Located in the heart of Tokyo, Tsukiji is one of the world’s most famous fish markets, attracting millions of visitors each year. While the market itself is a must-see, the surrounding area is also home to a diverse range of dining options, from fresh sushi to traditional Japanese restaurants. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Tsukiji, highlighting the best places to eat and drink in this vibrant neighborhood.
Traditional Sushi Restaurants
Tsukiji is renowned for its sushi, and for good reason. The market’s proximity to the ocean ensures that the freshest seafood is always available, making it the perfect place to sample some of the world’s best sushi. Here are some of the top traditional sushi restaurants in Tsukiji:
Top Sushi Restaurants in Tsukiji
- Sushi Dai: This iconic restaurant is a must-visit for any sushi lover. Located in the heart of the market, Sushi Dai serves up some of the freshest and most delicious sushi in the city.
- Sushi Daiwa: Another top-rated sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, Sushi Daiwa offers a wide range of sushi options, from classic maki rolls to more exotic dishes.
- Sushi Zanmai: This popular sushi chain has several locations throughout Tsukiji, offering a wide range of sushi options at affordable prices.
- Tsukiji Fish Market Sushi: This restaurant is located right in the market and offers a unique dining experience, with sushi prepared right in front of you.
What to Order at a Traditional Sushi Restaurant
When dining at a traditional sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, there are a few dishes that you absolutely must try:
- Nigiri: This is a classic type of sushi that consists of a small ball of vinegared rice topped with a piece of raw or cooked seafood.
- Maki Rolls: These are sushi rolls that are made with vinegared rice and various fillings, such as raw fish or vegetables.
- Sashimi: This is a dish that consists of thinly sliced raw seafood served without rice.
- Chirashi: This is a dish that consists of a bed of vinegared rice topped with raw or cooked seafood and various garnishes.
Etiquette at a Traditional Sushi Restaurant
When dining at a traditional sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, there are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind:
- Respect the chef: The chef is the master of the sushi restaurant, and you should always show respect to them.
- Use chopsticks: Chopsticks are the traditional utensils used to eat sushi, and you should always use them when dining at a sushi restaurant.
- Don’t mix wasabi and soy sauce: Wasabi and soy sauce are two separate condiments that should not be mixed together.
- Don’t leave your chopsticks standing upright: This is considered impolite in Japanese culture, and you should always place your chopsticks on the side of your plate or in a designated chopstick rest.
Modern Sushi Restaurants
While traditional sushi restaurants are a must-visit in Tsukiji, there are also many modern sushi restaurants in the area that offer a unique twist on this classic dish. Here are a few top-rated modern sushi restaurants in Tsukiji:
Top Modern Sushi Restaurants in Tsukiji
- Uogashi Nihon-Ichi: This modern sushi restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
- Daikokuya: This popular sushi restaurant offers a wide range of modern sushi options, from classic maki rolls to more exotic dishes.
- Yumi Sushi: This modern sushi restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a focus on creative and artistic sushi dishes.
- Tsukiji Sushi no Midori: This modern sushi restaurant offers a wide range of sushi options, from classic maki rolls to more exotic dishes.
What to Order at a Modern Sushi Restaurant
When dining at a modern sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, there are a few dishes that you absolutely must try:
- Modern maki rolls: These are sushi rolls that are made with creative fillings, such as foie gras or truffles.
- Sushi tacos: These are sushi rolls that are served in a taco shell, with various fillings such as raw fish or vegetables.
- Chirashi bowls: These are dishes that consist of a bed of vinegared rice topped with raw or cooked seafood and various garnishes.
- Sushi pizza: This is a dish that consists of a bed of vinegared rice topped with raw or cooked seafood and various toppings, served on a pizza-style crust.
Other Types of Restaurants in Tsukiji (See Also: Where to Eat in Queens Ny? Culinary Adventures Await)
Other Types of Restaurants in Tsukiji
In addition to traditional and modern sushi restaurants, Tsukiji is also home to a wide range of other types of restaurants, including:
Top-Rated Restaurants in Tsukiji
- Tempura Kondo: This popular tempura restaurant offers a wide range of tempura options, from classic seafood to more exotic dishes.
- Yakitori Alley: This popular yakitori restaurant offers a wide range of grilled chicken options, from classic yakitori to more exotic dishes.
- Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: This popular tonkatsu restaurant offers a wide range of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet options.
- Uobei: This popular udon noodle restaurant offers a wide range of hot and cold udon noodle options.
What to Order at Other Types of Restaurants
When dining at other types of restaurants in Tsukiji, there are a few dishes that you absolutely must try:
- Tempura: This is a dish that consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.
