12 Popular Lunch Spots in Ueno Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 16 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

There are many sightseeing spots in Ueno, including Ueno Zoo, Ueno Park, Ameyoko, Ueno Royal Museum, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. You can easily spend a whole day exploring this area without running out of things to do. Ueno has a vibrant food scene, with many restaurants and cafes, including some that have garnered a lot of attention as delicious lunch spots. Ranging from reasonably priced places to restaurants for special occasions, here are 12 carefully selected lunch spots for you to check out!

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Ueno.

1. Yoshi Sushi Ueno branch

Yoshi Sushi serves dishes using fresh seasonal fish selected by the executive chef himself at the local fish market. Pamper yourself with their exquisite [Extra Premium Sushi Assortment], a dish that serves generous portions of sushi, focused around using high-quality ingredients. The sushi rice is made with rice sent directly from farms in Niigata. They adjust the amount of vinegar added to the rice to match the seasons, which some sushi rice enthusiasts would be delighted to try. Their horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table) private rooms can be separated with partitions to create a private and intimate atmosphere to enjoy nature and conversations over a satisfying meal of fresh seasonal fish.

Yoshi Sushi Ueno branch

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
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2. Sha Tom Yum Kung Pochana

Sha Tom Yum Kung Pochana serves various affordable and authentic Thai cooking prepared by their Thai chef. Their healthy options such as their [Harusame Salad] (vermicelli salad) and [Nama Harumaki Salad] (fresh spring roll salad) are particularly popular. The seasonings and spices used in their dishes are directly sourced from Thailand, ensuring the authenticity of flavor. The atmosphere of the restaurant and the warm and welcoming service will surely make for a fun experience where guests can feel like they're in Thailand.

Sha Tom Yum Kung Pochana

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, Day Before Holidays, Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
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3. Ponta Honke

Ponta Honke brings you the original [Cutlet], a fried pork cutlet dish rich with the umami (Japanese savory taste) of pork loin sealed in crispy golden batter. The first generation chef of the Imperial Household Agency developed Cutlet by deep-frying Milano-style cutlet with a tempura method, resulting in a delightful dish that will make you long for more. Their [Tongue Stew], which is cooked in a 3-week long process, is also an exceptional dish you cannot miss. The key to this dish is that instead of simmering the tongue in demi-glace sauce, the tongue is cooked in a way that retains the tongue’s flavorful fragrance. The restaurant's Japanese-style exterior, with its engraved wooden sign and majestic double door gate, almost gives customers the impression that a Western-style restaurant is not what awaits them behind its doors, further emphasizing its atmosphere as a hidden restaurant.

Ponta Honke

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:45 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:45 pm)
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4. kamakura house

This is a stylish space where you can enjoy vegetables and shirasu (whitebait fish) from Kamakura, and maguro (tuna) from Misaki Port. Satisfy yourselves with the natural harvests of Shonan's oceans and mountains - the fresh [Kamakura vegetables], [Kamakura shirasu] bursting with umami, and extremely fresh [Misaki Maguro]. The restaurant recommendation is their [Homemade Sausage], which offers generous meat servings that will surely satisfy even those with hearty appetites. The interior of the restaurant is casual and stylish at the same time, making it perfect as a regular lunch spot. It is located near Ueno Park, but is slightly off the main road, which adds to the restaurant's charm.

kamakura house

Open: [Weekdays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
[Weekends, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Open if Monday falls on a national holiday.
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: Around a 1 minute walk from Ueno Station.
Address: 1F, APA Hotel Keisei Ueno Ekimae, 2-14-26, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

5. Tosashimizu World Ueno Branch

At Tosashimizu World Ueno Branch, you can enjoy fresh seafood sent directly from Kochi and local Tosa cuisine in a cozy wooden interior. Make sure you try their recommendation, [Salted Seared Bonito], a flavorful specialty cuisine of Kochi using ingredients sent directly from farms. Also, try the [Whole Fresh Water Mackerel] which serves extremely fresh mackerel that's been prepared into sashimi. They offer an impressive array of local sake (Japanese alcohol) gathered from 18 breweries in Kochi to pair with the food. Refresh your tired mind and body with exquisite local Tosa cuisine and sake.

Tosashimizu World Ueno Branch

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Weekends, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Central Gate of Ueno Station.
Address: 2F, FUNDES Ueno, 7-2-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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6. Ueno HAZE

Ueno HAZE boasts an outstanding selection of smoked meat and cheese. Their [Flower Farm Raclette] does not have the overwhelming flavor of imported cheese as it's been made with cheese from a flower farm in Hokkaido to match the Japanese palate. Their [Special Smoked Roast Beef] is made by smoking beef round at high temperature, creating a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience. The restaurant provides an elaborate lineup of courses for lunch and dinner. The calm and quiet ambiance supplemented with the soft lighting makes this place ideal for private meal occasions.

