Founded in 1930, this may well be the most famous tempura restaurant in the world, with many foreign dignitaries among its customers over the years. With branches all over Japan, its main shop is on Namiki Dori, a street blazing with neon in Ginza's nightlife district, but indoors it's spartan and spare, decorated only with blond wood trim, sliding doors, and flower arrangements. Tempura counters on each floor seat no more than 10 customers, providing an intimate view of master chefs going about their work. Ten-ichi is famous for its delicately fried food, with a batter so refined and an oil so light, the flavor of fish, shrimp, scallop, eggplant, sweet potato, and other ingredients is enhanced rather than overwhelmed. The piping hot morsels can be dipped into a variety of sauces, from the restaurant's own secret recipe to a simple lemon juice with a pinch of salt. Although it's not on the menu, a ¥4,200 lighter lunch is also usually available. Ten-ichi branches include those in the Imperial Hotel's Tower basement and the Sony Building, as well as several located in department stores, including Seibu in Ikebukuro, Tokyu in Shibuya, Takashimaya in Nihombashi, and Isetan and Odakyu in Shinjuku.
Tokyo
Travel Guide
Tokyo› Restaurant
Ten-ichi
6-6-5 Ginza
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Ginza
Hours
Daily 11:30am–9:30pm
Transportation
Station: Ginza (3 min.)
Phone
03/3571-1949
Prices
Set dinners ¥12,600–¥18,900, set lunches ¥8,400–¥12,600
Cuisine Type
Tempura
Web site
Ten-ichi
Map
6-6-5 Ginza TokyoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.