[2025 Latest] 13 Popular Restaurants on Tsukishima’s “Monja Street” (Great for Lunch Too)

Located in Chūō-ku, Tokyo, Tsukishima is home to some of the most popular monja (Japanese savory pancakes) spots, beloved by food lovers and frequently visited.

With its prime location near the Sumida River, Tsukishima has an array of notable monja restaurants.

Far from being just a mix of random establishments, Tsukishima boasts unique places that include those with a long history dating back to the Meiji period, as well as those offering carefully selected ingredients sourced from Toyosu.

Tsukishima’s charm stands out for its distinct appeal. Additionally, there are seafood shops directly operated by fish markets, ensuring the freshest and tastiest options for visitors.

In this article, we’ve selected the most popular and highly recommended monja restaurants on Tsukishima’s “Monja Street,” so be sure to check them out!

Tsukishima Monja Moheji Main Store

Fresh Seafood Directly from Toyosu Market!

“Tsukishima Monja Moheji” is a must-visit spot in the area, with a long line of customers waiting outside!

The shop’s entrance is adorned with lanterns, creating a tranquil ambiance, and the traditional look of the exterior makes you anticipate your visit before even stepping inside.

Inside, the shop exudes a lively and cozy atmosphere, with a mix of brown wood and white accents creating a relaxing space. The restaurant primarily offers table seating, but there are also counter-style seats available, making it ideal for solo diners exploring Tsukishima’s Monja Street.

Since Moheji is directly operated by a fish shop, the highlight is definitely the fresh seafood sourced directly from Toyosu Market.

For example, this grilled squid dish, made with fresh squid from Toyosu Market and served with its liver and butter, is a must-try. The squid’s fresh and juicy flavor, paired with the smoothness of butter, creates a rich and melt-in-your-mouth taste.

As for seasonal recommendations, the “Hotaru Ika (Firefly Squid) Boiled with Wasabi Soy Sauce” is absolutely fantastic and highly recommended. The briny taste of the sea enhances the flavor, and when dipped in wasabi soy sauce, it creates a superbly delightful taste! You’ll find yourself reaching for your beer as the flavors pair perfectly!

Now, moving to the main dish, the recommended “Mentaiko Mochi Cheese Monja” is a standout.

The seafood broth is delicious, and the flavor deepens as it cooks, making it a real treat.

The spicy kick of the mentaiko (cod roe) is a great accent, and the combination of chewy rice cake and cheese is a perfect match, leaving you craving more with each bite.

Don’t miss out on the exquisite creations at Tsukishima Monja Street—especially if you’re here for the delicious seafood brought by Moheji!

Monja Kura

Recommended for Smaller Portions, Great for Light Eaters or Snacks

Recommended for Smaller Portions, Great for Light Eaters or Snacks “Monja Kura,” located to the northwest of Tsukishima Station along the Sumida River and Nishi Kaigan Street, is another popular spot.

The restaurant’s interior, unified with white and charcoal brown tones, provides a spacious environment with 72 seats.

At Monja Kura, in addition to the main attraction of monja pancakes, you can enjoy okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) and grilled dishes, offering different flavors with each visit.

Among the recommended dishes, the “Mentaiko Cheese Monja” and “Shrimp Cream Monja” are standouts.

The “Mentaiko Cheese Monja” features chewy monja pancakes with rich mentaiko and melting cheese, creating a mouthwatering taste as it melts in your mouth.

The “Shrimp Cream Monja” features fresh shrimp directly from the market, paired with creamy sauce. The umami of the shrimp combines perfectly with the creamy sauce for a luxurious taste.

For those visiting with a light-eating companion, there’s also a smaller portion option called the “Petite Kura Special Monja,” perfect for a lighter meal.

While there’s ample seating, Monja Kura is quite popular, so we highly recommend planning ahead to avoid waiting!

Tsukishima Monja Koboreya Main Store

Flavors Enhanced by Ingredients Sourced from Michelin Guide Recognized Stores

“Tsukishima Monja Koboreya” is a sophisticated spot you should visit if you’re strolling through the Nakamise Shopping Street.

The restaurant’s interior has a chic, dimly lit, traditional Japanese atmosphere, making it a great date spot in Tsukishima!

Not only the interior, but the food here is uncompromising. For example, the tempura crumbs used to enhance the flavor of the dishes are sourced from a store featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.

The broth is based on pork bones, using over ten different ingredients to ensure exceptional flavor in every dish.

As for the main menu, the signature dish is “Koboreya Monja.” It features carefully selected ingredients such as red shrimp, eel, oysters, scallops, clams, and squid, sourced from Toyosu. This is a masterpiece of Koboreya, perfected through continuous innovation since the restaurant’s opening.

Another special menu is the “Oyster Miso – Five Large Hiroshima Oysters in Special Miso with Yuzu Flavor.” The dish uses the biggest, most flavorful oysters from Hiroshima, served with a special high-quality miso broth flavored with yuzu pepper.

