15 Izakaya in Ueno Recommended by Locals for Visitors Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 15 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Izakaya in Ueno Recommended by Locals for Visitors

The area around Ueno Station, which is close to the popular Ameya-Yokocho, has a variety of bars and eateries, including those that serve seasonal regional cuisine and those where you can drink during the day. This article introduces 15 izakaya (Japanese pubs) that are recommended for visitors by locals.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Ueno.

1. Torie

This is an izakaya specializing in sumibi yakitori (charcoal-grilled chicken skewers). It is located in the quiet backstreets, just a 3-minute walk away from Okachimachi Station. It serves brand name chicken, including [Oyama-dori], [Tankai Jidori], [Tosa Jiro], [Nagoya Cochin], and [Kyo-gamo], that have been selected by the owner, who trained at a famous restaurant. Order the [Yakitori Nana-hon Set] for 1,900 JPY, and you'll get the best items of that day from among these brand-name chicken. [Sasami] (chicken tender), in particular, is said to have outstanding flavors. At the end of the meal, you can order [Oyako-don (with soup)] (rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs), which uses a different part of the grilled chicken depending on the day (850 JPY).

Torie

Open: [Weekdays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Saturday] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Average price: 6,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Kurita Bldg., 3-40-8, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
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2. Sakanoue Ueno Branch

This is an izakaya that is popular for its sake (Japanese alcohol) and simple Japanese cuisine. Its signature dish is a large clam from Kujukuri in Chiba Prefecture that's been cooked in sake (market price). The plump clam and its umami-filled juices enhance the flavor of the sake. [Aburi Liver] (grilled liver), sold at 599 JPY, is a must-try dish that has been popular since the restaurant opened. The liver is flavored with only sesame oil and salt, and it is full of the umami of meat that goes perfectly with sake. The generous hospitality of this izakaya that offers one type of high-quality sake at a discount every day is another secret behind its popularity.

Sakanoue Ueno Branch

Open: [Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Food L.O. 00:00 am, Drinks L.O. 1:00 am)"
Closed: None
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 3F, Gomi Bldg., 6-8-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

3. Suisui Ueno Branch

This izakaya boasts a total of more than 100 sake varieties procured from around the country, as well as an assortment of outstanding Japanese dishes that bring out the best of seasonal ingredients to go with the sake. If the sheer amount of choices leaves you overwhelmed, you can order your favorite sake and the [Honjitsu no Osashimi Yon-ten Mori Ni-ninmae], which is a plate of 4 different sashimi for 2 people (1,600 JPY). This is a beautiful dish of super fresh seasonal seafood procured directly from Tsukiji Market, which is also known as Tokyo's kitchen. If you are a sake lover, be sure to try the [Saba no Heshiko] (700 JPY) - a regional dish from Fukui Prefecture that is made from fresh mackerel that's been marinated in salt, and then fermented in kome nuka (rice bran) for a year.

Suisui Ueno Branch

Open: [Weekdays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday (open if Monday is a national holiday)
Average price: 6,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Adore Ueno, 3-35-9, Higashi Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

4. Yushima Kushimoto Main Branch

Kushiyaki (grilled skewers with meat and vegetables) go perfectly with sake. Yushima Kushimoto is a popular izakaya in Ueno and Okachimachi, where you can enjoy kushiyaki. In addition to counter seating and table seating, there are private rooms with horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu tables), so you can relax and enjoy your kushiyaki with sake. The top recommendation by regulars is the [Shiro Liver], priced at 350 JPY. It uses soft and plump liver that's similar to foie gras and light enough that you can keep eating it. [Seseri Negi-mori] (280 JPY), which has more fat than thigh meat and fills your mouth with tasty meat juices the more you chew, is also recommended.

