Eating out in Tokyo can feel a little intimidating at first. You walk up to a ramen shop and there's a vending machine instead of a menu, the izakaya brings a small dish you never ordered, and nobody seems to be coming to take your order. Don't worry — once you know the few unwritten rules, dining out here is relaxed, affordable, and genuinely fun. This guide walks you through the basics so you can order with confidence.
The main types of places you'll eat
- Ramen / teishoku (set-meal) shops: Many use a ticket vending machine (食券, shokken) by the door. Insert cash, press the photo button for your dish, take the printed ticket and your change, sit down, and hand the ticket to staff.
- Izakaya (Japanese pubs): Casual spots for drinks and many small shared plates. Expect a small starter dish called otoshi (お通し) — a customary seat/cover charge, usually a few hundred yen per person. Many izakaya also offer nomihodai (飲み放題, all-you-can-drink for a set time and price), and some add tabehodai (食べ放題, all-you-can-eat) — a fun, cost-effective way to settle in for the evening.
- Conveyor-belt sushi (回転寿司, kaitenzushi): Grab plates off the belt or order from a touch panel at your seat. Price is set by the plate's colour or pattern, so it's easy to track your bill.
- Family restaurants (ファミレス, famiresu): Big illustrated menus, often with a touch panel or tablet, drink bar, and something for everyone — great when you want a low-pressure meal.
How ordering and paying usually works
- 1Seating: At many places you wait to be seated or pick up a number. Hold up the number of fingers for your party size if there's a language gap.
- 2Oshibori: You'll often get a damp towel (oshibori) to wipe your hands before eating — it's not for your face or the table.
- 3Ordering: Staff don't hover. To call someone over, make eye contact and say 'sumimasen' (excuse me); some tables have a call button.
- 4Before eating, people say 'itadakimasu'; when finished, 'gochisousama (deshita).' It's polite, and slurping noodles is perfectly fine.
- 5Paying: In most casual restaurants you pay at the register on the way out, not at the table. Take the slip left on your table to the cashier. No tipping is expected anywhere — the listed price is what you pay.
If you have a food allergy or don't eat certain things, say so the moment you sit down — before the otoshi or first dish arrives. Many Japanese broths and sauces use dashi (fish stock) and pork even when a dish 'looks' vegetarian, so always ask rather than assume. For a serious allergy, the word 'allergy' (arerugii) is taken more seriously than a preference.
- Tip: Carry some cash. Many small ramen shops, ticket-machine places and older izakaya are cash-only or card-shy.
- Tip: Don't tip, and don't be alarmed by the otoshi charge — it's a customary, usually-mandatory cover charge at most izakaya. A few modern chains may let you opt out if you ask when you're seated, but in general expect it to appear on the bill.
- Tip: Splitting the bill (warikan) is normal among friends; tell the cashier 'betsubetsu' (separately) — though some busy shops prefer one total, then you settle up among yourselves.
- Mistake to avoid: Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick — both have funeral associations.
- Tip: For dietary needs, a translation card or pointing at the dish helps. Saying 'kore, butaniku haitteimasu ka?' (does this contain pork?) goes a long way.
- Do I have to pay the otoshi charge at an izakaya?
- Usually yes — it works like a cover/seating charge and comes automatically with your first drink at most izakaya. It's a customary part of dining there, typically a few hundred yen per person. A few modern chains may let you opt out if you ask when you sit down, but otherwise plan to see it on the bill; check or ask if you're unsure.
- How do I order if there's only a Japanese ticket machine?
- Insert your cash first, then the dish buttons light up. Press the one matching the photo (top-left buttons are often the shop's signature dish), take the ticket and change, and hand the ticket to staff. Many machines now have an English button or photos.
- Can I eat vegetarian or vegan easily?
- It's possible but takes care, because dashi (fish stock) and pork hide in many broths and sauces. Ask before ordering, use clear phrasing, and consider apps or restaurants that mark vegetarian/vegan options. When in doubt, confirm with the staff rather than guessing.
