12 Best Izakaya in Shinjuku: Locals Recommended Restaurants List 2025

Shinjuku is one of Japan's premier entertainment districts, famous as "the city that never sleeps." Home to many skyscrapers including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Station holds the Guinness World Record for the highest daily passenger traffic globally.

With excellent transportation access, Shinjuku attracts many young people and international visitors. One of its most appealing aspects is the abundance of affordable restaurants and izakaya (Japanese pubs). Centered around Kabukicho, East Asia's largest entertainment district, there are various drinking areas, each with its own unique characteristics.

As someone who enjoys drinks in Shinjuku weekly, I've carefully selected 12 outstanding izakaya for this 2024-2025 guide. Choose based on your preferred atmosphere and desired cuisine!

12 Must-Visit Izakaya in Shinjuku by Area

Shinjuku West Exit Area

Zauo Shinjuku Branch

Located in the Washington Hotel, Zauo is a unique izakaya where you can fish for your own dinner! The main attraction is enjoying fish you've caught yourself, prepared in various ways: sashimi, karaage (fried), shioyaki (salt-grilled), or nimono (simmered). Since the fish is extremely fresh, sashimi and sushi are highly recommended. International visitors particularly enjoy the tempura options.

Zauo's signature dish is their tai-chazuke, a luxurious dish featuring fresh sea bream on rice with flavorful fish broth. It's perfect for ending your meal.

Even if you don't want to fish, you can still enjoy the lively atmosphere and excellent Japanese seafood!

Address: Washington Hotel 1F, 3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Weekdays Lunch 11:30-15:00, Dinner 17:00-22:30 / Weekends & Holidays Lunch 11:30-14:30, Dinner 16:00-22:30
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-3343-6622
Official website: https://www.zauo.com/en/

Wazen Shinjuku West Exit Branch

Wazen offers popular izakaya staples like sashimi and yakitori in a sophisticated setting. The warm, elegant interior features all-private rooms, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter dining experience away from the typical boisterous izakaya atmosphere.

The menu focuses on Japanese cuisine that respects ingredient quality, paired perfectly with their extensive sake selection. Their charcoal-grilled yakitori is highly recommended. In winter, don't miss their popular fugu (puffer fish) and crab shabu-shabu, where you briefly cook the ingredients in hot broth and dip them in sauce.

This is an ideal spot for those seeking to enjoy Japanese cuisine and drinks in a refined atmosphere!

Address: Takamatsu Building 1-4F, 1-4-15 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: 12:00-0:00
Closed: None
Phone: 050-5433-5217

Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Shinjuku Main Store

If you're eager to fully experience Japanese sake, visit "Nihonshu Genka Sakagura"! This izakaya at Shinjuku 2024 offers over 50 varieties of premium sake from across Japan at cost price, allowing you to sample different types affordably.

The establishment is completely non-smoking to ensure guests can enjoy the sake's aroma, and they use specially designed bottles to preserve the sake's flavor profiles. The staff are sake enthusiasts with extensive knowledge, so feel free to ask them questions. For those wanting to try multiple varieties, the all-you-can-drink course is recommended.

Don't miss their Japanese home-style dishes like simmered beef tendon and oden!

Address: TH Nishi-Shinjuku Building 1F, 7-2-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Weekdays 15:00-23:30 / Weekends & Holidays 12:00-23:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-6908-7635
Official Website: https://sake-genkabar.com/shop/shinjyuku/

Kan-Agari

"Kan-Agari" specializes in "nurukan" (warm sake) and robata-yaki cooking. The sake is warmed to about 40°C, enhancing its smoothness and bringing out its umami, sweetness, and aroma.

Robata-yaki is a Japanese-style BBQ where seafood and vegetables are grilled over charcoal. These simple grilled dishes pair perfectly with sake. My personal favorites are "sake-toba" (dried salmon) and crisp Japanese yam.

The sake, heated to the perfect temperature in special pots, is ideal for the cold season. This is a must-visit for those wanting to experience sake like a connoisseur!

