Cheap Restaurant Chains TOP 6 in Japan: But HIGH QUALITY!
Q: Cheap eats in Japan: where can you eat cheap in Japan?
A: Eating out in Japan is crazy cheap with SUPER HIGH Quality!
How to eat cheap in Japan is a question I get asked a lot. Japan is renowned for its culinary delights, and while dining out in this beautiful country can sometimes be expensive, there are several restaurant chains that offer exceptional quality food at pocket-friendly prices. From traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors, these establishments cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets.
In this article, we will explore my personal top 6 restaurant chains in Japan known for their affordable prices and delicious offerings. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or a local looking for an economical yet satisfying meal, we got you covered!
Take a look at each restaurants URL to find cheap restaurants near me.
1. Yoshinoya ～吉野家～
Yoshinoya, founded in 1899, is a household name in Japan, specializing in affordable and flavorful gyudon, a dish consisting of thinly sliced beef and onions served over a bowl of rice. With over 1,200 locations across the country, Yoshinoya is easily accessible and has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. The simplicity and consistency of their menu make it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort food without breaking the bank.
Top 3 Famous Menus in Yoshinoya:
- Gyudon (Beef Bowl): Tender slices of beef simmered in a savory sauce and served over a bed of steamed rice.
- Gyuniku Donburi (Roast Beef Bowl): Succulent roast beef slices drizzled with a rich sauce and served over rice.
- Kaisen Don (Seafood Bowl): A delightful combination of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, squid, and salmon, served on a bed of sushi rice
2. Ootoya～大戸屋～
For those seeking a taste of traditional Japanese home-cooked meals at an affordable price, Ootoya is the perfect choice. Established in 1958, Ootoya focuses on providing healthy and well-balanced set meals known as teishoku. From grilled fish to simmered vegetables, these set meals offer a wide variety of flavors and textures, showcasing the diversity of Japanese cuisine. Ootoya prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, making their dishes not only affordable but also of high quality. With around 300 locations nationwide, Ootoya provides a cozy and welcoming dining experience for both locals and visitors.
Top 3 Famous Menus in Ootoya:
- Chicken Nanban Teishoku: A satisfying set meal consisting of crispy fried chicken marinated in a tangy sauce, served with rice, miso soup, and various side dishes.
- Grilled Mackerel Teishoku: A flavorful and healthy option, featuring grilled mackerel seasoned with salt or a savory sauce, accompanied by rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.
- Pork Cutlet Teishoku: A classic teishoku offering, featuring a juicy and tender breaded pork cutlet, served with rice, miso soup, and a selection of side dishes
3. Tenya～てんや～
Adding to our list of budget-friendly restaurant chains in Japan is Tenya, a popular tempura restaurant chain with over 200 locations nationwide. Established in 1989, Tenya has gained a reputation for serving crispy and delicious tempura at affordable prices. Their menu features a variety of tempura options, including shrimp, vegetables, and seafood, all prepared with precision and served piping hot. With its casual and inviting atmosphere, Tenya offers a convenient and enjoyable dining experience for those seeking a taste of traditional Japanese tempura without breaking the bank.
Top 3 Famous Menus in Tenya:
- Tempura Donburi: A flavorful and satisfying dish consisting of a bed of steamed rice topped with a generous portion of assorted tempura, drizzled with a savory sauce.
- Ebi Tempura: Crispy and succulent shrimp tempura, served with a side of dipping sauce and accompanied by rice and pickles.
- Vegetable Tempura Set: A vegetarian-friendly option featuring an assortment of lightly battered and fried seasonal vegetables, served with rice, miso soup, and a side of tempura dipping sauce
https://www.tenya.co.jp/english/
4. Saizeriya
Adding to our list of budget-friendly restaurant chains in Japan is Saizeriya, a popular Italian-style family restaurant. Founded in 1968, Saizeriya has gained a strong presence with over 1,000 locations across the country. This chain stands out for its extensive menu of Italian-inspired dishes at affordable prices. From pasta and pizza to salads and soups, Saizeriya offers a wide range of options to satisfy diverse palates. The generous portions and wallet-friendly prices make it a favorite among families, students, and anyone seeking a satisfying yet inexpensive meal.