Yushima Kushimoto Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 5:00 am
[Saturday] 5:00 pm - 00:00 am
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 1F, Crie Yushima, 3-36-8, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

5. Nidaime Kei

This is an izakaya serving super fresh seafood that is slowly charcoal-grilled on an irori (traditional sunken hearth). The top wintertime recommendation is their oysters (market price) that are full of seasonal flavors. Seasonal brand name oysters, such as [Kakiemon] from Hokkaido, can be enjoyed raw or grilled at reasonable prices. [Nodoguro], a high-grade fish, can be enjoyed grilled with salt, with prices starting from 3,800 JPY. If you like homely flavors, try the [Wafu Gyusuji Daikon-ni] (780 JPY) that is made with beef tendons and daikon (radish) - so soft that they seem to melt in your mouth! There is also a wide selection of sake brands that are hard to obtain in Tokyo, such as [Ouroku] from Shimane Prefecture or [Toyo Bijin] from Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Nidaime Kei

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 5:30 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
Closed: Sunday (some national holidays)
Average price: 4,800 JPY
Address: 1F, Kojima Bldg., 2-3-5, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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6. Kakurenbo

This restaurant is popular for its Kyoto-style cuisine and meticulously selected sake and wines. With its stylish metropolitan interior that is centered around the counter, it truly feels like a hideaway for adults. The restaurant's top recommendation is their [Go-ten Moriawase] (2,500 JPY), which is a plate of 5 different super fresh sashimi made of seasonal seafood procured daily from Tsukiji Market. The firm seafood tastes the best when coupled with sake. [Kinpira Gobo] (600 JPY) that's made with burdock root, carrots, and beef, is a dish commonly cooked at home, but the one at this restaurant has fantastic flavors, which was made possible by the efforts and skill of the chef.

Kakurenbo

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 3F, Y's O Bldg., 7-5-8, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

7. Aburiya Toribei Ueno Branch

This izakaya's main selling point is their all-you-can-eat karaage (deep-fried chicken) for only 100 JPY! This is how it works: if you purchase an appetizer along with another food item and a drink, you are offered 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat fried chicken for an additional 100 JPY. Since you get 30 minutes to finish a set and you can order up to 3 sets, even those with large appetites can eat their fill. The other recommended item is a popular spicy dish from Korea, [Cheese Dak-galbi] (999 JPY). Chicken and vegetables are marinated in Gochujang sauce, and enjoyed mixed with hot, melted cheese.

Aburiya Toribei Ueno Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,980 JPY
Address: 2F, Nakafuji Bldg. Bekkan, 4-9-6, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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8. Sakae-ya

This is a restaurant serving creative cuisine, with a quiet and sophisticated feel despite being in a convenient location at just 2 minutes on foot from Ueno Station. The regulars love to order [Aburi Angus-gyu no Carpaccio - Wanpaku Ranou to Truffle Salt] (750 JPY). This is an elegant dish of Angus beef - a brand beef with soft and juicy meat, much like wagyu beef, eaten with truffle salt. [Higo Akadori no Sukiyaki] (1,180 JPY per person), which has rich flavors that are perfect for the cold season, is also highly recommended.

Sakae-ya

Open: 4:00 pm - 00:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 3F, 455 Ueno Bldg., 4-5-5, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

9. Maguro Basara Ueno Branch

Japanese people's favorite seafood is, of course, maguro (tuna)! Maguro Basara is a specialty restaurant serving maguro cuisine in all of its different forms: from sashimi to simmered, and even deep-fried cutlets! If you can't decide what to order, you can start with the [Kaisen Hosekibako] (3,980 JPY) - a masu (square wooden box) packed with sashimi of high-grade seafood, starting with maguro, and also including uni (sea urchin), botan shrimp, ikura (salmon roe), and abalone. There are only 5 servings available each day, so be sure to come early to order it. If you want to get your fill of maguro sashimi, order the [Maguro Zen-mori] plate with a variety of different kinds of maguro for 2,280 JPY.

Maguro Basara Ueno Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm; Drinks L.O 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 4F, Central 21 Bldg., 2-12-1, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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10. Kadokura

Kadokura is recommended for those times when you want to have a drink while sightseeing or shopping, even if it is early in the day. It is an izakaya in the style of an Irish pub that is crowded from the time it opens at 10:00 am, with people standing around counters, and enjoying alcoholic drinks and food. The item you'll want to order here is the specialty [Hamu Katsu] (300 JPY) - a deep-fried cutlet of numerous layers of ham in a crunchy batter. It is a perfect snack for beer and sour cocktails.

