DineGuides

Hidden Gems in Arakawa City

24 restaurants in Arakawa City. Part of our Tokyo Hidden Gems guide.

B.S. Kitchen
#1Hidden Gems
6 photos

B.S. Kitchen

·$$

This cozy Indian and Nepali spot is a favorite, particularly celebrated for its incredibly flavorful naan, especially the cheese variant. The friendly, welcoming staff create a genuinely warm atmosphere, making it a go-to for both solo diners and small groups seeking a delicious and affordable meal.

🍽️90Food
80Vibe
💰90Value
💬

Lunch includes a drink and costs 950 + tax. The portions are generous and the curry is delicious.

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The food was incredibly delicious! I ordered the dinner set meal that comes with salad, 2 types of curry, tandoori chicken, rice, naan, a drink and dessert.

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This food was INCREDIBLE!!! The hospitality is second to none. We got a starter, 6 drinks, 3 curry’s, and 3 orders of naan and it was under 60 dollars USD.

Ideal for
Solo diningCasual weeknight dinnerAffordable lunch
Yorozuya
#2Hidden Gems
6 photos

Yorozuya

·$$

This is a warm, family-run okonomiyaki and monjayaki spot where the owners' genuine hospitality shines. They excel at making foreigners feel welcome, offering a taste of local downtown Tokyo culture with dishes cooked right at your table.

🍽️88Food
85Vibe
💰88Value
60Wait
💬

The ingredients are carefully selected by the owner, and the cost performance is outstanding.

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The okonomiyaki was delicious, but most of all, the people make me want to come back.

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A small shop in the alley, the monjayaki, okonomiyaki, and fried tofu are all delicious.

Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningWelcoming foreigners
西尾久さんご
#3Hidden Gems
6 photos

西尾久さんご

·$

This cozy ramen shop specializes in rich, flavorful broths, particularly its signature shrimp and dried sardine tsukemen. The owner, often working solo, crafts each bowl with care, offering a refined yet casual atmosphere. It's a spot where the quality of the ingredients and the depth of the soup shine.

🍽️90Food
80Vibe
💰85Value
70Wait
💬

The char siu bowl, also great value at 300 yen, was a perfect match with the soup.

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Even though it's been a while, the taste has remained the same and it was delicious.

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The niboshi ramen has a distinct seafood flavor, but also a thick truffle flavor for a Western taste. It pairs well with the thin noodles.

Ideal for
Solo diningCasual lunch
Nagizo
#4Hidden Gems

Nagizo

·$$

This casual pub offers a lively atmosphere where solo diners and regulars mingle. The food is consistently delicious, with a full bar providing reasonably priced drinks. It's a comfortable spot for a casual meal and drinks.

🍽️88Food
70Vibe
💰88Value
🔊65Noise
💬

It was a restaurant with a friendly owner and wonderful regular customers.

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Seriously, everything is delicious. You should definitely come and try it!

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The alcohol is reasonably priced, and the food is absolutely delicious

Ideal for
Solo diningCasual drinks with friends
てぃだ食堂
#5Hidden Gems
6 photos

てぃだ食堂

·$

This cozy Okinawan spot feels like a warm hug from the islands, run by a friendly couple who treat everyone like family. Portions are generous and prices are a steal, making it a go-to for authentic home cooking.

🍽️88Food
80Vibe
💰90Value
70Wait
💬

The soki soba had thick noodles, and the soup and soki were very delicious. It was a flavor that made me want to eat it again.

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It takes a little time for your food to be served, but if you're patient, you'll enjoy delicious food.

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The elderly couple were very kind and the food was delicious, so I was very satisfied!

Ideal for
Families with kidsCasual weeknight dinner
楽食苑
#6Hidden Gems

楽食苑

·$

This family-run spot offers a taste of everyday Chinese comfort food, with generous portions of braised pork rice and spicy Sichuan chicken. It's a casual, no-frills place where the focus is squarely on delivering flavorful dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

🍽️88Food
75Vibe
💰90Value
📍65Location
💬

The mapo tofu and shrimp chili are a little different from the usual flavors and are delicious.

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I highly recommend the Sichuan-style spicy chicken set meal; it's numbing and spicy!

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780 yen is cheap these days! And the sauce is delicious.