Additionally, the restaurant offers various small dishes and okonomiyaki that pair perfectly with alcohol. Definitely a place to check out!

By the way, if you’re looking for a more private space, Koboreya also has a sister store called “Private Monja Koboreya Enclosure,” which focuses on intimate settings ideal for couples.

Tsukishima Monja Warashibe Main Store

Private Half-Rooms and a Seating Area for up to 36 People!

“Tsukishima Monja Warashibe” has three locations in the Tsukishima Nishi Nakamise Shopping Street: the Main Store, the Second Street Store, and the Third Street Store.

The main store opens at 17:00 on weekdays, so if you’re looking to visit earlier or later, the Second Street Store is open for longer hours.

The interior of the main store, renovated from an old house, creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a relaxed meal. With seating for up to 36 people, there’s even a large tatami room suitable for big groups.

The monja here is made with fresh seafood directly from Tsukiji Market, and the restaurant is known for the quality and volume of its dishes, ensuring that you can leave satisfied and full.

One of the most popular dishes is the “Mixed Monja,” packed with ingredients and full of flavor, prepared with seafood sourced from Tsukiji.

For beginners, the restaurant also offers a warm and helpful service where they teach you how to cook your monja, making it a wonderful experience for first-timers!

Monja Takarajima

Recommended for Monja Lovers Looking for a New Flavor

If you’re tired of the traditional monja and are looking for a unique taste, “Monja Takarajima” offers innovative menus with refined flavors.

The interior has a wooden, cozy atmosphere, and there are many different seating options, including booths for 2-4 people, tables for larger groups, and elevated seating that’s perfect for families.

The standout feature of Monja Takarajima is that they use domestic rice flour. With no additives and being gluten-free, it’s an ideal option for those with wheat allergies.

One of the recommended dishes is the “Spicy Mustard Greens Monja.”

The combination of seafood and mentaiko creates a harmonious, mouthwatering flavor that will leave you wanting more. The spicy kick of the mustard greens matches perfectly with the chewy texture of the monja.

For those who don’t handle spiciness well, the “Natto (fermented soybean) Monja” is another great choice. The chewy natto complements the chewy monja, creating a balanced and delicious dish.

The person who came up with this menu is truly a genius!

Tsukishima Monja Kuuya Tsukishima Main Store

Founded in 1871. A performance where seafood professionals grill in front of you!

“Tsukishima Monja Kuuya Tsukishima Main Store” is a well-established and trusted restaurant founded in the 4th year of the Meiji era (1871).

Upon entering through the door of the store located in the Monja Street area, you’ll be greeted by a bright and clean space. The seat backs feature a fresh and stylish design, resembling unfinished concrete, showcasing exceptional taste.

While the store is known for its Monja, Kuuya focuses heavily on “seafood and teppanyaki.” Since the restaurant is also a seafood supplier, the menu items provided by professional fishmongers are all incredibly tasty.

They also offer appetizers, so it’s a good idea to order some dishes to enjoy as starters while raising a toast. Examples include “Fried eggplant and okra” and “Medium-sized tomatoes and mozzarella Caprese.”

As for the seafood, the “Katsuo Tataki from Toyosu” is also highly recommended. As the name suggests, the fish professionals grill the bonito in front of you, providing a dynamic performance that makes the experience even more enjoyable!

For the main Monja dish, be sure to try “Mentaiko Mochi from Okune Shop.” It’s popular for its rich and satisfying taste, with plenty of mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and cheese toppings.

They also offer Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), so if you visit again, try the ultimate “Kuuya Special Tama” with the store’s name included!

Monja Mugi Tsukishima Main Store

A favorite of celebrities! The most famous Monja restaurant in Tsukishima!

A long-established store located on Monja Street.

Many celebrities visit, and their signed photos decorate the walls, making it an extremely popular spot.

A popular menu item is “Sea Monja,” a seafood Monja filled with fresh ocean ingredients, beloved by both children and adults.

Another popular dish is the “Mentaiko Cheese Monja,” a staple menu item ordered by many customers.

They also offer a unique “Natsuki Mari Special,” which includes ingredients such as natto, kimchi, mentaiko, and cheese, creating a delicious and distinctive flavor.

This menu is a favorite among celebrities.

The restaurant tends to have long lines on weekends, so expect to wait.

While a little pricey, it offers high satisfaction, making it highly recommended.

Kondo

Founded in 1950. Tsukishima’s oldest Monja restaurant, starting as a candy shop

This restaurant is known as the oldest Monja grill in Tsukishima, having been founded in 1950. Initially, it started as a corner of a candy store where Monja was grilled, making it a pioneer of the Monja industry in the downtown area.

Recommended dishes include “Special Kondo Monja” and “Nostalgic Monja.”

