Gonpachi

Gonpachi

Photograph: Stuck In Customs on Flickr/Some rights reserved Photograph: Trey Ratcliff/Flickr

A Tokyo institution. Rumoured to have inspired Tarantino's Kill Bill massacre scene, the imposing double height dining room, styled like an open-air courtyard, now rings with the more benign shouts of serving staff to chefs and the welcoming call to customers. An extensive menu includes yakitori, soba noodles and tempura. Prices start from £1.50 per dish. Reservations a must. 

• 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu; +81 3-5771-0170