Ideal for
Families with kidsCasual weeknight dinnerBudget-friendly meals
Minashige Arakawa
#7Hidden Gems

Minashige Arakawa

·$$

This casual yakitori spot in Arakawa is a go-to for solo diners and those seeking a lively atmosphere. The grilled skewers are a highlight, with many finding them perfectly cooked and delicious. It's a place where the friendly staff clearly enjoy their work, contributing to a relaxed and welcoming environment.

🍽️88Food
75Vibe
💰85Value
🔊55Noise
💬

The Hoppy is apparently filled with Kinmiya shochu, and at just 100 yen for the inside, it's good value for money for heavy drinkers.

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It's relatively cheap and delicious, so I find it convenient and easy to drop.

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Small yaki torie venue in Arakawa. Highly recommended if you find yourself in the area.

Ideal for
Solo diningCasual drinks
Doyaji
#8Hidden Gems
6 photos

Doyaji

·$$

This is a no-frills, retro yakiniku spot that feels like a step back in time. It's known for its affordable, delicious grilled meats, especially the kalbi and skirt steak sets. The casual atmosphere and family-friendly tatami rooms make it a comfortable choice for various groups.

🍽️88Food
75Vibe
💰85Value
📍60Location
💬

The beef was six thick slices. It was clearly Wagyu beef, and while the cuts varied depending on the time of day, it was absolutely delicious.

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Lunch kalbi set meal: ¥1000 (Currently ¥1200, up from ¥1000) . So it was an incredible value.

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The meat was thick, tender, and delicious. The additional salted tongue I ordered was also excellent.

Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningCasual weeknight dinner
酒処 一合 西日暮里店
#9Hidden Gems

酒処 一合 西日暮里店

·$$

This Nishi-Nippori izakaya is a lively spot that shines with its extensive sake selection and expertly grilled yakitori, especially the limited-quantity Hatsumoto skewers. It's a place where friendly staff and a bustling, yet relaxed, atmosphere make for a satisfying meal, whether you're dining solo or with a group.

🍽️88Food
80Vibe
💰80Value
💬

It's a calm atmosphere, the food is delicious, the food is served neither too early nor too late,

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Everything is delicious, from sashimi to grilled skewers to winter melon with minced meat and thickened sauce.

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However, I wouldn't say there's a wide variety of dishes, so I often have trouble finding the perfect dish to finish off my meal, especially when I'm alone.

Ideal for
Group diningDate nightSolo dining
炭火焼肉 Ken
#10Hidden Gems
6 photos

炭火焼肉 Ken

·$$

This cozy yakiniku spot feels like a neighborhood secret, serving up incredibly tender and delicious beef. The owner's attentive presence, checking on meat doneness and offering a warm atmosphere, makes it a welcoming place for families and couples alike.

🍽️88Food
80Vibe
💰82Value
💬

I've never had such tender and delicious beef in my life.

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All the meat is so delicious, it's a meal you'll want to eat before you die!!!

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Maybe it can't be helped since it was New Year's, but the draft beer smelled bad and wasn't tasty.

Ideal for
Families with kidsCasual date night
Jinanbou
#11Hidden Gems

Jinanbou

·$$

This yakiniku spot offers high-quality, thickly sliced meats, with the beef tongue and skirt steak frequently highlighted. It's a place that balances a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with options suitable for dates and group dining.

🍽️88Food
80Vibe
💰78Value
💬

The counter seats are perfect for dates, and the staff are easy to talk to, so I recommend it.

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While the prices were about 1.5 times higher than Gyukaku restaurants, the quality of the meat was undoubtedly delicious.

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There are many popular yakiniku restaurants in the Nishi-Nippori area, so I'm sure it's tough to compete with other restaurants, but I hope they do their best.

Ideal for
Date nightFamilies with kidsGroup dining
旬菜 あかり
#12Hidden Gems

旬菜 あかり

·$$$

This cozy sake shop and restaurant offers a rotating menu of seasonal dishes, often featuring fish caught by the owner. It's a place where regulars mingle, creating a friendly atmosphere alongside the well-curated sake selection.

🍽️85Food
80Vibe
💰80Value
💬

All of the food prepared by the chef was delicious, beautifully presented and absolutely amazing.

