![11 Maid Cafe Ranking in Tokyo [Recommended even to beginners and ladies!]](https://jatrabridge.com/wp-content/uploads/slider/cache/11597c33ae53b47eb36a2f67968e635f/Maid-Cafe-Ranking-in-Tokyo2.3.jpg)
When you think of Tokyo’s soul food, one dish that stands out is “Monjayaki.” And the undisputed capital of monjayaki is Tsukishima Monja Street, a lively street packed with over 70 restaurants dedicated to this savory pancake.
From historic shops loved by locals for decades to trendy new spots, the choices can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ve carefully selected the 11 best restaurants where you can experience truly exquisite monjayaki in the heart of Tsukishima!
Monjayaki is a type of savory Japanese pancake made with a flour-based batter, shredded cabbage, and various fillings like seafood and meat. It’s cooked on a hot griddle right at your table. Unlike its cousin, okonomiyaki, monjayaki has a more liquid, gooey consistency and is eaten directly off the griddle with small spatulas. Don’t worry if you’ve never made it before; it’s part of the fun! Learn how to make Monjayaki here.
Contents
1. Tsukishima Monja Koboreya Musubi – A Refined Monja Experience
“Koboreya,” famous for its “exquisite” monjayaki, doesn’t compromise on anything—broth, ingredients, or atmosphere. Their new branch, “Tsukishima Monja Koboreya Musubi,” opened in 2018 and offers a refined dining experience in a beautiful Japanese space made of stone and wood.
Their signature “Koboreya Monja” (1,890 Yen + tax) is true to its name, which means “spilling over,” as it’s piled high with fresh seafood delivered directly from Tsukiji market. The restaurant uses premium ingredients, like white sesame oil for the *agedama* (tempura crisps), and adjusts the flavoring for each type of monja.
With a selection of 58 types of sake and shochu, this is the place to enjoy a monja that “exceeds monja.”
The elaborate broth is made by boiling 10 different kinds of ingredients for five hours. You can truly relax and enjoy a luxurious time in this uncompromising Japanese space.
Address: 3-14-2 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Tue-Fri 5 PM – 12 AM; Sat 12 PM – 3 PM & 5 PM – 12 AM; Sun/Hol 12 PM – 3 PM & 5 PM – 10 PM
Closed: Mondays
Access: 4-min walk from Tsukishima Station (Exit 10), 5-min walk from Kachidoki Station (Exit A1)
2. Monja Kura – The Famous Shop That Always Has a Line
Often featured in media as the go-to monja spot in Tsukishima, Monja Kura is a legendary restaurant you must visit at least once. Its popularity means you can expect a line, even on weekdays, but the taste is well worth the wait. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself craving it again.
The charm of “Kura” lies in its reliable flavor and extensive menu! From classic monja to creative options like “Seafood Special Monja” and “Cream Monja,” everything is delicious. The portions are also generous, ensuring a very satisfying meal.
A fan favorite is the Mentaiko Shrimp Cream Monja (1,400 Yen + tax).
Address: 3-9-9 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Access: 3-min walk from Tsukishima Station (Exit 7)
3. Tsukishima Specialty Monja Daruma – Retro Charm in a Renovated Folk House
If you want to enjoy monja in a relaxed atmosphere steeped in history, Monja Daruma is the place. Housed in a renovated traditional folk house from the early Showa era, it has a wonderfully nostalgic and sentimental ambiance. The menu is extensive, including okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and teppanyaki, as well as unique iron-plate desserts like Ankomaki (red bean paste roll)!
They also have an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages, with carefully selected sake, shochu, fruit liquors, and wines. The staff is happy to cook the monja for you if you ask. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal.
Address: 3-17-9 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM – 11 PM; Sat/Sun/Hol 11 AM – 11 PM
Closed: Open every day
Access: 3-min walk from Tsukishima Station
4. Monja Maruta – Where Presentation Meets Flavor
Located on Monja Street’s Fourth Avenue, Maruta is a log-house-style restaurant that lives by the motto “Enjoy cooking it, and enjoy eating it even more.” The monjayaki here is not only delicious, with generous portions of carefully selected ingredients, but also beautifully presented.
Every dish is Instagram-worthy, and the taste has won fans from all over Japan.
Don’t miss the limited-serving “Grilled Tuna Tail from Tsukiji” (900 Yen, excl. tax). The clean interior is also a plus, with measures to prevent smells from sticking to your clothes.
