12 Best Restaurants in Shinjuku! Shinjuku Food Guide 2025
Shinjuku, also known as βthe city that never sleeps 24 hours a day,β is the largest downtown area in Tokyo. The neon-lit streets lined with skyscrapers attract tourists from all over the world, who enjoy the variety of entertainment and energy of the city.
Shinjuku is also known as a battleground for restaurants. Every day, talented chefs from all over Japan compete with each other in a wide variety of genres. The restaurants that survive amidst such fierce competition all have solid competence.
In this issue, the author, who lives in the Shinjuku area, has carefully selected 12 dinner spots that he particularly recommends. Please use them as a reference when dining in Shinjuku.
[By Genre] Recommended Dinner Spots in Shinjuku with Their Unique Appeals
Sushi & Seafood
Sushizanmai Higashi-Shinjuku Branch
Source: Tabelog
Sushizanmai Higashi-Shinjuku Branch is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy fresh sushi at reasonable prices in the Shinjuku area. Its main appeal lies in offering high-quality sushi with an emphasis on freshness while maintaining casual pricing compared to high-end sushi establishments.
Their signature bluefin tuna offers a range of experiences, from the rich umami of premium fatty tuna to the firm texture of lean cuts, allowing you to compare different parts piece by piece.
The drink menu features carefully selected Nihonshu (Japanese sake) from across Japan, along with Shochu and wine. Their original sake named "Yorokobi" (Joy) is specially crafted to pair perfectly with Sushizanmai's sushi, offering the ultimate marriage of flavors.γγ
English menus are available, making it easy for first-time visitors to enjoy sushi comfortably.
Address: Bellbaum 1F/B1F, 1-1-15 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 AM (next day)
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5155-6655
Official Website: https://www.kiyomura.co.jp/store/detail/45
Zauo Shinjuku Branch
Source: Official website
Zauo Shinjuku is an interactive dining experience where you can catch your own fish from large tanks inside the restaurant and have them prepared to your liking. The tanks house premium fish such as red sea bream and flounder, all in their seasonal prime, swimming gracefully in the water.
Your caught fish can be enjoyed raw as sashimi or prepared through various cooking methods such as grilling or simmering, according to your preference. While you can skip the fishing and just enjoy the meal, trying your hand at fishing is highly recommended. The experience of catching and eating your own fish in the restaurant creates a memorable dining adventure. Fishing rods can be rented at reasonable prices, and fish you catch yourself are offered at a discount compared to regular menu prices, so don't hesitate to try the fishing experience.
This innovative entertainment concept combines traditional Japanese food culture with fishing, offering a special experience where you can enjoy Japanese culinary culture with all five senses. It's undoubtedly one of the most unique dinner at Shinjuku 2024 experiences you can have.
Address: Washington Hotel 1F, 3-2-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
- Weekday Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Weekday Dinner: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Weekend/Holiday Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Weekend/Holiday Dinner: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3343-6622
Official Website: https://www.zauo.com/
Noodle Dishes (Ramen, Tsukemen, etc.)
Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi
Source: Official Online Shop
For dinner at Shinjuku 2024, Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi is a must-visit ramen specialist that innovatively interprets Japan's traditional dashi (soup stock) culture, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine.
While typical ramen broth is made from pork or chicken, this restaurant's signature feature is its dashi made from niboshi (dried small fish). The noodles, freshly made in-house daily, perfectly complement the powerful seafood-flavored soup. The addition of their secret sauce and special oil creates an even deeper umami and richness.
This ramen, born from the fusion of Japanese ramen culture and traditional dashi methods, is a must-try not only for ramen enthusiasts but also for those wanting to deeply understand Japanese food culture.
Address: 2F Shinjuku Golden Gai, 1-1-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3205-1925
Official Website: https://n-nagi.com/
Udon Shin
Source: Tabelog
Udon Shin is a renowned restaurant specializing in udon, a traditional Japanese noodle dish characterized by thick wheat noodles with a uniquely smooth texture and firm bite.
The chef adheres strictly to three principles: freshly made, freshly cut, and freshly boiled. The dough, made from carefully selected flour, is aged overnight before being cut to order and uniformly boiled in large pots.
