16 Best Value Michelin Star Restaurants in Tokyo

Price Range of Michelin Guide Listed Restaurants

The Michelin Guide offers a price guideline for each of its categories.

Restaurants are divided into three main groups.

Starred restaurants

Starred restaurants, recognized for excellence in their cuisine, receive ratings from one to three stars. Prices generally start around JPY 10,000, and for three-star establishments, they can exceed JPY 50,000, reflecting their high-end status.

Bib Gourmand restaurants

In contrast, Bib Gourmand restaurants are known for their good value, typically offering meals for under JPY 10,000. While Bib Gourmand selections around the world tend to be more affordable, in Japan, prices can sometimes be a bit higher. Still, there are places where you can enjoy a meal for as little as JPY 2,000, making them comparable to casual dining spots.

Selected Restaurant

The newly introduced "Selected" category, added in the 2024 Tokyo Michelin Guide, spans a wider price range and includes many reasonably priced options. With these categories, the Michelin Guide makes it easy to find restaurants for a variety of budgets.

Three Affordable Ways to Enjoy Michelin-Listed Restaurants

Here are three great ways to enjoy meals at Michelin Guide-listed restaurants without overspending:

Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Popular Categories (JPY 2,000 – JPY 5,000)

Examples include tonkatsu (breaded deep-fried pork cutlet), ramen, and more. These popular spots often have long lines, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation.

Budget-Friendly Bib Gourmand or Selected Restaurants (JPY 5,000 – JPY 10,000)

Examples include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and izakaya (casual dining bars). Indulge in delicious dishes in a casual atmosphere.

Luxury Restaurants with Great Lunch Deals (JPY 5,000 – JPY 10,000)

Some Michelin-starred or selected Bib Gourmand restaurants offer kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals), sushi, French, or Italian cuisine. Enjoy high-end dining at a more affordable price during lunch compared to dinner.

Make the most of these options to savor exquisite meals without breaking the bank!

5 Michelin Guide-Listed Restaurants You Can Reserve in Advance, Even for Popular Spots

Here are some Bib Gourmand restaurants where you’d normally have to wait in long lines, such as for tonkatsu or ramen, but can now easily book a table online. (Budget: JPY 2,000 to 5,000)

1. Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi (黒豚とんかつ ほり壱) / Tonkatsu / Shinbashi

Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi, a hidden gem in Shinbashi specializing in black pork tonkatsu, has been awarded the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand distinction for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 restaurants in the 2024 Japan Restaurant Awards. The restaurant exclusively uses carefully selected Kagoshima black pork, renowned for its rich, savory flavor and delicately sweet fat. Unique offerings include pickles marinated in Kirishima black vinegar and a miso-based pork soup, highlighting its deep connection to regional traditions. Enjoy this exceptional black pork tonkatsu in a relaxed, modern Japanese setting.

2. Fry-ya (Fry家) / Tonkatsu / Takadanobaba

Fry-ya, featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide, is a specialty fried food restaurant located in Takadanobaba. Led by Head Chef Nishiyama, who refined his craft at Michelin-starred Japanese establishments, the restaurant offers an innovative approach to elevate the art of frying. At lunchtime, guests can enjoy a "Mixed Fry Set Meal" featuring a variety of small dishes, while in the evening, freshly fried items are served individually in a course-style menu. Savor the exquisite flavors and textures achieved through the use of two types of breadcrumbs and a blend of three different oils.

3. Sugita (すぎ田) / Tonkatsu / Asakusa

Sugita, a renowned tonkatsu restaurant in Asakusa founded in 1977, has earned the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand award for three consecutive years and has been named to the Japan Restaurant Awards’ Best 100 list six times. The current owner, Mitsuo Sato, skillfully prepares exceptional tonkatsu with a light, crispy coating using a unique deep-frying method passed down from the original chef. Served alongside freshly steamed Koshihikari rice from Nozawa Onsen and a house-made salad dressing, each dish showcases the dedication and craftsmanship that define Asakusa’s culinary heritage—making it well worth the wait.

4. Ponta Honke (ぽん多 本家) / Tonkatsu / Ueno

Ponta Honke, a celebrated Western-style restaurant established in 1905, has earned the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand award for five consecutive years and has been recognized five times in the Japan Restaurant Awards Best 100. Their signature dish, katsuretsu (cutlet), features the finest center cut of pork loin, which is meticulously cooked at a low temperature in homemade lard. Another highlight is their wagyu beef tongue stew, a dish that takes three weeks to prepare and is absolutely exquisite. Be sure to try their fried dishes made with fresh seafood from the waters near Tokyo. Located just a three-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, the restaurant greets you with an elegant entrance and interior, inviting you to experience culinary excellence that has been cherished since its opening.

5. Menya Shichisai (麺や七彩) / Ramen / Hatchobori

Menya Shichisai awarded the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand in 2017 and recognized for six consecutive years in the Japan Restaurant Awards Best 100, is a ramen shop located just a three-minute walk from Hatchobori Station. What sets this place apart is its unique method of preparing fresh noodles made from flour and water, crafted only after you place your order. These freshly made noodles have a delightful firmness that complements the rich, aromatic broth made from niboshi (dried sardines) and soy sauce. The highlight of their signature dish, Kitakata ramen, is the generous serving of chashu (braised pork). With a noodle-making demonstration happening right before your eyes, you’re in for a truly unique ramen experience.

6 Affordable Bib Gourmand Restaurants

Here are some affordable restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, offering fine dining experiences like yakitori, izakaya, French cuisine, and Korean food. (Budget: around JPY 5,000 to 10,000)

6. 124. KAGURAZAKA (イチニーヨン.カグラザカ) / Yakitori / Kagurazaka

Featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide, 124. Kagurazaka is a yakitori restaurant tucked away in a back alley of Kagurazaka. The owner, with over 20 years of experience, skillfully prepares exquisite yakitori using Fukushima's Date chicken. Their omakase (chef’s choice) course highlights perfectly cooked skewers and specialty dishes tailored to each ingredient, culminating in a delightful chicken broth noodle dish for a satisfying finish. Enjoy a unique dining experience at the 12-seat counter that surrounds the open kitchen, complemented by a diverse selection of sake and craft beer.

7. Shirogane Toritama Honkan (白金 酉玉 本館) / Yakitori / Shirokane

Shirokane Toritama Honkan has earned the Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years and has been recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Restaurants four times. This esteemed yakitori restaurant is known for pioneering the use of rare cuts. Owner-chef Shiro Izawa skillfully grills over 20 types of these rare cuts, all enhanced by a secret sauce with a century-old recipe. Guests can savor the distinctive flavors of these yakitori in an elegant atmosphere accompanied by smooth jazz, complemented by a curated selection of 25 premium Japanese sakes.

8. Negima (ねぎま) / Japanese / Otsuka

Negima has been awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide for five consecutive years and specializes in Edo-style cuisine. The highlight of their menu is the "Negima Nabe," a hot pot featuring Senju green onions and rich, fatty tuna, slowly simmered in a savory bonito broth. This exquisite combination of flavorful tuna and sweet green onions is further elevated by the aroma of black pepper. In addition, their homemade smoked dishes and "Tamago Fuwafuwa" (fluffy egg) are exceptional. Enjoy authentic Edo-style cuisine served with warm hospitality from the owner in a cozy counter setting, complemented by a carefully curated selection of Japanese sakes.

9. Lien / Prive de Lien (リアン) / French / Setagaya

Lien is an upscale French restaurant nestled in Ikejiri-Ohashi. It was awarded a Michelin star in 2017 and has since been recognized with the Bib Gourmand for seven consecutive years starting in 2018. Chef Uehara crafts dishes using carefully selected seasonal ingredients, primarily sourced from Aomori. Combining traditional French techniques with an emphasis on highlighting the natural flavors of each ingredient, the cuisine is thoughtfully presented with meticulous attention to color and texture. Guests can also enjoy an extensive selection of wines that pair beautifully with the menu.

10. Kankokushokudo Iru Sakaagaru (韓国食堂 入ル 坂上ル) / Korean / Ebisu

Kankokushokudo Iru Sakaagaru is a highly acclaimed restaurant that has earned a Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide Tokyo for four consecutive years. As a sister restaurant to Osaka's well-established Kanmiichi, it specializes in authentic Korean cuisine, with its signature dish being Park Sam-sun's Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), which boasts a 40-year-old recipe. The popular Samgyetang Bamboo Course features a tasting menu of 13 dishes, including Samgyetang, kimchi, and gejang (spicy raw crab). Set in a sleek, concrete-walled interior, this modern Korean restaurant offers a fresh perspective on traditional flavors.

