Ueno is a vast area bustling with countless shops and eateries, alongside beloved attractions like Ueno Park, drugstores, and hotels, making it a must-visit for all, especially popular among families and budget-conscious visitors.

Dining in Ueno offers a plethora of choices, with barbecue restaurants leading the recommendations. Ueno stands out in Tokyo for its all-you-can-eat barbecue spots, with famous ones like Yakiniku Youshokudou and Ueno Taishoen. For those craving sushi and sashimi, restaurants like Numazuko Kaisho and Miura Misaki Port offer great value. Famous unagi rice spots include Izuei and Unatoto, and for ramen enthusiasts, Ramen Kamo to Negi and Men-dokoro Hanada are top picks.

These culinary gems are primarily located around Ueno Station, Ameyoko Shopping Street, the neighboring Okachimachi area, and Ueno Hirokoji. Up next, we'll dive into these four areas to spotlight the must-try eats, getting ready to feast your way through Ueno!

Ueno Station, operated by JR, serves as the central hub of the entire Ueno area, offering access not only to the Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro but also serving as a stop for the Shinkansen, making it bustling with activity from all directions. Due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic, there is a plethora of shopping malls and restaurants, particularly known for its abundance of yakiniku and izakaya options, allowing visitors to dine to their heart's content right after exiting the station!

When it comes to eating yakiniku in Japan, Wagyu is a must-try! Nikuya no Daidokoro is renowned for offering an unbeatable deal on A4 and A5 grade Wagyu beef. The top-tier PREMIUM Wagyu all-you-can-eat package is especially beloved by tourists. It includes a wide array of over a hundred dishes such as thick-cut beef tongue, Wagyu brisket, and steaks cut 2cm thick from the sirloin, all unlimited. Seafood, stone pot bibimbap, and curry rice are also available. When booking, you can add on special items like a visually stunning meat tower or meat cake for free, perfect for celebrating birthdays or anniversaries while indulging in Wagyu (available only with the PREMIUM Wagyu all-you-can-eat package).

Ordering is made easy with a QR code for mobile phones and an English interface, so no worries if you don’t speak Japanese. Besides the Ueno Station Front store, there's another location about a 4-minute walk away, Nikuya no Daidokoro Ueno Park Front, offering an alternative if the first is full.

Tokuri is a renowned chain of Yakiniku restaurants in Tokyo, known for purchasing whole, carefully selected Wagyu cattle. The menu boasts a variety of high-quality Wagyu beef parts, including diaphragm, ribeye, tenderloin, and tongue, as well as unique dishes like Wagyu sushi and raw Wagyu. Guests can also choose from staple dishes such as Korean cold noodles, stone pot rice, and raw egg rice (options vary by plan), making it perfect for those who love variety and wish to switch up their flavors.

The restaurant offers spacious and clean seating, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing scenic views. Situated opposite Ueno Station, it's conveniently located for those planning to visit Ueno Park, museums, or the zoo, making it an ideal dining spot for families and groups of friends alike.

Worried that all-you-can-eat might be too much? USHIHACHI prides itself as the "Japanese Yakiniku restaurant with the highest value for money," serving meals mainly in set or à la carte formats. The restaurant meticulously selects whole Kuroge Wagyu cows, allowing even the most affordable tasting set to include three types of Wagyu beef from the upper belly and diaphragm, alongside delights like salmon roe sushi, Korean cold noodles, and handmade silken tofu pudding. Even without an all-you-can-eat option, satisfaction is guaranteed.

Moreover, while Yakiniku restaurants might typically evoke images of smoky rooms and greasiness, USHIHACHI adopts a chic, modern style that's especially popular among Japan's young professionals. If you're craving Wagyu beef Yakiniku but find all-you-can-eat too overwhelming, this restaurant is an excellent choice!

For those looking to try something different, consider diving into Japan's Western cuisine! This bistro, established by Chef Tohyama, who has a background in French cuisine at luxury hotels, offers a delightful fusion of French and Japanese culinary traditions. The signature dish, "French demi-glace hamburger steak," is rich and juicy, with the dark sauce and chewy hamburger patty creating a delectable combination. Another highlight is the "Kagoshima chicken leg steak," which takes a fresh and tender approach, pairing perfectly with its crispy skin and a light soy sauce flavor.

Lunch per person costs around 2,000 to 3,000 yen, which might be slightly pricier, but the bistro's elegant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable even for families with children. If you're tired of the usual Yakiniku, ramen, or sushi, trying out Japan's Western cuisine is sure to impress!

If you've taken the train in Japan, you're probably familiar with the penguin mascot on the Suica card. Inside the JR Ueno Station's shopping complex, "ecute Ueno," there's a Suica Penguin-themed café and store that opened on October 12, 2023. The café delights visitors with Mont Blanc pancakes, latte coffees, and more, all adorned with the Suica Penguin or the iconic Ueno panda images, adding an irresistible charm.

Next to the café, there's a merchandise area selling Suica Penguin plushies, T-shirts, water bottles, and more, many of which are exclusive items only available here. They make perfect gifts or souvenirs. Don't forget to browse through after relaxing in the café.

