Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Favorite Tokyo Restaurants
Whether it’s the original Matsuhisa restaurant in Los Angeles, Nobu’s lineup of over 50 restaurants around the world, or even the growing portfolio of Nobu hotels/resorts, you’ve probably heard of the renowned Japanese chef, Nobu Matsuhisa.
Chef Nobu’s brand has grown exponentially since he opened his first restaurant in 1987, attracting celebrities and foodies, some of whom have been regulars for decades. Chef Nobu has become an undisputed master of sushi and hospitality, building a trusted brand due to his signature cuisine and uncompromising service. For this reason, it’s safe to say that many would trust Chef Nobu for culinary recommendations anywhere in the world. But given his time split between Tokyo and Los Angeles, these are the special places he knows like the back of his hand.
To give you a closer look at some of his favorite dishes, Chef Nobu shared where to stop for great food in Tokyo, Japan. Take a look below and click here to save all of his recommendations to Google Maps for future reference.
For Tonkatsu: Tonkatsu Maisen
A Tokyo classic, Tonkatsu Maisen tops the lists of locals and tourists alike. What surprised us was Chef Nobu’s support for the popular and downright touristy Maisen. At the same time, we’re not surprised by his excellent katsu. Remember: lunchtime tends to be the busiest time, so plan to visit early or late outside of peak hours.
Tonkatsu Maisen
4Chome-8-5 Jingumae
Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
For a Japanese barbecue: Tokori Yaesu
For Yakiniku, Chef Nobu recommended Tokori restaurants, which are located throughout Tokyo. The brand is known for its highly selective approach to “dark” cuts of beef and the most attractive marbling you can find for wagyu.
Tokori Yaesu
1 Chome−3−7 B1F Yaesu
Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0028
For Tempura: Kagurazaka Ozashiki Tempura Tenko
Tempura is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and the head chef chose Tempura Tenko for his light and crispy meal. This secluded and cozy spot is quite low-key, so it’s best to go with a local who speaks the language in case you’re a little intimidated. There’s also a sister restaurant, Tempura Arai, in case you can’t get a table here.
Kagurazaka Ozashiki Tempura Tenko
3 Chome-Kagurazaka
Shinjuku City, Tokyo, 162-0825
For the ravioli: Tohryu
Sometimes, even the most distinguished figures in the culinary scene need comfort food. For Nobu, gyoza fit the bill. While Azabu Juban is known for its Chinese cuisine in general, the chef has taken particular notice of Tohryu’s dumplings, so be sure to make that a priority order when you visit.
Tohryu
2 Chome-4-5 Azabujuban
Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045
For Japanese Grilled Eel: Unagi Obana
For the eel, we weren’t surprised that Chef Nobu chose the Unagi Obana, a favorite of our Japanese editorial team. Bring cash, the only form of payment they accept, and some free time, as they don’t take reservations. But be prepared to eat the best Michelin-starred eel you’ve ever tasted.
Unagi Obana
5Chome-33-1 Minamisenju
Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0003
For Soba: Sarashina Horii
Soba may not be your first choice for noodles in Tokyo, but chef Nobu seems to hold them in higher esteem than ramen or udon. That said, Sarashina Horii has been serving the buckwheat variety for over two centuries. His influence has also extended to New York, where he has his second location.
Sarashina Horii
3 Chome-11-4 Motoazabu
Minato City, Tokyo 106-0046
For Chinese cuisine: Wakiya
Chinese food isn’t necessarily hard to find in Japan, but it can often be tricky to find the right restaurant for the right occasion. Chef Nobu recommends Wakiya, a Michelin-awarded, reservation-only restaurant known for its Chinese specialties like shark fin, traditional noodle dishes, meat-and-vegetable pairings, and more. A great place to celebrate a special day.
Wakiya
6 Chome-11-10 Akasaka
Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052
For sushi: Sushizen
What restaurant list would be complete without a solid sushi recommendation from a famous Japanese chef? Chef Nobu recommends Sushizen in Ginza for his raw fish cravings. Reservations, as well as a deposit to hold the table, are required, with dishes ranging from 18,000 to 33,000 JPY.
Sushizen Ginzaten
7 Chome-8-10 Ginza
Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
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