12 Best Italian Restaurants in Tokyo

Italian Restaurants in Japan

Italian cuisine is extremely popular in Japan.

Japan initially had many French restaurants, but during the Italian food boom of the 1980s and 1990s, many of these establishments transitioned to Italian cuisine.

Italian cuisine became popular in Japan largely due to its ingredients. Many staples of Italian cooking, like tomatoes, basil, cheese, pasta, and olive oil, are already familiar to the Japanese palate. Additionally, both Italy and Japan are surrounded by the sea, which means Italian cuisine features many seafood dishes that also appeal to Japanese tastes. This combination of familiar ingredients and flavors has helped Italian food gain widespread popularity in Japan.

Today, both French and Italian cuisines are widely available in Japan, with a variety of restaurants ranging from casual spots to fine dining establishments, including those featured in the Michelin Guide. These restaurants offer everything from authentic dishes to Japan-inspired fusion cuisine.

There are reportedly over 8,000 Italian restaurants in Japan.

Based on 2021 data, the country has more than 8,000 Italian eateries, with approximately 11 per 100,000 people in Tokyo alone—equating to over 1,500 Italian restaurants just in the Tokyo area.

In Japan, the family restaurant "Saizeriya" is widely known and highly popular, beloved by people of all ages, from children to seniors. It serves a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, grilled dishes, and desserts, all at affordable prices.

Many chefs who have trained in Italy go on to open their restaurants in Japan. You can experience top-quality Italian cuisine at a range of establishments, from casual osterias and trattorias to fine dining restaurants like the ones featured in this article.

The Top 12 Italian Restaurants in Tokyo

1. Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Tokyo (グッチ オステリア ダ マッシモ ボットゥーラ トウキョウ) / Ginza

This Italian restaurant has received a Michelin star for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. It is also ranked among the top 100 restaurants by a major Japanese gourmet review site. The restaurant is renowned for its unique dishes that combine traditional Italian cuisine with Japanese ingredients, offering a distinctive dining experience. The interior reflects the luxury brand Gucci’s aesthetic, creating a sophisticated and unique atmosphere. In addition to its lunch and dinner courses, the restaurant gained attention with the launch of an "Italian-style Afternoon Tea," available exclusively at the terrace and bar counter seats starting in early June 2024.

2. PRISMA (プリズマ) / Aoyama

PRISMA, which has held two Michelin stars for three consecutive years—2022, 2023, and 2024—doesn't have a sign; its name is discreetly engraved on the door. Nestled in a quiet alley, it is also listed among the top 100 restaurants by a major Japanese gourmet review site. The restaurant is exclusively operated by Japanese chefs, who manage everything from preparation and cleaning to cooking, including desserts and bread. The chef personally curates the music, and decor, and even arranges the flowers. PRISMA offers just one chef’s choice menu, which changes monthly and features fresh, seasonal ingredients with rich, nuanced flavors. With only eight seats, the intimate atmosphere ensures a private dining experience that keeps guests coming back.

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

This Italian restaurant, which earned a Michelin star in 2022 and 2023 and was selected as a Michelin-Recommended Restaurant in 2024, was also listed among the top 100 restaurants by a major Japanese gourmet review site in 2021. Founded by the owner-chef who previously worked as the sous-chef at Al Porto in Nishiazabu, the restaurant offers Italian cuisine in courses that highlight seasonal ingredients, with homemade pasta being one of its standout dishes. Known for providing a relaxed experience for adults, it is also renowned for its extensive wine selection.

4. Orchestra (オルケストラ) / Shinjuku

This Italian restaurant has consistently held a Michelin star for many years and was named a Michelin-Recommended Restaurant in 2024. It offers a theater-like experience with just eight seats. True to its name, Orchestra, the meal begins with a stunning selection of seven appetizers inspired by the piano. The Japanese chef, who spent seven years in Italy working with both regional and two-star restaurants, employs techniques learned in Italy to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from across Japan. The chef’s exquisite, flowing course menu reflects his life and creativity, which has become a major draw for diners.

5. BVLGARI Il Ristorante Luca Fantin (ブルガリ イル・リストランテ ルカ・ファンティン) / Ginza

This Italian restaurant, operated by the luxury brand Bulgari, earned a Michelin star in 2022 and 2023 and has been named a Selected Restaurant for 2024. It has also been featured in the Top 100 Restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site for two years running. The Italian chef, known for sourcing top-quality seasonal Japanese ingredients, offers a fresh take on traditional Italian dishes. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of wines paired with Italian cuisine in a refined and elegant atmosphere.

