Tokyo boasts some of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, not just in Japan! With over 230 establishments in the city holding Michelin star ratings, you’ll find a diverse range of options, even for those on a budget. Here are eight of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo to whet your appetite. We hope you can experience at least one of these fantastic eateries on your trip!
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Find out more about different Japanese drinks, Japanese beers, the special strong zero you can get in Japan, and how to prepare for a night out in Tokyo. If you want to find out more about Japanese food, check out different fusion dishes, yakitori, types of ramen, and ramen chains.
Must-Visit Affordable Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Kyorakutei
This haven for soba lovers boasts fresh, handmade noodles crafted daily using unique Aizu grain-like seeds. Ingredients, from the soba itself to the dashi broth and soy sauce, are all sourced locally within Japan. Counter seats offer a front-row view as your meal is prepared, ensuring an authentic experience. Be sure to note that evening reservations are limited to parties of three or fewer.
2. Tsuta, Sugamo
Renowned as the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant, Tsuta is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts. Their speciality is a light and clear broth, but options like shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), and miso are also available. All dishes are prepared using only the finest ingredients, sourced from Japan, with bowls starting at a very reasonable 1,000 yen.pen_spark
3. Nakiryu, Otsuka
Tokyo boasts the world’s second Michelin-starred ramen restaurant in Nakiryu, Otsuka. Famed for its “crying dragon” (Nakiryu translates to “crying dragon”) high-quality tantanmen, this restaurant offers a unique twist on the classic spicy Sichuan dish. Unlike traditional heavy tantanmen, Nakiryu’s features lighter flavours with a focus on a delicate soy sauce base. Alongside their signature tantanmen, they also offer affordable bowls of shoyu and shio ramen, as well as donburi (rice bowls) made with their signature triple stock. To keep queue times manageable, customers can only order one bowl per visit.
4. Toritsune Shizendo
Craving a truly exceptional oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice) experience? Look no further than Toritsune Shizendo. This Michelin-starred gem has held a coveted spot in the guide since 2016, and for good reason! Their high-quality Nagoya Cochin chicken is slowly roasted over charcoal for maximum flavour. Here, a satisfying meal can be enjoyed for under 2,000 yen, making it a fantastic bargain. For those with a larger appetite, a more elaborate course featuring additional chicken dishes like wings and hotpot is also available.
5. Zuisetsu, Umegaoka
This cosy gem offers a delightful fusion of Cantonese cuisine. While dinner prices can be a touch steeper (ranging from 7,000 yen to 10,000 yen), Zuisetsu shines with their affordable lunch options, offering delicious sets starting from a mere 1,200 yen or 1,620 yen. Be sure to try their speciality tantanmen noodles.
6. Anda Gyoza
Calling all gyoza lovers! This Michelin-starred gem offers a unique and affordable experience. Anda Gyoza features a lively Taiwanese street-vendor atmosphere with only 10 seats. Their homemade boiled dumplings, bursting with flavourful chicken and pork filling, are the star of the show. Lunch sets offer an excellent value, featuring eight dumplings paired with your choice of special rice or soup. Be aware that due to the popularity of their dumplings, Anda Gyoza may occasionally close earlier than their usual 10 pm closing time.
7. Sasuga, Ginza
For a taste of high-quality Michelin-starred soba, Sasuga in Ginza is a must-visit. Their speciality is Juwari soba, a luxurious buckwheat noodle made entirely from buckwheat flour. Here, you can experience a bowl of exquisite soba noodles for a very reasonable 1,000 yen, served either hot or cold on ice. Upgrade options are also available for those seeking a more elaborate experience. The friendly, non-smoking atmosphere and delicious wine selection make Sasuga a truly inviting spot.
8. Nakajima
Craving a taste of top-tier soba noodles? Look no further than Sasuga in Ginza. Specializing in Juwari soba, these luxurious buckwheat noodles are crafted entirely from buckwheat flour, making them a true indulgence for noodle enthusiasts. Enjoy a bowl of these exquisite noodles for a very reasonable 1,000 yen, served hot or cold on ice. Upgrading options are available for those seeking an even more elaborate experience. The friendly, non-smoking atmosphere and delicious wine selection make Sasuga a welcoming spot to savor the art of soba.
These were the 8 most affordable and cheap Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, Japan. Not only does Japan offer cheap and affordable food but it can also be fancy and exquisite! You can try these delicious food serving restaurants if you’re looking for something suitable with your low strict budget.
Ready to Experience Tokyo’s Michelin Magic on a Budget?
These eight restaurants showcase the incredible value Tokyo offers for Michelin-starred dining. From fresh soba noodles to delectable dumplings, each spot promises an unforgettable culinary adventure. So ditch the idea of “cheap” food equaling low quality, and prepare to be surprised by the exquisite flavors Tokyo has in store, even for budget-conscious foodies!
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