The Best Kushikatsu Restaurants in Tokyo: A Food Lover’s Guide

Crispy, delicate, and deeply comforting, kushikatsu (also called kushiage) is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods—yet it remains surprisingly underexplored by many visitors to Tokyo. Made by skewering ingredients such as meat, seafood, and seasonal vegetables, lightly battering them, and frying them to golden perfection, kushikatsu offers both casual enjoyment and refined craftsmanship, depending on where you dine.

While often associated with Osaka, Tokyo has developed its own kushikatsu culture, ranging from approachable neighborhood counters to elegant course-style restaurants where each skewer is served at its ideal moment. For travelers who enjoy interactive dining, seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed alternative to sushi or tempura, kushikatsu is an essential Tokyo food experience.

Ratings are pulled from both verified Japanese magazines and restaurant ranking platforms, and supplemented by personal experience.

A Brief History of Kushikatsu in Japan

Kushikatsu originated in Osaka in the early 20th century, where it emerged as affordable street food for working-class neighborhoods. Skewers of meat and vegetables were battered, fried, and served with a communal dipping sauce—simple, filling, and satisfying. One of the most famous rules of Osaka-style kushikatsu, still observed today, is “no double dipping” in the shared sauce.

As kushikatsu spread beyond Kansai, Tokyo chefs adapted the style to local tastes. In Tokyo, kushikatsu—often referred to as kushiage—became more refined. Restaurants began serving skewers one by one in curated sequences, focusing on premium ingredients, lighter batter, and precise frying techniques. The result is a dining style that sits somewhere between tempura and omakase: casual in form, but meticulous in execution.

Kushiage Pyon (Roppongi)

Address:

3-8-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

Estimated Price: ¥5,000–¥8,000 per person

Hours: Dinner only, typically Tue–Sun (hours may vary)

Kushiage Pyon is a hidden gem in Roppongi offering a calm, intimate kushikatsu experience. Guests are seated at a counter where skewers arrive one at a time, each fried to order and served with thoughtful accompaniments. The menu highlights seasonal vegetables and high-quality proteins, making it especially appealing to travelers who enjoy refined dining without formality. Its quiet atmosphere is a welcome contrast to Roppongi’s nightlife.

(Azabu-Juban)

Address:

2-19-10 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045

Estimated Price: ¥8,000–¥12,000 per person

Hours: Dinner, reservation recommended

Kawata represents the high end of Tokyo’s kushiage scene. This chef-driven restaurant focuses on balance, pacing, and ingredient storytelling, serving skewers in a carefully planned progression. Each piece is delicate rather than heavy, appealing to travelers accustomed to omakase sushi or fine tempura. It’s ideal for special occasions or travelers seeking a more elevated interpretation of kushikatsu.

Hantei Nezu Honten (Nezu)

Address:

2-13-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0031

Estimated Price: ¥6,000–¥9,000 per person

Hours: Lunch and dinner; closed Mondays

Hantei is one of Tokyo’s most historic kushiage restaurants, operating for decades in a traditional wooden building near Nezu Shrine. The atmosphere evokes old Tokyo, with tatami seating and a serene pace. Travelers will enjoy the sense of history, seasonal ingredients, and the gentle rhythm of skewer-by-skewer dining. This is an excellent choice for those interested in food as cultural heritage.

Kushikatsu Tanuki (Uchisaiwaicho)

Address:

1-6-7 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004

Estimated Price: ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person

Hours: Lunch and dinner on weekdays

Tanuki offers a more casual, Osaka-inspired kushikatsu experience in central Tokyo. With a lively atmosphere and approachable pricing, it’s perfect for travelers looking to enjoy kushikatsu without committing to a full course meal. The menu includes classic meat and vegetable skewers, making it a fun, easy introduction to the cuisine.

Kushiage Ichikawa (Kinshicho)

Address:

2-17-5 Kinshi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0013

Estimated Price: ¥5,000–¥7,000 per person

Hours: Dinner only

Located in the Kinshicho area, Kushiage Ichikawa blends neighborhood warmth with refined technique. Guests appreciate the friendly service and carefully fried skewers, often highlighting seasonal seafood. This is a strong choice for travelers who want high-quality dining outside major tourist districts.

Katsu Kichi Shin-Marunouchi Building (Tokyo Station)

Address:

Shin-Marunouchi Building 5F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6590

Estimated Price: ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person

Hours: Lunch and dinner, daily

Conveniently located near Tokyo Station, Katsu Kichi offers kushikatsu alongside other classic fried dishes. It’s an excellent stop for travelers in transit or staying in Marunouchi, combining accessibility with satisfying, well-executed skewers.

Shinjuku Tatsukichi (Shinjuku Sanchome)

Address:

3-32-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022

Estimated Price: ¥5,000–¥8,000 per person

Hours: Lunch and dinner

Tatsukichi is a long-standing favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere and consistent quality. The counter seating allows guests to interact with chefs, making it particularly enjoyable for solo travelers or couples. The restaurant balances tradition and comfort, offering a relaxed yet thoughtful kushikatsu experience.

Karinto (Gotanda)

Address:

1-4-10 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022

Estimated Price: ¥4,000–¥6,000 per person

Hours: Dinner only

Karinto offers a modern take on kushikatsu with a focus on presentation and seasonal flavors. Its understated interior and attentive service appeal to travelers seeking a contemporary dining environment while still enjoying traditional techniques.

Katsu Kichi Nihonbashi Takashimaya SC

Address:

Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C. New Building 6F, 2-5-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-6190

Estimated Price: ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person

Hours: Lunch and dinner, daily

This branch of Katsu Kichi is ideal for travelers combining shopping with dining. Located inside Takashimaya, it offers a comfortable introduction to kushikatsu in a polished retail setting, making it especially convenient for first-time visitors.

How to Book Kushikatsu Restaurants in Tokyo

Many casual kushikatsu restaurants accept walk-ins, especially at lunch or early dinner hours. However, course-style kushiage restaurants often require reservations, particularly for counter seating.

Tabelog is the most reliable platform for restaurant information in Japan, offering reviews, photos, and reservation links when available.

TableCheck is commonly used by higher-end restaurants and provides English-friendly booking options.

For travelers interested in curated dining experiences, byFood offers reservation assistance and food-focused experiences tailored to international visitors.

As a general rule, booking 2–5 days in advance is recommended for popular or upscale kushikatsu restaurants.

Why Kushikatsu Belongs on Every Tokyo Food Itinerary

Kushikatsu offers something uniquely Japanese: precision without pretension, variety without excess. For travelers, it’s an opportunity to engage with seasonal ingredients, interact with chefs, and enjoy a meal that unfolds one skewer at a time. Whether you prefer casual neighborhood counters or elegant course dining, Tokyo’s kushikatsu scene delivers warmth, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavor.

In a city celebrated for sushi and ramen, kushikatsu stands quietly confident—crispy, comforting, and deeply satisfying.