The menu is diverse, ranging from simple soy sauce-dressed udon to creative Western-style variations topped with butter, pepper, egg, and mentaiko (spicy cod roe). They also offer excellent side dishes like tempura (battered and fried ingredients).
Address: Soma Building 1F, 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-6276-7816
Official Website: https://udonshin.com/
Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho
Source: Official Website
Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho is a popular restaurant serving shrimp-based tsukemen. Tsukemen is a dish where noodles and soup are served separately, allowing diners to dip the noodles in the soup while eating.
Their signature "Shrimp Tsukemen" features a soup rich in shrimp umami, perfectly matching their homemade noodles known for their elastic softness. The "Shrimp Tomato Tsukemen" adds Italian elements with tomato acidity and basil fragrance to the shrimp-flavored soup.
Particularly popular among tourists seeking new food experiences in Shinjuku, Gonokami Seisakusho offers a unique noodle culture different from both ramen and udon.
Address: Chateau Shinjuku Gyoen No.1 1F, 5-33-16 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-21:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5379-0203
Official Website: https://gonokamiseisakusho.com/shinjyuku.html
Yakiniku & Hot Pot
Rokkasen
Source: Official website
Rokkasen is a prestigious yakiniku restaurant in Shinjuku that serves the highest grade Japanese wagyu beef. Wagyu is Japan's native beef, world-renowned for its fine marbling and rich umami flavor.
The restaurant's signature items, Matsusaka Beef and Kobe Beef, are exceptionally tender with a sweet, high-quality fat content. These premium wagyu cuts can be enjoyed not only as yakiniku but also as shabu-shabu, where thin slices of meat are briefly cooked in hot water. You can also savor them in traditional sukiyaki, where the beef is simmered in a sweet and savory broth, among other cooking methods.
Their all-you-can-eat courses offer carefully selected wagyu at reasonable prices, allowing you to fully experience Japan's globally acclaimed beef.
Address: 110 Building 10F, 1-10-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3348-8676
Official Website: https://rokkasen.co.jp/
Sukiyaki Ibuki
Source: Tabelog
Sukiyaki Ibuki, established in Shinjuku in 1950, is a long-standing restaurant specializing in sukiyaki. Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish where thin slices of wagyu beef and vegetables are cooked in a special sauce seasoned with sugar and soy sauce.
Their signature sukiyaki features premium Japanese Black Wagyu Beef sirloin, complemented by their secret sauce and fresh vegetables that enhance the meat's flavor. Another specialty is shabu-shabu, an elegant hot pot dish where thin slices of wagyu are dipped in clear kombu-based broth.
With over 70 years of tradition, Ibuki offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in a refined traditional setting, perfect for those wanting to experience Japanese food culture.
Address: Kono Building Annex, 1-16-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 17:00-23:00
Closed: Sundays and Holidays
Phone: 03-5323-3552
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibuki_shinjuku/?hl=ja
Izakaya
Kan Agari
Source: Tabelog
Kan Agari is a traditional Japanese izakaya in Shinjuku specializing in authentic sake and robatayaki. Robatayaki is a traditional Japanese cooking method where seafood and vegetables are grilled over charcoal.
The interior features traditional Japanese elements like fusuma and tatami, creating a serene atmosphere. Their specialty is whole grilled fresh fish delivered directly from fishing ports. Another highlight is their Koshihikari rice from Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, cooked in traditional Japanese cast ironware, which pairs perfectly with their dishes.
The drink menu includes over 50 varieties of sake selected by certified sake sommeliers. The sake is served nurukan (slightly below body temperature), which enhances the flavors of the food.
Address: New YS Building 3F, 7-16-12 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon-Thu 17:00-23:00
Fri 17:00-23:30
Sat/Sun/Holidays 16:00-23:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-5338-5337
Official Website: https://kan-agari.jp/
Pontocho Shinjuku Main Store
Source: Tabelog
Pontocho Shinjuku Main Store is a townhouse-style izakaya where you can experience the atmosphere of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, right in Shinjuku. A traditional Kyoto townhouse (machiya) is a long, narrow wooden building that preserves the architectural style of old Japanese merchant houses.
Their signature dishes include "Ponto-yaki," a special type of takoyaki (octopus balls), and egg sandwiches featuring soft-textured eggs sourced from Kyoto. These dishes use carefully selected ingredients from Kyoto to faithfully recreate authentic flavors.
