There’s an art to preparing high-quality ingredients on a hot iron plate to be served at the optimum temperature and juiciness. As you watch it sizzle right before your eyes, the anticipation building as new aromas are released, you’ll come to understand that cooking can be entertainment, especially when prepared by a skilled teppanyaki chef.
What is teppanyaki?
Teppanyaki is a cooking method where ingredients are grilled on a hot, flat griddle. It is almost akin to a dramatic performance, as chefs utilize their knife skills and culinary techniques to put on an enticing show.
Historically, teppanyaki was first adopted during the post-World War II years. Finding that the style of cooking was popular with foreigners, Japan took inspiration from the American style of grilling steaks in steakhouses and created its own cuisine based on that method while amping up the theatrical aspect.
Teppanyaki techniques can be used to grill various ingredients, such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and even fruits!
There are two popular styles of teppanyaki that can be experienced at restaurants across Tokyo. The first style is based on American steakhouses and originated in Japan at Misono, a restaurant in Kobe City that was established in 1945. Since then, teppanyaki has spread all across Japan.
The other popular style of teppanyaki is the DIY type that you cook for yourself. At this type of restaurant, you’ll be seated at a table with a hot iron plate installed, where you can toss your ingredients and start frying. Cooking on the teppan is a great way to collaborate with your dining companions, plus you have more control over the end product. You can vary the toppings and ratio of ingredients, and (especially for steaks) you can manipulate the level of doneness.
9 best teppanyaki restaurants in Tokyo
Armed with their knives, spatulas, and passion for providing great food and entertainment to their delighted guests, the highly skilled teppanyaki chefs stand before you to give you an experience you will never forget. You can find teppanyaki restaurants in Tokyo all over the city, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the most highly-rated and celebrated establishments.
Here are some fantastic teppanyaki restaurants to visit in Tokyo!
- Wagyu Teppanyaki Katsura
- Teppanyaki Icho
- Ajikaido Gojusantsugi
- Oniku Karyu
- XEX TOKYO / Teppanyaki An
- Hakushu Teppanyaki
- Teppanyaki Yamanami
- Misono
- Kistentei
1. Wagyu Teppanyaki Katsura
Located in the elegant Prince Park Tower Tokyo, Katsura Steak House should be on the list of any wagyu aficionado. As Chef Shibuya Makoto explains, “Katsura prides itself on using fresh ingredients. For the wagyu beef, we choose the most delicious meat of the season.” Cooked on the teppan, this high-quality marbled wagyu has a naturally buttery, inviting aroma.
If it's ambiance you're going for, Katsura has it in spades. Book the Katsura Teppanyaki Seasonal Course Dinner and enjoy the warm hospitality of The Prince Hotel, starting with a pre-dinner drink and panoramic views of Tokyo Tower at the Stellar Garden Sky Lounge. Then, the meal begins, featuring elegantly plated appetizers like sashimi, grilled seasonal vegetables and fish, two cuts of juicy wagyu steak, wagyu fried rice, and dessert.
2. Teppanyaki Icho
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a glamorous meal, you will have an unforgettable dining experience at Teppanyaki Icho. After some exceptionally presented appetizers, expect a fiery spectacle with sizzling Waoh meat from Kumamoto Prefecture, a delicacy rarely found in Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Also not to be missed is the abalone: it is bought live daily for maximum freshness. The comprehensive teppanyaki course meal also includes lobster, akadashi red miso soup, pickles, and a range of other Japanese specialties. Book Teppanyaki Icho in Odaiba.
3. Ajikaido Gojusantsugi
A playful pun on the historic road’s name, Ajikaido Gojusantsugi has offerings ranging from exquisite Japanese kuroge wagyu at Teppanyaki Sanjo to traditional Edomae sushi at Sushi Nihonbashi. Like the prints that inspired them, no two restaurants are alike. From the moment they step out of the elevator, guests are promptly led to their seats by a personal concierge. As they settle into their meal, they can enjoy breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline. Good weather even permits an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji’s majestic summit, dwarfing the capital’s glittering skyscrapers. Reserve a spot at Ajikaido Gojusantsugi.
4. Oniku Karyu
A Michelin star proves that this Ginza restaurant’s A4- and A5-grade wagyu beef kaiseki has precisely what it takes. At Oniku Karyu, Chef Katayanagi is fully committed to showing the true beauty of wagyu beef: he goes every day to the butcher to personally select cuts of A4- and A5-grade kuroge wagyu from the finest suppliers all over Japan, presenting them in kaiseki-style course menus that include luxurious seasonal ingredients, ranging from vegetables to seafood. Even the tableware is exquisite, chosen specifically to enhance the visual aspect of the dining experience by highlighting each ingredient’s color.
