There's no shortage of premium quality sushi restaurants in Tokyo. But if you don't speak Japanese, you are not able to get a reservation at some sushi restaurants. Even if you do speak Japanese, or being accompanied by a Japanese friend, some sushi restaurants, for example Sukiyabashi Jiro, a Michelin three star restaurant, may make you feel like dining at a fast food restaurant, as there is almost no service and the meal ends in 30 minutes.
Wanna experience the best sushi while not letting go the service? Sushisho Masa in Nishi Azabu is one that really gets your money's worth. The owner also the sushi chef Masa speaks some English. He explains every single piece of sushi to customers, including the seasoning. If you have any question about the fish, he would also open up his ocean animal encyclopedia to show you a picture of the fish. The meal could last 2 hours depending on the amount you have. The restaurant only has seven counter seats. A reservation two months in advance is highly recommended.
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| Chef Masa on the left |
Tsukiji Market is a great place to grab breakfast in Tokyo. My favorite restaurants are not the ones listed in travel guides as they are flooded with tourists who are willing to get up at 5am. I like to visit the ones favored by the locals who actually work and live in the Tsukiji Market area.
1. 高はし
This tiny restaurant, 8 counter seats, is famous for grilled/boiled freshly caught fish. Of course, it also has sashimi. But I would suggest trying their cooked fish. There's no English menu. The restaurant owner who's also the chef speaks a little bit of English. If you don't speak any Japanese, you can order by showing the owner pictures saved on your mobile.
In Japanese, Korean BBQ is called Yakiniku, meaning "grilled meat". Ushigoro is a trendy non-smoky Yakiniku restaurant located in Nishi Azabu area. The restaurant offers premium beef at a very reasonable price. If you love red meat, this would be a great place to go.
Joel Robuchon is another bakery that worth visiting when you are in Tokyo. The bakery offers traditional French bread as well as specialty ones such as croc foie gras et pomme.
Eric Kayser is considered as one of France's best bakers. His bakery Mason Kayser is located throughout Tokyo. You can find it at the food floor of big department stores as well as big shopping complex such as Tokyo Midtown. His signature creation is his
unique sourdough breads that rely entirely on a liquid natural starter
without commercial yeast. Here are some photos taken from the Mason Kayser at Tokyo Midtown.
Pierre Herme is another must visit if you are in Tokyo. The master pastry chef is famous for his macarons. French Vogue magazine dubbed him "The Picasso of Pastry."
Got
a sweet tooth? Then Tokyo is definitely a city for your sweet
addiction. The city is full of world class bakeries and patisseries. One
of them is Gontran Cherrier. The famous French baker produces topnotch
breads, pastries and sandwiches. His Tokyo shops offer Japanese-inspired
items such as matcha (green tea) croissant.