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The menu is extensive and changes with the seasons, and there are many types of sake, so you can enjoy a drink at any time.

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They also serve sashimi made from fish caught by the owner himself, as well as sake, all at reasonable prices!

Ideal for
Sake enthusiastsCasual dinners with friends
Marufuku
#13Hidden Gems

Marufuku

·$$

Marufuku is a Showa-era diner that feels like stepping back in time, offering a comforting, home-cooked Japanese breakfast and a wide-ranging menu for lunch and dinner. It's a place where locals gather for familiar flavors and a relaxed atmosphere, with many dishes prepared fresh to order.

🍽️82Food
80Vibe
💰88Value
65Wait
💬

The pork cutlet stew with egg was very soft and really delicious. Personally, I thought it was best to add a little more shichimi.

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The omelet rice and mushroom soup were delicious! It was a shame there wasn't any homemade hamburger steak.

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The stir-fried meat and vegetables had a refreshing salty taste, reminiscent of the toppings on tanmen. I'm sure the tanmen was delicious.

Ideal for
Solo diningWatching the gameCasual breakfast
Kyushu-Ya Kamaboko Shop
#14Hidden Gems
5 photos

Kyushu-Ya Kamaboko Shop

·$

This long-standing oden shop in the Oku Ginza shopping district offers a taste of childhood for many locals. It's a place where you can choose your own ingredients from large simmering pots, a rare sight these days. Beyond the comforting oden, they also offer a variety of homemade fish paste dishes and tempura.

🍽️88Food
75Vibe
💰85Value
💬

The oden is incredibly delicious! This is a memorable restaurant that I used to go to as a child!

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I love the retro feel of the restaurant, the food, and the fact that the owner makes the oden for me (!)

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The taste and texture of the fish paste was irresistible. I'll definitely go back and buy some other ingredients!

Ideal for
Solo diningFamilies with kids
Yamasou
#15Hidden Gems

Yamasou

·$$

This long-standing Western restaurant in a residential area is a local favorite, particularly for its signature hamburger steak and beef stew. It offers a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere that feels both elegant and laid-back, making it suitable for various occasions.

🍽️88Food
80Vibe
💰75Value
65Wait
💬

The price for just a meal is not cheap, about 1,500 to 2,500 yen per adult, but the atmosphere and delicious hamburger steak make it worth the price.

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The interior has a wood grain atmosphere, the service is relaxed, and the meat dishes are delicious.

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The Yamaso Hamburg Steak Set was also very delicious, so …

Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup diningDate night
Moranbong
#16Hidden Gems
4 photos

Moranbong

·$$

Moranbong is a long-standing yakiniku spot that locals have frequented for years, offering a taste of traditional Korean BBQ with a focus on fresh, flavorful meats and authentic side dishes. While the casual, sometimes smoky atmosphere might feel a bit dated, the quality of the food, particularly the signature dishes like kobukuro sashimi and beef tongue, makes it a worthwhile stop for enthusiasts.

🍽️88Food
70Vibe
💰80Value
🔊65Noise
💬

It was delicious, but please, employees, wear masks when you work.; I won't go there again until the coronavirus is over because it's so uncomfortable.

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Wow, the goblin gizzard shad was delicious! It was cut into large pieces, so it had a great texture.

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All the meat was delicious, and we were very satisfied with just over 5,000 yen for two people to eat and drink to our heart's content.

Ideal for
Yakiniku enthusiastsCasual dinnersExploring local flavors
Issa
#17Hidden Gems

Issa

·$$

Issa offers a casual vibe near Mikawashima Station, serving up delicious chirashi bowls and other Japanese pub fare. The generous portions and excellent value make it a spot worth returning to.

🍽️82Food
75Vibe
💰88Value
💬

All the dishes were also delicious, especially the beef with blue cheese dressing.

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I ordered a seafood bowl, and the variety, freshness, and quantity of the ingredients were all perfect!

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It's located at the back of a narrow street, across from the main road in front of Mikawashima Station.

Ideal for
Casual lunchValue dining
Eishin
#18Hidden Gems
6 photos

Eishin

·$$

Eishin is a beloved neighborhood Chinese restaurant that feels like stepping back in time. It's a small, counter-seating spot where the owner skillfully prepares classic dishes, often with a generous hand. Expect a cozy, bustling atmosphere that's a favorite among locals.

