jambo Hanare
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3-chōme-27-9 Hongō, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Jambo Hanare offers a memorable yakiniku experience, with meats cooked to perfection on the counter. The restaurant is particularly known for its beef rice, which is highly recommended by customers. With its sweet, distinctive Tokyo taste, Jambo Hanare stands out among yakiniku restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Japanese barbecue.
Recommended by
Fantastic ExperienceJambo Hanare branch on the counter is a great way to have yakiniku. The meats are fantastic and it is all cooked for you to perfection. I would say it was our favorite yakiniku this past trip to Tokyo. Make sure to pre order the beef rice. It is incredible. I have posted a photo of this dish.
Goryu Kubo
Japan, 〒106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 1-chōme−13−１４ シャロム西麻布 3階
Goryu Kubo is where immaculate courses come to life, with dishes like turnip in kombu niban dashi accentuated with yuzu and the standout grilled fish with kinome. The restaurant's philosophy revolves around a direct connection to the source, with the owner personally ensuring the finest ingredients by engaging directly with producers. Each dish not only highlights the ingredient's intrinsic flavor but is also thoughtfully paired with vessels, from antiques of China's Ming Dynasty to modern ceramics, to enhance the overall dining experience.
Recommended by
Really one of my best meals ever. Each course was immaculate. Really one of my best meals ever. Each course was immaculate, cuisson perfect. From the turnip in kombu niban dashi, with yuzu. So mild and quiet, to the amazing somen and the grilled fish with kinome. Love that place.
Butagumi
2-chōme-24-9 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan
Butagumi is a two-story traditional Japanese house restaurant that specializes in tonkatsu, a popular pork dish. With over thirty varieties of carefully selected pork, including some imported, it caters to the discerning palate of pork lovers. While the prices lean towards the higher end, the meticulous attention to detail by the chefs ensures value for your money.
Recommended by
Butagumi, beautifully located in a traditional two-story Japanese house, offers some of the best tonkatsu in Tokyo. The impressive menu lists more than thirty varieties of carefully selected pork from different prefectures in Japan (plus some specially imported ones). The chefs are detail-obsessed, and a visit here can be a religious experience if you're a pork connoisseur. Price is on the higher end but you’ll get what you pay for.
Sushi Mizukami
3-8 Ichibanchō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0082, Japan
Sushi Mizukami, established during the pandemic, is the creation of Chef Michinobu Mizukami, a veteran of Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi and Ginza. The ambiance is accentuated by an elegant Hinoki counter, meticulously designed by Keiji Ashikawa. This venue encapsulates more than two decades of sushi craftsmanship and a profound dedication to the artisan culture.
Recommended by
High level sushi in a business district of TokyoOpened during the pandemic, Sushi Mizukami is from Chef Michinobu Mizukami who worked for 15 years at Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi and 1 year at the original Ginza location. The beautiful 8 seat Hinoki counter was designed by Keiji Ashikawa who has also designed a number of Blue Bottle branches in Tokyo. Open for lunch and dinner, there are a couple menu course options but get the dinner course if you want to go all out (even for lunch). 6 otsumami, 16 pieces of nigiri and seasonal fruit rounded out one of my new favorite Omakase experiences in Tokyo. Watch for Mizukami-san to gain more attention and accolades as the restaurant hits their stride post-COViD.
Akasaka Ogino
Japan, 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 6-chōme−3−１３ 一階
Akasaka Ogino is a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in contemporary Kaiseki cuisine. It provides an intimate dining experience with its counter-only setup, where dishes are prepared in an open kitchen right before your eyes. Standout dishes include grilled eel and hassun, a dish of seasonal delicacies, and the service is described as warm and friendly.
Recommended by
Top Level Contemporary KaisekiOgino-san has worked at some of the most notable kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto and Tokyo and opened his own in 2019 in the Akasaka district of Tokyo. An intimate, counter-only spot that’s become very hard to book. Cooking is top notch, all done right in front of you in the open kitchen. His grilled eel and hassun (seasonal delicacies) are both standouts. The service is warm and friendly.
