Top 4 Places to Eat in Akihabara

Colorful billboards and architecture in Akihabara, Tokyo on a bright day.
AXP Photography, Pexels

Akihabara's dining scene offers a blend of vibrant pop-culture themed eateries and high-quality traditional Japanese fare, catering to diverse tastes from casual comfort food seekers to those desiring premium culinary experiences.

1. Tokyo Style Noodle Hotate Biyori

Cuisine: Ramen (Tsukemen)

This highly-rated ramen establishment is renowned for its signature "Scallop Kelp Water Tsukemen," a supreme bowl with an addictive scallop-flavored broth. The experience allows guests to customize their taste by adding fresh scallops, wasabi, or truffle oil. The restaurant earned a spot on Japan Restaurant Award's Best 100 in 2023, reflecting its popularity and quality, often resulting in lines outside.

Price: JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999 (approx. USD 7-13)

Getting There: A 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station.

2. @Home Cafe

Cuisine: Themed Cafe (Japanese and Western-style comfort food, desserts, drinks)

An iconic Akihabara maid cafe, @Home Cafe offers a unique, immersive experience where costumed maids treat guests as 'masters' or 'mistresses.' The menu includes charmingly themed dishes, such as omurice with hand-drawn designs, along with a selection of desserts like cheesecakes and parfaits. Guests can also enjoy alcoholic beverages and, at times, live entertainment from the maids.

Price: JPY 1,500 - JPY 3,000+ (approx. USD 10-20+), including potential cover charge and minimum order

Getting There: Multiple locations are available within Akihabara, typically within walking distance from Akihabara Station.

3. USHIHACHI Akihabara Branch

Cuisine: Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)

Opened in early 2023, USHIHACHI Akihabara Branch offers a high-quality yakiniku experience, specializing in meticulously chosen Japanese Black Wagyu beef. Diners can enjoy premium cuts at reasonable prices for the caliber of meat. The restaurant features various lunch options and a recommended "USHIHACHI Course" for dinner, which includes ten popular dishes for a comprehensive culinary journey.

Price: Lunch: JPY 2,000 (approx. USD 14), Dinner: JPY 8,000 (approx. USD 55)

Getting There: A 2-minute walk from Exit 1 of Suehirocho Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) or a 4-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit (North Exit) of JR Akihabara Station.

4. Marugo

Cuisine: Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)

Recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for multiple years, Marugo is a highly regarded establishment for tonkatsu. The restaurant's signature lies in its light, crispy batter, achieved through slow, low-temperature frying, which encases tender, flavorful domestic pork. Recommendations include the "Special Hire Katsu" (tenderloin) for a leaner option or the "Special Rosu Katsu" (loin) for a juicier experience. Opting for the "Teishoku Set" provides a traditional meal complete with rice and miso soup.

Price: JPY 1,500 - JPY 3,000 (approx. USD 10-20)

Getting There: Walking distance from Akihabara Station, generally accessible within 5-10 minutes.