The interior is decorated with colorful traditional Japanese umbrellas (Wagasa) covering the ceiling, and features a casual Japanese dining space where guests can enjoy their meals around low tables (Chabudai) in tatami seating areas. Pontocho is recommended for those who want to experience traditional Japanese dining while feeling the essence of Japan, all within Shinjuku.
Address: Lions Plaza Shinjuku 1F, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Tue-Sat 18:00-3:00 (next day)
Sun 18:00-0:00
Closed: Mondays, irregular holidays
Phone: 050-5869-3739
Official Website: https://pontochou.owst.jp/
Hakuri Tabai Hanbey
Source: Tabelog
Hakuri Tabai Hanbey is an izakaya themed around Japan from the 1920s to 1940s. You can experience the common food culture of that era in a space that recreates the nostalgic Japanese streetscape lined with traditional candy shops (Dagashi Shop) and merchants.
The recommended menu item is the charcoal-grilled skewers. They specialize in yakitori using various chicken parts like gizzard and skin at reasonable prices.
You can also enjoy traditional Japanese dagashi (penny candy). Dagashi refers to small snacks and candies traditionally sold at affordable prices, primarily targeted at children.
The interior meticulously recreates the atmosphere of old Japan, offering an authentic vintage Japanese izakaya experience at reasonable prices. At Hakuri Tabai Hanbey, enjoy the combination of traditional Japanese pub culture and nostalgic atmosphere.
Address: 5F, Daiichi Metro Building, 1-23-14 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-24:00
Sat-Sun 17:00-5:00 (next day)
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6861-3555
Official Website: http://www.hanbey.com/
Other Dinner Spots
KUJIRA ENTERTAINMENT
Source: Official Instagram
KUJIRA Entertainment is an entertainment dining bar that has become a new landmark in Kabukicho, embodying a cyberpunk atmosphere.
Stepping inside, you'll be overwhelmed by the LED lights reminiscent of a futuristic city and sophisticated sound equipment. The food menu centers around creative Italian cuisine, combining traditional Italian dishes with Japanese ingredients and modern arrangements. The dining experience becomes extraordinary as you enjoy various performance shows while savoring your meal, engaging both your visual and taste senses.
The drink menu is equally impressive, featuring original cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders that perfectly match the futuristic atmosphere. Experience contemporary Japanese night culture at its cutting edge.
Address: B2F, 2-23-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 20:00-4:00 (next day)
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 03-6205-6675
Official Website: https://kujiraentertainment.com/
Gyopao Shinjuku Branch
Source: Tabelog
For an unforgettable dinner at Shinjuku 2024, Gyopao Shinjuku Branch offers a unique dining experience that combines Japanese izakaya culture with Taiwanese Chinese cuisine, specializing in boiled dumplings (sui-gyoza). These dumplings differ from regular pan-fried gyoza with their gentle, delicate texture.
Their signature "Gyopao" dumplings feature generous portions of Japanese pork, and with one bite, the juicy filling bursts through the slightly chewy wrapper. These dumplings have gained popularity among health-conscious diners as they contain no MSG or garlic.
This innovative take on boiled dumplings, incorporating elements from both Japanese and Taiwanese food cultures, is perfect for those wanting to experience new Asian culinary trends. The energetic and friendly staff ensures a memorable dining experience.
Address: 3F Yuei Building, 3-35-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 15:00-23:45
Closed: Never
Phone: 050-3628-7824
Official Website: https://gyopao-shinjuku.com/
Recommended for Those Seeking Local Hidden Izakayas: "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku"
The "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" is a 3.5-hour adventure exploring secret local izakayas in the Shinjuku area. A local Japanese guide leads visitors to hidden dining spots that tourists might not discover on their own, while enjoying traditional izakaya dishes.
The tour's main highlight is the guide's detailed explanation of Japanese drinking culture and the opportunity to interact with locals. With the guide's expertise, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, dining styles, and the stories behind them.
While the tour is open to participants aged 15 and above, please note that according to Japanese law, alcohol consumption is only permitted for those 20 years or older.
Meeting Point: In front of the black pillar next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
Tour Area: Shinjuku Area (Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho)
Start Times: 17:00 / 17:30 / 18:00 / 18:30 / 19:00
