Top 5 Places to Eat in Asakusa

Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
30/07/2025
Elegant view of a historic pagoda in Asakusa, Tokyo under a clear sky.
Diana Nguyen, Pexels

Asakusa offers a rich culinary experience, blending historic eateries with modern interpretations of classic Japanese dishes, catering to both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a more luxurious meal.

1. Asakusa Gyukatsu

Cuisine: Gyukatsu (Deep-Fried Beef Cutlet)

This highly popular spot specializes in gyukatsu, a unique dish featuring deep-fried beef cutlets served rare. Guests enjoy an interactive dining experience, cooking each slice to their preferred doneness on a personal mini stone grill at their table. The set menu is comprehensive, often including barley rice, grated yam, spicy cod roe, and various dipping sauces. Expect potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

Price: Approximately ¥1,400 - ¥2,000 per person (~$10 - $14 USD) for a set menu.

Getting There: The restaurant is conveniently located directly opposite Kaminarimon, making it easily accessible on foot from the main Asakusa area.

2. Daikokuya

Cuisine: Tempura

Daikokuya is a legendary tempura restaurant with a history dating back to 1887. The distinctiveness of their tempura comes from being fried exclusively in sesame oil, which imparts a rich, dark color and a memorable flavor. A must-try is their famous 'Tendon,' a bowl of fluffy rice topped with perfectly crispy tempura and a savory-sweet sauce. Given its popularity, long queues are common, so arriving outside of typical lunch hours (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) on weekdays can help reduce wait times.

Price: Typically ¥2,000 - ¥3,000 per person (~$14 - $21 USD).

Getting There: Daikokuya is situated close to the iconic Sensoji Temple, allowing for easy walking access from the temple grounds.

3. Unatoto

Cuisine: Unagi (Freshwater Eel)

Unatoto offers a chance to experience high-quality unagi without a high price. This establishment is known for its delicious 'Unadon' (grilled eel served over a bowl of rice). Despite being a budget-friendly option, the eel is tender with a fluffy texture and pleasing char marks, complemented by a sweet sauce. While queues may form, the quick service ensures a relatively fast turnover, making it suitable for a satisfying and quick meal.

Price: Unadon starts from ¥640 (~$4 - $5 USD).

Getting There: As a popular cheap eat in Asakusa, it is generally accessible by walking from key sightseeing areas.

4. Chinya Asakusa Honten

Cuisine: Sukiyaki

Chinya Asakusa Honten is a renowned sukiyaki specialty restaurant with a history stretching back to 1880. Reopened in March 2022 in a new location overlooking the Sumida River, it continues to uphold its legacy of serving high-quality wagyu beef. The sukiyaki is prepared with carefully selected vegetables and a subtly sweetened broth, often presented with seasonal appetizers and entrees. The elegant setting makes it suitable for special occasions.

Price: Dinner courses typically range from ¥10,000 - ¥25,000 per person (~$68 - $170 USD).

Getting There: This restaurant is conveniently located within a 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station.

5. Rokumonsen Honten

Cuisine: Monjayaki, Teppanyaki

Rokumonsen Honten stands out for its unique take on monjayaki, a local Tokyo specialty similar to a savory pancake. Their signature 'Camembert Monjayaki,' featuring a whole Camembert cheese cooked on a hot griddle at your table, is a popular choice. The dining experience is interactive, as guests typically cook the dish themselves. The restaurant caters to international visitors with menus available in multiple languages, offering a fun and authentic local food experience.

Price: Monjayaki starts around ¥1,200, with other options around ¥1,800 or more. There is a cover charge of ¥418 per person, and a minimum order of one drink and one food item per person. (~$8 - $12 USD, plus cover/drink)

Getting There: The main branch of Rokumonsen Honten is located just off Hoppy Street in Asakusa.

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