Kadokura

Open: 10:00 am - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Address: 1F, Forum Aji Bldg., 6-13-1, Ueno, Taito-ku
Source: Official Homepage (Japanese only)

11. Daitoryo

Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko), located between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, is a tourist spot where you can experience the feel of a retro shopping district. Daitoryo, which is located underneath an elevated railroad in the middle of the district, is an established izakaya where you can really experience the Ameyoko atmosphere. The tightly packed seats at the counter and the simple tables facing the street are always crowded with locals and tourists enjoying beer and shochu (Japanese alcohol) with the izakaya's signature motsu-yaki (pork skewer).

Daitoryo

Open: [Sunday] 9:00 am - 00:00 am"
Closed: None
Average price: 2,001 JPY - 2,500 JPY
Address: 6-10-14, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

12. Sadogashima e Watare Ueno Branch

Sadogashima is a remote island in Niigata Prefecture, located in the Sea of Japan to the northwest of Honshu. As the name suggests, the restaurant's specialty is fresh seafood procured directly from Sado-shima. A dish that you absolutely can't miss in the winter is their outstanding [Sanchoku Magaki] (380 JPY) - plump, fresh oysters enjoyed with Sado Ponzu (citrus seasoned soy sauce). There are many other ways to enjoy the bounties from the Sea of Japan, including traditional [Ichiyaboshi] - fish like sailfin sandfish, dottyback, and flounder that have been dried overnight, karaage, and tempura.

Sadogashima e Watare Ueno Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 5:00 am
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 00:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 7F, Central 21, 2-12-1, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

13. Issho Ueno Branch

This is a popular restaurant that lets you enjoy the flavors of Kyushu in southern Japan without leaving Ueno in central Tokyo. A dish that you must order is the Hakata specialty, [Motsunabe] (1,380 JPY per person). It is the restaurant's signature dish, consisting of plump offal in a miso or shoyu (soy sauce) soup. Its spicy flavor, achieved with plenty of garlic and red peppers, makes it great both as a standalone meal, and as a dish to enjoy with sake. Another specialty dish is the [Hakata Goma-saba] (1,280 JPY). Fatty blue mackerel from Fukuoka is served with a homemade sesame sauce.

Issho Ueno Branch

Closed: None
Average price: 4,500 JPY
Address: 8F, Fundes Ueno, 7-2-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

14. Kodawarimon Ikka Ueno Branch

This is a restaurant that's popular for its seasonal Japanese cuisine, made with ingredients that the head chef personally purchases every day from Tsukiji Market. [Otsukuri Goshu Moriawase] (1,980 JPY) is a dish that you can't miss if you want to enjoy seasonal sashimi. The variety of sashimi, all of which clearly show the chef's trained eye and knife skills, are not only tasty, but also beautifully presented. [Shizuoka Oden Moriawase] (750 JPY) is a dish that will warm you to the core - perfect for the cold season! It is a pot dish consisting of kuro-hanpen (pounded fish cake) that uses sardines from Shizuoka Prefecture, and daikon. They are simmered over a long period of time in a stock that is darker than what is common in other parts of Japan. Enjoy the dish with a special miso sauce.

Kodawarimon Ikka Ueno Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:45 pm)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,700 JPY
Address: 8F, Ueno Lakeside, 2-14-31, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

15. Tesshin Ueno Branch

Japanese Black wagyu beef is considered to be one of the best domestic beef in Japan, and having it prepared as teppan-yaki (grilled on iron griddle) is the signature dish of the Ueno Branch of Tesshin. [Kuroge Wagyu Steak - Shio Kombu to Wasabi de] (1,380 JPY) is an utterly delicious steak of Japanese Black wagyu beef. It is grilled lightly on an iron plate, and served Japanese-style with salted kombu (seaweed) and wasabi. The fantastic taste and moderate price are 2 factors behind its appeal. Once you've enjoyed the food and sake, order some [Meringue Fuwafuwa Tesshin no Okonomiyaki] (780 JPY), which is a kind of okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) that is crunchy on the surface and fluffy inside. Their [Toban Monja-yaki] (1,080 JPY), a common dish in the working-class neighborhoods of Tokyo, is also recommended.

Tesshin Ueno Branch

Open: 3:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm, Drinks L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 4F, Pokke Bldg., 6-8-8, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

This article introduced 15 izakaya in Ueno that are recommended by locals. Apart from the ones introduced here, you can find an endless number of izakaya in Ueno. Take your time and stroll around the town to find your own special izakaya!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.