Top 18 Restaurants in Ginza: from Michelin Sushi to Haute Cuisine

Ginza is one of the top fine dining areas in Japan.

Tokyo boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, and nestled in its bustling heart lies Ginza. Renowned for its luxurious stores and top-tier dining establishments, Ginza is a culinary paradise offering a diverse array of cuisines. What kind of food is Ginza known for? From traditional Japanese sushi and yakitori (grilled chicken) to Western delights like Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine, there's something to tantalize every palate. The numerous Michelin-star restaurants in Ginza each offer its own unique culinary experience. The first half of this article aims to guide you through eight restaurants in Ginza which are renowned nationwide for their high acclaim. Please be aware that these establishments are extremely difficult to secure reservations at. Therefore, the latter half of this article will walk you through the 10 best places to eat in Ginza where reservations are easier to make.

8 most famous restaurants in Ginza

First, let us take you on a journey through famous restaurants in Ginza, many of which are awarded Michelin stars. These establishments are the highest-class venues in Japan, so if you’re looking for a place where you can realistically visit during your stay, please feel free to jump to the section:

Sushi Yoshitake/ Sushi

1. Michelin (2012 - 2023)：★★★
2. Michelin (2024)：★★
3. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2022

Renowned as one of Ginza's most esteemed sushi establishments in a district boasting over 400 sushi restaurants, Sushi Yoshitake beckons discerning diners to embark on a culinary journey into the heart of exquisite Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi.

The restaurant has held three Michelin stars continuously since 2012. Under the skilled hands of owner-chef Masahiro Yoshitake, each piece of sushi is meticulously crafted to achieve the perfect balance of rice, topping, and wasabi, akin to creating a sublime artwork. Notably, Masahiro Yoshitake also oversees Sushi Shikon in Hong Kong, another three-Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its excellence over the years.

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SUKIYABASHI JIRO / Sushi

1. Michelin (2007 - 2019)：★★★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2022

Sukiyabashi Jiro is a name known both in Japan and around the world, having held three Michelin stars for over a decade. Owner Jiro Ono achieved recognition in the Guinness World Records in 2019 as the "oldest head chef of a three Michelin star restaurant." The restaurant gained further global attention with the release of a documentary film in America, attracting celebrity guests such as Hollywood stars and former President Barack Obama, who dined with the Japanese prime minister at the time.

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Ginza Kyubey / Sushi

1. Michelin (2008)：★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021

Ranked second among restaurants worldwide on the 2018 edition of La Liste, a selection of 1,000 restaurants curated by experts in France, Ginza Kyubey stands out as a top recommendation for international visitors seeking an authentic sushi experience. Established in 1935, this renowned venue has acquired the admiration of Japanese celebrities, including famous writers and prime ministers. The restaurant is also credited with inventing the "gunkanmaki" or "warship roll," featuring seaweed wrapped around the rice to efficiently hold toppings like sea urchin and salmon roe, which are otherwise challenging to keep atop the rice.

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Tempura Kondo / Tempura

1. Michelin (2009-24)：★★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Tempura Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022,2023

Tempura Kondo holds a special place among Japanese food enthusiasts, often being the first choice when the craving for tempura strikes. If it weren’t for Tempura Kondo, tempura wouldn’t be as globally renowned as it is today. While traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) tempura typically focused on seafood, owner-chef Fumio Kondo introduced vegetables which have now become standard ingredients for tempura. What sets Tempura Kondo apart is its meticulously crafted tempura with a thin batter, ensuring minimal oil absorption and avoiding greasiness. This dedication to quality results in tempura that excels in appearance, aroma, and flavor.

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Sawada / Sushi

1. Michelin (2008-23)：★★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2022

The intimate 6-seat counter at Sawada welcomes guests into a special culinary adventure, accommodating only one round of guests for both lunch and dinner. This exclusivity means that only 12 people per day have the privilege of enjoying their exquisite sushi. Sawada's impressive feat of maintaining two Michelin stars for 16 consecutive years speaks volumes about its standing in this fiercely competitive culinary landscape. Owner-chef Mr. Sawada has a unique approach to serving patrons, including preparing the vinegared rice based on the reservation time and utilizing a cooling system that uses water instead of electricity to preserve the freshness of the fish.

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Shinohara / Japanese cuisine

1. Michelin (2020-24)：★★
2. Michelin (2018-19)：★
3. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Japanese food TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2023

Nestled in the heart of luxurious urban Ginza, Shinohara stands out by offering Japanese cuisine that originates in the countryside, with a blend of traditional and innovative techniques. This focus has earned Shinohara the top spot among restaurants of all genres on "Japan's most biggest restaurant review website," Japan's largest restaurant review website, making it a sought-after destination for gourmet enthusiasts nationwide. Shinohara delights diners with its ever-changing menu, featuring seasonal dishes that captivate both visually and in flavor.

