How to Use Tabelog:

Japan’s Most Trusted Restaurant App

April 23, 2025

What Is Tabelog?

Tabelog is Japan’s version of Yelp—but only for restaurants. If you want to eat like a local, this is the app (and website) you should be using. With detailed reviews, real user photos, and a precise rating system, it’s one of the most trusted resources for restaurant-hunting across Japan.

What makes Tabelog particularly useful is how specific the filters are. You can narrow down your search not just by cuisine or location, but also by payment method (cash, card, IC), smoking vs. non-smoking, and even options like private rooms or family-friendly seating. This is incredibly helpful when you're planning in advance—especially if you're traveling with a group or want to avoid places with long waits.

How to Read Tabelog Ratings

If a restaurant has a rating above 3.5, it’s going to be good. A 3.6+ means it’s reliably excellent, and above 4.0? That’s usually a sign of something really special. Tabelog ratings tend to skew more conservative than Yelp or Google Reviews, so even places in the low 3s can be decent.

Tabelog also has an English version of the site, and many of the restaurant listings offer online reservations—which is a game-changer if you don’t speak Japanese. You can often book directly through the platform so if you’re visiting Tokyo during a busy time, this can save you hours.

Tips for getting the most out of Tabelog:

• Sort by rating + distance to find hidden gems near you.

• Hyakumeiten = Hall of Fame: Tabelog awards certain restaurants the 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) designation each year—meaning “100 Famous Restaurants.” These are handpicked lists of top-rated spots by category (like ramen, curry, etc.). Use the search term "百名店" plus your category (e.g. "百名店 ラーメン") or look for the badge on a listing to find award-winning restaurants.

• Book in advance: If you’re eyeing a popular place, use Tabelog to reserve directly online. It saves you from long lines or last-minute stress. If the restaurant doesn’t have an English reservation option or if you need a Japanese phone number to book, consider calling ahead or asking your hotel to help.

• Filter: Narrow results using filters for non-smoking, English menu, credit card accepted, and more—especially useful in Japan where restaurant policies vary.

• Don’t be scared of low stars: A rating of 3.2–3.4 isn’t bad in Tabelog terms—especially for casual food like tonkatsu or izakaya. Always check the number of reviews and photos before deciding. 

Even after years of living in Tokyo, I still use Tabelog frequently. It’s not just for tourists—locals trust it too. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect ramen bowl, a quiet izakaya, or a last-minute dinner spot, Tabelog is your best bet for avoiding tourist traps and discovering local favorites. But keep in mind that the English version doesn’t have a search bar for specific restaurant names—so if you’re looking for a particular place, it’s best to Google the restaurant name followed by “Tabelog,” and the correct page will usually show up.