The Best Food in Tokyo's Ginza District: What and Where to Eat

When it comes to luxury shopping, few destinations rival Tokyo's Ginza District. Take a stroll along the main drag of Chuo Dori, and you'll find an impressive collection of high-end department stores and trendy boutiques. But when you're not shopping at the famous Ginza Six or the historic Mitsukoshi department store, you'll quickly see that Ginza offers more than just an upscale shopping experience.

Ginza is a foodie's paradise, and you'll find some of the best restaurants in Tokyo dotting the streets of Ginza. Whether you're on a quest to savour a humble bowl of ramen or you're looking to go all out at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in Ginza, there's something to suit all tastes and budgets in this glitzy and glamorous neighbourhood. 

If you're not sure where to start, we've got you covered with our foodie's guide to Ginza, Tokyo. From the essential Japanese foods to try to a few local restaurant recommendations and handy travel tips, this guide will get you started on your quest to eat your way around Ginza.

When it comes to food in Ginza, there are so many unique dishes to try. But if you don't know where to start, here are some Japanese classics that simply can't be missed while you're shopping in Ginza.

• Sushi: You're going to find all sorts of incredible sushi restaurants in Ginza – from casual "standing" sushi spots to Michelin-calibre omakase sushi dinners.
• Ramen: Ginza is home to all manner of ramen shops ladling out steaming bowls of creamy tonkotsu ramen and light shio-style ramen.
• Teppanyaki: Commonly known as hibachi, teppanyaki is cooked on a scalding metal plate. From meat, seafood, veggies, and even noodles, the chef often cooks everything right in front of you.
• Yakitori: Yakitori is a humble Japanese street food of skewered chicken. But in Ginza, this common street food is often elevated into gourmet morsels of different meats and local ingredients.
• Gyoza: Gyoza are Japanese dumplings stuffed with everything from minced pork or chicken to a variety of veggies.

Sushi Suzuki is one of the best restaurants in Ginza for an omakase sushi experience. This place isn't cheap but the quality is incredible. You can also save big by visiting for lunch versus dinner. The lunch omakase, gets you 15 pieces of sushi, ranging from hamachi (yellowtail) and chutoro (fatty tuna) to hamaguri (hard clam) and anago (salt water eel). The chef also serves a delightful miso soup and tamago (omelette).

Hidden away on Ginza Corridor Street, Itamae Sushi is an intimate eatery. Take a seat at the sushi bar, where you can watch the sushi chef preparing your sushi right in front of you. The bluefin tuna here is always supremely fresh. But it's always best to just order the omakase set meal and let the chef do his thing.

Ginza Hachigou is one of the top Ginza restaurants if you want to savour some of the most slurp-worthy ramen in town. This is yet another Michelin-star restaurant in Ginza and the ramen here is simmered to perfection. The broth is crafted from a carefully curated mix of meats and veggies, the noodles are thin and chewy, and the cured ham creates a savoury flavour, eliminating the need for any sauce. If you're having trouble getting a reservation, you can pay an extra ¥ 500 per person via TableCheck to improve your chances.

When it comes to ramen, Ginza Kagari Honten is a must-visit for its famous Slow-Cooked Chicken Broth Ramen. The chicken broth is rich and creamy, the noodles perfectly chewy, and the meat slices thin and tender. You can also get versions with truffles or soy sauce. This place is small, so expect a queue. 

For an elevated yakitori experience, make reservations to dine at Bird Land. This place was the first-ever yakitori restaurant to earn a coveted Michelin star. The set menus allow you to sample a variety of the chef's creations, with each skewer featuring a different part of the chicken, accentuated with ingredients like spring onions, Japanese sansho pepper, and umeboshi (Japanese plums). While it might sound humble, it's anything but. Even the simple oyakodon (chicken and egg on rice) served at the end of the meal is something special.

For something a bit less pricey, the yakitori at the modern izakaya Bistro Fukumimi Corridor is also a standout in Ginza. You'll find this casual eatery hidden away along the Ginza Corridor. Go underground, down the staircase, and follow the seductive smell of grilled meat. Your best bet is to order the Special Skewer Set so you can sample five different skewers. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with a Japanese beer or two. 

For cheap and delicious eats in Ginza, head to the huge Ginza Mitsukoshi Food Hall on the B2 and B3 levels of the Mitsukoshi department store. You find loads of local delicacies to choose from. This is a great spot to pick up prepared foods, snacks, pastries, and desserts at affordable prices. In general, depachika (food halls) are convenient places to get budget eats in Ginza. 

• Make reservations: If you have your heart set on dining at a particular restaurant in Ginza, make a reservation way ahead of time. Some places book up weeks and even months in advance, so do your research. In general, TableCheck is a super handy app for checking for openings and making reservations. 
• Visit on a weekend: On the weekends, Ginza's main street of Chuo Dori is closed to traffic and completely pedestrianised, making getting around so much easier.
• Don't walk and eat: If you're purchasing street food in Ginza, don't walk around and eat your food. This is a big no-no in Japan.
• Save money with lunch sets: If you're on a budget, consider having lunch sets at the most popular restaurants in Ginza. These can save you a lot of money, sometimes as much as 50% compared to dinner prices. 

If you're dreaming of immersing yourself in Ginza, it's best to choose a hotel that puts you right in the heart of town. Mercure Tokyo Hibiya gives artsy, boutique vibes, and it has everything you'd expect from a luxury hotel in Tokyo. 

The rooms have Art Deco style and are outfitted with plush beds, large flat-screen TVs, pod coffee makers, and designer toiletries in the bathrooms. Upgrade to a Privilege Room and you'll get complimentary drinks, finger foods, and other perks in the executive lounge. 

The hotel also features a swanky restaurant and bar, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and meeting rooms. There's a great breakfast buffet too, but you'll probably want to save room for as many Ginza restaurants as possible.

That’s it – everything you need to know about the Ginza food and restaurant scene. From finding the hottest new ramen shop to indulging in an omakase sushi lunch or a meaty teppanyaki dinner, you're bound to have a wonderful time exploring this foodie haven in Tokyo.