- Yakitori: This is a dish that consists of grilled chicken skewers, often served with a side of rice and miso soup.
- Tonkatsu: This is a dish that consists of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, often served with a side of shredded cabbage and miso soup.
- Udon noodles: These are thick and chewy noodles made from wheat flour, often served in a hot broth or with a dipping sauce.
Food Stalls and Markets
Food Stalls and Markets
Tsukiji is also home to a wide range of food stalls and markets, offering a variety of fresh seafood and other local specialties. Here are a few top-rated food stalls and markets in Tsukiji:
Top-Rated Food Stalls and Markets in Tsukiji
- Tsukiji Outer Market: This popular market offers a wide range of fresh seafood, including sushi-grade tuna and other high-end seafood options.
- Tsukiji Fish Market: This market offers a wide range of fresh seafood, including sushi-grade tuna and other high-end seafood options.
- Daikokuya Food Stall: This popular food stall offers a wide range of fresh seafood, including sushi-grade tuna and other high-end seafood options.
- Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Food Stall: This popular food stall offers a wide range of fresh seafood, including sushi-grade tuna and other high-end seafood options.
What to Order at Food Stalls and Markets
When dining at food stalls and markets in Tsukiji, there are a few dishes that you absolutely must try:
- Fresh sushi: This is a must-try at any food stall or market in Tsukiji, with a wide range of fresh seafood options available.
- Sashimi: This is a dish that consists of thinly sliced raw seafood, often served with a side of soy sauce and wasabi.
- Grilled seafood: This is a popular dish at many food stalls and markets in Tsukiji, with a wide range of seafood options available.
- Seafood tempura: This is a dish that consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, often served with a side of rice and miso soup.
Bars and Nightlife
Bars and Nightlife
After a long day of exploring Tsukiji, you’ll want to unwind with a drink at one of the many bars and nightlife spots in the area. Here are a few top-rated bars and nightlife spots in Tsukiji: (See Also: Where to Eat in Isle of Wight? Best Kept Secrets)
Top-Rated Bars and Nightlife Spots in Tsukiji
- The Tsukiji Beer Hall: This popular bar offers a wide range of beers and a relaxed atmosphere.
- The Tsukiji Whiskey Bar: This popular bar offers a wide range of whiskeys and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- The Tsukiji Cocktail Bar: This popular bar offers a wide range of creative cocktails and a trendy atmosphere.
- The Tsukiji Karaoke Bar: This popular bar offers a wide range of karaoke options and a fun atmosphere.
What to Order at Bars and Nightlife Spots
When visiting bars and nightlife spots in Tsukiji, there are a few drinks that you absolutely must try:
- Sake: This is a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice, often served hot or cold.
- Shochu: This is a traditional Japanese spirit made from barley, sweet potato, or rice, often served with a mixer.
- Umeshu: This is a sweet Japanese drink made from plums and shochu, often served as a shot or mixed with soda water.
- Japanese beer: This is a popular drink in Japan, with many local breweries offering a wide range of beer options.
Recap and Summary
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the best places to eat and drink in Tsukiji, from traditional sushi restaurants to modern sushi restaurants, food stalls and markets, and bars and nightlife spots. Whether you’re a foodie, a drinker, or just looking for a unique experience, Tsukiji has something for everyone. Here are the top-rated restaurants and bars in Tsukiji:
- Traditional sushi restaurants: Sushi Dai, Sushi Daiwa, Sushi Zanmai
- Modern sushi restaurants: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi, Daikokuya, Yumi Sushi
- Food stalls and markets: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Fish Market, Daikokuya Food Stall
- Bars and nightlife spots: The Tsukiji Beer Hall, The Tsukiji Whiskey Bar, The Tsukiji Cocktail Bar
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Tsukiji?
A: The best time to visit Tsukiji is early in the morning, when the market is busiest and the seafood is freshest.
Q: What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?
A: Sushi is a dish that consists of vinegared rice and various toppings, while sashimi is a dish that consists of thinly sliced raw seafood served without rice.
Q: Can I get a refund if I don’t like my food?
A: It depends on the restaurant, but most restaurants in Tsukiji do not offer refunds if you don’t like your food.
Q: Can I take photos in the market?
A: Yes, but be respectful of the vendors and other customers, and do not take photos of the seafood or other products. (See Also: Where to Eat Puffer Fish in Japan? A Culinary Adventure)
Q: Can I get a map of the market?
A: Yes, you can get a map of the market at the information center or from a vendor.
Q: Can I get a refund if I don’t like my drink?
A: It depends on the bar, but most bars in Tsukiji do not offer refunds if you don’t like your drink.
Q: Can I take photos in the bars?
A: Yes, but be respectful of the other customers and do not take photos of the drinks or other products.