Where to Eat in Akihabara: 10 Must-Try Restaurants for Yakiniku, Ramen, Curry, Maid Cafés, and More
- Written by: Tiffany YU
Akihabara, famed for its electronics, anime, and gaming culture, is a must-visit Tokyo destination. To keep you fueled, we've compiled a list of recommended restaurants in Akihabara, ranging from BBQ and ramen to rice bowls and beyond.
For those in the know, there are also maid cafés and hidden gem curry spots. Conveniently located within walking distance from the station, these dining options are perfect whether you're on a long Tokyo adventure or a quick weekend visit. Ready to explore these culinary delights? Let's get started!
Photos: LIVE JAPAN (Yakiniku Sho/@home café/Ramen Tenjinshita Daiki/Curry Shimen Alba/Wakasaya)
- Table of Contents
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- Don't Forget to Eat While Shopping! Tokyo's Culinary Treasure Trove - Akihabara
- Maid Cafés in Akihabara
- Recommended Yakiniku Restaurants in Akihabara
- Ramen Shops in Akihabara
- Recommended Curry Shops in Akihabara
- Rice Bowl Restaurants in Akihabara
- Tokyo's Popular Must-Visit Destination: Akihabara - Eat Well and Keep Exploring!
Don't Forget to Eat While Shopping! Tokyo's Culinary Treasure Trove - Akihabara
Akihabara, a hub for electronics, anime, and gaming, also boasts a vibrant food scene. Between browsing shops, don't miss the unique themed cafés and restaurants, including maid and ninja cafés, adding to the area's charm. Whether you're craving rice bowls, curry, ramen, or BBQ, Akihabara satisfies with its variety and generous portions. Notable spots include curry houses and renowned ramen joints like IKINAISSHOU and Ramen Tsumugi. For a memorable meal in Akihabara, check out our top picks below!
Maid Cafés in Akihabara
Kick off your Akihabara adventure with its most iconic themed restaurants! Here, waitstaff don costumes to match their establishment's theme, offering not just meals but entertaining performances. Maid cafés top the list, where you're treated as master or mistress, ensuring an unparalleled service experience.
But there's more: ninja izakayas, train-themed cafes, Sengoku period-inspired spots, owl cafes, and others await. For fans of themed dining and one-of-a-kind experiences, these venues are a must-visit!
1. Maidreamin
Maidreamin is one of Japan's largest and most popular maid café chains, with seven locations in Akihabara alone. Inside these cafes, the maids greet customers with warmth and energy and perform live shows. Customers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, so there's no need to worry about feeling awkward or out of place. Just relax and enjoy the experience!
At Maidreamin, every dish is served with a side of the maids' enchanting "Make it tastier" magic. They also offer celebration services, Polaroid photos, and more. Plus, there's a live performance every two hours where you can watch the maids sing and dance up close. This unique part of Akihabara's maid café culture accepts credit cards and online reservations, so you can secure your spot hassle-free.
- Foreign tourist-friendly and accepts credit cards.
- Adorable menu items with maid stage performances and opportunities for polaroid photos as souvenirs.
- Online reservations available, so no need to worry about long lines at the restaurant.
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Maidreamin Akihabara LIVE RESTAURANT Heaven's Gateめいどりーみん 秋葉原 LIVE RESTAURANT Heaven's Gate
- Address Ichigo Building 6F, 1-15-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: Monday - Friday 11:30 AM - 11 PM, Weekends and national holidays 10:30 AM - 11 PM
・Closed: Open daily
・Website: https://maidreamin.com/
2. @home café
"@home café" has three locations in Akihabara. As soon as you step into the café, maids dressed in brown outfits with pink bows will warmly greet you with a "Welcome home!" Upon seating, they patiently explain the ordering process and menu, ensuring that even first-time maid café visitors feel comfortable. The menu is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, and the staff have taken English lessons, so it's convenient for international tourists.
Each dish is adorned with cute patterns or decorative shapes, enhancing the overall sense of ceremony when combined with the maids' delightful "incantations." Like other maid cafes, @home café also features live singing performances and opportunities for Polaroid photos with the maids. And it's not just popular among male customers; there are also plenty of female patrons, making it a great choice for those setting foot in a maid café for the first time!
- Foreign tourist-friendly with Chinese and English menus, accepts credit card payments.
- Adorable menu items with maid stage performances and opportunities for souvenir polaroid photos.
