The Best Burritos in Tokyo

The Best Burritos in Tokyo

For the most delicious burritos, only in Tokyo

By and

Traditional Mexican Beef Burrito with Nachos Chips and Salsa Sauce.

My love affair with burritos began at a young age. It was the perfect after-school snack to fuel bike rides and Street Fighter II marathons at the local arcade. During adolescence, it blossomed, moving from the classic bean and cheese to more exotic selections like the California burrito: a mouth-watering steak burrito, with French fries, fresh salsa, guacamole and, of course, never-ending cheese. At university, it became a permanent staple of my diet. I had moved on from taquerias—local taco and burrito shops—to its mobile counterparts, the taco truck.

So, where am I at now? Long gone are the days of five-dollar bricks wrapped in aluminum foil. Like most relationships, I’ve developed a dependency on this comfort food that I’ve carried with me throughout my life. Luckily for us, this is Tokyo, where almost any gastronomical concoction can be found.

In recent years, Mexican food has steadily gained popularity in Japan. For someone deeply familiar with Mexican food, burritos specifically, picking the wrong establishment can be an expensive learning curve. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. Here’s a list of some of Tokyo’s best burritos so you can enjoy a delicious Mexican meal at a reasonable price.

Guzman y Gomez

With so many fast-food restaurants to choose from, it can be tough to single one out. Guzman y Gomez (GYG) recently opened a new branch in Shibuya, adding to their Harajuku location. The menu has the standard four-step approach that you’ve come to expect from chains like Chipotle. Choose your style, choose a filling, add some sides and order a drink. However, the fillings GYG offers are a step above the competition (the pulled pork marinated in chipotle sauce is a clear favorite). If you’re really hungry, try this burrito hack: get the enchilada, at GYG it’s essentially an extra-large burrito with sour cream and guacamole included in the price. Guzman y Gomez also has a nice selection of house sauces and add-on goodies like jalapeños. At the Harajuku branch there is ample seating, but I recommend the foosball table in the back which doubles as a four-top. Have fun playing for who buys the next round.

Location:
1-11-3 Dai Gai Bldg. 1F Jinnan, Shibuya
Nearest Station: Shibuya St.

Las Dos Caras

Nestled down an alley and sandwiched between a Gindaco Takoyaki shop and an IQOS Japan store, is Las Dos Caras. A few steps from exit 3 of Meiji-Jingumae Station, this modern two-story Mexican restaurant has one of the best weekend lunch specials in Tokyo. They offer a beef burrito that gets an “A” for presentation but is rather mediocre flavor-wise. Instead, opt for the chicken fajitas and make your own mini-burritos. They usually bring them over sizzling and set them on fire in front of you for added fun. If you order the guacamole and chips, the dish is made in front of you. Las Dos Caras is large and busy on the weekends, with one of the best deals in town.

Location:
1-10-37 1F Cascade Harajuku, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae St.

The Pink Cow


A Tokyo staple since the early 2000s, The Pink Cow serves up Californian-Mexican food based on original recipes from its California-born owner. Choose between burritos stuffed with grilled chicken, carnitas or carne asada, or opt for a vegan, veggie or gluten-free burrito—all topped with original salsas.

Location:
B1 Bright Bldg. 1-3-18 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Nearest Station: Tameiki-sanno St.

Mil Tacos

Don’t let the name Mil Tacos deter you from trying one of their burritos. While the restaurant is cozy and quaint, their burritos are anything but. At Mil Tacos, they serve different types of burritos stuffed with fresh vegetables, black beans and tender meat. From rich pork carnitas to tender beef barbacoa, avocado shrimp and grilled chicken, they have it all. Their guacamole is the real deal, thick with fresh tomatoes, onions and herbs that are flavorful and aromatic.

Location:
3-17-4 Sasazuka, Shibuya
Nearest Station: Sasazuka St.

TACO RiCO

Located on the second floor of Ark Hills, TACO RiCO lets you build your own burrito from a selection of freshly diced vegetables, sauces, handmade salsas and more. Meats are cooked with TACO RiCO’s original spice blend, a spicy kick to go with the veggies. More of a Cal-Mex spot, the eatery also offers burrito bowls, quesadillas and tacos.

Location:
2F ARK Hills 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Nearest Station: Roppongi-Itchome St.

Frijoles

Frijoles is where you can get some of the best Tex-Mex burritos and salads. Essentially the Chipotle of Japan, Frijoles lets you mix and match different meats from chicken, pork carnitas and beef with veggies, guacamole, cheese and beans. The set menus have options from protein-focused burritos to low-GI (glycemic index) burritos.

 Location:
Many locations around Tokyo
Store locator: frijoles.jp/store_en

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo, conveniently located near Meiji-Jingumae, specializes in chicken burritos. Generously packed with tender meat, beans, salsa verde, lettuce and of course, pico de gallo, their burritos are filling and delicious. If you want a different texture, Pico de Gallo also offers chimichangas, deep-fried burritos with a crunch. While the restaurant is a small, hole-in-the-wall location, it is perfect for solo or couple dates inside busy Harajuku.

Location:
6-4-2 Jingumae, Shibuya
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae St.

Cactus Burrito

Although a bit outside of Tokyo, Cactus Burrito has been serving up SoCal burritos made with homemade tortillas since 2007. And it’s probably the only place in Tokyo to get the San Diego-signature carne asada fries. It might be a bit of a trip, but the hole-in-the-wall burrito joint is well worth the commute. Opening times can change, so check the official IG before making the trip: @cactusburrito

Location:
213-022 Chitose, Takatsu-ku
Nearest Station: Musashi-Shinjo St.

Burrito Mex Machine

One of the highest-rated burrito spots in Tokyo, Burrito Mex Machine is a tiny takeout counter where one man does everything himself. Orders can take a bit of time, especially during peak hours, and it’s strictly takeout only.

Go for the beef burrito if you want something rich and filling, or the chicken for a lighter but still satisfying option. Each one comes tightly wrapped, dense and properly packed. Opening hours are limited and occasionally unpredictable, so check the official Instagram before heading over.

Location:
1-50-11 Kitasenzoku, Ota-ku
Nearby Station: Ookayama St.

Rocco’s California Style Tacos

Despite the “taco” in the name, Rocco’s California Style Tacos also serves classic CalMex burritos. The menu is loaded with options, from tacos to burrito bowls and wraps. Most importantly, don’t skip the burrito and horchata pairing. Rocco’s makes its horchata in-house—a traditional rice and cinnamon drink that’s lightly sweet and refreshing.

With a warm, accommodating atmosphere, it’s no surprise the restaurant is often packed. For some of the best Cal-Mex in town, Rocco’s California Style Tacos is well worth a visit.

Location:
1-3-4 Kishimachi, Kita-ku
Nearest Station: Ojiekimae St.

Want more Mexican food in Japan? Check out our favorite Mexican restaurants in Tokyo