If you're looking for a premium teppanyaki experience, look no further than Oniku Karyu. Book a course menu at Oniku Karyu on byFood.
5. XEX TOKYO / Teppanyaki An
Of this trinity, Teppanyaki An is the only one to simultaneously offer a stunning view of the Tokyo night skyline while still affording the intimacy of tableside grilling. Its grills are spacious, sweeping stainless steel arcs that give guests plenty of room to relax while still preserving a sense of closeness. XEX’s chefs are masters of the culinary art form, providing casual conversation while also effortlessly grilling up wagyu beef, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables into courses that tantalize all five senses. Reserve a table at XEX TOKYO / Teppanyaki An.
6. Hakushu Teppanyaki
Hakushu Teppanyaki is a family-run teppanyaki restaurant in Tokyo, located near Shibuya Station, that serves up prime cuts of Kobe beef, one of the most in-demand types of wagyu. With English-speaking staff, Hakushu is quite foreigner-friendly, even if it isn’t too kind to your wallet. It’ll likely cost you upwards of ¥10,000, but it’s more than worth it for authentic teppanyaki in Tokyo.
In 2016, Hakushu was chosen as the “Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Japan” by TripAdvisor, and the warm, family-like atmosphere and delicious wagyu beef will not let you down.
7. Teppanyaki Yamanami
Fantastic food and a classy atmosphere go hand-in-hand at Teppanyaki Yamanami, located on the 7th floor of Keio Plaza Hotel. This sophisticated teppanyaki restaurant in Tokyo offers Kobe and Hida beef to its guests alongside carefully selected seafood items such as juicy lobsters and fatty abalone. While you indulge in juicy meats and seafood galore, you can gaze out across scenic views. Opt for east-facing seats for a view of traditional Japanese gardens or west-facing seats for a stunning view of Tokyo’s skyscrapers.
8. Misono
Of course, we have to kick off this list of teppanyaki restaurants in Tokyo with Misono. With five branches across the country, Misono has been serving top-quality Kobe beef as well as other grades of meat, such as A4 and A5 Japanese kuroge wagyu (black beef), for more than 70 years.
When it comes to teppanyaki ingredients, wagyu beef is likely one of the first to come to mind. Time and time again, Misono has proven to everyone that it is the premier restaurant for wagyu steak. Throughout the years, the chefs at Misono have developed methods to improve their cooking techniques and enhance the flavor and quality of their menu. If it’s steak, Misono is the place to be.
9. Kistentei
Kisentei, located in Akasaka, is another fantastic teppanyaki restaurant in Tokyo for Japanese wagyu beef. They specialize in Japanese black beef (kuroge wagyu) and high-quality seasonal ingredients, so you can expect prices to match this luxury teppanyaki experience. Their lunch sets are priced quite reasonably, with set meals ranging from around ¥4,000 to ¥10,000, while lunch course meals range from ¥6,000 to ¥9,000.
Dinner is more of a splurge, costing between ¥9,000 and ¥24,000. It's worth it for dinner and a show as the chef prepares the courses right before your eyes. The restaurant also has several private rooms to accommodate small parties of up to 12 people, and the windows overlook the Tokyo Midtown Garden.
FAQ on teppanyaki in Tokyo
What can I expect from a teppanyaki meal in Tokyo?
Prepare to be dazzled by the chef's knife skills as they chop, flip, and juggle ingredients with precision and flair. You'll enjoy high-quality ingredients like Kobe beef, seafood, and vegetables cooked to perfection.
What is the average cost of a teppanyaki meal in Tokyo?
Prices can vary depending on the restaurant and the quality of the ingredients. Expect to pay anywhere from ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 per person for a teppanyaki meal in Tokyo. Pro tip: Look for restaurants offering lunch courses.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options available at teppanyaki restaurants in Tokyo?
While teppanyaki is known for its meat and seafood dishes, some restaurants may offer vegetarian or gluten-free options upon request. It's best to inform the restaurant when making a reservation.
Go forth and explore these five fantastic teppanyaki restaurants in Tokyo. From wagyu steak to succulent seared veggies, you're guaranteed a mouthwatering experience.
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