To get to Ikebukuro, take the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro's Fukutoshin, Yurakucho, or Marunouchi Line. You can also use the Seibu Ikebukuro Line or Tobu Tojo Line and get off at Ikebukuro Station.

As for must-try Japanese restaurants in Ikebukuro:
・Date no Gyutan Honpo Miyagi Furusato Plaza Ikebukuro: Indulge in dreamy charcoal-grilled beef tongue.
・Kakurebo Ikebukuro: Enjoy seasonal delights in a private dining space.
・Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho Ikebukuro PARCO: Don't miss out on authentic Nagoya-style grilled eel.
・Honkaku Musashino Udon Uchitate-ya: Savor chewy, handmade udon noodles with irresistible dipping sauce.
・Teppan Diner JAKEN Ikebukuro Honten: Even on a tight budget, feast on A5 Wagyu beef teppanyaki dreams.

When you think of Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, the name Masamune Date - the One-Eyed Dragon - from the Warring States period surely comes to mind. And when it comes to Sendai's culinary specialty, nothing beats beef tongue!

Sendai boasts numerous beef tongue specialty shops, among which, there's a renowned brand with nearly 30 years of history - "Date no Gyutan Honpo Miyagi Furusato Plaza." The name "Date" symbolizes the fame of the formidable general, representing the exceptional premium taste shared by Sendai's beef tongue.

For food enthusiasts visiting Tokyo who wish to savor such exquisite cuisine, there's no need to travel all the way to Sendai. You can find it in Ikebukuro! The Ikebukuro branch of "Date no Gyutan Honpo Miyagi Furusato Plaza" is just about a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station.

Along the bustling main road, you'll immediately notice the storefront adorned with a crescent moon logo. This logo is derived from the large crescent moon on Masamune Date's iconic helmet, making it easy to spot!

The first floor houses a specialty shop for Miyagi products, while the second floor is where you can enjoy beef tongue dishes.

The restaurant space on the second floor features a warm wooden design and layout, creating a serene atmosphere that allows customers to relax and indulge in the carefully selected ingredients and the strict quality control of the beef tongue dishes by "Date no Gyutan Honpo." The comfortable seating further enhances the dining experience, providing guests with an enjoyable time.

With its semi-open kitchen design, customers can watch the chefs meticulously charcoal grill the delicious beef tongue while being shielded from smoke and grease by transparent glass partitions.

The Gyutan Set Meal, a signature dish of the restaurant, offers a choice of three flavors: salt, miso, or a combination of both. Each slice of beef tongue is grilled over charcoal for about 5 to 10 minutes, resulting in a glossy, fragrant delicacy. It's recommended to start with the original flavor, as the taste is rich and satisfying, with a tender, juicy sweetness and a crisp texture, requiring little effort to chew and leaving you eager for more. Plus, worry not about running out of rice, as they offer complimentary refills!

The side dish is equally impressive! The soup, made from simmered beef tail, is accompanied by slender green onions with a mildly spicy flavor, and though the broth appears subtle, it boasts a refreshing sweetness with complex layers of taste. Additionally, the pickles and miso from Sendai add a memorable touch to the meal!

And if you're still not satisfied, I highly recommend trying the restaurant's proudest dish, the premium extra thick cut beef tongue known as "Gokuhaku Shita-Tan" (registered as an exclusive trademark). It refers to the most tender part of the beef tongue, from the throat to the middle of the tongue, which is extremely rare and precious. Additionally, you can also purchase beef tongue bentos and various beef tongue gift boxes at the store. "Date no Gyutan Honpo" excels in both the quality of the meat, cooking techniques, and texture of their charcoal-grilled beef tongue. Once you've tried it, you'll fall in love with the exquisite taste of this premium dish, satisfying not only your taste buds but also bringing a sense of happiness and contentment. When you're in Ikebukuro for shopping or sightseeing, be sure to stop by and give it a try!

(All prices include tax)

Kakurebo in Ikebukuro is a creative Japanese cuisine restaurant that offers innovative twists on traditional Japanese dishes. The head chef meticulously selects seasonal, fresh vegetables and premium ingredients to present a classic array of dishes that embody the beauty of Japan's four seasons. Each guest is guaranteed a private and undisturbed dining experience, ensuring comfort and exclusivity. Located just a minute's walk from the bustling Ikebukuro Station, the restaurant sits in the lively district yet provides a tranquil escape with its elegant and refined interior design. This complements the meaning behind "Kakurebo," enveloping guests in a calm atmosphere as soon as they step inside, transforming any restlessness into peace. With its distinct approach to Japanese cuisine and the serene dining environment, Kakurebo stands out in Ikebukuro as an unforgettable experience, inviting a return visit not just for the flavors but also for the ambiance.

