Local Eats
Kameya (Yakitori) Misuji 2-9-6
Probably the #1 recommendation on our list. This is our secret undiscovered little piece of joy. It is a great place for eating while drinking. This yakitori shop is located on a residential street, a 5 minute walk from Shin Okachimachi station & Ueno Garden House (across from Life Supermarket). The place is small & quite popular with the locals, so it is advisable to make a reservation.
Hidezushi (Sushi) Kojima 2-15-1
Hidezushi, an excellent sushi restaurant, is only a 30 second walk from Ueno Garden House. This is how sushi is supposed to be enjoyed. Owned by a very kind & friendly couple who work together in a very storylike way (specifically like Momotaro). The husband goes to Tsukiji fish market early in the morning & gets the best fish or whatever fancies him that morning. Meanwhile, the wife prepares the other dishes back in the restaurant/house. All this work leading to an outstanding experience for their customers that night.
Fakalo (Neapolitan Pizza) Kojima 2-2-5
Amazing wood-fired pizza, the dough is outstanding. It is some of the best pizza in Tokyo. They re-opened in their lovely new space in Spring 2022. Using only the very best ingredients, they are also very busy in a small shop. It’s best to make a reservation.
Tonkatsu Aoki (Japanese Pork Cutlet) Asakusabashi 5-20-8
This tonkatsu shop uses really high quality pork for a serburb tender & juicy tonkatsu. The tonjiro s marvelous too. Our youngest could eat only the tonjiro with rice here! It’s that good.
海雲台 (Korean Restaurant) Higashi Ueno 2-15-4
In Higashi Ueno there is a tiny, tiny Korean town (neighborhood). In a, maybe, four radius there is a collection of Korean restaurants, BBQs & grocery stores. Haeundae doesn’t look like much from the outside & is tiny. But the food & drinks don’t miss. Because of the small space & tabletop cooking, it is not recommended for families with small children or large groups.
BANH MI XIN CHAO CAFE (Vietnamese) Kaminarimon 2-1-13 2F
Really well-done banh mi(s) and Vietnamese beef stew. The shop has a nice view of the Sumida river. They also have smoothies that seem good, but I really wouldn’t know as my kids wouldn’t share.
Leaves Coffee (Coffee Takeaways) Komagata 2-2-10
At the foot of Umayabashi bridge & the edge of Kuramae, this is a great place to grab a coffee & drool-worthy for a walk along the river to Asakusa.
McLean Old Burger Stand (Burgers) Komagata 2-2-10
Good juicy burgers with crisp fries, what more could you ask for? Monthly specials, good craft beer selection & good vibes. Per usual, the shop is small.
Chigaya 蔵前 (Bakery) Torigoe 2-8-11
A wonderful bakery with a rotating selection of goods. The sugar donuts & cakes are quite good. If there is still cheesecake, snap that up before it is gone! Their chai is quite nice as well. The staff is super friendly & love kids. The space is fairly large for Tokyo so it is a nice spot to relax.