10 English-Friendly MICHELIN Restaurants in Tokyo

English Support at Tokyo's Fine Dining Establishments

While Japanese restaurants have a reputation for limited English communication, many establishments in Tokyo are increasingly accommodating English-speaking guests. This is especially true for fine dining restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, where English service has become more common.

Beyond just basic English service, there's a growing number of restaurants where you can enjoy meaningful conversations with chefs and service staff in English, creating a more satisfying dining experience. In this article, we'll introduce Michelin-listed restaurants available for reservation through OMAKASEJE that we've personally identified as offering exceptional English-language support based on our independent research.

About the Level of English Support

In this article, we evaluate restaurants based on the following English language support criteria:

・ Chef and/or service staff who speak English at a native level

・ Chef and/or service staff who can handle everyday conversation in English

・ Availability of English menus

・ Permanent or occasional English-speaking staff members

1. Chef and/or service staff who speak English at a native level
2. Chef and/or service staff who can handle everyday conversation in English
3. Availability of English menus
4. Permanent or occasional English-speaking staff members

10 English-Friendly MICHELIN Restaurants in Tokyo

1. ZURRIOLA (スリオラ) / Spanish / Ginza, Nihonbashi

This modern Spanish restaurant has consistently earned two Michelin stars for many years. Owner and Chef Mr. Honda trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in France before becoming the chef at "Casa Urola" in San Sebastian, Spain. He then honed his skills at the three-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant "Ryugin" and later served as sous chef at "Restaurant Sant Pau." He's known for his simple yet inventive dishes that showcase Japan's seasonal ingredients. In addition to explaining the dishes in English, the chef can also provide general customer service in English. Furthermore, the restaurant has full-time English-speaking staff and offers English menus.

2. Tenoshima (てのしま) / Japanese / Aoyama

Located in Minami-Aoyama, this restaurant offers a relaxed way to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. It has been consistently awarded a Michelin star for many years. Owner and Chef Mr. Hayashi hails from Teshima, a small island in Kagawa Prefecture, and incorporates local specialties and ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea coastline – often absent in traditional kaiseki cuisine. Drink pairings are thoughtfully curated to complement the dishes, and include a selection of fine ciders, craft beers, and sake, as well as non-alcoholic options. The chef can explain the dishes and provide full customer service in English. Furthermore, the restaurant employs a native English speaker full-time and offers English menus.

3. 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) / Italian / Ginza, Nihonbashi

Located on the top floor of "Gucci Namiki" along Namiki-dori in Ginza, a street lined with renowned establishments, this Italian restaurant has earned one Michelin star. It offers a truly unique dining experience that combines the luxury and extraordinary ambiance you'd expect from a high-end brand with playful design elements and exceptional Italian cuisine.

Chef Ms. Rafaela de Vita has supported the restaurant in achieving its Michelin star since 2022, when she joined as senior sous chef. After training across various regions of Italy, she creates dishes that blend traditional Italian cooking with a deep appreciation for Japan's seasonal ingredients.

The chef speaks English at a native level, and while they work part-time, the restaurant also has native English-speaking staff. The team is notably international, with many Japanese staff members bringing overseas work experience to the table. English menus are also available for your convenience.

4. Piatto Mitsu (ピアットミツ) / Italian / Azabu, Shirokane

This Italian restaurant has been repeatedly featured in the Michelin Guide as a Selected Restaurant. Owner chef Mr. Okamura previously served as chef at an Italian restaurant in Azabu juban before opening his own establishment in Fukuoka. Missing Azabu juban, he eventually returned, bringing with him an appreciation for regional ingredients that's reflected in his seasonal menu, which frequently features produce from Fukuoka and other areas outside Tokyo.

The restaurant honors Italian culinary traditions with elegantly refined dishes, complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of wines that enhance the food. For non-drinkers, they also offer non-alcoholic wines specially chosen to pair with the cuisine.

Chef Okamura can provide not only dish explanations but also general service in English. The restaurant has permanent English-speaking staff and offers English menus for your convenience.

5. Daikanyama Issai Kassai (代官山 いっさい喝采) / Izakaya, Japanese / Shibuya, Ebisu, Harajuku

This izakaya offers delicious Japanese cuisine prepared by Mr. Odahara, the most accomplished apprentice of Mr. Nakamura, the second generation "Iron Chef" of Japanese cuisine on the popular TV show "Iron Chef." Mr. Odahara has a proven track record, having led three restaurants in New York City to Michelin recognition. While not overly theatrical, his cooking is inventive and offers a diverse menu ranging from traditional Japanese dishes like sashimi and takikomi gohan (seasoned rice) to comforting Japanese home-style favorites such as potato salad and shrimp shumai (dumplings). The chef is able to explain the dishes in English, and with a native English speaker on staff full-time, you can be assured of excellent communication. English menus are also available.