Address: 1F, 3-17-9 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM – 3 PM / 5 PM – 10 PM; Sat/Sun/Hol 11:30 AM – 10 PM (L.O. 9:30 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays
Access: 2-min walk from Tsukishima Station (Exit 10)
5. Tsukishima Monja Warashibe – A Cozy, Retro Vibe
Tsukishima Monja Warashibe is a place where you can enjoy hearty, authentic monjayaki made with fresh seafood from Tsukiji and a bonito-based broth. Their signature “Warashibe Special” (1,580 Yen, excl. tax) is packed with shrimp, squid, scallops, octopus, and spicy cod roe. The restaurant prides itself on cleanliness, breaking the “greasy” image of some monja shops. With private rooms available, it’s a favorite spot for celebrities too.
Address: 1-9-8 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (with two other locations on the street)
Hours: Weekdays 5 PM – 11 PM; Sat/Sun/Hol 10 AM – 11 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Access: 1-min walk from Tsukishima Station (Exit 7)
6. Bambi – A Huge Menu with Unique Flavors
Established in 1961, Bambi is a long-standing favorite with an incredibly diverse menu. In addition to classic sauce flavor, you can try unique monja with miso, salt, bibimbap, or even coconut milk flavors, making you want to come back again and again. They also offer a wide range of teppanyaki dishes and desserts. With three locations on Monja Street, it’s a great choice for groups and parties.
Address: 3-4-5 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30 AM – 11 PM (Weekdays); 11 AM – 11 PM (Sat/Sun/Hol)
Closed: Open every day
Access: 8-min walk from Tsukishima Station
7. Okame – Global-Friendly with an Addictive Taste
With menus available in 11 languages and free Wi-Fi, Okame is a global-friendly shop with hot support from overseas customers! They offer many interesting options, like the classic “Mochi Rice Mentaiko Cheese Monja” and the “Fresh Seaweed and Dried Fish Monja.” They are also a certified Suntory Premium Malt’s store, so you can enjoy a perfect draft beer.
Address: 3-8-10 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30 AM – 3 PM / 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Closed: Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a holiday)
Access: 5-min walk from Tsukishima Station
8. Oshio – Playful Creations in a Calm Atmosphere
Oshio has been around for 30 years, preserving old-school Japanese culture with a “playful mind.” They have five stores, but the “Nagomi” branch is perfect for a relaxed and comfortable meal. The calm, clean interior is great for dates or a girls’ night out. They are known for their original toppings and signature broth, creating hundreds of possible combinations.
Address: 1-21-5 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Closed: Open every day
Access: 3-min walk from Tsukishima Station (Exit 7)
9. Monja Kondo – The Taste of Original Tsukishima Monja
Established in 1950, Monja Kondo is the oldest monja restaurant in Tsukishima. If you want to taste the origin of “Tsukishima Monja,” this is the must-visit store. The stubborn founder’s landlady created a taste that has been continuously preserved for almost 70 years. The humble appearance and traditional atmosphere will take you back in time. They also offer great value sets with all-you-can-drink options.
Address: 3-12-10 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 5 PM – 10 PM; Sat/Sun/Hol 11:30 AM – 10 PM (L.O. 9:30 PM)
Closed: Open every day
Access: 8-min walk from Tsukishima Station (Exit A8)
10. Monja Manmaru – The All-You-Can-Eat Specialist
Monja Manmaru is the go-to place for all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink deals. For a limited 90 minutes, you can enjoy not only monja but also okonomiyaki and yakisoba for a set price (starting from 1,900 Yen). They serve smaller portions, allowing you to try many different kinds. It’s an incredible value for money, especially the lunch sets.
Address: 3-9-10 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11 AM – 3 PM / 5 PM – 11 PM; Sat/Sun/Hol 11 AM – 11 PM (Last entry 9:20 PM)
Closed: Please inquire at the store.
Access: 5-min walk from Tsukishima Station
11. Monja Maguroya – For the Seafood Lovers
As the name “Maguroya” (Tuna House) suggests, this restaurant boasts confidence in its seafood, delivered directly from Tsukiji. It’s a must-visit for seafood lovers, with special menus like “Bluefin Fatty Tuna Kama Toro Sashimi” and various teppanyaki dishes. The second floor has Japanese-style floor seating, perfect for large parties.
Address: 3-7-4 Tsukishima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30 AM – 11 PM (L.O. 10:15 PM)
Closed: Open every day
Access: 3-min walk from Tsukishima Station (Exit 10)
Summary
There are countless monja restaurants in Tsukishima, each with its own personality. If you can’t decide, start with one from this list. You’re sure to fall in love with the town of Tsukishima and the authentic taste of monja!
![Tokyo's Labyrinthine Gourmet! Kichijoji "Harmonica Yokocho" 5 Recommended Affordable & Delicious Restaurants! Time Slip to Showa Era [Retro Alleyway Guide]](https://d3gy5wjocfgtwh.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18220615/hamonika-yokocho_0.jpg)
