10 Best Restaurants in Azabu-Juban

Azabu-Juban: A Hub for Renowned Restaurants

Azabu-Juban: A Part of the Azabu Area that Retains a Sense of Old-town Charm

Azabu-Juban, located near Roppongi and bordering upscale neighborhoods like Shirokane and Azabu, blends luxury with the nostalgic charm of Tokyo’s traditional old-town atmosphere. The area is home to numerous embassies, including Australia's, giving it a distinctly international vibe. With a history that spans over 300 years to the Edo period, Azabu-Juban offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s rich past. The cobblestone streets of the Azabu-Juban shopping district create a tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling energy of areas like Ginza and Roppongi.

The Dining Scene in Azabu-Juban

Azabu-Juban is a Tokyo neighborhood favored by celebrities and other high-profile individuals. It’s home to many renowned restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, French, and Italian, all popular with these prominent figures. As a historically vibrant area, Azabu-Juban also features numerous establishments offering traditional Japanese fare. One of its specialties is taiyaki—sweet buns filled with red bean paste and shaped like a sea bream fish—which are beloved by both locals and visitors. Known as one of Tokyo’s most stylish districts, Azabu-Juban boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants.

10 Best Restaurants in Azabu-Juban

1. Métis Roppongi (Métis 六本木) / French

Métis Roppongi is a French restaurant that opened in 2023 and has earned one Michelin star for two consecutive years, starting in 2024. Chef Masatsugu Suzuki returned to Japan after honing his skills at prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants in France. The restaurant’s distinctive menu features dishes cooked over a wood fire, with two tasting menu options available. These dishes blend seasonal Japanese ingredients with classic French flavors, providing a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Each course is paired with carefully chosen wines. With counter-only seating, guests can enjoy an immersive experience, watching the flames of the wood fire from any seat.

2. Piatto Mitsu (ピアットミツ) / Italian

Piatto Mitsu is an Italian restaurant with just 8 counter seats, beloved by both locals and visitors and has been featured in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years, starting in 2023. The restaurant maintains close ties with producers from Kyushu, ensuring the finest ingredients. The menu consists of a single chef's choice course. A highlight is the abalone, cooked to perfection, bringing out its full umami flavor. Two types of pasta are also served, creating a well-rounded and satisfying experience. The owner carefully selects wines, many available by the glass, allowing guests to pair them with each dish. Non-alcoholic wine options are also available, so those who don’t drink alcohol can also enjoy the meal.

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

Azabujuban Fukuda is a restaurant that has earned a Michelin star for eight consecutive years and is ranked among Japan's Top 100 Japanese Restaurants by a major Japanese gourmet review site. With just six counter-seats and one private room with eight seats, the restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife team. The menu is omakase(chef’s choice)-only, offering guests a chance to experience exceptional, personalized service. The dishes, while not strictly traditional Japanese highlight seasonal ingredients in a way that impresses even the most discerning food enthusiasts. The restaurant features a rare selection of Japanese sake, along with a variety of other beverages. Wine pairings are also thoughtfully suggested to complement each dish.

4. honda (ホンダ) / Innovative, Soba-Udon

honda is a hidden gem in Azabu-Juban, beloved by food connoisseurs. The restaurant is renowned for its kappou (traditional Japanese multi-course) cuisine and handmade soba (buckwheat noodles). In addition to showcasing premium Japanese ingredients, it also incorporates luxurious items like caviar and truffles into its dishes. The omakase course features sushi and handmade soba. A standout is the karasumi soba, which highlights the rich umami of grated karasumi (dried mullet roe) paired with the aromatic soba—an exceptional combination. The restaurant also offers a range of à la carte options, allowing diners to tailor their meal. To complement the dishes, an expertly curated selection of sake and wines is available, enhancing the overall dining experience.

5. Tempura Yokota (天冨良 よこ田) / Tempura

Tempura Yokota is a tempura-focused restaurant that ranks among Japan’s Top 100 Tempura Restaurants on a major gourmet review site. One of its signature features is the curry salt, made from a traditional recipe passed down through generations. The standout dish is, of course, the shrimp. While shrimp is typically served first in a tempura meal, Tempura Yokota offers it both at the beginning and the end of the course. The shrimp is prepared with different frying techniques and seasonings, ensuring it remains delicious with every bite. Naturally, the tempura made with seasonal ingredients is equally impressive, with a light, crispy batter that gives way to the ingredients' rich fragrance and umami, making each bite a truly satisfying experience.

6. Yakitori Kawashima (焼酉 川島) / Yakitori

Yakitori Kawashima is a hidden gem in Azabu-Juban, specializing in yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). The owner, Masamitsu Kawashima, honed his skills at renowned yakitori spots like Toritama and now brings his expertise to his restaurant. The locally sourced chicken is carefully selected and grilled over binchotan charcoal, resulting in juicy, flavorful skewers. The restaurant serves a variety of skewers until the customer requests a stop. While there is also an omakase course available, guests can order extra skewers as they please. The wine selection is highly regarded, offering a curated list of wines that perfectly complement the yakitori.

7. Nikukappou Okadamae (肉割烹 岡田前) / Steak

Nikukappou Okadamae is a steakhouse that earned the "Best of Japan" title at an international steak restaurant competition. With just 18 counter seats, every guest has an unobstructed view of Chef Kenichiro Okada as he prepares each dish. The restaurant offers a single omakase course, featuring meticulously selected Kuroge Wagyu beef from various regions of Japan, cooked using a range of techniques. The beef is grilled over charcoal, which imparts a deep aroma while locking in the meat's rich umami. For the final course, handmade soba noodles are served. The restaurant also offers carefully curated pairings of Japanese sake and wine, elevating the overall dining experience.

8. SUSHI Y (スシワイ) / Sushi

SUSHI Y is a sushi restaurant that expanded to Japan after earning one Michelin star at SUSHI YASUDA NYC in the United States. The restaurant also draws on the expertise of the renowned Michelin-starred sushi spot Sushi Jin in Toyama, using many ingredients from the Hokuriku region. The menu is entirely omakase, featuring about 20 dishes, including both à la carte items and sushi, all offering a thoroughly satisfying experience. The drink selection includes a curated list of wines and sake, with an impressive collection of rare sake from Toyama, making it a must-try for connoisseurs.

9. Sazenka (茶禅華) / Chinese

Sazenka is a Chinese restaurant that earned two Michelin stars in its first year of operation in 2018 and was awarded three stars in 2021, maintaining this prestigious rating for five consecutive years. Chef Tomoya Kawada, who trained at both Chinese and Japanese restaurants, creates a unique style of Chinese cuisine that blends the essence of Japanese cooking. From mid-October to mid-January, the restaurant offers a special Shanghai crab course, but throughout the year, it features a variety of seasonal courses. For more information, it’s best to check the restaurant’s website. In addition to alcohol pairings, the restaurant also offers tea pairings, ensuring that even non-drinkers can fully enjoy the experience.

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10. Azabu Kadowaki (麻布 かどわき) / Japanese

Azabu Kadowaki is a Japanese restaurant that earned two Michelin stars in 2009 and has held three Michelin stars consistently since 2020. Chef Toshiya Kadowaki, after training at numerous renowned Japanese restaurants, developed a distinctive style and became a pioneer in integrating truffles into Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its innovative blend of traditional Japanese flavors with the luxurious aroma of truffles. The menu is set-course only, offering several variations depending on the ingredients of the season. The signature dish, "truffle rice," is included in every course, showcasing an extraordinary harmony between the rich, earthy aroma of truffles and the delicate flavor of perfectly cooked rice, making it a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

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