TROIS VISAGES
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 7-chōme−16−２１ 雲ビル 1F
TROIS VISAGES is a fine-dining restaurant offering a relaxed, intimate environment with counter seating and a minimalist setting. The establishment is known for its innovative dishes crafted by Chef Ryouhei Kuninaga, who is passionate about ingredients, with signature dishes including sausages mixed with enoki mushrooms grown with seawater for a unique blend of minerality and sweetness. The menu features a variety of courses, including a savory shamo (gamecock) consomm, making it a great choice for catching up with friends.
Recommended by
Intimate casual fine-dining by chef Ryouhei KuninagaOpened in April, this intimate casual fine-dining spot in Higashi Ginza is a great choice for catching up with a couple of friends. The vibe is relaxed, with mostly counter seating in a calm, minimalist setting. Working in the open kitchen, chef Ryouhei Kuninaga is a charming and chatty host who's passionate about ingredients. The enoki mushrooms he mixes into his signature sausages are grown with seawater to add notes of minerality and sweetness, while the "salad" is a sorbet of fragrant shishito peppers. The savory courses conclude with a deeply flavorful and restorative shamo (gamecock) consomme – delicious.
Sharikimon Chawanbu
Japan, 〒160-0007 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Arakichō, ３−２２ 北島ビル １階
Sharikimon Chawanbu is a highly regarded Tonkatsu restaurant in Tokyo, known for its exceptional pork loin and tenderloin sets. The establishment, opened by a chef with an impressive pedigree, offers a lighter style of fry that truly highlights the quality of their pork. Customers particularly recommend trying the curry for a complete dining experience.
Recommended by
Top notch Tonkatsu restaurant opened by a pedigreed Chef from some of Tokyo’s top restaurants.Located in a more quiet part of Tokyo, Sharikimon Chawanbu offers some of the best Tonkatsu you can find in the city. The menu offers pork loin and tenderloin sets, with the option to choose premium pork varieties from different parts of Japan. The fry is a slightly lighter style, which really showcases the high-quality pork. Pro tip: be sure to order the curry!
The Blind Donkey
Miyoshi 2F, 1-chōme-7-14 Miyoshi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0022, Japan
The Blind Donkey is a noteworthy establishment that expertly fuses Californian and Japanese light cuisine. This hidden gem is loved for its innovative yet humble dishes, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Being a farm-to-table institution, The Blind Donkey guarantees fresh, authentic, and quality meals every time.
Recommended by
Japanese-Californian authentic farm-to-table cult institution.A very charming hidden gem that combines Californian and Japanese light cuisine (due to the owner-chefs’ backgrounds). Wonderfully innovative but humble cuisine.
TSURUTOKAME
Iwatsuki Bldg II B1, 6-chōme-7-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
TSURUTOKAME is an exceptional restaurant, known for its all-female chef team who prepare beautiful cuisine with great ingredients. The intimate setting of the restaurant offers a chance to observe the chefs' skills up close, and the friendly staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. With a focus on seasonal dishes, TSURUTOKAME promises a variety of flavors with each visit, catering to both private and business occasions.
Recommended by
Amazing all female chef kaisekiLovely and intimate setting breaking the boundaries. Led by all female chef team, rarely seen in this culture. Putting beautiful cuisine with great ingredients. Extremely friendly staff.
Bia
Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 7-chōme−3−２１, Kitayama Bldg., 2F 来山ビル2F
Bia is a noteworthy restaurant that blends Thai flavors with high-end Japanese ingredients, creating an intriguing concept. The dishes are characterized by their bright acidity, lightness, and a refined touch of spice. With only one chef in the kitchen, the culinary creations at Bia are nothing short of impressive, making it a must-visit spot for those in the know.
Recommended by
Japanese - Thai OmakaseSuper interesting concept and delicious food! Thai flavour profiles, with very high end Japanese ingredients. Bright acidity, light food and an elegant spice to it! Only 1 chef in the kitchen which is even more mind blowing with the food he is cooking!Really cool space, book a table while it's still one of Tokyo's best secrets!
Narukiyo Izakaya
Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2-chōme−7−１４ ＶＯＲＴ青山 地下 １階
Narukiyo Izakaya is a longstanding establishment, having opened its doors in 2003. Known as one of Japan's top standing izakayas, it offers an immersive experience for those seeking an authentic local atmosphere. Visitors are advised to secure counter seats and opt for the Omakase, a popular recommendation among regulars.
