Expect a queue in Tokyo

16 places for Expect a queue in Tokyo, picked by creators — with what they said.

• 오가와 — 나의시선
  Says the sauce on the eel rice bowl is insane, melting in your mouth, and calls it crazy value for getting this quality at 1,200 yen.
  Heads up: It opens around 11:25 and you'll need to wait in line for about 30 minutes; recommends mixing in the shishito peppers and shichimi/sansho pepper that come with it to vary the flavor.
• 大和寿司 東京 豊洲市場 — 나의시선
  Says the shari (rice) is great, but the toppings are so fresh that everything comes together beautifully, marveling at 'how can this be market sushi?'
  Heads up: Even arriving in the morning meant waiting 1-2 hours in line, though going earlier lets you in right away. The standard move is adding one or two extra pieces of whatever was best in the omakase.
• 교엔 로안 — 나의시선
  Raved that the No. 1 most popular sashimi teishoku is truly delicious, and the grilled fish teishoku cooked over the irori is so good it makes you wonder how they grill it that well.
  Heads up: Opens at 11:30am, but by around 11:50 a line forms elsewhere, so check where the actual line is — the grilled fish teishoku is only available at lunch (dinner switches to robatayaki).
• かつどん屋 瑞兆 — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said it's a must-visit every time they come to Tokyo, calling it the best katsudon, and raved that the sauce-soaked tonkatsu was surprisingly crispy.
  Heads up: Said opening is at 11:30 but they let people in from 11, so it's best to arrive early.
• とんかつ山家 御徒町店 — 나의시선
  Praises it as no-frills, solid classic tonkatsu that rivals other famous shops, and recommends the slightly larger-than-regular size.
  Heads up: It's cheap, so the line gets very long, requiring an early arrival, and the shop is so quiet inside—like a library—that talking loudly is hard.
• 츠키지 이타도리 초밥 별관 — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said the neta was remarkably thick and even the rice itself was delicious, with the fatty tuna melting in the mouth and full of flavor.
  Heads up: Said a wait starts forming after 8:30am.
• 寿司大 — 나의시선
  Rates the omakase price as cheaper than expected and very fresh, with great balance overall.
  Heads up: Cash only, and you need to line up; the speaker felt the sushi rice seasoning was a bit strong.
• 挽肉と米 渋谷 — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said freshly cooked, fluffy rice is the key, and the salt-seasoned hamburger steak, though thick, was tender and juicy inside.
  Heads up: You have to grab a cancellation slot that opens at 9am on the reservation site that day, and the reservation isn't confirmed until card payment is completed.
• Cafe Aaliya — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said the thick bread looked heavy but turned out to be fluffy, soft, and pleasantly sweet.
  Heads up: Said about 15 groups were waiting by the time they left, so it's best to arrive right at opening.
• 니혼바시 돈카츠 하지메 하나레 — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said the tonkatsu is thick with little fat, making it less greasy and the meat tender — recommended if you want a katsudon that really fills your mouth.
  Heads up: Said it's not worth waiting one or two hours for, but it's reliably tasty.
• 에비스노 야스베 — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said the yakigyoza-style dumplings had an incredibly crispy texture, and with such a wide variety of side dishes, it's a great spot for a second round of drinks.
  Heads up: Said there was a 90-minute wait on Friday night, and felt it wasn't quite worth that long a wait.
• 멘야무사시 — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said the garlic broth was light and clean, the noodles had good chew, and the thick chashu was so tender it fell apart.
  Heads up: After entering, you pay at a kiosk and have to stand waiting behind diners who are still eating.
• 天ぷら新宿つな八 総本店 — 나의시선
  Recommended as a go-to tempura spot he always stops by whenever he's in Shinjuku.
  Heads up: The line can get quite long, so expect to wait.
• 츠케멘 야스베에 시부야점 — 정준하하하
  He mentioned this is his usual go-to spot.
  Heads up: It's said to be so packed that you have to wait in line for quite a while.
• Benizuru Pancake — Jack's Dining Room
  Praised the fresh omakase-style pancake bar concept, where they make the batter and grill it right in front of you, topping it with a variety of toppings — and said the taste was excellent too.
  Heads up: Said you have to wake up at 5am, line up for the 7am registration, and prepay for your pancakes, and that they're already sold out by 7:45am.
• 築地 山長 — 픽필름 pickfilm
  Said it was very sweet with an unusual texture from its many layers, and enjoyed watching it being made in the kitchen while waiting in line.
  Heads up: You have to wait in line.

All places in Tokyo