Address: New YS Building 3F, 7-16-12 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Mon-Thu 17:00-23:00 / Fri 17:00-23:30 / Weekends & Holidays 16:00-23:00
Phone: 03-5338-5337
Closed: Irregular
Official Website: https://kan-agari.jp/

Shinjuku East Exit Area

Uoshin Shinjuku Branch

Located steps from Shinjuku Station, "Uoshin" is a popular casual izakaya offering affordable prices. You can enjoy classic izakaya dishes, particularly seafood. Their ¥1,000 sashimi platter is a must-try starter that never disappoints.

Their signature "Nokke-zushi" comes piled high with crab, salmon roe, sea urchin, and minced tuna, creating a feast for both eyes and palate. Items like butter-grilled potatoes and karaage (fried chicken) are particularly popular among international visitors.

The lively atmosphere is typical of a Japanese izakaya in Shinjuku 2024. It's perfect for those wanting to enjoy fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

Address: 2F, 3-35-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00-23:00 / Sun & Holidays 16:00-23:00
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-3351-3772
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinjukuuoshin/

Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku

"Nanairo Temariuta" is a stylish creative Japanese restaurant popular among women. The interior creates a magical atmosphere that's incredibly photogenic from every angle.

The round private dining rooms, inspired by the traditional Japanese toy "temari" (decorative embroidered balls), are adorably designed and feel like being in an attraction.

Their signature dish, the "Temari Sushi Platter," features colorful, bite-sized sushi pieces. The recommended "Temari Meat Sushi" comes wrapped in wagyu sirloin or prosciutto. You can also enjoy other temari-themed cute dishes like fried shrimp and potato.

If you want to experience creative Japanese cuisine in a stylish setting, this is a must-visit izakaya at Shinjuku 2024!

Address: Humax Pavilion Shinjuku East Exit 5F, 3-28-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-23:00 / Sat 13:00-23:00 / Sun 13:00-22:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3226-8070
Official website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/nanairotemariuta/shinjyuku

Kabukicho Area

Hakuri Tabai Hanbey

"Hakuri Tabai Hanbey" has two locations in the Kabukicho area and is an izakaya themed after the "Showa era" of the 1950s-60s. The retro interior makes you feel like you've time-traveled.

Following their philosophy of "honest business to make customers happy," they offer many reasonable menu items. Yakitori starts from 60 yen per skewer, and grilled or fried skewers are available from just over 100 yen. Drinks including wine, sake, beer, and cocktails start from around 300 yen.

Even non-drinkers can enjoy nostalgic Japanese snacks and retro drinks like melon soda float that every Japanese person knows from childhood.

<Kabukicho Yasukuni-dori Branch (Next to Matsuya)>
Address: Tokaien Building 3F, 1-6-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021
Hours: 17:00-23:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-6892-1900

<Kabukicho Ichibangai Branch>
Address: Daiichi Metro Building 5F, 1-23-14 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-24:00 / Sat-Sun 17:00-5:00 next day
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-6861-3555
Official website: https://hakuritabai-hanbey.com/en/

Warayakiya Shinjuku

"Warayakiya" specializes in Kochi Prefecture famous "wara yaki" (straw-fire cooking). This cooking method involves searing bonito over burning straw, creating a distinctive smoky aroma. The high-temperature quick-searing preserves both the umami and freshness.

Their signature dish "Salted Bonito Tataki," ordered by almost 100% of customers, offers a perfectly seared exterior while maintaining sashimi-fresh inside. Enjoy it with salt, garlic, and wasabi, paired perfectly with local sake from Kochi. They also offer appealing straw-fired dishes including eel, beef tongue, and premium wagyu beef.

Enjoy Kochi's traditional cuisine while taking in the night view of Shinjuku.

Address: Adhoc Shinjuku Building 8F, 3-15-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-23:00 / Sat-Sun 15:00-23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5362-3137
Official website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/warayakiya/shinjyuku

Omoide Yokocho Area

Motsuyaki Ucchan

"Motsuyaki Ucchan" is a beloved small offal grilling izakaya at Shinjuku that has been cherished for many years. They offer rare cuts of skewered meats and stewed dishes at reasonable prices, and their popular offal items often sell out shortly after opening.