Ueno HAZE

Open: [Weekends, National Holidays] 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Lunch and late-night hours are available with advance reservation, and there are some cases where the restaurant will not operate at regular business hours due to this.
[Weekdays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
The business hours are as above if there are no advance lunch and late-night reservations. Please contact the restaurant for further information.
Closed: None
We do not have a set holiday.
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Okachimachi Station. From Okachimachi Station's North Exit, head towards Ueno-hirokoji, turn right into a narrow alley and it is located just around the corner.
Address: B2F, Senke Bldg., 4-1-3, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

7. Azuki

Azuki serves sustainably-raised Sanuki beef, pork, and chicken from Kagawa Prefecture. The meat is lightly seasoned so that you can experience the deep flavors of the meat in their sukiyaki (hotpot stew) or shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables). Aside from sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and mizutaki (another type of hotpot stew) made using premium meat, there is also a plentiful seafood menu offering items like fresh sashimi. They only use seasonal seafood so that you can indulge in a different menu with the changing of the seasons. You can choose from counter seating, tatami room seating, and private rooms, so you'll be able to dine here for any occasion.

Azuki

Open: [Weekdays, Saturdays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sundays and National Holidays
Can cater to group bookings of more than 10 people even on public holidays.
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno-hirokoji Station Exit. Take the Chuo Road towards Akihabara. Turn left at the 2nd traffic light, and the restaurant is located on the 1st floor of the building on the second corner on your right.
Address: B1F, Kotobuki Bldg., 3-15-7, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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8. Jojoen Ueno Marui Branch

Located only 1 minute away from Ueno Station, the popular restaurant “Jojoen Ueno Marui Branch” serves you delectable quality food with excellent service. They've gained a large fanbase for serving extremely safe dishes and high quality, and are made with very fresh ingredients. Aside from meat dishes, their side dishes such as kimchi, bibimbap, and salad are also scrumptious. There is also a large selection of courses which include all-you-can-drink options. It's a great place to bring kids and is usually bustling with families. The restaurant is also available for group bookings such as banquets and parties.

Jojoen Ueno Marui Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Hirokoji Exit in Ueno Station
Address: 9F, Ueno Marui, 6-15-1, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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9. Hokkaido Gyoko Bokujo Ueno Branch

Savor creative Japanese cuisine while sipping sake in a deluxe private room at “Hokkaido Gyoko Bokujo Ueno Branch”. The restaurant uses seafood procured fresh daily, pesticide-free and organic vegetables, and kamataki salt from Tsujishima Island in Amakusa. You can eat their black pork and premium local wagyu beef (a type of high-quality beef) in shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. They are also popular for their grilled Nichinan jidori (local chicken) skewers. The restaurant interior is softly illuminated, creating a serene atmosphere that calms the mind and the body. You can choose between either private tatami rooms with horigotatsu or table seating depending on the occasion. In this comfortable environment, you can relax without worrying about your surroundings and enjoy your meal.

Hokkaido Gyoko Bokujo Ueno Branch

Open: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit A3 in Ueno-hirokoji Station
Address: B1, Nichiei Bldg., 2-8-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

10. AGIO Italian Dining

Come to this popular restaurant to savor authentic Italian cuisine at a reasonable price. It's located a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station. The secret to their popularity is in their dishes which use a wide variety of wine and large quantities of Raclette cheese. You must try their classic, the [4 Types of Cheese Assortment Platter], which can be relished with their rich selection of wine. They specialize in cheeses imported from Italy, which pair excellently with their Italian wine. There are many other popular dishes aside from that. Enjoy your meal in a lovely ambiance gracefully decorated with enchanting flower arrangements.

AGIO Italian Dining

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 15:00 am, Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
[Sunday] Dinner From 5:00 pm
Closed: None
Open from 5:00 pm on Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2-3 minute walk from Ueno-hirokoji Station and from the South Gate of Okachimachi Station. Located behind Matsuzakaya South Building.
Address: 1F, Tanuma Bldg., 3-19-5, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

11. bonbori Ueno Branch

Here at "bonbori", you can treat yourself to premium meat delights like marbled wagyu beef grilled on lava rocks from Mt. Fuji, wagyu beef sushi cooked right before your eyes, and 100% beef hamburg steak, their popular lunch specialty. You'll surely have an enjoyable time eating and drinking at this stylish yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant while grilling ingredients and sushi on top of lava rocks and feasting on shabu-shabu. They put extra attention into their vegetables, which are directly sent from a farm they run in the suburbs. Enjoy your meal in this refined and stylish place!

bonbori Ueno Branch

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2.00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Closed beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Ueno-hirokoji Station, 5-minute walk from Okachimachi Station
Address: B1F, 3-14-5, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

12. L'ambiance douce

Satisfy yourself with authentic French cuisine at this local French bistro. Here you can enjoy real French bistro and home-style cooking in a chic and relaxing atmosphere. Don’t miss the bistro chef's specialty, [Azumino Pork], which is made with rare pork meat raised sustainably for over 5 years on the mountain slopes of Nagano Prefecture. Another signature item served by the bistro is their [Charcuterie Platter], which is a traditional European dish serving cured ham, bacon, and pate made by smoking and drying meat for long term preservation. The dining space in this charming restaurant is neither too spacious nor too cramped and is a comforting place where you can relax.

L'ambiance douce

Open: [Weekdays, Saturdays, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)
Reservations available on Saturday and National Holidays 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
[Weekdays, Saturdays, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, 5-minute walk from Ueno Station
Address: 1F, Iwamoto Bldg., 2-12-2, Higashi Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.