Recommended by
Good vibes only. Japan's best standing izakaya.Opened in 2003 and I've been a regular ever since. Be sure to take seats at the counter and order Omakase.Enjoy the objects and the atmosphere! But don't be surprised! If you want to feel the real Japan, not for tourists, this is the one.
Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita
Japan, 〒103-0014 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashikakigarachō, 1-chōme−33−６ ビューハイツ日本橋 地下１階
Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita
Japan, 〒103-0014 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashikakigarachō, 1-chōme−33−６ ビューハイツ日本橋 地下１階
Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita is a renowned Edomae sushi counter, recognized for its gold award from Tabelog since 2017. The restaurant's intimate setting features a 9-seat counter made of Hinoki, where guests can watch Chef Takaaki Sugita meticulously prepare each dish. The menu features a variety of otsumamis, nigiris, clam soup, tamago, and other special orders, including standout dishes like Chawanmushi with anago, Ankimo in sugar, shoyu, sake and mirin, and Bafun uni hokkaido.
Recommended by
Edomae sushi counter awarded with the gold award from Tabelog since 2017.This was probably the absolute best meal in our entire life. Right away when you enter this place, it already feels so special, as if you already know something amazing is about to happen. Then, the counter is beautiful, a 9-seat counter made of Hinoki, perfectly clean, and behind the kitchen you can see chef Takaaki Sugita starting to prepare everything for what we consider the most perfect meal we’ve had, with so much precision, purity, and so calm. Now, focusing on the menu, we had about 8 otsumamis, 11 nigiris, a clam soup, tamago and 3 extra pieces we ordered, and some of those dishes were the following:* Chawanmushi with anago.* Ankimo in sugar, shoyu, sake and mirin.* Kohada nigiri.* Tako.* Chu toro nigiri.* Kuruma ebi.* Bafun uni hokkaido.* Anago.* Tamago.This doesn’t even include some of our favorites, mainly given the poor photo quality (because we are bad photographers and we tried to max take 5 seconds taking the pic of each nigiri), but honestly each and every time we put a nigiri in our mouth it was like touching heaven, we can’t really put it into words.
Jambo Hanare
3-chōme-27-9 Hongō, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Jambo Hanare offers a memorable yakiniku experience, with meats cooked to perfection on the counter. The restaurant is particularly known for its beef rice, which is highly recommended by customers. With its sweet, distinctive Tokyo taste, Jambo Hanare stands out among yakiniku restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Japanese barbecue.
Recommended by
Fantastic ExperienceJambo Hanare branch on the counter is a great way to have yakiniku. The meats are fantastic and it is all cooked for you to perfection. I would say it was our favorite yakiniku this past trip to Tokyo. Make sure to pre order the beef rice. It is incredible. I have posted a photo of this dish.
Goryu Kubo
Japan, 〒106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 1-chōme−13−１４ シャロム西麻布 3階
Goryu Kubo is where immaculate courses come to life, with dishes like turnip in kombu niban dashi accentuated with yuzu and the standout grilled fish with kinome. The restaurant's philosophy revolves around a direct connection to the source, with the owner personally ensuring the finest ingredients by engaging directly with producers. Each dish not only highlights the ingredient's intrinsic flavor but is also thoughtfully paired with vessels, from antiques of China's Ming Dynasty to modern ceramics, to enhance the overall dining experience.
Recommended by
Really one of my best meals ever. Each course was immaculate. Really one of my best meals ever. Each course was immaculate, cuisson perfect. From the turnip in kombu niban dashi, with yuzu. So mild and quiet, to the amazing somen and the grilled fish with kinome. Love that place.
Butagumi
2-chōme-24-9 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan
Butagumi is a two-story traditional Japanese house restaurant that specializes in tonkatsu, a popular pork dish. With over thirty varieties of carefully selected pork, including some imported, it caters to the discerning palate of pork lovers. While the prices lean towards the higher end, the meticulous attention to detail by the chefs ensures value for your money.
Recommended by
Butagumi, beautifully located in a traditional two-story Japanese house, offers some of the best tonkatsu in Tokyo. The impressive menu lists more than thirty varieties of carefully selected pork from different prefectures in Japan (plus some specially imported ones). The chefs are detail-obsessed, and a visit here can be a religious experience if you're a pork connoisseur. Price is on the higher end but you’ll get what you pay for.
