First-Ever Ramen Shop Gets Michelin Star In 2016 Tokyo Guide

The Michelin Guide has announced its Toyko star rankings for 2016, and for the first time ever, a humble ramen shop has received a star. The restaurant, Tsuta, is known for its simple menu of shoyu and miso ramen.

The news had little impact on the shop itself, which resides in the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. "The most important thing is that customers like our ramen," cook Takatoshi Itami, told Agence France-Presse. "We have good reviews thanks to them — getting a star was not our priority." In total, 15 restaurants received their first Michelin stars, and two were promoted to one star from the Bib Gourmand section, which highlights establishments of excellent value.

Kohaku, an elaborate kaiseki restaurant, was the only restaurant to receive a final third star, bringing the number of three-star Michelin restaurants in Tokyo to 13. Two restaurants were promoted from one star to two, and one new entry, Dominique Bouchet, was also granted two stars.

Finally, an impressive 343 restaurants were included in the 2016 Bib Gourmands for Tokyo, with 83 new entries.