The Special Kondo Monja is the restaurant’s signature dish, packed with various ingredients such as fresh squid, shrimp, octopus, beef, soba noodles, and corn, making it a hearty and filling option.

The Nostalgic Monja is a simple Monja dish that has been a long-time favorite of the store, maintaining the basic and traditional Monja flavor.

This restaurant is particularly famous for its delicious broth, so you don’t need to worry about being disappointed with the taste.

It’s a place where you can be sure you won’t go wrong, making it perfect for first-timers to Monja in Tsukishima.

Monkichi

Famous as a sacred place for anime and drama fans! A popular spot for classic Monja

Located on the Third Street in Tsukishima, this is a hugely popular restaurant with many regulars.

Every day, they use fresh ingredients sourced from Tsukiji to prepare their Monja.

The restaurant is known as a filming location for the anime “Edomae Elf” and the drama “VIVANT,” attracting many fans who visit as part of their pilgrimage to these sacred places.

A popular menu item is the “Mentaiko Mochi Cheese Monja.”

This classic Monja offers a universally appealing taste and is a favorite among customers.

Another highly ordered dish is the “Kaki Dote Nabe Monja,” which features two large oysters, making for a hearty dish.

The “Monkichi Special Monja,” named after the restaurant, is a simple Monja dish.

Monkichi Special (Image courtesy: aanitalinn) This is a great option for those who want to enjoy a modest and humble Monja experience.

Maguroya Main Store

Tuna x Monja! Fresh Seafood Monja Directly Delivered from Toyosu

A popular monja shop favored by celebrities. Located just off Monja Street, this shop offers not only monja but also rare tuna, delivered directly from Toyosu.

Recommended menu is “Maguro Monja.”

Maguro Monja is the shop’s signature dish, featuring fresh tuna directly delivered from Toyosu. A tuna monja is something you won’t find many places, making it a unique offering here.

They also offer seafood menu items, with “Asari Shirasu Monja” being a popular choice known among those in the know.

In terms of single dishes, “Hon Maguro no Kamatoro” is an exquisite option. However, please note it is limited in quantity.

For those who want to try a different kind of monja or love seafood, this shop is a great choice.

Oshio Mai Store

Enjoy a Retro Atmosphere at This Popular Spot

A major monja chain with several locations on Monja Street, Oshio is known for its nostalgic atmosphere, especially at the main shop.

The most popular dish here is the classic “Mentaiko Mochi Cheese Monja,” a beloved dish featuring rich, flavorful cheese.

Another favorite is the “Mapo Tofu Monja,” which is known for its spicy taste.

The monja at Oshio is rich in dashi flavor with a strong salty taste, making it particularly satisfying for those who prefer a more robust flavor. The portions are also large, so it’s ideal for those with a hearty appetite.

Since smoking is allowed inside, it’s a great place for smokers. While modern, stylish monja shops are nice, dining in a retro atmosphere like this is a unique experience.

Makoto

Instagram-Worthy! Recommended Camembert Cheese Monja

Opened in 2020, Makoto is a modern monja shop that specializes in stylish monja, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

A popular dish is the “Sukiyaki Monja,” where a large slice of domestic beef is placed on top, making it a visual treat that’s perfect for photos on social media.

Another popular menu item is the “Monja Makoto Special,” which is often ordered by customers.

This dish is topped with mentaiko and camembert cheese, offering a generous portion and a satisfying experience.

For those who want something different, Makoto also offers creative monja dishes such as “Carbonara Monja” and “Napolitan Monja.”

The shop is chic and perfect for a date night.

Daruma Mai Store

Seafood! Chicken Broth! Choose Between Two Types of Broth for a Delicious Monja

Located in a renovated old house from the early Showa period, Daruma offers a nostalgic atmosphere.

A standout feature of this shop is the choice of two broths.

There are two broth to choose from, a light seafood dashi and a rich chicken broth.

Customers can choose either broth depending on the monja they order, or opt for the same broth for everything.

The signature dish is the “Daruma-kun Monja,” made with fresh seafood directly from Toyosu.

They also offer seafood yakisoba, which is a recommended dish.

Another popular dish is the “Mochi Mentaiko Cheese Monja.“

It is a large serving topped with a massive piece of mentaiko, offering both visual appeal and a satisfying portion.

If you want to enjoy monja in a nostalgic setting while experiencing the charm of old downtown Tokyo, Daruma is the perfect place to visit.

Summary

These are the recommended restaurants on Tsukishima Monja Street. Did you find a place that interests you?

These restaurants offer a comfortable environment that’s perfect for a meal with a partner, family, or friends, offering a different experience than the typical casual places.

Whether it’s top-quality monja made with expertly sourced ingredients or restaurants with great attention to detail, Tsukishima has plenty of things to charm you. The delicious flavors will make you crave these places again and again, so be sure to visit and enjoy Tsukishima’s monja to the fullest!