Top 3 Famous Menus in Saizeriya:
- Milan Doria: The menu you must eat at Saizeriya! White cream with meat sause on rice only for 350JPY!? Crazy menu.
- Margherita Pizza: A classic Italian pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, baked to perfection.
- Spaghetti Bolognese: A comforting dish of al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich and flavorful meat sauce, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
https://book.saizeriya.co.jp/menu2304_e/book/#target/page_no=1
5. Mos Burger～モスバーガー～
Adding to our list of budget-friendly restaurant chains in Japan is Mos Burger, a beloved fast food chain that specializes in unique and delicious burgers. Founded in 1972, Mos Burger has gained a loyal following with over 1,500 locations throughout Japan. What sets Mos Burger apart is its emphasis on using fresh and high-quality ingredients, including locally sourced vegetables and homemade sauces. With a diverse menu that caters to different dietary preferences, Mos Burger offers a range of options beyond traditional burgers, making it a popular choice for those seeking affordable and tasty fast food.
Top 3 Famous Menus Mos Burger:
- Mos Cheeseburger: A classic choice featuring a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Mos Burger’s signature sauce, all served on a soft bun.
- Yakiniku Rice Burger: A unique twist on the traditional burger, this menu item replaces the bun with grilled rice patties filled with flavorful yakiniku-style marinated beef, lettuce, and a savory sauce.
- Natsumi Chicken Burger: A satisfying chicken burger option with a Japanese twist, featuring a tender and crispy chicken patty topped with cabbage, mayo, and a tangy sauce.
https://www.mos.jp/menu/global/english/
6. CoCo Ichibanya～ココ壱番屋～
When it comes to Japanese comfort food, CoCo Ichibanya is a name that stands out. This well-known curry house chain has gained popularity for its customizable curry dishes, allowing customers to choose the spice level and various toppings to suit their preferences. With over 1,400 locations across Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known for its consistency in taste, generous portions, and reasonable prices. Whether you’re a fan of mild or spicy curry, CoCo Ichibanya offers a wide range of options to satisfy every palate.
Top 3 Famous Menus CoCo Ichibanya:
- Chicken Katsu Curry: Crispy breaded chicken cutlet served with a rich and aromatic curry sauce, accompanied by rice.
- Vegetable Curry: A delightful medley of seasonal vegetables cooked in a flavorful curry sauce, served with rice.
- Beef Curry: Tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory curry sauce, served alongside steamed rice.
https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/english/
ALSO! Budget hotels for your trip!
“The Hotels Group” offers a wide range of family trip rooms from small families to large families ranging from 4-20 people! They are well located and are good if you are an explorer who is out in the city for your trip and would like to spend less on accommodation. Check it out!
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The Hotels Group Reservation page TOP
Tokyo on a budget: Try them ALL out while in Japan! They’re everywhere!
Dining out in Japan doesn’t have to be a costly affair. The country’s restaurant scene is brimming with budget-friendly options that deliver delicious meals without compromising on quality. Whether you’re craving gyudon, curry, teishoku, Italian-inspired dishes, or tempura, my personal top 6 restaurant chains mentioned in this article—Yoshinoya, Ootoya, Tenya, Saizeriya, Mos Burger, and CoCo Ichibanya—offer a variety of affordable and mouthwatering options that cater to every taste.
So, the next time you find yourself in Japan on a budget, don’t hesitate to try these renowned restaurant chains for an unforgettable dining experience that won’t empty your wallet 🙂
Tokyo is well know for the “Most number of Michelin star restaurants in one City” so I will talk about the “cheap Michelin star restaurants Tokyo” next time!
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