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Sushi no Midori / Sushi

Popular among overseas visitors, Sushi no Midori is renowned for its generously sized toppings and affordable prices for fresh, authentic sushi. While reservations over a year in advance are not required, every branch, including the Ginza venue, typically has a long waiting line of overseas tourists. If you have the patience to wait in line, there's no better place to enjoy authentic sushi and fill your stomach for around 5,000 JPY.

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Bird Land Ginza / Yakitori

1. Michelin (2015 - 2023)：★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Yakitori Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2018,2019,2021,2023

Diners are treated to savory yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) expertly grilled over charcoal at the precise temperature determined by skilled chefs at Bird Land Ginza. With each bite, patrons can savor the chewy texture and flavorful juices of the meat. Bird Land selects "Okukuji shamo," a first-class local chicken brand in Japan, for crafting their yakitori and other chicken dishes. Additionally, their oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice) and Japanese pudding are also highly praised. Notably, Bird Land holds the distinction of being the first yakitori restaurant ever to be awarded a Michelin star, solidifying its reputation for excellence.

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10 must-visit restaurants in Ginza, where reservations are easier to make

Now, we are delighted to introduce you to first-class restaurants in Ginza listed in the Michelin Guide and selected as top restaurants on Japan's most biggest restaurant review website, Japan's largest restaurant review website. These establishments also offer exceptional dining experiences and are easier to secure reservations at compared to the more widely known venues. Many of them warmly welcome overseas tourists, so please explore and consider visiting any that catch your interest.

Ginza Shigematsu / Japanese cuisine

The dishes served at Ginza Shigematsu, awarded one Michelin star for four consecutive years, are meticulously crafted by layering ingredients to enhance texture and aroma. One standout dish is the signature “takikomi gohan” (cooked rice), where seasonal ingredients are simmered together with rice in an earthen pot crafted by a renowned artisan, inviting diners to experience the rustic warmth of Japanese cuisine.

The owner-chef, Shigeyuki Matsubara, honed his skills at a sushi restaurant and high-class traditional Japanese establishments before opening Shigematsu with his wife in 2016. His wife contributes to the restaurant by expertly selecting the best sake to complement the exquisite dishes. The restaurant's interior with its low ceiling, personally designed by the owner, welcomes diners into a calm, relaxing ambiance, perfect for enjoying their meal.

Ginza Kousui / Japanese cuisine

Ginza Kousui, crowned with one Michelin star, takes pride in incorporating ingredients from Shizuoka, the owner’s hometown, along with carefully selected seasonal ingredients from across Japan, to create dishes that are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Unique ingredients such as "sakura shrimp" in spring and autumn, "raw shirasu" (raw small whitefish) prized for its freshness, and precious eggs from a group of chickens that lay only one egg in a lifetime, are presented on exquisite Japanese plates.

The cuisine offered at Ginza Kousui is known as kaiseki cuisine, traditionally served at tea parties. Embracing Japanese traditions that put an emphasis on warm hospitality, some dishes at Kousui are inspired by seasonal events in Japan. They exclusively offer an omakase course, allowing guests to indulge in seasonal delights to their heart's content. Consider visiting Kousui to discover the allure of Japanese cuisine, accompanied by a selection of Japanese sake from all corners of Japan.

Noto Kanazawanosachi Ginza Furuta / Japanese cuisine

Fresh, local ingredients from Noto and Kanazawa are artfully crafted into delicious Japanese dishes and presented in a way that pleases both the eyes and the palate at Noto Kanazawanosachi Ginza Furuta. Located in the northwest of Japan and facing the Sea of Japan, Noto and Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture are renowned for their rich selection of fresh seafood such as crab, squid, shrimp, and local fish, which are offered as sashimi, grilled delicacies, or simmered dishes at Ginza Furuta. Additionally, top-brand Japanese beef and locally sourced traditional vegetables are prepared with elegance and rich flavor. In addition to omakase courses, a wide variety of à la carte options are available.

The owner-chef strongly believes that "beautiful presentation is part of the flavor," paying meticulous attention to the color scheme of the dishes, selecting the perfect plates to complement the food, and considering how the food appears from the diners' perspective. There's no better destination than Noto Kanazawanosachi Ginza Furuta to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese cuisine and bask in exceptional hospitality, all at a reasonable price of around 10,000 JPY. With seven consecutive years of being awarded the Bib Gourmand, this establishment promises an unforgettable culinary experience for any occasion.

Ginzaichibun / Sushi

1. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022

Widely recognized for its carefully blended vinegared rice and meticulously crafted side dishes, Ginza Ichibun places special emphasis on preserving traditions passed down for many generations. The owner-chef, Takeshi Ogawa, spares no effort in the preparation of dishes, aiming to hear customers say, "Japanese rice and sushi are delicious."

