12 Best Restaurants in Ryogoku

Features of the Ryogoku Area

Ryogoku is a neighborhood nestled along the Sumida River in western Tokyo, offering a rich taste of traditional old-town charm. It’s best known as the home of Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s national sumo stadium. Consequently, the area is dotted with sumo stables where wrestlers live and train, making it a common sight to encounter young sumo wrestlers around town.

This historic neighborhood, which still exudes the atmosphere of the Edo period, also hosts the annual Ryogoku Fireworks Festival. With a history spanning over 300 years, this event has become a beloved summer tradition.

What is Chanko Cuisine?

"Chanko" is a term used to describe the meals eaten by sumo wrestlers, but it’s most commonly associated with a hearty hot pot dish called “chanko nabe”. Since hot pot dishes are a staple in the sumo wrestlers’ diet at their training stables, the word "chanko" has become synonymous with this style of cooking.

Many chanko nabe restaurants are owned and operated by former sumo wrestlers, who often serve as chefs. In sumo stables, younger wrestlers typically take on the role of cooking, so most wrestlers become skilled at preparing chanko. Each sumo stable has its unique recipes, ingredients, and seasonings for chanko nabe, and these traditions are reflected in the chanko dishes served at these restaurants.

Dining around Ryogoku Station

The standout feature of Ryogoku's dining scene is its abundance of chanko nabe restaurants. True to its identity as the home of sumo wrestling, the area also boasts many affordable spots that serve large portions of delicious food.

In addition, you'll find Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants, Chinese eateries, and upscale sushi bars, offering a diverse range of dining options.

12 Best Restaurants in Ryogoku

1. Sushi Hojo (鮨 北條) / Sushi

Sushi Hojo is an upscale, authentic sushi restaurant in Ryogoku. The chef, Mitsuru Hojo, honed his skills at Miyako Sushi, a prestigious establishment known for producing many renowned sushi chefs, including those from Nihonbashi Kakigaracho Sugita. His mastery of sushi has captivated many connoisseurs. The sushi rice, with its perfectly balanced vinegar and subtle sweetness, complements the Edo-style toppings beautifully. There are three different course options available, with the most expensive course offering not only sushi but also a variety of other dishes to savor.

2. Nihonryori Takahashi (日本料理 たかはし) / Japanese

Nihonryori Takahashi is an authentic Japanese restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide. Owner-chef Tadashi Takahashi honed his skills at renowned Japanese restaurants in Japan before moving on to the UK branch of the world-famous NOBU chain. He later became the head chef at NOBU Melbourne. Drawing on his extensive experience, he opened his own Japanese restaurant in his hometown of Ryogoku. The restaurant offers only an omakase (chef’s choice) course, with three options available at different price points. For drinks, the owner recommends a carefully curated selection of Japanese sake, ensuring a perfect pairing to complement the meal.

3. Shunka Nakamura (旬華 なか村) / Chinese

1. Michelin (2023 - 25): Selected
2. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2023 - 24)

Shunka Nakamura is a Michelin-listed restaurant and has been recognized as one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in Japan by a major gourmet review site. Chef Toshinori Nakamura honed his skills at renowned establishments in Yokohama’s Chinatown and at Sense in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo, which has also earned a Michelin star. He later went to Hong Kong to further refine his craft. Specializing in authentic Cantonese cuisine, he uniquely blends seasonal Japanese ingredients, creating a distinctive style of Chinese cooking. The restaurant's name, "Shun," reflects the Japanese culinary tradition of incorporating the flavors of each season into its dishes.

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4. Osushi Hanatomi (おすし 花富) / Sushi

Although Osushi Hanatomi is a new restaurant that opened in 2022, it has quickly become a favorite among sushi enthusiasts. The owner personally selects fresh ingredients from Toyosu Market, building a strong reputation for the quality of their fish. The restaurant offers great value with its omakase course, which includes a variety of dishes along with sushi, all of which are exceptionally tasty. There is also an option for an omakase focused solely on sushi. After the main course, you can add your preferred sushi for an extra charge. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing top-quality, natural bluefin tuna from trusted suppliers and offers a diverse selection of seasonal fish from across Japan. Additionally, they feature a fine collection of sake from the owner’s hometown in Yamagata.

5. Aigamo Ippin Toriyasu (あひ鴨一品 鳥安) / Duck-Sukiyaki

Established in 1872, Aigamo Ippin Toriyasu boasts over 150 years of history. For more than a century and a half, the restaurant has specialized exclusively in duck sukiyaki. The menu offers only one dish: the duck sukiyaki course, which is the restaurant’s signature. The duck is grilled in a custom iron pot heated over charcoal and then dipped in grated daikon and soy sauce. This method brings out the rich umami of the carefully selected duck, delivering an unforgettable experience that duck enthusiasts will find irresistible. The drink selection includes not only premium sake from across Japan but also a carefully curated selection of Japanese wines.