Kakurebo boasts a dining area with the capacity to seat 192 guests and features many private rooms of various sizes. There are intimate booths for 1 to 2 people, offering a completely undisturbed space even for solo diners. For families with children, there are spacious and comfortable booths where even strollers can be accommodated without worry of disturbing others, ensuring a delightful dining experience for both adults and kids. The restaurant also offers flexible private sections that can be adjusted for different group sizes, making it possible to host gatherings of 30 to 50 people in their own secluded dining areas. With a serene and elegant atmosphere throughout, every seat and private room invites relaxation, making it an ideal spot for a restful lunch break during your travels.

Kakurebo offers six lunch set options, featuring delicious seasonal fish and vegetables, ice-aged pork dishes, Japanese fried chicken, and more. Each dish is both generous and refined! Moreover, to ease the ordering process for non-Japanese speakers, the menu is available in English and each dish is thoughtfully presented with a photo, eliminating the common issue of navigating traditional Japanese menus without pictures or sufficient Kanji descriptions.

A standout recommendation is the "Special Selection: Kakurebo Gozen," limited to just 20 servings a day and quickly sells out. The chef's select ingredients are artfully prepared, offering dishes full of flavor, aroma, and appearance. Highlights include the freshest sashimi that melts in your mouth, revealing the natural sweetness of the fish; grilled fish that maintains its moisture and tenderness while showcasing another culinary delight; and tempura, where seasonal vegetables are delicately fried in a special batter to lock in the flavors within a golden crispy coating, offering a guilt-free indulgence. Additionally, the seemingly simple vegetable stew bursts with the natural and rich tastes of the ingredients. The restaurant also features dozens of famous Japanese beverages to complement the meal, including authentic sake and refreshing, smooth plum wine suitable for a gentle palate (Note: Alcohol consumption is prohibited for those under 20 in Japan).

Many travelers to Japan find that despite sampling the country's culinary delights, it's often challenging to consume an adequate amount of vegetables unless opting for a salad. The chance to enjoy dishes like sautéed or blanched leafy greens is notably rare. However, Kakurebo addresses this with a unique feature: any set meal order grants access to an all-you-can-eat vegetarian salad bar, drinks, and desserts, exclusively available during lunchtime. The offering isn't limited to cold salads but includes a variety of seasonal warm vegetables, tofu, and authentic-flavored Japanese bean dishes, amounting to over 20 delicious options. The chef adapts the menu daily based on fresh ingredients, ensuring a diverse and seasonal culinary experience. Not only can guests savor Japanese delicacies, but they also enjoy a balanced and healthy diet, making it an exceptional value. Kakurebo creatively combines traditional Japanese ingredients into innovative dishes, condensing the essence of Japanese cuisine into each exquisite dish, allowing foreign visitors to fully enjoy authentic, refined seasonal Japanese cuisine!

Unagi (eel) rice dishes are one of Japan's signature cuisines, known for their delicious taste and high nutritional value. There are two main styles of grilling eel in Japan: Kansai (Osaka) and Kanto (Tokyo). "Hitsumabushi," originating from the Kansai region (Nagoya), is a local specialty. The chef meticulously prepares the eel, skewering it and grilling it over binchotan charcoal, then topping it with a secret sauce. This elaborate process tests the chef's skill at every step. The grilled eel is then served over rice in lacquered bowls, wooden boxes, or ceramic bowls. Grilled directly without sauce, "Hitsumabushi" offers a tastier and more fully realized flavor, featuring a crispy texture and a lingering aromatic scent.

For a genuine taste of Nagoya-style eel rice, visit Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho on the 8th floor of Ikebukuro PARCO. The eel here is grilled over Kishu binchotan charcoal, creating a tempting aroma and a crispy yet tender texture that's exceptionally delicious. The eel sauce, different from the Kanto style, uses Kansai's unique sweet tamari soy sauce, making it more appealing to a wide range of tastes, and it's also a hit with Tokyo's food lovers!

We recommend the generously portioned "Deluxe Unagi Rice" set meal, but there's also a standard "Unagi Rice" (3,780 yen) option available. Each set meal comes not just with the aromatic unagi rice but also eel ball soup, pickles, and various condiments. Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho selects the highest quality eel from across Japan, specifically for its direct-grilled dishes. The rice used is the high-quality Koshihikari rice from Toyama Prefecture, known for its pure water and soil conditions. The freshly grilled eel, served alongside newly cooked, sweet white rice and a secret sauce, creates a perfect blend in every bite, leaving a memorable taste.

Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho recommends a unique way to enjoy unagi rice that lets you taste three different flavors. In addition to written instructions on the restaurant's walls titled "Three Classic Ways to Enjoy Unagi Rice," the staff will carefully explain the steps to guests, and there are even illustrations with Chinese translations for easy reference. So, how do you savor it to get the best taste? First, divide the unagi rice into four equal parts. Start by tasting the pure, fresh sweetness of the high-quality eel. For the second portion, add scallions and wasabi for a burst of flavor that enhances your appetite. The third way involves topping the unagi rice with scallions, wasabi, and seaweed strips, then pouring in a kombu and bonito broth to try the classic Japanese "unagi porridge," which beautifully blends the flavors, creating a memorable taste experience. For the last quarter, you're free to choose your favorite method from the first three. Each condiment complements the unagi rice, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable meal. Don't forget to try this method when you visit next time!