My favorite is the Liver Sashimi with Salt (Reba-shio Yukke), which can only be enjoyed due to its freshness. The lightly grilled liver is topped with a salt-based sauce and plenty of green onions, meant to be mixed with egg yolk. Their pepper-seasoned macaroni salad is also recommended.

The interior, filled with smoke from grilling yakitori, is always packed with solo diners and groups of friends enjoying themselves. The counter seats, where you might bump shoulders with your neighbor, offer an authentic local izakaya atmosphere in Shinjuku 2024.

Address: Honami Building, 1-2-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: 16:00-23:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-5909-5890
Official website: https://kiwa-group.co.jp/uttyan_shinjuku/

Toro Bako

"Toro Bako" is a hamayaki (beach-style grilling) izakaya where you grill your own food on nets and grills installed at each table. The interior, reminiscent of a fish market, is recommended for those seeking a lively and casual atmosphere in Shinjuku 2024.

They serve fresh seafood including crab, sea urchin, tuna, and shrimp, as well as delicious bacon and thick-cut ham. The recommended dishes are grilled shellfish like scallops and turban shells. After grilling them carefully on the net, try them Japanese-style with a dash of soy sauce!

Try pairing your hamayaki with "Hoppy," a traditional izakaya drink that combines a beer-flavored beverage with shochu.

Address: 1-2-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-23:00 / Sat, Sun & Holidays 14:30-23:00
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6914-2033
Official website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/torobako/

Shinjuku Golden Gai Area

Ponto-cho Shinjuku Main Store

"Ponto-cho" is a Kyoto-style izakaya where you can enjoy authentic Kyoto flavors. The interior, designed to resemble a Kyoto townhouse, evokes a retro atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Japanese homes.

Their signature dish "Ponto-yaki" is similar to a combination of Kansai's famous okonomiyaki and takoyaki. It pairs well with "Matcha-wari," a cocktail of Kyoto green tea mixed with shochu.

My recommendation is the "Kyoto-style Fluffy Egg Sandwich." "Fuwa-fuwa" is Japanese for fluffy texture, and true to its name, it features a fluffy dashi-flavored omelet sandwiched between bread. Try it with Kyoto craft beer.

If you don't have time to visit Kyoto, why not experience Kyoto flavors at this izakaya in Shinjuku 2024?

Address: Lions Plaza Shinjuku 1F, 2-9-28 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Tue-Sat 18:00-3:00 next day / Sun 18:00-24:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3208-7271

Dongaragasshan Main Store

"Dongaragasshan" is a casual kushiage (deep-fried skewers) izakaya where you can experience a local atmosphere. With skewers of meat, vegetables, and seafood starting from just over 100 yen each, it's perfect for your first stop on a bar-hopping adventure in Shinjuku 2024.

If you're unsure what to order, start with the classics like pork belly, onion, and asparagus skewers, or try the "Chef's Selection Set" which includes 10 recommended skewers. For those wanting an authentic izakaya drinking experience, we recommend the Umeboshi (pickled plum) Sour - the tartness of the plum perfectly cuts through the oil from the fried foods.

For dessert, why not try their famous "Deep-fried Ice Cream," featuring a delightful contrast between cold ice cream and piping hot crispy batter?

Address: Shinjuku Golden Gai, 1-1-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Mon-Thu 17:00-3:00 / Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00
Closed: Sundays and Holidays
Phone: 03-3207-3718

Want to Discover Local Favorite Izakayas? Try a Bar-Hopping Tour with Locals!

Can't decide which izakaya to visit? Join a guided tour led by local experts! The tour takes you through essential Shinjuku areas like Kabuki-cho and Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), visiting three local-favorite izakayas that you won't find in guidebooks.

The tour's highlight is experiencing hidden gem menu items and carefully selected drinks recommended by locals. It's perfect for those who want to experience izakaya culture, an integral part of Japanese food culture, in a more authentic way. You might even enjoy friendly interactions with local patrons!

Come and enjoy an authentic Shinjuku nightlife experience!

Click here for more details

Meeting Point: UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
Tour Areas: Omoide Yokocho / Kabuki-cho / Other Shinjuku area izakayas
Start Times: 17:00 / 17:30 / 18:00 / 18:30 / 19:00