Tempura Kondo Tokyo

Tempura Kondo sits on a side street in Ginza, a ten-minute walk from the Kabukiza Theatre. It holds two stars from the Michelin Guide and currently ranks at number 20 on La Liste.

The kitchen ignores the heavy, flour-laden batter typical of tempura shops elsewhere in the city. By thinning the coating and prioritising temperature control, Kondo creates something closer to steamed vegetable parcels than the fried seafood standards of its neighbours. The room runs smart and elegant, but the focus remains entirely on the counter. It is a more precise, singular experience than the grand dining rooms found near the Imperial Palace, making it the right choice for those who prefer technical rigour over the sprawl of a traditional multi-course menu.