6. DepTH brianza (デプス ブリアンツァ) / Azabu

DepTH Brianza is an Italian restaurant recognized as a Selected Restaurant for 2024 in the Michelin Guide. It offers an exclusive dining experience with just 12 seats. Run by a Japanese chef renowned for his innovative takes on Italian cuisine, the restaurant features a menu with meticulously selected ingredients sourced from trusted producers. Unique dishes, such as a rare whale tail fatty cut paired with a hard cheese called Majiakuri, highlight the restaurant’s exceptional offerings and have made it a favorite among enthusiasts

7. Concerto (コンチェルト) / Yoyogi

Concerto is an Italian restaurant that has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand category for three straight years (2021, 2022, 2023). It serves a creative array of Italian-inspired dishes using seasonal ingredients and features an extensive à la carte menu. A standout dish is the "Spaghetti with Chili and Parmesan," which, despite its simplicity, strikes the perfect balance of spiciness, earning it a loyal following. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines from France, Italy, and beyond, making it an excellent choice for solo diners, friends, or couples looking to enjoy great food and wine. The chic interior, with its striking black-and-white contrasts, adds to the overall appeal.

8. sugahara (スガハラ) / Kinshicho

Sugahara, an Italian restaurant recognized in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand category for 2024, is helmed by a Japanese chef who brings a unique touch to Italian regional cuisine. He focuses on highlighting the fresh, seasonal ingredients through straightforward presentation. Each dish, from appetizers to mains, stands out on its own while contributing to a well-balanced dining experience. The restaurant is especially known for its generous use of vegetables and has built a loyal local following. After your first visit, you’re likely to return for its consistently high-quality and fulfilling meals.

9. DAL-MATTO (恵比寿ダルマット) / Ebisu

DAL-MATTO is a reasonably priced Italian restaurant that was named one of Japan's top 100 restaurants in 2021. Instead of a set menu, it offers a chef’s choice course featuring both seasonal and luxurious ingredients in Italian cuisine. The seasonal "Peach Cold Pasta" is a particular favorite among regulars. Located in the heart of the city, DAL-MATTO provides a tranquil, hidden-gem atmosphere where guests can enjoy a harmonious blend of Italian dishes and fine wine in a relaxed setting.

10. LE PRISTINE TOKYO (ル・プリスティン東京) / Toranomon

An Italian restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide 2024 as a Selected Restaurant. This all-day dining spot, overseen by a Dutch chef with a long history of Michelin stars, boasts a stylish and open atmosphere. It offers dishes made with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, prepared in an energetic open kitchen. The restaurant also recommends pairing its original cocktails with a carefully curated selection of wines chosen by a sommelier. Beyond the menu, the experience is enhanced by thoughtful interior design, elegant tableware, and refined music, creating a unique and harmonious environment.

11. Nerisa (ネリザ) / Nishi-koyama

Nerisa is a small Italian restaurant recognized as a Selected Restaurant in the Michelin Guide for 2023 and 2024 and named one of Japan's top 100 restaurants by a major gourmet review site in 2023. The standout dishes include popular veal and tuna tonnato and handmade pasta, all crafted by a chef with experience in Italy's Piedmont region. The Japanese chef prioritizes domestic ingredients and simplicity in the cooking process, creating a blend of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions. With just a counter and two tables, the intimate space offers a cozy setting to enjoy seasonal Italian cuisine.

12. PELLEGRINO (ペレグリーノ) / Ebisu

1. Michelin(2014, 15): One Star

This Italian restaurant is run by a Japanese chef who trained at Trattoria Le Viole in Parma, Emilia-Romagna, in northern Italy. The menu features a chef's choice course only, beginning with three appetizers, followed by two pasta dishes, a fish dish, and a meat dish, and concluding with dessert. The standout item is the freshly sliced, ultra-thin prosciutto, known for its light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and aromatic flavor. The pasta is prepared right in front of you, adding an engaging element to your meal. The restaurant highlights Japanese interpretations of Italian cuisine that even Italians would appreciate, offering a truly satisfying and authentic dining experience.

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