16 Best Restaurants in Azabu and Shirokane

The Dining Scene in the Azabu and Shirokane Areas

Azabu: A Serene and Sophisticated Neighborhood

Azabu, adjacent to the vibrant Roppongi, is a charming area that attracts discerning individuals. This neighborhood boasts many long-established, historic restaurants that blend seamlessly with its quaint streetscape. Stylish cafes and import boutiques, complementing the tranquil atmosphere, have also opened here, making Azabu a trendsetting hub. Many popular dining establishments, including Michelin-starred restaurants, have congregated in Azabu, contributing to its reputation as a sophisticated neighborhood.

Shirokane: A Gourmet Haven Backed by Luxurious Residential Areas

Shirokane, known as one of Japan’s premier luxury residential areas, has a prestigious history dating back to the Edo period. The area is well-connected with several train lines, ensuring convenient transportation. Around the main street, Platinum Avenue, you'll find an array of high-end fashion shops, stylish cafes, and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.

16 Restaurnats in Azabu and Shirokane

1. Fukasaka (深坂) / Sushi

Fukasaka is a sushi restaurant that opened in March 2024, led by a chef who trained at renowned establishments like the Michelin-starred Sushi Hashimoto in Shintomicho. The omakase course progresses from à la carte dishes to sushi, with each course pairing beautifully with a range of alcoholic beverages. The proprietress, a certified sommelier, offers expert pairing recommendations not only for wine but for other drinks as well. The sushi rice features a bold mix of rice vinegar and red vinegar, giving it a distinctive kick. On weekdays from 9 PM, both dishes and nigiri are available à la carte.

2. Sushi Kinoshita (鮨 きのした) / Sushi

A true hidden gem in Nishiazabu, Sushi Kinoshita is led by a chef who trained at prestigious places like the renowned Arashiyama Kitcho, one of Japan's top three kaiseki restaurants. With years of experience in traditional Japanese cuisine, the chef emphasizes the appetizers, making them a highlight of the omakase course and building anticipation for the sushi. The sushi, influenced by the teachings of the esteemed Sushi Yoshitake, features exceptional sushi rice paired with toppings using a unique blend of Kyoto vinegar.

3. Jushu (壽修) / Japanese

Jushu is a renowned Japanese restaurant with over a decade of Michelin two-star acclaim. Nestled in a quaint corner of Azabu, it offers an omakase course that showcases sophisticated Japanese cuisine made with ingredients from the chef's native Saga Prefecture. The dishes are both generous and refined. The restaurant also boasts an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including rare gems like Nabeshima, a highly regarded sake from Saga.

4. Yakitori Hirako (焼鶏 ひらこ) / Yakitori

1. Japan Restaurant Award,Best 100 (2022,2023)

This acclaimed spot was named one of the top 100 yakitori restaurants by a major Japanese gourmet website. They serve their premium free-range chicken, Hirako-dori, which the owner raises personally. The chicken, bred with a focus on quality over profit, is even served as sashimi. For grilling, each cut is cooked to perfection with precise attention. When ordering a drink pairing, you'll receive a selection of beverages designed to complement the yakitori. For non-alcoholic options, their special carbonated water, made with water from Kobayashi City in Miyazaki Prefecture, is celebrated for its champagne-like bubbles.

5. Azabujuban Fukuda (麻布十番 ふくだ) / Japanese

1. Japan Restaurant Award,Best 100 (2021,2023)
2. Japan Restaurant Award,Silver (2017 - 19)
3. Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2020 - 23)

Azabujuban Fukuda is a Japanese restaurant that has earned a Michelin star for nine consecutive years. They source high-quality seasonal ingredients daily from Toyosu Market, purchasing only what is needed for that day's menu. Guests can savor top Japanese ingredients like crab, pufferfish, and abalone, accompanied by a curated selection of Japanese sake. The restaurant is also renowned for its seasonal rice dishes, cooked in a clay pot and served as the final course.

6. Hibinoryori Viola (日日の料理 びおら) / Japanese

This Michelin Guide-featured restaurant serves Japanese cuisine that is both simple and deeply flavorful, honoring the tradition of kaiseki. Managed by a daughter and granddaughter from a distinguished family of kaiseki culinary researchers, the restaurant sources ingredients directly from Kyoto and other regions, emphasizing the true essence of kaiseki. Their

7. Azabu Asai (麻布 淺井) / Innovative

Situated in Nishiazabu, Azabu Asai is a refined and innovative restaurant. Its unique cuisine blends the essence of Japanese cooking with Italian and French influences, providing exciting new experiences for both Japanese and international diners. The omakase course, which embodies the chef’s philosophy, comes with pairings that include sake and wine. Vegetarian options are also available if requested at the time of reservation.

