As the name suggests, Katsudon-ya Zuicho specialises in just one thing: katsudon. Perfectly crispy and juicy pork cutlet is simmered in a light sauce with onions and an omelette-style egg over a bed of fluffy rice. With three sizes to choose from, go for the large portion (you’ll want it for that incredibly umami-packed sauce) and say yes to the extra egg. There are only eight counter seats available so be prepared to wait. 41-26 Udagawacho, Shibuya City

What do you get when you combine traditional Japanese techniques with the vibrant flavours of Mexico? Taco Bar. Instead of nigiri, sashimi and handrolls, Chef Marco Garcia’s omakase-style restaurant serves the highest quality seafood in the form of bite-sized tacos with heirloom corn tortillas, brimming with South American flair. Expect 9-10 small plates including appetisers and desserts. 〒150-0013 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisunishi, 2 Chome−7−1 1F; tacosbar.lostacosazules.jp/en

Japan’s famous A5-grade wagyu beef is reimagined into American-style cheeseburgers in this tiny fast food joint. Choose from one, two or three patties in this no-fuss burger where the meat is juicy, the cheese is melted and the sauce is luscious. With only a handful of tables for diners, expect a line out the door during lunch or grab it to go. 1 Chome-36-6 Ebisunishi, Shibuya City

There’s not a lot you can get for a fiver back home. At Matsuya, ¥400 (roughly $4) means a bowl of gyudon – a rice bowl topped with beef and onion cooked in a sweet soy sauce – and a side of miso soup. Japan’s answer to fast food (joining other chains like Yoshinoya and Sukiya), the restaurant specialises in rice bowls, curries and set meals. It’s a quick, cheap and delicious spot to get an easy meal after you’ve blown all your money at the arcade. 3 Chome-6-1 Ginza, Chuo City; matsuyafoods.co.jp/english

Holding two Michelin stars since 2011, Narisawa exemplifies Japanese fine dining. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa has created a philosophy coined the ‘Innovative Satoyama Cuisine’ which refers to the spirit of nature to create food to nourish the body with sustainability at the forefront. Expect seasonal plates, unusual produce and exceptional service. 〒107-0062 Tokyo, Minato City, Minamiaoyama, 2 Chome−6−15 南青山ガーデンコート; narisawa-yoshihiro-en.com

If you’ve had your fill of ramen and rice bowls, Seirinkan’s small but mighty menu features just two pizza options: margherita and marinara. Wood-fired for less than a minute, the crust is blistered and airy, complimenting the simplicity of the toppings. Nestled in the backstreets of the very cool suburb of Nakameguro, don’t overlook the clam pasta or the antipasto on offer either. Reservations are encouraged. 2 Chome-6-4 Kamimeguro, Meguro City; theseirinkan.com/menu.html

In the heart of one of the most popular shopping districts in Tokyo sits Kakiyasu. This sukiyaki restaurant serves the highest quality of Matsusaka beef, a premium cut of meat known for its marbling and tenderness. It’s cooked tableside in a soy-based broth alongside seasonal vegetables in a kaiseki-style meal. You also have the option of the charcoal grill course or shabu shabu course. 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 7 Chome−9−15, Ginza Gcube, ７F; kakiyasu-ginza.gorp.jp

Give the overhyped (and potentially overrated…) Shin Udon a miss and make your way to the neighbourhood of Ebisu for a bowl of silky al-dente udon noodles. Choose between ‘fat’ or ‘thin’ noodles, and hot in a dashi stock or cold with a dipping sauce on the side. At dinner, choose between two set menus including various small plates like stewed meats, egg omelette, tempura and dessert. If udon isn’t your thing, Yamacho’s sister restaurant Kaoriya’s soba noodles might be a better fit. 〒150-0013 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisu, 1 Chome−1−5, Ebisu Oak Bldg., 1F

The star of the show at this traditional Japanese restaurant is the rice. It’s cooked in a hagama rice cooker which features a heavy ceramic base and wooden lid for perfectly steamed rice. Must orders include the braised pork belly, tempura, sashimi and of course, plenty of rice. Fair warning: Isshin doesn’t take reservations at lunch time so lines are long. Make a booking for dinner instead. 〒150-0033 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sarugakucho, 30−3 ツインビル代官山Ａ 棟B

Fusion doesn’t have to be an ugly word. Hidden in a basement in the entertainment district of Roppongi is home to a restaurant showcasing the best of Italian cuisine using Japanese ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner, the ever-changing menu features small plates highlighting innovation and refinement inspired by the Mediterranean. 〒106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 1 Chome−12 4nishiazabu1124ビル B1