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(Maid Cafe) at-home cafe Akihabara Mainat-home cafe 秋葉原本店
- Address Mitsuwa Building 3F-7F, 1-11-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: Monday - Friday 11 AM - 10 PM, Weekends and national holidays 10 AM - 10 PM (last order 9:20 PM)
・Website: https://www.cafe-athome.com/
Recommended Yakiniku Restaurants in Akihabara
When you're in Japan, you must try some Japanese BBQ! And, of course, Akihabara has no shortage of yakiniku restaurants, some of which serve premium Wagyu beef, including A5 Wagyu and Kobe beef. You can check out the menu and consider your budget to choose the restaurant that suits your preferences. Especially in Akihabara, many places offer excellent value for money, so if you're looking to save some cash while indulging in a meat feast, don't miss out on the chance to visit Akihabara!
1. Nikuya Yokocho Akihabara - Wagyu All-You-Can-Eat Heaven
Nikuya Yokocho offers all-you-can-eat BBQ and shabu-shabu options, but tourists particularly love their BBQ. They have various meal plans to choose from, including Wagyu or Kobe beef. What sets them apart is that you don't order your meat at the table; instead, you grab a plate and head to the display refrigerators to pick out your cuts directly - perfect for international diners who might find it easier than navigating a menu. In addition, you can use the tablet at your table to order cooked food, soups, and other items, and there's a self-serve drinks bar for you to enjoy.
Located just a minute's walk from the Electric Town Exit of Akihabara Station, it's straightforward to get to, making it a great choice for a meal before or after shopping or when heading back to your hotel. If you're worried about waiting in line or unsure how to communicate your preferences to the staff, we recommend making an online reservation for increased peace of mind.
- Just a 1-minute walk from Akihabara Station.
- All-you-can-eat with the convenience of selecting your meat directly from the refrigerated display, so you won't feel lost in translation.
- Online reservations available.
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All-you-can-eat Japanese beef hall Akihabara Meat shop Yokocho肉屋横丁
- Address BiTO AKIBA 3F, 1-18-19 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: Weekdays 12 PM - 10 PM (last entry 8 PM), Weekends and national holidays 11:30 AM - 10 PM (last entry 8 PM)
・Closures: Irregular, depending on the building's closures
2. Gyuno Tatsujin Akihabara
Upscale GyunoTatsujin offers the highest grade A5 Wagyu beef. Their signature dish, "Takumi," features carefully selected cuts from Kagoshima Prefecture's rare Kuroge Wagyu cattle. Not only do they offer a variety of cuts, but they also serve Wagyu beef sushi, cold noodles, seafood, and other meat dishes, all incredibly delicious. What's more, every seat in the restaurant is in a private booth equipped with smoke exhaust systems and air conditioning, so you won't have to worry about leaving smelling like barbecue. If you're particular about dining ambiance, this is the top choice for BBQ in Akihabara!
The Akihabara restaurant is about a 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station, approximately 1 minute from Tokyo Metro's Suehirocho Station, and conveniently close to popular stores like Don Quijote and Bic Camera. It's perfect for combining shopping and dining, and like the previous recommendation, you can also make reservations online.
- Conveniently located within a 1 to 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station and Suehirocho Station.
- Offers A5 Wagyu beef as well as a variety of cuts, along with dishes like beef sushi or meat tartare.
- Private booths available.
- Online reservations accepted.
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The Beef Master Akihabara Store完全個室 牛の達人 秋葉原店
- Address Akihabara SIL Building 4F, 4-4-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM - 3 PM (last order 2:30 PM) / 4 PM - 11 PM (last order 10:30 PM), Weekends and national holidays 11:30 AM - 3 PM (last order 2:30 PM) / 4 PM - 11 PM (last order 10 PM)
・Closed: Open daily
・Website: http://beefpro.jp/
3. Yakiniku Sho Akihabara Main Branch
Yakiniku Sho specializes in offering economical meals, with options for à la carte or set menus. They provide a variety of cuts for you to compare and enjoy, with the bonus of serving A5 Sendai beef. They also offer side dishes, including kimchi, salad, curry rice, and rice topped with soy sauce and raw egg (tamago kake gohan or "TKG"). Their lunchtime rice bowls are also quite popular and won't break the bank, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious diners.
What's unique about Yakiniku Sho is that they have counter seating, which is uncommon for yakiniku restaurants. The grills are not built directly into the tables, so you'll be comfortable even if you're dining alone or with just one other person. Sitting at the counter also allows you to interact with the owner, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience.
