Back to Listing

The Best Street Food & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Japan

The Best Street Food & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Japan

Japan’s food scene is a remarkable journey through flavours, tradition and innovation, offering something for every type of food lover. From street stalls serving stir-fried noodles and fish-shaped pastries to the world’s highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, Japan is a true culinary paradise that’s as diverse as it is delicious.

Japan’s Street Food

Japan’s street food scene is an unexpected mix of traditional flavours and modern twists, offering a variety of delicious sweet and savoury snacks that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re strolling through vibrant festivals or exploring markets, here are some of the best Japanese street foods you must try:

Okonomiyaki (Savoury Pancakes)

Okonomiyaki, which translates to “grill what you like,” is a savoury Japanese pancake that can be made with literally “whatever you like” - eggs, meat or seafood, vegetables and cheeses. Cooked on a hot griddle and drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, this dish is a staple across Japan but is especially popular in Osaka and Hiroshima.

Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Pastry)

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped waffle traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, though modern versions offer fillings like custard, chocolate, or even cheese. Made in special fish-shaped moulds, taiyaki is crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. It is a popular street snack, especially at festivals.

Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)

A quintessential street food from Osaka, Takoyaki are round, bite-sized balls of batter filled with tiny octopus pieces, tempura, green onions and pickled ginger. Cooked in special moulded pans, they’re crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with savory takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed. It’s a flavorful snack that you find from both street stalls and tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Dango (Rice Dumplings)

Dango is a sweet Japanese dumpling made from mochiko - a glutinous rice flour - served on a skewer. Dango is eaten year-round, with different varieties eaten in different seasons. For example, cherry blossom season sees the appearance of hanami dango, named after the blossoms and coloured pink, white and green to represent the flowers. The most common variety is Mitarashi Dango which are coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze for the perfect sweet-salty balance.

Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles)

A festival favorite, Yakisoba is a wok-fried noodle dish tossed in a tangy-sweet sauce with pork and vegetables, such as cabbage and carrots, and sometimes topped with an egg. It's cooked on large griddles at food stalls and often garnished with pickled ginger and seaweed. Some vendors offer them served in a hot dog bun which is called yakisoba pan.

Ikayaki (Grilled Squid)

Ikayaki is grilled squid on a stick. Served without tentacles, it is typically slathered with a sweet soy sauce and grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavour and chewy texture. This popular street food is especially prevalent at Japanese festivals and beachside stalls.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Tokyo

With deep-rooted respect for seasonal ingredients, precision and artistry, Japan continues to maintain its reputation for world-class dining. As of February 2024, Tokyo became the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, with no less than 194 establishments boasting at least one star. Whether it's a perfectly crafted sushi experience or a 14-course tasting menu, these are the Tokyo restaurants on our bucket list:


L’Effervescence

With 3 Michelin Stars and 1 Green Star, L’Effervescence is a Japanese-French fusion restaurant that has been ranked as one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants. Known for its innovative menu and playful take on classic dishes with a Japanese twist, chef Shinobu Namae uses an abundance of wild vegetables (more than 30 types each season) and wild herbs to create unusual yet delicious combinations. L’Effervescence has 40 seats and a large open kitchen with a wood-fired oven, from where you can watch the team of chefs at work.

nôl

One of 11 Michelin Green Star restaurants in Tokyo, nôl was awarded a green star for its commitment and philosophy towards a more sustainable approach to gastronomy. nôl consciously uses seasonal domestic produce and through his partnerships with farmers, the chef returns compost to revitalise the soil. To reduce food waste, their well known “Garbage Soup” is made using vegetable ends and they also find value in sturgeon meat, which would otherwise be discarded in the process of domestic caviar production.

Harutaka

Located in the district of Ginza, sushi restaurant Harutaka rose to the top of the world's gastronomic scene when it was awarded its third Michelin Star in December 2023. In this peaceful establishment, guests can either choose to sit at the counter, or book a private dining room to enjoy authentic edo-style sushi crafted by chef Harutaka Takahashi who is known for creating outstanding tastes and textures.

Kabi

Since opening in 2017, Kabi (which translates as “mould”) has become one of the busiest dining spots in Tokyo and is a favourite for pop-ups and collaborations with visiting chefs. Despite focusing on Japanese ingredients, Kabi is not a Japanese restaurant and instead Chef Shohei Yasuda brings a Nordic style of cuisine to his dishes, serving a regularly changing tasting menu of 14 courses featuring cured fish, foraged greens and fermented foods, alongside natural wines and sake. Kabi received its first Michelin Star last year for its innovative menus.

Ubuka

Many of Tokyo’s restaurants specialise in a particular dish, ingredient or cooking technique and that’s usually all they have on the menu. One perfect example of this is Ubuka whose menu focuses on hardshell crustaceans. With only five or so tables and simple decor, this is the go-to restaurant for seafood that is particularly popular with Tokyo chefs.

ZURRIOLA

ZURRIOLA, which was named after a beach in San Sebastián, offers a more unusual culinary offering - ‘modern Spanish’ cuisine with a Japanese flair. Inspired by his stay in Spain’s Basque Country, the owner chef applies the skills he learned there, such as using the plancha (steel grill) and asado (barbecue) to serve authentic Spanish cuisine alongside a selection of vintage wines imported from Spain. The specialty dish is smooth foie gras with the aroma of Pedro Ximénez, provided to every guest visiting ZURRIOLA.

If you’re looking to book a foodie trip to Japan, designed around top street food and restaurant experiences please get in touch with one of our Japan destination experts by calling 020 7819 9770 or email info@ampersandtravel.com



Client Testimonials

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences