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5 Must-Visit Food & Coffee Spots in Ryogoku
By Mara Peppmüller
Just 15 minutes from Tokyo Station by train, Ryogoku is best known as Tokyo’s sumo capital, but it’s also home to some of the city’s most unique and irreplaceable food spots. These aren’t chain restaurants or trendy cafés you’ll find in every neighborhood—each of these places is a standalone, not just in Tokyo, but in all of Japan.
All are within walking distance of Ryogoku Station—and perfect for a delicious journey through one of Tokyo’s most underrated districts.
Hungry to explore?
A hideaway with the sound of music and coffee.
Tucked away in Ryogoku, this café is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a hidden retreat for those who love both music and a cozy atmosphere. Just a 10-minute walk from Ryogoku station, it offers a peaceful escape where the warm hum of vinyl records fills the air, setting the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon.
Whether you're a devoted coffee enthusiast or simply searching for a quiet spot to unwind, this café welcomes you with its inviting charm. Their iced coffee is a favorite among customers, best enjoyed alongside one of the daily sweets, which could be anything from freshly baked cookies to rich, flavorful cakes.
The ambiance makes it an ideal place to settle in with a book, chat with friends, or simply sit back and enjoy the music. With an English menu available, international visitors will have no trouble exploring the offerings.
Every element—from the deep aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the carefully curated selection of vinyl records—contributes to an atmosphere of comfort and nostalgia. In case you’re a local in search of a new go-to café or a traveler hoping to experience a unique side of Tokyo, this hidden gem in Ryogoku promises a memorable and laid-back experience.
The café is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, except on Mondays.
Budget-friendly pizza baked the right way
For a delicious and budget-friendly lunch, Miagolare is the perfect spot to satisfy your pizza cravings without compromising on quality. Unlike many places that rely on conventional ovens, this pizzeria takes pride in using a proper pizza oven, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.
Just a 4-minute walk from Ryogoku station, it’s an excellent choice for students or anyone looking for an affordable yet authentic pizza experience. The menu features a variety of options, but the standout recommendations are the Margherita and Bismarck pizzas, both of which showcase the rich flavors of fresh ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
While there is no English menu, the restaurant provides pictures to make ordering easier, ensuring that language barriers won’t stand in the way of a great meal. With prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yen, it’s an ideal place to enjoy high-quality pizza at a reasonable cost. The cozy setting, combined with the inviting aroma of freshly baked pizza, creates a warm and welcoming dining experience.
If you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or meeting up with friends for a casual lunch, Miagolare delivers on both taste and value. If you're in the area and craving a satisfying, well-made pizza, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit.
The restaurant is open Monday and Thursday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, and the rest of the week from 11 AM to 8 PM.
A sumo wrestler’s meal done right
Ryogoku, the heart of sumo wrestling, is the perfect place to experience the iconic chanko nabe, and Tomoegata Chanko is one of the best spots in Tokyo to try this traditional dish.
Originally eaten by sumo wrestlers to build strength and endurance, chanko nabe is a hearty hot pot filled with a rich assortment of meat, seafood, and fresh vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and quality has earned it a strong reputation, making it a must-visit for those eager to taste a piece of sumo culture.
Tomoegata Chanko exudes a traditional Japanese atmosphere, featuring simple yet elegant decor. Guests can choose to sit on tatami mats for an authentic experience or opt for chairs at wooden tables. Adding to the unique ambiance, the walls are adorned with handprints and signatures of sumo wrestlers, giving diners a sense of connection to the sport’s rich history.
The warm, inviting setting makes it the ideal place to enjoy a nourishing meal, especially on colder days.
Located just a four-minute walk from Ryogoku Station, the restaurant offers a variety of chanko hot pots, each with a different combination of ingredients, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
With prices ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 yen, it’s ideal for both solo diners and groups. An English menu is available for international visitors. Tomoegata Chanko is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 9 PM, closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Daring Delicacies: Fugu & Sashimi Adventure
For those seeking a unique and adventurous dining experience, Fukuyoshi is the perfect place to try fugu, Japan’s known pufferfish delicacy. Known for its delicate flavor and smooth texture, fugu requires expert preparation, making it a rare and refined treat. Fukuyoshi takes great pride in serving this specialty with the utmost care, ensuring both safety and authenticity.
Beyond fugu, the restaurant offers an array of fresh seafood, including beautifully sliced sashimi and high-quality tuna dishes. A must-try is the Fresh Bluefin Tuna Bowl, showcasing the rich, buttery taste of premium tuna, along with the deep-fried pufferfish, a crispy and flavorful take on this delicacy.
Set in an elegant yet traditional space, Fukuyoshi features dark wood interiors, soft ambient lighting, and an intimate atmosphere. Guests can sit at dark brown booths with white marble-like tables, ideal for one to six people, or take a front-row seat at the delicate countertops, watching the chef skillfully prepare each dish in the open kitchen. The fusion of craftsmanship and ambiance elevates the dining experience, making it both immersive and refined.
Located just a six-minute walk from Ryogoku Station, Fukuyoshi offers a luxury seafood experience at a reasonable cost, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 yen. An English menu ensures accessibility for international visitors.
Open every day except Monday, from 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM, Fukuyoshi promises an unforgettable taste of Japan’s finest seafood.
Grill & Thrill: The Ultimate Yakiniku Spot
For those who love yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), Hormone Uedaya is a must-visit spot in Ryogoku. Specializing in hormone (offal meats) and premium cuts of beef, this restaurant offers a smoky, flavorful, and interactive dining experience where you grill your own meat at the table. The sizzling sounds, rich aromas, and perfectly seared cuts create a feast for the senses, making every meal here both engaging and satisfying.
Stepping inside, you’re embraced by a cozy, nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of a classic 90s eatery. Dark brown booths with white marble-like tables offer an intimate yet communal seating arrangement for two to six people, while dark wooden chairs and matching countertops enhance the warm, inviting atmosphere.
The soft glow of overhead lights casts a gentle reflection on the polished surfaces, adding to the old-school charm. The air is rich with the smoky scent of charcoal and sizzling Wagyu fat, blending seamlessly with the hum of conversation and the crackling of meat over the grill. This lively yet relaxed setting makes Hormone Uedaya a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
Known for its high-quality selections, the restaurant serves tender Wagyu beef and beef tongue, both prized for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep umami flavor. Just a five-minute walk from Ryogoku Station, Hormone Uedaya offers an authentic yakiniku experience at a reasonable price, ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 yen. An English menu ensures accessibility for international visitors.
The restaurant is open daily from 3 PM to 11 PM.
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Note: Lead photo is of Chill Out Coffee &...Records, from their Facebook page.
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About the Writer: Mara Peppmüller will graduate from LUJ next month with a B.A. in Business Administration. She has experience working with international organizations, most extensively Friedensdorf International.
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