11. Bistro Caniche (ビストロカニッシュ) / French / Meguro

Bistro Caniche, recognized as a Bib Gourmand by Michelin for two consecutive years, is a genuine French restaurant situated near Meguro Station. Its signature dishes include a delectable bouillabaisse that takes half a day to prepare and a colorful homemade terrine. The restaurant features nine varieties of wine by the glass, with a strong emphasis on French selections, allowing guests to pair their meals beautifully. Enjoy authentic flavors at reasonable prices while watching the chef’s impressive skills up close from the counter seats.

5 Michelin-Starred Restaurants for Affordable Lunches

The chef's course for dinner costs about JPY 20,000, but you can enjoy a reasonable price for lunch. Here are some Michelin-starred restaurants to consider, with a budget of around JPY 5,000 to 10,000.

12. LATURE (ラチュレ) / French / Omotesando

LATURE, a hidden gem of a French restaurant, has earned a Michelin star for seven consecutive years and is committed to sustainability. Chef Takuto Murota, a licensed hunter, has a deep passion for game dishes. His signature creations, such as pâté en croûte and deer macarons, beautifully merge tradition with creativity, resulting in truly memorable dining experiences. With strong relationships with local producers, the carefully selected ingredients contribute to a unique omotenashi (hospitality) experience, allowing guests to savor the flavors of Japan's seasons in a warm setting that provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

13. Nakasei Koishikawa (中勢以 小石川店) / Steakhouse / Bunkyo

Nakasei Koishikawa is celebrated for its Michelin one-star rating and high praise from the Japan Restaurant Award, making it a haven for aged beef enthusiasts. The restaurant expertly ages domestically-produced Japanese Kuroge-wagyu beef for about two months, enhancing the meat's rich flavor and aroma. Guests can indulge in the authentic taste of premium aged beef, choosing from 15 rare cuts. Whether you prefer an affordable short course or a specially curated selection from the aging master, there’s something to suit every occasion. Relax in the tranquil, wood-themed interior while enjoying your meal paired with carefully selected wines.

14. l'intemporel (ランタンポレル) / French / Aoyama

Situated in Minami-Aoyama, l'intemporel is a French restaurant that has earned a Michelin one-star rating for three consecutive years. Chef Hiroyuki Satake sources carefully selected ingredients from both Japan and around the globe to craft vibrant seasonal dishes. Diners rave about the colorful assortment of appetizers and the delicate main courses featuring fresh, seasonal seafood and meats. Owner and sommelier Mr. Koga boasts a selection of over 400 wines and provides expert pairings to enhance your dining experience. Indulge in an exquisite French culinary journey in a tranquil setting with elegant black-themed decor.

15. RISTORANTE HONDA (リストランテ・ホンダ) / Italian / Aoyama

Ristorante Honda awarded one Michelin star for three consecutive years and featured in 2024, is a celebrated Italian restaurant that is also listed among the top 100 in the Japan Restaurant Awards. Chef Tetsuya Honda employs cooking techniques that enhance the flavors of seasonal Japanese ingredients, creating dishes that possess a delicacy akin to Japanese cuisine. With its elegant yet cozy atmosphere, Ristorante Honda provides a dining experience that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

16. REQUINQUER (ルカンケ) / French / Shirokane

Michelin-starred REQUINQUER, which has maintained one star for six consecutive years, is a prestigious French restaurant in Shirokane. Chef Soichi Furuya creates innovative dishes rooted in traditional French techniques, tailored to the Japanese palate. The restaurant is renowned for its delicate balance of flavors, utilizing seasonal ingredients and inventive combinations that allow diners to experience a harmonious fusion of the elegance characteristic of French cuisine and the refinement of Japanese cooking. With an impressive selection of around 70 different wines for pairing, the dining experience is elevated. True to its name, which means "to rejuvenate," the restaurant offers a culinary journey that nourishes both the heart and soul.