*The Suica Penguin is the mascot character of the "Suica" by East Japan Railway Company.

Ameyoko is a bustling shopping street located under the train tracks, stretching from JR Ueno Station all the way to JR Okachimachi Station, with the quickest access from the Shinobazu exit of Ueno Station. This area is not just a hotspot for tourists looking to buy drugstore cosmetics and souvenirs like "Futaba's sweets" but also boasts a wide array of dining options. From "Minatoya's" seafood bowls and takoyaki to "Ramen Duck to Onion," these establishments embody the essence of everyday Japanese cuisine. Additionally, there are numerous yakitori izakayas and barbecue bars, offering a taste of Japan's simple yet lively atmosphere even in the heart of the city.

Unagi (eel) bowls are considered a luxury dish in Japan, typically costing several thousand yen for a bowl. However, at this restaurant, you can savor a bowl of unagi don for as little as 590 yen, making it perfect for international visitors eager to sample grilled eel without breaking the bank. For a more traditional experience, the 1,100 yen "Unagi San-Shoku" (three ways to enjoy eel) comes highly recommended. Start with the eel in its purest form, add a bit of wasabi to change up the flavor, and finish with tea poured over to make eel tea rice. It's an affordable and fantastic way to experience a classic Japanese eel dish!

Finding unagi bowls in Japan can be challenging, and if you're curious about its popularity but hesitant to spend a lot, this place is a great starting point to explore the delicacy!

This restaurant, operated directly by a butcher shop, is famed for its fried delicacies, offering exceptionally good value. For instance, their signature fried meat cake for takeout is just 220 yen, and the Wagyu version is only 420 yen. They also have a dine-in area, with a variety of full meals available at lunchtime. The recommended set meal includes curry croquettes, hamburger steaks, fried shrimp, and fried ham, complete with rice and access to a drink bar—all for a mere 1,000 yen. It's incredibly generous, and everything is freshly fried to crispy, juicy perfection. Be careful—it's hot!

If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal at noon, this spot is highly recommended. Or, on a nice day, why not grab some fried meat cakes or fried ham snacks and have a picnic at Ueno Park? It's a wonderful experience.

Specializing in the freshest delights direct from the fish harbor, Kaisyou Uenoichigoten now serves a buffet of fried foods, meat dishes, and Chinese cuisine, plus a personal sashimi platter for each diner. The 45-minute all-you-can-eat lunch deal at 1,200 yen is particularly economical. There's also a self-service drink area where adding all-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages for 30 minutes costs just 450 yen, making it a tempting option to start drinking at noon!

Nestled in the alleys of Ueno, the wooden storefront exudes a bold and unrestrained vibe, perfectly aligning with Ameyoko's down-to-earth personality. With its affordable prices, it's a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank at lunchtime.

For those who love fresh sushi, this conveyor belt sushi restaurant is a must-visit! Once seated, you'll be greeted by an array of generously topped sushi making its rounds, all offered at surprisingly low prices. Tuna belly battleship sushi is just 110 yen, while others, like the sweet shrimp battleship sushi at 490 yen and the conger eel battleship sushi at 350 yen (prices exclude tax), can be picked directly from the conveyor belt or ordered from the chef. A fulfilling meal here will cost you about 3,000 to 4,000 yen.

The menu includes notes in both Chinese and English, making it very friendly for children and international visitors. This popular spot often has a queue, so to avoid the crowd, it's recommended to visit right at opening or during the off-peak hours in the afternoon!

"Hachi no Ki" is a venerable establishment that has been serving the local community for half a century, specializing in all-you-can-eat high-grade meats such as domestic beef, Yamagata beef, and Kagoshima pork. Diners have the option between a kelp broth hot pot or a beef sukiyaki pot. The featured photo showcases frost-bitten domestic beef, characterized by its pink hue and beautifully marbled fat, accompanied by a selection of fresh, locally-sourced Japanese vegetables. The meal is elegantly rounded off with wide noodles, leaving a delightfully lasting flavor.

The restaurant's decor is thoroughly Japanese, complete with tatami mats and sunken kotatsu seating as well as private booth rooms, offering a more relaxed and comfortable dining experience. For those mindful of their budget, the lunchtime set menu is highly recommended!

Just a short walk of less than 10 minutes from Ueno Station along the bustling Ameyoko Shopping Street will bring you to the Okachimachi area. This locale is a hub of activity, with JR Okachimachi Station, Toei Subway Ueno-okachimachi Station, and Tokyo Metro Naka-okachimachi Station, where three train lines intersect. The district is lively and filled with a plethora of dining options, constantly bustling with people. Many restaurants here continue the modest style of Ameyoko, offering affordable prices. These establishments are popular not just among international visitors but also with the locals.

