Where to Eat in Tokyo: 5 Michelin Lunches for Under $30

Tokyo has more Michelin star restaurants than any other city in the world – 217 at the last count. It also has a reputation for eye-wateringly expensive dining, so we’ve put together a list of five Michelin star restaurants where you can eat a lush lunch for under $30, not including drinks and service, based on the exchange rate at time of writing of 0.01 dollar to the yen.

Of course, there are plenty of great non-Michelin spots to eat cheaply or otherwise in Tokyo – check out our guide to where to eat in Tokyo like a local. Also, see our guides to eight Michelin lunches for $50 or less in London and New York.

Where to eat in Tokyo

Fukamachi

Savor Japan

For light and fluffy tempura head to Fukamachi, close to Kyobashi station, where a signature dish of Special Kakiage Tendon (tempura prawns, scallops and vegetables with rice) will cost you 2500 yen. Be prepared to wait for a seat though: there are only 16 covers.

Fukamachi, 2-5-2, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku Tokyo, Sub Jude Glin Kyobashi Shinohara Building 1F

Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais

Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais/Facebook

If the robust of flavours of France come calling then head to this one star Lyonnais bouchon for rich terrine, tripe and saucisson. The express menu will set you back 1850 yen, the Le Menu de Dejeuner, 2850.

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Nakajima

This spot in Shinjuku is legendary for its set sardine (iwashi) lunch – four different options (panko, sashimi, simmered in dashi (nizakana) and yanagawa nabe (egg casserole)) at 800 yen each. Go on, have all of them.

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Tsuta

You can pick up a steaming bowl of ramen at the world’s first Michelin star ramen shop for under 1000 yen, but you will have to queue from around 8am to ensure a spot at the counter.

Tsuta, 1 Chome-14-1 Sugamo, Toshima, Tokyo 170-0002