Sushi Mizukami
3-8 Ichibanchō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0082, Japan
Sushi Mizukami, established during the pandemic, is the creation of Chef Michinobu Mizukami, a veteran of Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi and Ginza. The ambiance is accentuated by an elegant Hinoki counter, meticulously designed by Keiji Ashikawa. This venue encapsulates more than two decades of sushi craftsmanship and a profound dedication to the artisan culture.
Recommended by
High level sushi in a business district of TokyoOpened during the pandemic, Sushi Mizukami is from Chef Michinobu Mizukami who worked for 15 years at Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi and 1 year at the original Ginza location. The beautiful 8 seat Hinoki counter was designed by Keiji Ashikawa who has also designed a number of Blue Bottle branches in Tokyo. Open for lunch and dinner, there are a couple menu course options but get the dinner course if you want to go all out (even for lunch). 6 otsumami, 16 pieces of nigiri and seasonal fruit rounded out one of my new favorite Omakase experiences in Tokyo. Watch for Mizukami-san to gain more attention and accolades as the restaurant hits their stride post-COViD.
Akasaka Ogino
Japan, 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 6-chōme−3−１３ 一階
Akasaka Ogino is a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in contemporary Kaiseki cuisine. It provides an intimate dining experience with its counter-only setup, where dishes are prepared in an open kitchen right before your eyes. Standout dishes include grilled eel and hassun, a dish of seasonal delicacies, and the service is described as warm and friendly.
Recommended by
Top Level Contemporary KaisekiOgino-san has worked at some of the most notable kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto and Tokyo and opened his own in 2019 in the Akasaka district of Tokyo. An intimate, counter-only spot that’s become very hard to book. Cooking is top notch, all done right in front of you in the open kitchen. His grilled eel and hassun (seasonal delicacies) are both standouts. The service is warm and friendly.
TROIS VISAGES
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 7-chōme−16−２１ 雲ビル 1F
TROIS VISAGES is a fine-dining restaurant offering a relaxed, intimate environment with counter seating and a minimalist setting. The establishment is known for its innovative dishes crafted by Chef Ryouhei Kuninaga, who is passionate about ingredients, with signature dishes including sausages mixed with enoki mushrooms grown with seawater for a unique blend of minerality and sweetness. The menu features a variety of courses, including a savory shamo (gamecock) consomm, making it a great choice for catching up with friends.
Recommended by
Intimate casual fine-dining by chef Ryouhei KuninagaOpened in April, this intimate casual fine-dining spot in Higashi Ginza is a great choice for catching up with a couple of friends. The vibe is relaxed, with mostly counter seating in a calm, minimalist setting. Working in the open kitchen, chef Ryouhei Kuninaga is a charming and chatty host who's passionate about ingredients. The enoki mushrooms he mixes into his signature sausages are grown with seawater to add notes of minerality and sweetness, while the "salad" is a sorbet of fragrant shishito peppers. The savory courses conclude with a deeply flavorful and restorative shamo (gamecock) consomme – delicious.
Sharikimon Chawanbu
Japan, 〒160-0007 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Arakichō, ３−２２ 北島ビル １階
Sharikimon Chawanbu is a highly regarded Tonkatsu restaurant in Tokyo, known for its exceptional pork loin and tenderloin sets. The establishment, opened by a chef with an impressive pedigree, offers a lighter style of fry that truly highlights the quality of their pork. Customers particularly recommend trying the curry for a complete dining experience.
Recommended by
Top notch Tonkatsu restaurant opened by a pedigreed Chef from some of Tokyo’s top restaurants.Located in a more quiet part of Tokyo, Sharikimon Chawanbu offers some of the best Tonkatsu you can find in the city. The menu offers pork loin and tenderloin sets, with the option to choose premium pork varieties from different parts of Japan. The fry is a slightly lighter style, which really showcases the high-quality pork. Pro tip: be sure to order the curry!
The Blind Donkey
Miyoshi 2F, 1-chōme-7-14 Miyoshi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0022, Japan
The Blind Donkey is a noteworthy establishment that expertly fuses Californian and Japanese light cuisine. This hidden gem is loved for its innovative yet humble dishes, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Being a farm-to-table institution, The Blind Donkey guarantees fresh, authentic, and quality meals every time.