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6. Sushi Ueoka (鮨 うえ岡) / Sushi

Sushi Ueoka is a sushi restaurant that many consider to be the best in Ryogoku. Owner-chef Masaki Ueoka honed his skills at Sushi Nihonbashi Shimon before going independent in 2016, quickly becoming a popular spot. The vinegared rice, made with rice vinegar, has a sharp, distinct tang that complements the fresh fish the owner carefully selects from Toyosu Market. There are two-course options: one featuring only sushi, and another that includes both sushi and a variety of other dishes. The restaurant also serves lunch, offering a relatively affordable way to enjoy its sushi. However, be aware that lunch payments are cash-only.

7. mille / French

mille is a bistro in the Ryogoku area, highly regarded by food enthusiasts. The menu is à la carte, allowing you to choose from a variety of amuse-bouches, as well as a selection of appetizers, fish dishes, meat dishes, and desserts. The dishes are designed to be shared, and if you let the staff know, they will divide the portions for you when served. While the portion sizes are generous, solo diners can also request half-sized servings. The bistro specializes in natural wines and offers a variety of wines by the glass, making it easy to pair them with your meal. Additionally, it stays open late, so it's also a great spot for enjoying wine at the bar.

8. Shiki no Aji Fujiyoshi (四季の味 ふじ芳) / Izakaya

1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2024)

An "Izakaya" is a type of Japanese restaurant, similar to a tavern, but with a unique atmosphere where you can savor traditional Japanese flavors. Shiki no Aji Fujiyoshi is one such establishment, recognized as one of the Top 100 Izakayas by a major Japanese gourmet review website. The dishes of the day are displayed on the counter, allowing customers to choose their meals as they browse the offerings. One of the specialties here is the "uzura nabe" (quail hot pot), made with quail meat. Minced quail meat is formed into meatballs and added to the hot pot. To finish the meal, the restaurant serves a rich and flavorful rice porridge made with quail broth, which is simply delicious.

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9. Hasegawa (はせ川) / Tonkatsu

1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2017 - 19, 21 - 22, 24)

Hasegawa is a highly acclaimed restaurant, ranked among the Best 100 Tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet) spots on a major Japanese gourmet review site and honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. They use " Hiramaki Bark Sangen Pork," a popular Japanese brand known for its tender texture and rich, flavorful fat. The breadcrumbs for the coating are made from bread specifically baked for that purpose. The result is an absolutely delicious tonkatsu. While reservations are not accepted during lunch, leading to inevitable lines, dinner reservations are available.

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10. Tama Tsubaki (玉椿) / Izakaya, Soba

Tama Tsubaki is a casual izakaya-style restaurant, but it has earned a reputation among food enthusiasts as a place where you can experience Japan's changing seasons through its seasonal ingredients. Owner-chef Isao Yamamoto struck out on his own after honing his skills at a variety of restaurants specializing in both Japanese and Western cuisine. Thanks to his close relationships with sake brewers, the restaurant boasts an excellent selection of sake, as well as a thoughtfully curated list of other alcoholic beverages. The restaurant offers only an omakase menu with three different price tiers. However, if you make a reservation on the day of your visit, only the lowest-priced course will be available. To get the most out of your experience, it’s recommended to reserve in advance. The meal concludes with soba (buckwheat noodles) hand-crafted by the owner himself, providing a light and refreshing end to the dining experience.

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11. Edo Soba Hosokawa (江戸蕎麦 ほそ川) / Soba

1. Michelin (18 - 19): One Star, Michelin (20 - 25): Bib Gourmand
2. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (21, 24)

Edo Soba Hosokawa has earned one Michelin star and a Bib Gourmand and is also ranked among the top 100 soba restaurants on Japan's leading gourmet review site. Owner-chef Takashi Hosokawa is a self-taught soba master whose skill has earned him a Michelin star. He selects the buckwheat and mills it every morning at his restaurant. As a result, you can enjoy "three fresh" soba—freshly milled, freshly kneaded, and freshly boiled—always delicious. The soba, served with seasonal ingredients, highlights not only his expertise in soba making but also his culinary skills, creating a perfect harmony between the soba and its toppings.

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12. Kameido Gyoza Ryogoku (亀戸ぎょうざ両国店) / Gyoza

1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (19, 21, 24)

Kameido Gyoza Ryogoku is famous for its gyoza (dumplings), a popular comfort food in Japan. It has earned a spot in the rankings of Japan’s top 100 gyoza restaurants on a major food review site. The restaurant's signature dish is the pan-fried gyoza, featuring a crispy, golden-brown skin that perfectly complements the flavorful filling. While the filling is rich and savory, it remains light thanks to the generous use of vegetables. Many customers find their gyoza so delicious that they can easily eat two or three servings on their own. In addition to gyoza, the restaurant offers a selection of other tasty Chinese dishes, which pair perfectly with the gyoza.

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