6. Oryori Kokoroba (御料理 心馬) / Japanese / Ginza, Nihonbashi

This authentic Japanese restaurant has been recognized by Michelin's Selected Restaurants guide. It's a cozy, intimate establishment run by just the chef and his wife, offering guests a truly special dining experience at the elegant counter seating that defines Ten's refined atmosphere.

The chef personally selects fresh ingredients from Toyosu Market daily, crafting high quality Japanese cuisine that highlights the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients through simple yet sophisticated preparation. All dishes are served as beautifully arranged course meals.

To enhance your dining experience, the restaurant offers a thoughtful selection of sake and wine that perfectly complements the food, along with carefully brewed Japanese tea.

Foreign visitors can dine with confidence as English-speaking staff are always available, and English menus are provided. This makes Ten an accessible yet authentic choice for experiencing traditional Japanese cuisine during your Tokyo visit.

7. Ishibashi (石ばし) / Unagi / Bunkyo, Ikebukuro

Established in 1910, this venerable eel restaurant sits alongside the Kanda River. After earning a Michelin star for many years, it's now featured in the guide as a Michelin Selected Restaurant. The charming traditional building welcomes you with a nostalgic and serene atmosphere as soon as you step inside.

The restaurant serves only the highest quality eel available each day, grilled to perfection using a secret sauce recipe handed down since its founding. Your meal is elegantly presented in traditional Wajima-nuri lacquerware boxes, carefully preserved through generations.

As each eel dish is prepared fresh to order, expect to wait about an hour for your main course. While waiting, we recommend enjoying their delightful small dishes and exploring their extensive selection of Japanese sake.

The chef can provide explanations and service in English, and English-speaking staff are always available to assist you. Some staff members also speak French. English menus are provided for international guests, ensuring a comfortable dining experience while enjoying this authentic piece of Japanese culinary heritage.

8. Yakumo Uezu (八雲うえず) / Japanese / Meguro, Jiyugaoka

Located in a quiet residential area near Toritsu Daigaku Station, this refined kaiseki restaurant has consistently earned a Michelin star. Chef Mr. Uezu honed his skills during 16 years of training at "Kikunoi," one of Kyoto's most prestigious traditional restaurants, where he eventually served as head chef. The restaurant sources its seafood directly from Hayakawa fishing port in Kanagawa Prefecture and uses only carefully selected seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy beautifully presented dishes that showcase the colors and flavors of each season. The soup courses are particularly exceptional, reflecting the chef's Kyoto training with perfectly balanced dashi broth that enhances the natural flavors of each ingredient.

Chef Uezu can communicate in English to explain dishes and provide service, and English-speaking staff are always available to assist international guests. The chef is fluent in English and happy to explain the dishes and answer any questions you may have.

The restaurant also has English-speaking staff, including a native English speaker on a part-time basis. An English menu is available for your convenience.

9. Alternative (オルタナティヴ) / French / Azabu, Shirokane

This French restaurant, consistently recognized by Michelin as a selected restaurant, offers a unique dining experience with a "family restaurant for adults" concept.

Enjoy innovative dishes that blend classic French techniques with flavors from around the world, creating a truly original culinary experience.

Owner-Chef Saito trained at renowned restaurants in Japan like "Mikage Juenne" in Kobe and "La Blanche" in Shibuya before honing his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in France. After returning to Japan, he served as chef at several prestigious French restaurants in Tokyo.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list with around 300 selections.

Chef Saito is fluent in English and happy to explain the dishes. In addition to full-time English-speaking staff, the restaurant also employs a native English speaker on a part-time basis and is comfortable communicating in French. An English menu is available for your convenience.

10. Margotto e Baciare (マルゴットエバッチャーレ) / French / Azabu, Shirokane

This unique French restaurant specializes in truffles, sourcing the highest quality specimens from around the world based on seasonal availability. What makes this dining experience special is that guests can purchase whole truffles at the restaurant's cost price and then enjoy slicing as much as they desire onto their dishes. This truffle-centric concept has earned the restaurant recognition as a Michelin Selected Restaurant.

The Kayama brothers serve as chefs, both having honed their skills through training at Tokyo's most prestigious restaurants. Their menu features exquisite dishes like consommé soup served in wine glasses to enhance the truffle aroma, and toast topped with sunny-side up eggs made from carefully selected premium brands.

International guests will feel welcome as the chefs can provide explanations and service in English. The restaurant also employs full-time staff who can explain dishes in English and part-time staff who can assist with English service. English menus are available, making this an accessible yet extraordinary culinary experience for visitors seeking something special during their Tokyo trip.