🍽️85Food
70Vibe
💰85Value
60Wait
💬

This gomoku soba! Truly delicious. It contained a boiled egg, stir-fried vegetables, char siu, kamaboko. Above all, the datemaki roll!!

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The shiitake mushroom ramen was also perfect in both taste and aroma!

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The fried dumplings were delicious! I'll definitely come back since it's close.

Ideal for
Solo diningCasual weeknight dinnerFamilies with kids
太平山酒蔵
#19Hidden Gems

太平山酒蔵

·$$

This is a bustling, old-fashioned izakaya filled with locals, offering a lively atmosphere and a wide array of delicious seasonal dishes, particularly fish. While the convenient location near Nippori Station makes it a draw, be prepared for potentially higher prices and the need for reservations due to its popularity.

🍽️88Food
85Vibe
💰70Value
💬

The food is mainly fish, but the meat and fried foods are also delicious.

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Every single dish was delicious, and even though it was very busy, the food was served quickly, which was impressive.

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It was a great experience, as it was filled with only Japanese people, allowing me to experience the Japanese atmosphere!

Ideal for
Experiencing local izakaya cultureCasual dinners with friends
Yakiniku Sumibi
#20Hidden Gems

Yakiniku Sumibi

·$$

This neighborhood yakiniku spot is a relaxed, homey place that welcomes families and groups. It's particularly noted for its delicious gomtang ramen, which some diners suggest returning for even if the yakiniku itself is just average.

🍽️78Food
85Vibe
💰85Value
💬

The omasum sashimi, top-grade tongue, regular-sized kalbi, and top-grade skirt steak were all delicious.

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The gomtang ramen was delicious. The noodles, soup, and gomtang were all good.

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I think the meat here is almost always good. Everything is delicious.

Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup diningSolo dining
Momo House And Bar Asian Store
#21Hidden Gems

Momo House And Bar Asian Store

·$

This Nepalese spot near Mikawashima Station feels like stepping into a snack bar in Nepal, with a clientele that's almost entirely local. The food is authentic, often spicy, and served in generous portions, making it a great value.

🍽️78Food
75Vibe
💰85Value
💬

The momo was spicy and delicious, the sukuti was chewy, and the paprika and onion were nice accents.

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The chicken curry that day was salted fish, but it was so salty that I diluted it with dal soup.

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The chicken curry had a lot of bones, making it difficult to eat, but it was quite authentic.

Ideal for
Solo diningAuthentic Nepalese food
もつ焼 だるま
#22Hidden Gems

もつ焼 だるま

·$$

This cozy izakaya near Keisei Machiya Station offers grilled offal that's reasonably priced and enjoyed by locals. The owner's gentle demeanor adds to the comfortable, home-like atmosphere.

🍽️75Food
75Vibe
💰75Value
💬

This is a downtown izakaya that you can see right in front of you when you exit the ticket gates at Keisei Machiya Station.

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Exit Keisei Machiya Station and it's in the center of the first floor of the building directly in front of you.

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It's probably best to make a reservation if you're with two or more people.

Ideal for
Casual weeknight dinnerLocal izakaya feel
Ken
#23Hidden Gems
5 photos

This cozy counter-service spot offers a casual vibe with a focus on set meals. Early signs suggest good value, particularly with the popular fried chicken and pork stamina sets.

🍽️78Food
75Vibe
💰80Value
💬

The soy sauce ramen and a half-portion of fried rice. The ramen was light and delicious.

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The mapo noodles were delicious. The gyoza were also great!

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You can also choose ramen or fried rice for the a la carte dishes, making it good value for money.

Ideal for
Casual lunch
Ton King
#24Hidden Gems

Ton King

·$$

This casual Korean spot offers authentic flavors with a friendly, owner-operated feel. It's a convenient stop for a satisfying meal, especially known for its samgyeopsal and chijimi.

🍽️80Food
75Vibe
💰75Value
💬

It was a casual and delicious Korean meal, and I also enjoyed chatting with the owner.

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It's delicious. The prices are reasonable and it's right next to Nippori Station.

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There is no background music, but the samgyeopsal and gyeran-jim were delicious!

Ideal for
Casual Korean mealLunch near Nippori Station