Tensuke

This is one of the most high-value, locally-loved local tempura eateries in all of Japan. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Koenji, the owner-chef here puts on a real show when frying up the tempura across the 12-seat counter from his guests. Huge queues often gather for this oil and batter blockbuster due to its popularity among locals, and widespread fame across Tokyo as a top tempura shop with great prices. You might start to panic when you see that there’s only an old-school menu, with wooden plates hanging behind the kitchen naming each of the dishes. Don’t worry though, English support is available from the chef! The best choice is their great-value set menu which features the signature soft-boiled egg tempura and rice dish, along with other vegetable tempura, seafood tempura, and miso soup. Japan’s famous deep fried cuisine has undergone a bit of an upmarket makeover in recent years, but this Koenji local eatery shows fresh tempura in its most original, authentic, unpretentious form.