8. Sushi Yamaguchi (鮨 山口) / Sushi

After 14 years of training at top sushi spots like Sushi Takumi in Yotsuya and Takumi Shingo in Minami-Aoyama, the owner opened this restaurant in Nishiazabu, where it quickly gained popularity. The omakase course features alternating appetizers and sushi, offering more than 20 different dishes. Red vinegar and rice vinegar are used according to the type of sushi topping to provide various flavor profiles. Their wine list highlights white wines, including selections from the owner’s hometown of Yamanashi, available by the glass or bottle. Additionally, they offer an extensive selection of sake.

9. Nishiazabu Taku (西麻布 拓) / Sushi

Nishiazabu Taku is a Michelin two-star sushi restaurant renowned for its personalized tasting course. Each guest receives a unique selection tailored to their preferences, typically consisting of around 30 dishes served alternately as appetizers and sushi. The sushi chef is meticulous in using a blend of rice vinegar and red vinegar to enhance each type of fish. The restaurant also recommends pairing your meal with wine, and their sommelier curates a selection to complement your dining experience.

10. JO (上) / Yakiniku

JO is a Michelin one-star restaurant specializing in meat dishes. Beyond just yakiniku barbecue, it offers a range of expertly prepared meats, selected by a chef with extensive knowledge of the craft. The beef is sourced from top producers known for their long feeding periods. The restaurant's standout offering is the Extreme Steak, grilled to perfection in a custom-built oven designed to enhance the meat’s umami. Additionally, they offer a sake pairing course, allowing guests to enjoy a kaiseki-like experience with exceptional drinks.

11. Imafuku (今福) / Hotpot

Imafuku is a renowned sukiyaki and shabu-shabu hotpot restaurant that has earned a Michelin star for eight consecutive years. Leveraging its meat wholesaling business, the restaurant offers high-quality meat at exceptional value. The sukiyaki features premium sirloin with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by a delicate egg foam. For shabu-shabu, a variety of meat cuts are available. The standout feature is the special ramen noodles, made with a broth infused with the rich flavors of the meat. Additionally, there is a luxurious course that allows you to savor both sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.

12. Edomaezushi SushiTsuu (江戸前鮓 すし通) / Sushi

1. Japan Restaurant Award,Best 100 (2021,2022)
2. Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2017 - 21)

This sushi restaurant is ranked among the Top 100 on a major Japanese gourmet review site. They specialize in aged sushi, where the ingredients are aged for several days, or even over a week, to deepen their umami flavor. The menu consists solely of a chef’s choice course, which includes a rotating selection of appetizers and sushi. The sushi rice is made with a mix of red and rice vinegar, chosen to complement the aged ingredients. For lunch, they offer a more affordable option that includes just sushi.

13. Sushi Matsuura (鮨 まつうら) / Sushi

Awarded one Michelin star and recognized as one of Japan's top 100 restaurants on major gourmet review sites, Sushi Matsuura offers exceptional sushi crafted by a master who trained at renowned establishments like Sushi Ginza Onodera. One specialty is the Ankimo Roll, a sushi roll of rich, foie gras-like monkfish liver served with aged sake. Another highlight is the Anago, sushi topped with conger eel lightly salted to enhance its fluffy texture and deep umami flavor.

14. Sushi Murase (鮓 村瀬) / Sushi

1. Japan Restaurant Award,Best 100 (2021,2022)
2. Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2017 - 20)

Featured as one of the top 100 sushi spots on a major Japanese gourmet review site, Sushi Murase stands out for its excellence. The chef trained at prestigious sushi establishments like Sushi Takumi in Yotsuya and Kyubey in Ginza. He skillfully uses a mix of red and rice vinegar for sushi, depending on the type of fish. A standout dish is the Aged Kohada, gizzard shad, served with sushi topped with a yolk vinegar that's as beautiful as it is delicious. They offer only an omakase course, presenting appetizers and sushi in an alternating style. The drink selection is extensive, with a strong emphasis on Japanese sake.

15. The INNOCENT CARVERY (ジ・イノセント カーベリー) / Steakhouse

1. Japan Restaurant Award,Best 100 (2021 - 23)

This restaurant, renowned for its meat dishes, has been ranked among the top 8 steakhouses in Japan by a global steak review site. The chef, with extensive knowledge of meat, crafts a unique array of dishes that stand apart from typical barbecue, steak, French, and Italian offerings. The restaurant features a course menu showcasing the finest meat of the day, prepared in the most suitable manner for each cut. A standout dish is the yukhoe, a Korean-style raw beef delicacy, elegantly topped with caviar on rice.

16. Nishiazabu Sushi Ichi (西麻布 鮨いち) / Sushi

Established in 2015 and renovated in 2024, this popular sushi spot offers "sushi you can only get here." Their standout dish is the Uni One Spoon, a luxurious creation featuring two carefully selected types of sea urchin combined in a single bite. They also serve eel sushi, made with a prized ingredient from the owner’s hometown of Aichi Prefecture, known for its irresistibly savory aroma.