Ogawa gained training and experience at Japanese and sushi restaurants before deciding to open his own establishment. However, wanting to create a place where diners could enjoy side dishes along with sushi in a relaxing atmosphere, he decided to close his sushi restaurant and start afresh, opening Ginza Ichibun. The vinegared rice, created by mixing three different types of vinegar into rice cooked over high heat, has gained a reputation for its irresistible taste. Each side dish showcases the chef’s meticulous work, with extra effort put into each dish, resembling the painstaking preparation found in restaurants serving small dishes. For example, the "simmered and smoked tuna" features fatty tuna cooked in soy sauce and then smoked. The establishment exclusively offers counter seating, providing enough space between each seat for a spacious and relaxing feel.

Sushi Ryusuke / Sushi

1. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,22

Embracing the concept of "fun sushi," Sushi Ryusuke offers its customers a unique culinary experience with sushi and side dishes crafted from ingredients rarely seen at traditional sushi restaurants. While the owner-chef cherishes the traditional skills he honed during his 8-year training at the world-famous Ginza Kyubey, at his own restaurant Sushi Ryusuke, he delights his patrons with innovative dishes like a side dish featuring caviar and flounder topped with abundant shaved truffle. The sushi, made with carefully selected maguro (tuna), is truly unbeatable. His dedication to offering something different captivates the appetite of his customers.

Sushi Murayama Kousetsubesho / Sushi

Daisaku Murayama, who trained at three-Michelin-starred Sushi Yoshitake and other Japanese restaurants, opened Sushi Murayama, an outstanding one-Michelin-starred restaurant. Assuming Murayama’s mantle, his first disciple opened a sushi restaurant that offers sushi and creative side dishes of the same caliber: Sushi Murayama Kousetsubessyo. 

The omakase course begins with creatively crafted side dishes similar to those at the main store and then transitions to sushi made with premium ingredients sourced directly from production areas and trusted vendors in the Toyosu market in Tokyo. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring the freshest offerings year-round. Nestled in the bustling city of Ginza, Sushi Maruyama Kousetsubessyo transports diners to a serene atmosphere with its elegant interior, providing a relaxed dining experience.

GINZA chez tomo / French cuisine

1. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website French TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021

If you're seeking a place to savor the highest-quality, authentic French cuisine at an affordable price, look no further than Ginza chez tomo, owned by Tomoji Ichikawa, who apprenticed at Michelin three-starred restaurants Georges Blanc and Troisgros.

Always striving to offer dishes crafted with the finest ingredients, Ginza chez tomo endeavors to use organic vegetables, natural and safe ingredients, and organic seasonings. As a result, the dishes served are bursting with seasonal flavors, aromas, and textures. The white interior enhances your unforgettable dining experience with your loved ones. You can also rent out the venue for parties of 16 to 22 people.

Ginza Yondaime Takahashiya Ginza branch / Grilled eel

A long-established brand with 150 years of history, Ginza Yondaime Takahashiya prides itself on the most meticulous preparation among restaurants across Japan. It offers traditional Japanese kappo cuisine, a multi-course meal prepared entirely by the chef. The Ginza branch was opened with the aim of “revolutionizing” traditional eel restaurants by focusing utmost attention on the eels and the artistic interior, designed by a first-class architect and reminiscent of a museum.

High-class rice, water, and kelp are sourced from all over Japan. Eels, known for their numerous small bones that can detract from the dining experience, undergo a painstaking two-hour preparation process at Takahashiya to ensure a bone-free dish of the highest quality with meticulous attention to detail. Slowly charred over powerful binchotan (high-grade charcoal), the eels are tender and succulent, complemented by a savory sauce, resulting in an exquisite dish.

Mochiku / Tempura

1. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Tempura Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022,23

Masia / Spanish cuisine

The name Masia, which means “a farmer’s family house in the countryside” in Spanish, perfectly embodies the essence of this restaurant. It never fails to delight its customers with modern Spanish dishes based on traditional Spanish homemade cooking, especially cuisine from Catalonia. By carefully selecting ingredients from Spain and Catalonia, as well as locally sourced Japanese ones, Masia's dishes encompass all three elements seamlessly.

Owner-chef Mateu Villaret, who spent his childhood in Barcelona, Catalonia, opened Masia in Ginza in 2022 after many years of training at prestigious restaurants like Hajime in Osaka. His culinary creations emphasize seasonality and the harmonious blend of nature between ocean and mountain, often presenting dishes containing both meat and seafood on a single plate. The restaurant's wine selection, curated by a sommelier with extensive experience at top-class restaurants, features carefully chosen wines from Spain to complement the exquisite cuisine.