- Just a 2-minute walk from Akihabara Station.
- Offers A5 Sendai beef and a variety of meat cuts, with options for set menus or à la carte, without pressuring you into choosing a set.
- Good quality and tasty meat at reasonable prices, making it quite cost-effective.
- Reservations available online through the LIVE JAPAN website.
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Has Health & Safety Measures
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Address
3F,2-11-1, Kandasakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0025
View Map -
Nearest Station
Akihabara Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tsukuba Express / JR Sobu Line)
- Phone Number 03-5809-1506
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Address
3F,2-11-1, Kandasakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0025
Ramen Shops in Akihabara
Akihabara is one of Tokyo's top areas for ramen, offering a wide variety of options ranging from carefully selected ingredients to homemade noodles. Thanks to Akihabara's thriving subculture scene, many innovative ramen shops have sprung up, breaking away from traditional norms to tantalize everyone's taste buds. You can stroll around and discover different styles of ramen shops along the streets, or you can try classic Japanese ramen flavors passed down through generations!
1. Tanaka Ramen
Tanaka Ramen is the sister shop of Tanaka Shoten, a prominent name in the Hakata tonkotsu ramen scene. While their signature broth is made from pork bones, it's surprisingly clear and not overly greasy. It perfectly complements the springy, thick noodles to create a flavor that gets better with each bite.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can request "kotteri de" (こってりで) when submitting your meal ticket, and the staff will add extra pork back fat to your bowl. The combination of the refreshing broth and the rich pork back fat delightfully stimulates the taste buds. We also recommend adding some stir-fried chili powder to switch up the flavor for yet another taste sensation!
- Approximately a 10-minute walk from Akihabara Station, conveniently located in the bustling shopping area of Akihabara, making it perfect for a meal before or after shopping.
- Their tonkotsu broth is incredibly flavorful and savory, and the noodles are delightfully chewy, ensuring even those with a preference for richer flavors will not be disappointed.
- Utilizes a self-serve ticket machine for ordering, with menu items accompanied by pictures for easy reference.
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Ramen Tanaka soba Akihabara中華そば専門 田中そば店 秋葉原店
- Address Daiichi Sugaya Building 1F, 3-8-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM
・Closed: Open daily
・Website: https://www.tanaka-shoten.net/shop/?id=0030006
2. Ramen Tenjinshita Daiki
Ramen Tenjinshita Daik is a hugely popular ramen shop that originated in Yushima in 1999 and continues to attract many loyal customers even after moving to Akihabara. Their signature dish is the "Shoyu Ramen," featuring a broth that combines the essence of chicken and fish ingredients. You can choose between thin or thick noodles according to your preference. In addition to shoyu ramen, they also offer options like "Chicken Both Ramen" with a clear broth, "Pure Chicken Broth Ramen" for enjoying the fresh taste of chicken in a rich broth, and dipping noodles so you can enjoy the chewy texture of the noodles.
- Approximately a 10-minute walk from Akihabara Station, or about 8 to 9 minutes from Naka-Okachimachi or Suehirocho stations on the Tokyo Metro. Despite the slightly longer walk, it remains a highly popular ramen destination.
- Both the chicken broth and shoyu ramen are refreshingly light and easy to enjoy.
- Orders are placed using a self-service machine, allowing you to customize your noodles to your preference, whether thin or thick.
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Daiki Ramen Tenjinshitaらーめん天神下 大喜
- Address 2-4-4 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0016
・Hours: Weekdays 11 AM - 3 PM (last order 2:30 PM) / 6 PM - 9:30 PM (last order 9 PM, closed Wednesday evenings), Saturdays 11 AM - 3:30 PM (last order 3 PM) / 6 PM - 9 PM (last order 8:30 PM), national holidays 11 AM - 3:30 PM (last order 3 PM)
・Closed: Sundays
Recommended Curry Shops in Akihabara
If you're thinking, "Why eat curry when you're in Japan?" you're seriously missing out, especially in Akihabara! From Indian curry served with naan to Southeast Asian-inspired spicy curry and more, Akihabara has it all. You'll find everything from chain restaurants like Curry Shop C&C to popular local favorites like Curry wa Nomimono ("Curry is a Drink") and Soup Curry Kamui. If you mention to locals that you're going to Akihabara for curry, they'll know you're a true connoisseur. Be sure to add it to your must-try list!