Recommended by
Japanese-Californian authentic farm-to-table cult institution.A very charming hidden gem that combines Californian and Japanese light cuisine (due to the owner-chefs’ backgrounds). Wonderfully innovative but humble cuisine.
Host of Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil
TSURUTOKAME
Iwatsuki Bldg II B1, 6-chōme-7-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
TSURUTOKAME is an exceptional restaurant, known for its all-female chef team who prepare beautiful cuisine with great ingredients. The intimate setting of the restaurant offers a chance to observe the chefs' skills up close, and the friendly staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. With a focus on seasonal dishes, TSURUTOKAME promises a variety of flavors with each visit, catering to both private and business occasions.
Recommended by
Amazing all female chef kaisekiLovely and intimate setting breaking the boundaries. Led by all female chef team, rarely seen in this culture. Putting beautiful cuisine with great ingredients. Extremely friendly staff.
Bia
Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 7-chōme−3−２１, Kitayama Bldg., 2F 来山ビル2F
Bia is a noteworthy restaurant that blends Thai flavors with high-end Japanese ingredients, creating an intriguing concept. The dishes are characterized by their bright acidity, lightness, and a refined touch of spice. With only one chef in the kitchen, the culinary creations at Bia are nothing short of impressive, making it a must-visit spot for those in the know.
Recommended by
Japanese - Thai OmakaseSuper interesting concept and delicious food! Thai flavour profiles, with very high end Japanese ingredients. Bright acidity, light food and an elegant spice to it! Only 1 chef in the kitchen which is even more mind blowing with the food he is cooking!Really cool space, book a table while it's still one of Tokyo's best secrets!
Narukiyo Izakaya
Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2-chōme−7−１４ ＶＯＲＴ青山 地下 １階
Narukiyo Izakaya is a longstanding establishment, having opened its doors in 2003. Known as one of Japan's top standing izakayas, it offers an immersive experience for those seeking an authentic local atmosphere. Visitors are advised to secure counter seats and opt for the Omakase, a popular recommendation among regulars.
Recommended by
Good vibes only. Japan's best standing izakaya.Opened in 2003 and I've been a regular ever since. Be sure to take seats at the counter and order Omakase.Enjoy the objects and the atmosphere! But don't be surprised! If you want to feel the real Japan, not for tourists, this is the one.
Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita
Japan, 〒103-0014 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashikakigarachō, 1-chōme−33−６ ビューハイツ日本橋 地下１階
Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita is a renowned Edomae sushi counter, recognized for its gold award from Tabelog since 2017. The restaurant's intimate setting features a 9-seat counter made of Hinoki, where guests can watch Chef Takaaki Sugita meticulously prepare each dish. The menu features a variety of otsumamis, nigiris, clam soup, tamago, and other special orders, including standout dishes like Chawanmushi with anago, Ankimo in sugar, shoyu, sake and mirin, and Bafun uni hokkaido.
Recommended by
Edomae sushi counter awarded with the gold award from Tabelog since 2017.This was probably the absolute best meal in our entire life. Right away when you enter this place, it already feels so special, as if you already know something amazing is about to happen. Then, the counter is beautiful, a 9-seat counter made of Hinoki, perfectly clean, and behind the kitchen you can see chef Takaaki Sugita starting to prepare everything for what we consider the most perfect meal we’ve had, with so much precision, purity, and so calm. Now, focusing on the menu, we had about 8 otsumamis, 11 nigiris, a clam soup, tamago and 3 extra pieces we ordered, and some of those dishes were the following:* Chawanmushi with anago.* Ankimo in sugar, shoyu, sake and mirin.* Kohada nigiri.* Tako.* Chu toro nigiri.* Kuruma ebi.* Bafun uni hokkaido.* Anago.* Tamago.This doesn’t even include some of our favorites, mainly given the poor photo quality (because we are bad photographers and we tried to max take 5 seconds taking the pic of each nigiri), but honestly each and every time we put a nigiri in our mouth it was like touching heaven, we can’t really put it into words.
Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita
Japan, 〒103-0014 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashikakigarachō, 1-chōme−33−６ ビューハイツ日本橋 地下１階
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