Tempura

Tempura

!Tsunahachi Tsunohazuan (Shinjuku - Tempura). 3358-2788
The deluxe edition of one of Tokyo's most famous tempura shops, with prices starting at Y2500 for lunch and Y6000 for tempura dinner.
SunmapShinjuku 3-28-4. Open 11:30am-3, 5-9:30pm (LO) daily.
!Tsunahachi (Shinjuku - Tempura). 3352-1012
The main branch of one of Japan's most successful tempura restaurants. They've maintained their high standards while managing to keep prices very reasonable. Call ahead of time to avoid waiting on line.
SunmapShinjuku 3-31-8. (from Shinjuku-dori, go down the small street to the left of Mitsukoshi) Open 11:15am-10pm (LO) daily.
Tenkuni (Shinjuku - Tempura). 5361-1875
Deluxe, full-course tempura dinners - nine or ten pieces plus side orders - are priced Y4,000-10,000 at this convenient branch of an old tempura shop with a 120-year history.
SunmapSendagaya 5-24-2, Times Square 14F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily.
!Motoyoshi (Gaienmae - Tempura). 3401-0722
Finding this place amid the tangle of bars and restaurants along the backstreets of Aoyama can be a challenge, but the deep-fried shrimp heads alone make it worth the effort. The young chef at this stylish tempura specialist pays particular attention to the quality of his seasonal ingredients. Seafood and vegetables are dipped briefly in batter - just enough to protect their modesty - and fried to perfection. Perfection, however, does not come cheap. Budget Y10,000 for dinner and drinks.
mapMinami-Aoyama 3-2-4, Central Aoyama No. 6-BA. Open 5:30-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays and holidays.
Ten-ichi (Shibuya - Tempura). 3477-3891
Top-grade tempura from a famous Ginza-based shop. Full-course dinnertime menus from Y3500; lunch from Y1800.
SunmapDogenzaka 2-24-1, Tokyu Honten 8F. Open 11am-10pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Hatanaka (Azabu-Juban - Tempura). 3456-2406
The excellent tempura here uses the freshest seafood and some unusual vegetable choices like lily buds and peanuts. Full-course dinner from Y5000; a la carte is also available.
SunmapAzabu-Juban 2-21-10, Azabu Court 1F. Open 5:30-8pm. Closed Wednesdays.
!Rakutei (Akasaka - Tempura). 3585-3743
The decor is austere and the mood is subdued at this exclusive twelve-seat tempura counter. All the energy is focused on the tempura, which is world class. The chef and his assistant stick to basics, with top-quality seasonal ingredients lightly fried and served with either lemon, plain salt or a simple dipping sauce. Prix-fixe menus are Y10,500 or Y12,600, with optional sashimi starter course for Y4,200. The drinks list offers a choice of several good sakes (Kubota Manju is Y2000/1-go) or French wines. Some English spoken.
no smokingSunmapAkasaka 6-8-1. Open 10am-noon, 5-8:30pm. Closed Mondays.
Tsunahachi Sui (Shiodome - Tempura). 6215-8278
Sui is one of the premium branches of the popular Tsunahachi chain, offering deluxe tempura meals from Y6300 at dinnertime. Lunch starts at Y945.
SunmapHigashi-Shimbashi 1-8-2, Caretta Shiodome B2F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
!Ten-ichi (Ginza - Tempura). 3571-1949
One of the world's best tempura shops, with prices to match. Lunch from Y7000, dinner from Y10,000.
SunmapGinza 6-6-5. Open 11:30am-9:30pm (LO) daily.
Tenko (Iidabashi - Tempura). 3269-1414
Occupying a former geisha house in a Kagurazaka back street, Tenko has a beautiful traditional setting and a serene atmosphere. The tempura is exquisite - succulent morsels of seasonal seafood and vegetables covered in a light, almost greaseless coating and paired with plain sea salt for dipping. Prix-fixe menus are Y17,000-21,000 for dinner and Y2500-5000 for lunch.
mapKagurazaka 3-1. Open 11:30am-2, 5-9:30pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Tsunahachi (Ogikubo - Tempura). 5397-7394
Fresh, not-too-expensive tempura in a pleasant department-store setting from this Shinjuku-based chain.
SunmapKami-Ogi 1-7-1, Lumine 5F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
Hageten (Kawasaki - Tempura). 044-245-1790
Budget-priced tempura in the underground arcade in front of Kawasaki station.
SunmapEkimae Honcho 26-2, Azelea B1F. Open 11am-9:45pm (LO) daily.