Udon Uchitate-ya is a well-known queue-worthy spot in Ikebukuro, celebrated for its unique and flavorful hand-rolled udon noodles made from scratch and its exclusive, richly simmered broth. The restaurant sees a constant flow of customers daily, with many falling in love with the taste after just one visit!

The dining area is bright and welcoming, offering both regular seating and counter seats that face the kitchen. Through the transparent glass, diners can watch the staff knead, roll, and cut the fresh udon noodles daily. The open kitchen completes the process from boiling the noodles upon order to serving them hot, allowing guests to witness the cooking process, ensuring a delightful meal in its tastiest form.

Musashino Udon is a Kanto-style handcrafted udon that differs from the smooth and elastic "Sanuki Udon." It's thicker than the average udon noodle, boasting a chewy texture that highlights its bite. As you chew, the aroma of wheat is released, making it a dish you can enjoy over and over without growing tired of it.

At Udon Uchitate-ya, the two most popular dishes are "Meat Sauce Udon (Nikujiru Udon)" and "Spicy Meatball Udon (Pirikara Tsukune Jiru Udon)." The Meat Sauce Udon features a rich dipping sauce made from a sweet bonito soy sauce broth and pork, with a deep brown color that instantly whets the appetite, containing finely chopped green onions and thin slices of pork belly. Dipping the udon into this warm, sweet broth makes for an exceptionally flavorful and appetizing experience, a perfect match!

If you love spicy food, you must try the "Piri-Kara Tsukune Udon." The dipping sauce is filled with meatballs, wheat gluten, and a spicy kick from white green onions. However, the subtle spiciness of the broth isn't just from the soup itself; the key lies within the meatballs. If you look closely, you'll notice many red spots on the meatballs - these are spicy miso, which slowly releases the sweet and spicy essence into the broth as it heats up. Paired with thick, chewy udon noodles, the spiciness gently spreads across your palate, making it hard to stop at just one bite! After trying Udon Uchitate-ya's udon, you'll definitely be impressed by both the texture of the noodles and the flavor of the broth. Be sure to visit and savor it for yourself!

(All prices include tax)

When people think of "Washoku" or Japanese cuisine, they often imagine sashimi, sushi, tempura, and sukiyaki as traditional dishes. However, teppanyaki is also an integral part of Japan's culinary culture and has been popular for many years. Located in the tranquil area of Minami Ikebukuro, "Teppan Diner JAKEN" prides itself on offering top-quality fresh ingredients. The restaurant is committed to using only the finest A5 grade Wagyu beef, seasonal fish from the Seto Inland Sea, and succulent Ise lobster among its varied menu, making it a favorite among diners.

The name "JAKEN" in "Teppan Diner JAKEN" is a local dialect from Hiroshima, where the restaurant owner hails from. With a background in the meat industry, the owner maintains strict quality standards for the ingredients, personally sourcing fresh produce from various regions. "Teppan Diner JAKEN" has two branches in Tokyo, one in Ikebukuro and another in Shinjuku. The Ikebukuro branch boasts an elegant and serene Western-style dining environment, offering a respite from the bustling Ikebukuro district. Guests can also enjoy the captivating culinary performances by the chef at the teppanyaki counter, witnessing the freshness of the ingredients and the reassuring cooking process up close, enhancing their dining experience with delicious Japanese cuisine crafted from premium fresh ingredients sourced from across Japan.

We're recommending a premium teppanyaki delight that's light on the wallet! "Teppan Diner JAKEN" offers an affordable lunch set featuring A5 Wagyu steak and Wagyu beef hamburger, both showcasing the finest beef in varied textures and flavors. The set also comes with salad, white rice, and soup. Cooked on the teppan grill, the A5 Wagyu is seared to perfection, locking in the juices and a slight charred aroma. The tender, juicy meat, with its continuous release of fatty aromas while chewing, presents the beef's rich, pure flavor. The visually appealing presentation on the plate stimulates the appetite. The teppanyaki chef, like a magician, brings out the unique taste and texture of each ingredient without relying on excessive sauce, providing a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Moreover, "Teppan Diner JAKEN" offers over 70 types of beverages, from local Hiroshima sake to internationally renowned wines, complementing the delicious teppanyaki. (Note: In Japan, alcohol consumption is prohibited for those under 20.) For those looking to indulge in A5 Wagyu without breaking the bank, don't miss the lunch set at "Teppan Diner JAKEN Ikebukuro Main Store"!

The five restaurants I've introduced, known for offering great value and delicious Japanese cuisine, are all famous and definitely deserve a spot on your must-visit list! Whether you're currently exploring Tokyo or planning to satisfy your craving for Japanese food on your next visit, following this recommended list is the way to go!

Text by Beng Beng Xiao Jie