Have you ever seen a beef bowl so generously filled with meat that it spills over the edge? This is from a donburi specialty shop, with its first location opening in the Shinbashi area of Tokyo, a favorite among local office workers. Due to its popularity, a second location was opened in Okachimachi in March 2023. Their signature dish features large portions of meat on top of savory rice. The photo shows a meat donburi on the left and a sukiyaki beef donburi on the right, both with tender, flavorful meat that's been stewed for a long time, paired perfectly with white rice for a truly energizing bite. For those who might find just a donburi too light, an additional 250 yen upgrades you to a set meal with more rice, greens, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.

The most affordable beef bowl is priced at just 690 yen (excluding tax), making it super wallet-friendly for budget-conscious diners. If you're looking to save money but want to avoid the typical chain donburi shops, this place offers a slice of local office worker's lunchtime happiness. It's also a great spot for a quick and easy meal before heading back to your hotel after a late night out!

Oyster lovers, take note! This oyster specialty restaurant, operated by a company involved in oyster farming and wholesaling, serves oysters purified with deep-sea water, rich in minerals and able to maintain freshness for a long time. Opened in May 2023 on the 6th floor of PARCO_ya Ueno department store, the restaurant offers a variety of oyster dishes. Options include platters of oysters from different regions of Japan, mixed platters pairing oysters with meats or sashimi (as shown in the picture), grilled oysters, fried oysters, and more. The menu also features pasta and a selection of drinks to complement the oyster feast.

If you're in the mood to indulge in oysters and want to enjoy a variety of oyster dishes at a reasonable price, this place has plenty of choices that won't disappoint. During lunchtime, adding 980 yen to your main dish upgrades it to a set meal with a serving of oysters and an appetizer, making it an absolute paradise for oyster aficionados!

This long-established wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) store in Ueno, founded in 1913, boasts a century-long history. Usagiya's most popular item is its freshly made dorayaki, priced at 240 yen each. Holding the warm, fluffy dorayaki filled with a not-too-sweet, finely textured red bean paste is a delightfully comforting experience that perfectly encapsulates why this shop has stood the test of time. After purchasing, you can enjoy your treats warm inside the store or take dorayaki, monaka, and rabbit-shaped sweet buns for a picnic in Ueno Park, or as souvenirs if you're heading back home.

Just a minute's walk away is another gem, the Usagiya CAFÉ, known for its French toast, shaved ice, and other creative snacks. The highlight is the "Usagi Pancake," available only if ordered within 10 minutes of opening in the morning. This unique breakfast snack features dorayaki batter filled with cultured butter and Tokachi red beans, a treat you won't want to miss. Arrive late or when it's too crowded, and you might just miss out.

In addition to Ameyoko and Ueno-okachimachi Station, there's also the Ueno Hirokoji Station on the Tokyo Metro nearby. The shops around Ameyoko continue Ueno's tradition of being down-to-earth and budget-friendly. Meanwhile, the establishments closer to Ueno Park opt for a more refined and elegant approach. For example, the renowned sukiyaki restaurant "Ningyocho Imahan" and the unagi (eel) bowls at "Izu-ei" are particularly famous among international visitors, both located in this area.

Located near Ueno Park and Ameyoko, "Izu-ei" is a venerable unagi (eel) bowl specialty restaurant with a three-hundred-year history. It uses the prized Japanese "Mikawa eel," and the sauce is made from soy sauce and mirin without added sugar. The eel is steamed and then grilled, basted three times to infuse flavor into every layer. The result is a mild, smooth taste, with the tender, kabayaki eel paired with a slightly sweet sauce that's not too heavy—perfect for rice and suitably palatable for Taiwanese taste buds. If you have a bit more to spend on dining and love unagi, this high-end unagi bowl in Ueno is highly recommended.

The menu is available in English, Chinese, and Korean, so international visitors need not worry. Besides the main store, the Ueno area also hosts branches at Shinobazutei and Umegawatei. If the main location is too crowded, these are worth checking out as well.

For those who dream of feasting on crab in Japan, GOZZO Ueno-Hirokoji next to Ueno Hirokoji Station is the place to be. The restaurant serves red snow crab directly shipped from Sakai Port in Tottori Prefecture, offering an all-you-can-eat style where taking a whole crab to your plate is all part of the experience!

Initially, the staff will demonstrate how to cut the crab with scissors, turning you into a crab-eating expert on the spot. The boiled crab is deliciously sweet on its own, but heating it on the table's grill adds an extra layer of flavor. You can indulge in crab roe and crab liver to your heart's content. The buffet also includes crab chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), fried chicken, grilled fish, and other dishes, with drinks and alcohol available unlimitedly. Many locals treat it like an izakaya, coming here for a drink.

With prices starting around 10,000 yen, if you're a crab lover and want to experience the joy of eating as much crab as you can, this is the perfect opportunity to try your hand and indulge to the fullest!

Ueno is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering everything from high-end all-you-can-eat options to affordable set meals and street food for wandering gourmets. You can find satisfying choices across all price ranges, and the establishments introduced here are beloved not just by tourists but also by locals. Some have been operating for over a century, making them part of the area's rich heritage. If any catch your interest, consider booking in advance before your trip to save precious time during your journey and avoid the queues!

(This information was compiled in November 2023. For the most current details, please refer to the official websites of the venues mentioned.)