Fugu Makino

Guests at this Tokyo restaurant are left in no doubt as to what the specialty dish is. With pufferfish-themed art adorning almost all of the walls, it’s clear that this is one of Tokyo’s most popular places to try the famously poisonous fish: fugu. At Makino, the husband and wife team serve up fugu in a variety of different styles, including in a boiled jelly, flame-grilled, and sashimi. Fans of crab will love the huge hot pot of radish, butter, cod roe, rice, egg, and crab meat — by far the most filling dish on the menu. Unfortunately the restaurant closes in summer because fugu is only in season from fall to spring, peaking in winter. If you’re in Tokyo in any of those seasons, make sure to book your seat to enjoy one of the best places to try this quintessentially Japanese dish.