1. BENGAL
BENGAL is a long-established curry restaurant in Akihabara, founded in 1973. It has been in operation for over 40 years. It has often been featured in Japanese television and magazines, earning the love of food enthusiasts domestically and internationally.
Their curry comes in various flavors, including beef, pork, and vegetable. For first-timers, we recommend trying their signature "Beef Chunk Curry." You can choose from three levels of spiciness: "Spicy," "Medium Spicy," and "Mild." If you're not afraid of heat and want to truly savor the taste of BENGAL curry, go for the "Spicy," as it brings out the full flavor and spiciness of the curry. The curry and rice are served separately, allowing you to enjoy it either poured over or dipped in, and both ways are equally delicious!
- Approximately an 8-minute walk from Akihabara Station, and about a 5-minute walk from Suehirocho Station on the Tokyo Metro.
- Curry comes in three levels of spiciness: Spicy, Medium Spicy, and Mild.
- One of the renowned restaurants in Akihabara.
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BENGALベンガル
- Address Maruyama Building 1F, 3-6-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM (last order 8 PM), closes at 3 PM on Mondays and Thursdays
・Closures: December 31 - January 3
・Website: https://www.bengal-curry.com/
2. Curry Shimen Alba Akihabara Branch
Curry Shimen Alba originated in Ishikawa Prefecture and slow-cooks their onions, vegetables, and beef for over 6 hours to create a rich, fragrant curry. The curry is also low in salt, making it mild and gentle on the palate without being too spicy. One of their signature dishes, the "Home Run Curry," features breaded pork cutlet, sausage, fried shrimp, and a sunny-side-up egg as toppings. It's reasonably priced and suitable for the whole family to enjoy together!
- Just a 6-minute walk from Akihabara Station.
- The curry flavor is mild and not too spicy, so even those who can't handle much heat don't need to worry.
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ALBA Akihabaraカレーの市民アルバ 秋葉原本店
- Address 3-2-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: 11 AM - 9:30 PM (last order 9 PM)
・Website: https://albacurry.com/
Rice Bowl Restaurants in Akihabara
Akihabara has always been a gathering place for affordable cuisine, and rice bowl dishes, known for their large portions and affordability, are no exception. Popular spots like Wakasaya, specializing in seafood bowls, and Toritsune Shizendo, renowned for its superb oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), have gained fame among locals and tourists alike.
Unlike upscale options such as yakiniku or sushi restaurants, you don't need a hefty budget to enjoy these dishes. If you want a satisfying meal at a reasonable price, we recommend checking out Akihabara's rice bowl options!
Wakasaya Akihabara Branch
If you're craving sashimi but don't want to splurge at a sushi restaurant, Wakasaya is the place to go! Specializing in affordable prices, Wakasaya offers a variety of seafood rice bowls containing fresh tuna, salmon, sweet shrimp, and more. Their menu showcases a wide range of bowl combinations to choose from. If you're having a hard time deciding or want to try everything, go for the luxurious "All-Star Bowl," which includes a variety of seafood delicacies.
- Just a 6-minute walk from Akihabara Station, and only 1 minute from Tokyo Metro's Suehirocho Station. On your way from Akihabara Station, you'll pass by the electronics district, so it's convenient for shopping before or after your meal.
- With its friendly prices and wide variety of dishes, it's definitely a must-visit for sashimi lovers.
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Wakasa ya Akihabara-ten若狭家 秋葉原店
- Address 3-15-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
・Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM
Tokyo's Popular Must-Visit Destination: Akihabara - Eat Well and Keep Exploring!
The establishments we've covered are all conveniently located near the stations or within vibrant shopping districts, so it's easy to both shop and grab some goodies! Plus, many of these spots accept reservations, so if you're worried about long wait times during peak dining hours, it's a good idea to book ahead!
*The information provided in this article is as of February 2024. For the latest updates, please refer to the official websites of each establishment.
With a background in mass media, Tiffany pursued studied in Japan and achieved JLPT N1 certification. She now writes for different travel platforms, leveraging her communication prowess with her translation abilities to make Japanese content easily understandable. After residing in Japan for three years and gaining experience from Japanese cosmetic shops and departmental help desks, she's profoundly acquainted with the cultural nuances between Taiwan and Japan. Her journeys have spanned areas like Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Okinawa. A frequent visitor to Japanese tourist destinations, she enjoys the local cuisine so much that she could eat Japanese ramen for every meal without tiring of it.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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